Bigg Maxx or Hot Dawg???

[Sammyboy]

I'm preparing to install a 60,000 BTU natural gas heater in my 26 X 35 foot garage in New Jersey. Can I get a vote and a comparison on the Bigg Maxx vs the Hot Dawg? I read a while back that the Big Maxx had a circuit board problem requiring replacement in the fall after sitting dormant over the summer. I know they generally sent out new boards at no cost, but that's still a pain to deal with. Have they corrected that problem?

So what do you guys think, is one a better choice than the other and why?

Much appreciated.

 

[frankush]

I can only speak for the Modine. 3 years trouble free. (knock on wood)

 

[2011laramie]

another vote for modine. (45000btu) with zero issues after the first winter.

 

[KCarGuy]

Although it looks like your choices are Bigg Maxx vs Hot Dawg...
I have had my Beacon Morrison unit going for over 5 years now and have had no issues.

Side note; Wiring up the Incoming Power (the Neutral and Hot) and your Thermostat is important that its done correctly.
I have seen people who mix up the white (Neutral) and the (Hot) and that with take out your Board. Even though it looks to be working.

Good Luck.

 

[SteveeP]

And another vote for HotDawg here. Just fininshing my 1st winter with a 60,000 btu propane unit in my 36 x 26 (insulated) and it has performed perfectly.

 

[wildlifer]

Installed propane 80000 BTU Big Maxx in November in 20' x 30' shop in the Great White North. Has performed flawlessly - I keep it just above freezing and turn it up when I use the shop. Takes about 15 minutes in -20 weather to reach 65°.

 

[Steevo]

My big maxx has worked flawlessly since I installed it several years ago.

 

[KULIWOBBY]

A Beacon-Morris is a rebadged hot dawg and made in the same factory.

 

[elbine69]

Im happy with my Big Maxx

 

[trvshonda]

3 years on a 80k big maxx with no issues. heats my 30x40 shop no problem.

 

[dave67fd]

Over second season with the Big Maxx. Never had any problems

They did have some issues with older board revisions but that was a few years ago and newer revisions have been out since. Many/most problems result from transportation, improper user installations and service. Regardless they do have great customer service.

 

[rodm1]

They all seem to work well sow I would go with what ever has a local retailer that stocks parts. I went with Beacon-Morris and very happy I did.

 

[James-W]

I have had a Hot Dawg 60,000 BTU natural gas heater in my garage for two Winters now and have had no problems at all with it. It works well, is pretty efficient, and is reasonably quiet.

 

[Sammyboy]

Good to know that...that's a help in narrowing down.

 

[Sammyboy]

Thanks for all the replies.

Next question: What about the difference in dedicated vs non-dedicated combustion air? I don't plan on any spray painting or any events that would create fumes or vapors that could ignite. I would prefer just venting this through the wall. The side wall I plan to vent this through has about 10 feet up to the one foot wide roof overhang above it. Any problem with venting through the wall horizontally with a short vertical cap?

Thanks in advance,

Sam

 

[James-W]

Mine is vented outside thru the back wall of the garage. In my personal opinion, if you can use outside air for combustion I think that is the best route to go. I am sure there are others here who will disagree with me on that, after all, garages aren't exactly known for being air-tight. But even so, I still think it is best to use outside air rather than take the air from inside the garage for combustion.