Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

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. [Please Vote!] 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. Thanks! (Thanks for the questions, comments and votes fellow Amazon shoppers... keep them coming too!)