Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Midnight Series 4,000–9,000 BTU Radiant Heater

Customer reviews

1. D Dan Crump 5/5

   Excellent for vans — quick and robust

   I use this in my VW van and it warms the interior quickly. I typically run it on small camping gas canisters and they last a good while at low output. It’s solidly built and hasn’t tipped — I feel safe using it inside with proper ventilation.

2. C Calum Taylor 5/5

   Worth upgrading from cheaper alternatives

   After trying cheaper heaters, this model is a clear step up. It’s well built, attractive and heats very effectively — often the low setting is enough. It does push heat upward, so I’m looking for a compatible fan to distribute warmth. Runs through gas fairly fast, so plan for refillable tanks if needed.

3. ‘ ‘76 VW Camper 5/5

   Longtime user — reliable and simple

   I’ve used these heaters since the 1970s in campers and on camping trips. They’re simple, durable and don’t use liquid fuel. In a family canvas tent this model kept things comfortable overnight; a 20 lb tank lasts many hours on low so it’s great for multi-day trips.

4. J John 5/5

   Perfect for overlanding — compact and powerful

   I use this for overlanding and it’s been a standout product. It runs on 16 oz mini tanks I already own, the pilot lights fast and heat is immediate. It’s quiet and efficient for small tents or vehicles and pairs well with existing camping gear.

5. B BatteryKing 5/5

   Feels like a tiny portable sun

   This heater throws significant infrared heat — it’s like having a small sun nearby. On cold, sunny winter days you notice how much warmer direct IR feels. At night it emits a dim red glow to the eye but shows very bright on IR-sensitive cameras. It’s a fun and effective way to get focused warmth.

6. Y YuenX 4/5

   Quick to heat but follow safety tips

   On a cold overlanding trip this warmed our sleeping area quickly and kept us comfortable. It gets hot fast, so keep flammables away and ensure ventilation. I researched safe options and this was a practical fuel-based solution when an electric option wasn’t realistic.

7. J Jane 5/5

   Reliable for tent camping — safety validated

   Tested during a trip where nights dipped to about 4°C; it ran roughly five hours on low and kept us cozy. Safety cutoffs triggered appropriately with movement. Install the gas cylinder correctly and give it space on all sides; the design is sturdy and it’s easy to carry.

8. B Brittany Olinek 5/5

   Kept us warm on first snowfall trip

   Used in an 8-person tent during the first snowfall and it performed well. With two people and a dog it heated the space and used about half a 1 lb bottle per night. Easy to stow and operate, and it worked fine even with colder propane.

9. S Steve 4/5

   Heats well but uses a lot of propane

   This is a well-made heater that will warm a small trailer or garage effectively. Expect high consumption on the larger setting — a small tank empties in around four hours — so buy the conversion hose if you want to use a refillable 20 lb cylinder. Two heat levels are simple but lack fine control.

10. B Bill T 5/5

    Ready out of the box, safety features work

    Had it unpacked and running in minutes. The tip-over cutoff worked when I tested it; the O2 sensor I couldn’t test. No odors when igniting. I’ll use it for spot heat in my RV but will keep a vent cracked. I’d like a built-in timer or remote for convenience.

11. S sospanyol 5/5

    Saved me during a cold spell — fuel filter advice

    I picked this up as an emergency replacement for an older model that started failing. It arrived quickly and worked immediately. I also bought the fuel filter and recommend it — running a long hose off a 20 lb tank without one can contribute to pilot problems. This one lit reliably and warmed my space while I waited to repair the old unit.

12. R Richard Leyden 5/5

    Exceeded expectations in subzero tent use

    This unit performed far beyond what I expected. I used it in 10' x 10' and large guide tents in very cold conditions and it warmed the interior enough to sit in a light jacket. It’s rare a purchase impresses this much — reliable and powerful.

13. V Vinny P. 5/5

    Daily greenhouse heater that really works

    I replaced an electric heater in my uninsulated 8.5 x 8.5 ft greenhouse dome and this unit made a huge difference. The dome has translucent walls and very little insulation, but the radiant heat warmed the interior much faster than my old electric unit. It’s used daily as an outdoor office and meditation space and handles the volume of roughly 585 cu ft with no trouble.