Mr. Buddy heaters are a great way to keep warm indoors or outdoors, and they’re very portable so you can take them with you wherever you go. One of the most common questions we get asked is how long a Mr. Buddy heater will run on a 1lb tank.
While the answer may vary depending on the model of Mr. Buddy heater you have, as well as the outside temperature, we can give you a general idea of how long your heater will run on a 1lb tank.
Most Mr. Buddy heaters will run for around 3-5 hours on a full 1lb tank, but this can vary slightly depending on the model and the temperature outside.
If you’re using your heater in a colder climate, it may not last as long as it would in a warmer climate. However, you can always buy larger tanks for your Mr. Buddy heater if you need more runtime, or you can purchase a propane adapter so that you can hook your heater up to a larger propane tank.
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Buddy Heater Run Times
On a full 1lb tank, a Mr. Buddy heater will typically run for around 3-5 hours. However, this will vary depending on the settings you have the heater on. If you have it on the highest setting, it will use up fuel quicker than if set to a lower setting.
It’s also worth noting that the size of the space you are trying to heat will also affect how long the heater will run. If you are trying to heat a large area, then the Mr. Buddy heater may not last as long as it would if you were only trying to heat a small space.
Even you can use a 20lb tank, which gives you an average 36-hour performance! But ultimately, it all comes down to the settings you have the heater on and the size of the space you’re trying to heat.
Buddy Heater Run times – Low
If you have a long-time electricity outrage or want to save some money, you can set your Mr. Buddy heater on the low setting, which will last much longer. Of course, it won’t heat the area as quickly or as intensely as it would on a higher setting, but it will offer more extended run times.
A 1lb (0.45kg) tank of propane will typically keep 5-11 hours on a low setting, depending on the model. This is also determined by the size of the space you’re attempting to warm and how well it’s insulated. If you’re trying to heat a big area or an uninsulated space, the Mr. Buddy heater won’t last as long because it has to work harder.
| Buddy Heater Model | Run Time On Low 1lb Tank in Hours | Run Time On Low 20lb Tank in Hours |
| Little Buddy Heater | 5.6 | ——- |
| Portable Buddy Heater | 5 | 108 |
| Hunting Buddy Portable Heater | 3.5 | 72 |
| Big Buddy Portable Heater | 11 | 108 |
Buddy Heater Run Times – Medium,
The medium setting on a Mr. Buddy heater will offer a happy compromise between heat output and run time. You’re not going to get as much heat as you would if it was set too high, but it won’t use up fuel as quickly.
A 1lb tank of propane will typically last 4.8 hours on a medium setting, depending on the model and the size of the space you’re trying to heat. If you have a small space that’s well insulated, your Buddy heater should be able to last the entire night in a medium setting.
Buddy Heater Run Times – High
If you need a lot of heat fast or have ample space to warm, then you will want to set your Mr. Buddy heater too high. On the high setting, a 1lb tank of propane will only last for around 3 hours, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for extended run times.
However, the high setting is perfect for quickly warming up an ample space or using the heater as a temporary heat source. The high setting will be fine if you only need the Buddy heater for a short period. Remember that you’ll need to refuel more often if you’re using it on the high setting.
| Buddy Heater Model | Run Time On High 1lb Tank in Hours | Run Time On High 20lb Tank in Hours |
| Little Buddy Heater | 3 | —— |
| Portable Buddy Heater | 2.5 | 48 |
| Hunting Buddy Portable Heater | 2 | 36 |
| Big Buddy Portable Heater | 2.8 | 24 |
Different Buddy Heater Models
There are many different models of buddy heaters on the market today. Depending on your needs, there is definitely a model out there that is perfect for you.
Little Buddy Heater
This is the most popular model of buddy heater. It is perfect for small spaces and can easily be taken with you on the go. Even though it is small, it still packs a powerful punch and can heat up a space quickly. With a 3800 per hour BTU rating, capable of a 9 sq meter maximum heating area, this heater is perfect for RVs, campers, tents, fishing shacks, and more!
Big Buddy Portable Heater
This is the perfect heater for large spaces. With a 4000/9000/18000 BTU per hour rating, it can heat up to 45 sq meters. It also has an automatic shut-off feature, so you never have to worry about overheating. This is a great choice for anyone who needs a little extra warmth in their home or office.
Portable Buddy Heater
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable heater. With a 4000/9000 BTU per hour rating, it can heat up to 21 square meters. Plus, the automatic shut-off function prevents it from getting too hot. Perfect for RVers, campers, and anyone who wants a compact heater that packs a punch.
Hunting Buddy Portable Heater
This is the perfect heater for anyone who loves to hunt. With a 6000/12000 BTU per hour rating, it can heat up to 28 square meters. Plus, it comes with a remote control so you don’t even have to get up to adjust the temperature. Perfect for keeping warm in your hunting blind or cabin.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Buddy Heater Run
The first factor is the BTU rating of the heater. The higher the BTU rating, the more fuel it will consume and the shorter it will run on a 1lb propane tank. So, if you want your heater to run for a longer period, choose one with a lower BTU rating.
Another factor that can affect runtime is the ambient temperature. If it’s cold outside, your heater will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature inside, which means it will use more fuel. Conversely, if it’s warm outside, your heater won’t have to work as hard and will use less fuel.
Finally, the size of the space you’re trying to heat will also affect runtime. The larger the space, the longer it will take to heat up and the more fuel it will consume. So, if you’re trying to heat a large area, you may want to consider a model with a higher BTU rating.
Which Buddy Heater Is Right for You?
With all of now the knowledge you have on different models of buddy heaters and how their fuel consumption rates vary, it is time to select the perfect one for your needs.
The Big Buddy Heater provides a longer run time on (low settings) a 1lb/ 20lb tank while still giving off powerful heat for large areas. The Little Buddy Heater has the longest lasting in high settings out of any other model that operates with only a 1lb tank.
No matter which model you choose, you can be sure that you’ll have a reliable and powerful heater that will keep you warm all winter long. So, don’t wait any longer, get a buddy heater today!
