The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·05145·Announced 2005-03-31

Mr. Heater Recalls Big Buddy and Tough Buddy Propane Heaters for Fire Risk

Mr. Heater is recalling about 55,000 Big Buddy and Tough Buddy propane heaters because the valve can leak, posing a fire hazard if an ignition source is present.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard from a propane leak, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Mr. Heater, Inc. is recalling approximately 55,000 "Big Buddy" and "Tough Buddy" portable propane heaters, model number MH18B. The recall is due to a defect where the valve on the propane heaters can leak, posing a fire hazard if an ignition source is present.

The affected heaters were sold at home centers, sporting goods, and hardware stores nationwide from September 2004 through December 2004 for between $120 and $149. The units are either black with yellow accents around the burner tiles or light gray with red accents around the burner tiles, with "Mr. Heater" printed in the lower right-hand corner. The model number is located on the rear panel of the unit.

Mr. Heater has received 26 reports of propane leaks, but no injuries have been reported. Consumers should contact Mr. Heater, Inc. at www.mrheater.com or call (800) 964-4328 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for instructions on receiving a replacement heater.

The recalled product

Product
Mr. Heater "Big Buddy" and "Tough Buddy" portable propane heaters
Manufacturer
Mr. Heater, Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio
Category
Consumer Product — Portable Propane Heaters
Hazard
Affected units
55,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

See all →

Similar recalls