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Little Buddy vs Portable Buddy vs Big Buddy
Short answer: Little Buddy (3,800 BTU, 95 sq ft) for flip-overs, Portable Buddy (up to 9,000 BTU, 225 sq ft) for most hubs, Big Buddy (up to 18,000 BTU, 450 sq ft) for big hubs and hard houses.
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All three are radiant propane heaters with an oxygen depletion sensor and tip-over shut-off. The question is how much shelter you're heating.
Spec comparison
| Little Buddy (MH4B) | Portable Buddy (MH9BX) | Big Buddy (MH18B) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output | 3,800 BTU/hr | 4,000 / 9,000 BTU/hr | 4,000 / 9,000 / 18,000 BTU/hr |
| Rated heating area | Up to 95 sq ft | Up to 225 sq ft | Up to 450 sq ft |
| Fuel | One 1-lb cylinder | One 1-lb (20-lb with hose & filter) | One or two 1-lb (20-lb with hose) |
| Run time | 5.6 hr | 3–6 hr on 1-lb | 1.5–6 hr on one 1-lb |
| Weight | 5.85 lb | 10.6 lb | 17.1 lb |
| Safety | ODS, tip-over | ODS, tip-over | ODS, tip-over |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | Check manual | Check manual |
Sources: mrheater.com MH4B, MH9BX and MH18B product pages and manuals (Oct 2026). Massachusetts and Canada versions differ.
Sizing
- Flip-overs (12–23 sq ft): Little Buddy.
- Hubs up to about 64 sq ft: Portable Buddy, on low most of the day.
- Big hubs and small hard houses: Big Buddy.
Ventilate as the manual says, keep vents clear of snow, and carry a battery CO alarm. The Minnesota DNR has a good page on carbon monoxide in ice shelters.
More detail: Portable Buddy vs Big Buddy.
Where to buy
Little Buddy: Buy at Mr. Heater →
Related guides
- Insulated Hub Shelters: Eskimo Outbreak 450XDP vs Clam X-400 Thermal
- Flip-Over Fish Houses: Clam Legend XT Thermal vs Eskimo Sierra Thermal
- Ice Shelter Heaters: Mr. Heater Portable Buddy vs Big Buddy
- Hub vs Flip-Over Shelters: How to Choose (Round 2)
Written by Cory Arnold, Iron County, Michigan. Specs checked October 2026.
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