Mr. Heater 80,000 BTU Propane Convection Heater #MH80CV
|
List Price: Our Price: $99.99 You Save: $72.16 (42%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Home See more product details |
|---|
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Mr. Heater 80,000 BTU Propane Convection Heater #MH80CV
Customer Review: Is this safe? I'm not taking chances...
Summary: 2 Stars
First let me say I've had good experience with other Mr Heater products. I own the buddy and big buddy heaters, and I love them and have NEVER had a problem with them (with exception to the brittle plastics).
With that said, I am torn on this product. I had high expectations based on reviews I've read, product literature, features, specs and prior Mr Heater experience.
Why I bought it:
Emergency preparedness. To heat our home in the event of a power failure during the snow storms that have been sweeping the country. I bought this because its efficient, affordable, portable, easy to use, clean heat. I bought this because our kerosene heater is WAY too expensive to operate, because Kerosene is harder to find, and because Kerosene is a dirty heat. Propane is cheap, available every where, stable, long lasting (shelf life), and very efficient. I bought it because it puts out an incredible amount of BTUs.
What went wrong:
I read the manual before using it. After reading the setup and operating instructions, it explains in detail conditions of unsafe operation. It states that the flame inside should be mostly blue with very little yellow. It states there should be NO FLAMES exiting the unit. It states that if any of these conditions are experienced, to shut off the gas supply and heater, and call a service center immediately.
When I turned on the unit, I immediately got an intense jet-like after-burner of a flame that was about 1" of blue and 8" of yellow. The flame reached the top of the unit and began to bow and bubble the top metal piece. The flame was so intense and strong that it began to wick out of the unit and above it. Uh-oh. I was really freaked out. Like fearing for my life and home freaked out.
So I did as the manual stated. And 3 days later I was able to speak with a 'human' (I use that term loosely).
The first two days I called (during hours), I sat on hold for 45 minutes. Then I gave up. I mean really, 45 minutes?? Whats wrong with this place? Do they have THAT many support calls? Is there anyone home? Can they not afford to pay enough agents to take calls? What happened to this company?
So on day 2 I chose the option to get a call back. It took 6 attempts before this option work, before the system assured me I would be called back when my turn came up. No call back.
I called the 3rd day, went through the same experience. Hold for 45 minutes, multiple attempts at getting the call-back system to work. No call back after hours of waiting. So I called back and chose sales. Someone in sales answered fairly quickly (so they like to sell but can't support??), I explained the problem I was having with their phone system, and she said she would transfer me back into the queue at highest priority and I would be the next call answered. 45 minutes later I hung up.
Fast forward - eventually someone called me. However, it was like talking to a wall. Or zombie. In fact, I'd rather talk to my dog. At least he smiles at me. This guy sounded like he was asleep. He did not laugh. I was overly cheery and happy to talk to him. I think he hated his job. Or was at a funeral. I'm sorry, he was just so lifeless. I felt like he HATED me for calling.
Long story short, the agent told me he "didn't know why the manual says that, it sounds like its operating fine". I said what about the yellow flame, its suppose to be blue? I said what about the warping metal top? I said what about the flames coming out of it? His answer: "that sounds normal".
So I called Amazon, explained the problem with the product, the company, and my fears; and Amazon happily sent me a second unit to try out within 2 days (my choice). The second unit had the same problem. I call it a problem because the manual does. In the end Amazons excellent Customer Service took care of me, and took both of the units back at their expense. I will be looking for a new propane heater.
I hope you have better luck then me; but honestly I cannot recommend this unit to anyone because I would hate to see someone injured in the process; or loose their home and valuables. Its just not worth the risk, and the manufacturer just couldn't come trough. I personally value my home, my life, my family, and my children more than this - this unit just isn't worth the risk.
Report card:
Amazon - A++ (Amazon is truly amazing)
Manufacturer - F (Fix your phones, your people, your products, your manuals)
Product - F (This thing will hurt someone)
Manufacturer Support Agent - F (Wake up, find a job you enjoy, and learn how to be a human being with a heart, a mind, and a smile)
Yikes, I know. Trust me, I'm feeling the same way.
PS - I hope this review gives you some insight and help with your choice, and a little knowledge from an unbiased owner. If so, please click on "YES" below this review to vote it as helpful.
Customer Review: It was cold out side ......... But
Summary: 4 Stars
It was cold outside. While I was working in my garage, 22x40, when my kerosene "salamander" decided to die on me.So, I ordered the Mr Heater 80k propane convection heater and WOW! Not only did it get delivered fast this thing really heats my shop up well. I keep 2 20lb tanks on hand plus the tanks for my grill, just in case, wish i had this a long time ago. Saves me going to the only staion for miles that sells kero and spillage and storing Kerosene and smelling that all winter longCustomer Review: Just as good as the other reviewers said it was
Summary: 5 Stars
I had been looking for some kind of a heater for the garage and after taking back 3 heaters to wal-mart for poor quality control, had about given up on finding something the works well.I had bought 2 propane radiant double head heaters and they both did the same thing, one head didn't work right and a propane torpedo heater that didn't have all of the parts included, I stumbled on to this convection heater that online customers rated very good. I have to say it does pour out the heat (30-80,000 btu's worth) and is a very clean burner. You do need some fresh air pulled in when you burn it like any fuel heater. I was hoping I found a heater that wasn't made in China like the other 3 I took back but no luck on this one either. This is a Cleveland company but I guess they have moved operations to china also. What a shame,I really starting to miss American quality products, I get tire of taking things back but having said that, this heater is designed well and works nice.Customer Review: Keeps the tailgate party going!!!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this heater to run under a canopy at the tailgate party. Works great to keep the chill off. Ran it on low for 9 hours on 20lbs tank and still have a little propane left in the tank. Overall good heater. It did seem to make alot of noise on high but with the tv's going it really wasn't an issue.Customer Review: Lots of heat, and noise
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great heat generator, and sounds like a jet when running full blast. I love it, but when I use it on the covered patio of a party people think it is too loud. For working around it is good, but for a party situtation I wish I had found one of the short unbrella style heaters instead, the radiat the heat down better and are not loud.