Garage Heater

[MrJimi]

I can't think of a more dangerous heater to recommend for any use.
They have a design safety defect that causes them to leak internally resulting in flash fires and explosions.
I know because 3 of them did exactly that to me.
The last time I was extremely lucky that I wasn't blown to bits or seriously burned.
Scared the crap out of me and stills gives me the creeps when I think about.
I'm surprised that someone hasn't been killed or maimed for life by one of them yet!
In fact there is a safety recall on them at present.
They are anything but thrifty on fuel because they are not thermostat controlled and they are expensive to operate on propane the second most expensive source of fuel.
== L B ==

Thanks for the kind words..
Maybe you should read my post again..and get it right

 

[tony123]

Somewhat on topic.

I've got one of those little "hot spots" that mount right on the top of the propane tank. I'm sure its marketed as an "outdoor" heater. But, I've been using it to take the chill out of the garage and occassionally our basement. Usually 20 minutes of heating and then I turn it off. Both the garage and basement stay comfortable for an hour or more after doing this.

Are there carbon monoxide issues with these heaters? I heard that the radiant burners are so efficient that they put out very low levels of CM? any truth to that?

 

[cast_and_blast]

I can't think of a more dangerous heater to recommend for any use.
They have a design safety defect that causes them to leak internally resulting in flash fires and explosions.
I know because 3 of them did exactly that to me.
The last time I was extremely lucky that I wasn't blown to bits or seriously burned.
Scared the crap out of me and still gives me the creeps when I think about.
I'm surprised that someone hasn't been killed or maimed for life by one of them yet!
In fact there is a safety recall on them at present.
They are anything but thrifty on fuel because they are not thermostat controlled and they are expensive to operate on propane the second most expensive source of fuel.
== L B ==

LBrown59 -

Can you please provide a link or more information to this "design safety defect" and "safety recall"? These are one of the most popular heaters for ice fishing shacks (I have 2 of the larger version for my shacks) here in Minnesota. They work absolutley great!!

I see them (currently) in all of the local sproting goods stores here (Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting Goods, etc.) and I have not seen any info about explosions or any type of recall.

I went to the Mr. Heater website (MR. HEATER - America's Most Popular Brand of Portable Heaters) and they are selling them in their online store. They also have no information on that page regarding any explosions or recalls.

Please reply with this information.

Scott

 

[cast_and_blast]

I can't think of a more dangerous heater to recommend for any use.
They have a design safety defect that causes them to leak internally resulting in flash fires and explosions.
I know because 3 of them did exactly that to me.
The last time I was extremely lucky that I wasn't blown to bits or seriously burned.
Scared the crap out of me and still gives me the creeps when I think about.
I'm surprised that someone hasn't been killed or maimed for life by one of them yet!
In fact there is a safety recall on them at present.
== L B ==

LBrown59 -

Can you describe the circumstances where 3 of these units caused a "flash fire" or "explosion" for you?

If you had the first one cause a major incident "flash fire" or "explosion", why in the world would you ever employ the use of a second one? To take it further, why would you ever accept (whether via a warranty return or additional purchase) let alone light the third unit after having such bad experiences with the first two?

Did you report these incidents to the company? If so, what has the company's response been to you when you reported these incidents?

Scott

 

[BrianW]

This is the heater I am tempted to put in my garage. It has a thermostat and is up off the floor so I don't have to worry about what I put near it.
Mr. Heater Natural Gas Garage Heater 25,000 BTU, Model# MH25NG | Heaters | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[LBrown59]

1*These are one of the most popular heaters for ice fishing shacks
(I have 2 of the larger version for my shacks) here in Minnesota.
2*They work absolutley great!!
3*I have not seen any info about explosions or any type of recall.
4*They also have no information on that page regarding any explosions or recalls.
5*Can you please provide a link or more information ?
Scott

I just finished installing a 10,000 btu thermostat controlled glow warm vent less natural gas wall heater in my 8 x 16 storage building yesterday.
After having 3 of these Mr Heater stoves explode in it.
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater Model# MH18B | Heaters | Northern Tool + Equipment
****************************
1*But still quite dangerous.
Even more so since they are used in small confined spaces *which puts you next to or rite close to the heater when it explodes.
That's what happened to me when the 3rd one exploded had I been setting another 6 to 12 inches closer to the heater I would been caught up in the explosion and flash fire both.
As it was I though I was going to at least loose the storage building.
2*All 3 of mine did too till the 3 Big Bangs.
3*Just cause you hain't seen it don't mean it ain't so.
I didn't need to see any info = I experienced it first hand not once not twice but 3 times so I'm more than convinced not to use them.
4*Wouldn't make for good advertising would it?
5*If i can find the phone number I will post more on that later.

 

[LBrown59]

This is the heater I am tempted to put in my garage. It has a thermostat and is up off the floor so I don't have to worry about what I put near it.
Mr. Heater Natural Gas Garage Heater 25,000 BTU, Model# MH25NG | Heaters | Northern Tool + Equipment

After having 3 of their products explode in a row i just don't want anything to with anything that has their name on it.
== L B ==

 

[VT365]

Somewhat on topic.

I've got one of those little "hot spots" that mount right on the top of the propane tank. I'm sure its marketed as an "outdoor" heater. But, I've been using it to take the chill out of the garage and occassionally our basement. Usually 20 minutes of heating and then I turn it off. Both the garage and basement stay comfortable for an hour or more after doing this.

Are there carbon monoxide issues with these heaters? I heard that the radiant burners are so efficient that they put out very low levels of CM? any truth to that?

I have the "Dual" unit. I believe it's called "Mr Heater"? Dual round style that mounts onto the top of the LP tank. I had the same question, so being a HVAC tech., my CO meter showed only 1-2 ppm's CO in a enclosed garage. Thats about as clean as you will find.

 

[tony123]

Thanks VT ! That's good to know.

 

[cast_and_blast]

I did find a notice of a recall for some of the "buddy" units manufactured from September 2004 through December 2004. Here is a link with more info including the company's website and phone number:

Mr. Heater, Inc. Recall to Repair Mr. Heater "Big Buddy/Tough Buddy" Propane Heaters

Sounds like there were 26 reports of incidents with zero injuries. They recalled 55,000 units.

My questions to LBrown59 stand - please expound on the circumstances that led you to experience failure on 3 of these units.

Scott