Here’s a quick list of your top outdoor heater purchasing decisions. For details to help you decide what’s right for you, see the more
comprehensive information under Shopping Tips.
- Fuel: Choose from liquid propane (most portable heater option,) natural gas, or electric.
- Type of Unit: Pick patio heaters that are freestanding (best for portable delivery of larger amounts of radiant heat,)
tabletop (a less expensive option that is ideal for heating smaller areas,) or mounted (most common for natural gas or electric options.)
- Performance: Consider heating range, BTUs, and quality of construction and material, including durability and weather-resistance.
- Safety: Check for safety certifications and key safety features, such as automatic shut-off in case the unit tips, falls, or overheats.
- Brands: For peace of mind, choose from reputable manufacturers that offer warranties, customer service, and
replacement heater parts. Consider an Endless Summer patio heater,
a BernzOmatic patio heater, or outdoor heaters by
UniFlame,
Desa Heating,
and other top brands.
Patio heaters aren't utilitarian choices anymore. Beyond their performance, consider their appearance, particularly if they are
freestanding or tabletop units. Style counts, and you'll have lots of options.
- Colors and Finishes: Common colors for freestanding outdoor heaters include white,
black and
green. Green can be a great choice for
a subtle look that blends with the outdoors, while other colors may coordinate better with your outdoor furnishings and other accessories.
Finishes can include bronze or
copper, for old style flair, or
gleaming silver stainless steel outdoor heaters for a contemporary upscale
feel.
- Shapes: The shape of a freestanding or table top outdoor heater will influence its style. Look at the overall shape and design to
determine if it is appealing to you. A unit will often have a modern, classic, or retro feel. More angular and streamline will generally lend itself to
a contemporary feel; more subtle and curved, a more classic look.
- Coordinate: Give as much thought to your patio heater style as you would for outdoor lighting fixtures; it’s even a good idea to
coordinate them to match or complement each other. Of course, you should also coordinate your heater with the look of your outdoor furniture
and the overall area.
- Enjoy: It’s all about adding to your atmosphere, with both physical warmth and overall ambiance, so that you'll enjoy your outdoor space
more fully and more often.
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OUTDOOR PATIO HEATER SHOPPING TIPS
As winter arrives, don't give up on al fresco dining and relaxing. With an outdoor patio heater, you can enjoy eating,
cooking, and lounging outdoors well into the cold winter months. Whether your goal is to heat a large enough area for a family meal with a
view, keep your cook cozy while barbecuing at your outdoor grill, or stay comfortable while gazing at the stars in the winter sky, there’s affordable,
effective and safe options out there. We've put together the information you need to make an educated choice in choosing an outdoor heater and
making the most of your outdoor space year-round.
Patio heaters are available in liquid propane, natural gas, and electric options. The best choice depends on availability of specific fuel
for your location, cost comparison of the different fuel options for your area, convenience, and personal preference.
Liquid Propane Patio Heaters
Liquid propane outdoor heaters generally use propane tanks that are similar to those used with barbecue grills, and are the most common choice in residential
outdoor heaters. This choice provides the best portability, since you will not need to hook your outdoor heater to either a natural gas or electric source.
The downside is that the tank will need to be refilled. Frequency will depend on how often it is used and the size of the tank. Liquid propane is
generally an inexpensive fuel source.
There is also the option of a separate freestanding and much larger liquid propane tank to power your outdoor heater. If your home does not have the option of
natural gas, you may already have a freestanding liquid propane tank for other uses, such as for a gas cooktop or to power a back-up electric generator.
You could also hook your outdoor heater into this general use liquid propane tank. You'd give up portability, and should have the connection done by a
qualified professional according to your local safety codes, but would gain the convenience of less frequent refilling.
Natural Gas Patio Heaters
A natural gas outdoor heater is convenient because it requires no refueling once it is installed, but limits portability, since it needs to be hooked to a
natural gas source. In addition, if your town does not offer natural gas, this won't be an option for you. You should always have a qualified professional do
any natural gas connections; this is generally required by town safety codes. The cost of natural gas compared to the other choices depends on current energy prices in your area.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric outdoor heaters are also less portable than liquid propane heaters, since you will need to keep your heater within range of a power outlet, or have
it mounted and hooked into your home’s electricity (always best done by a licensed electrician.) However, it can be more convenient than refilling a propane
tank since once it is installed or plugged in, you don't have to think about your power again. Consider the cost of electricity vs. gas and liquid propane where
you live to determine cost effectiveness, and keep in mind that these cost comparisons can fluctuate over time.
Outdoor heaters have become increasingly popular, giving rise to a great variety in options. We've narrowed down the basic choices here for ease
of shopping:
Freestanding Outdoor Heaters
These are stand alone heating units that are generally designed to provide warmth for up to a 20-foot diameter. They typically have a large base that hides the
liquid propane tank and are designed to be decorative. Consider a model with hidden wheels for added portability and convenience.
Tabletop Outdoor Heaters
These small and portable heaters usually warm an area large enough to reach people seated around patio outdoor furniture, up to a 10 foot diameter.
They generally hide a propane tank in their base, and come in various appealing designs. An inexpensive option, these are a great convenient
choice for heating a smaller area than freestanding units.
Mounted/Hanging Outdoor Heaters
Ceiling or wall mounted patio heaters are the most common choice for permanent installation with natural gas or electric hook ups. They are generally
designed to be unobtrusive and effective.
There are key features to keep in mind in evaluating the performance of outdoor patio heaters.
Heating area: Most heaters will include the expected heating area. Make sure the heating diameter will meet your needs. Keep in mind that this range may be
affected by wind, outdoor temperature, protection of area, and other weather variables. Look for about a 20 foot diameter heating area for freestanding units and up
to a 10 feet diameter for tabletop units.
BTUs: Greater BTUs mean more heating power. In general, higher BTUs indicate greater effectiveness.
Material: High quality stainless steel is a top option for outdoor heaters.
Aluminum is another choice.
All patio heaters should be weather and rust-resistant.
Manufacturing: For freestanding units, consider the size of the base, the thickness of the pole, and the diameter of the dome. A larger dome for a
radiant heater will provide more thorough and efficient heating. Overall, units should be sturdy and well balanced.
Start-up Ignition: Look for push button ignition, which most quality outdoor heaters include.
Safety Features: There are several key safety features that are standard in top models. An automatic tip-over/tilt shut-off feature will shut off the
power supply if the unit is tilting or falls over to reduce the risk of fire. There are also automatic shut-off sensors to turn off the unit in cases of
overheating or in severe weather. Oxygen depletion sensors will shut off units if the oxygen supply is running low to your heater. Tip-resistant construction is also important.
Look for heaters that are approved by a safety testing laboratory, such as ones with CSA or UL labels. In addition, be sure that you follow all safety recommendations
in the manufacturer’s instructions, including clearance recommendations, such as how far the unit should be from patio furniture.
Other features: Adjustable heat output is a desirable extra. Also, if the model uses a liquid propane tank, easy access is important for convenience and
usability.
Warranties: These are an indicator of a reputable manufacturer and a quality product.
Outdoor Patio Heater Covers: Generally sold separately, a patio heater cover is a good item to have for a freestanding heater that will remain outside. A well fitting and quality
cover will protect the unit from dirt, insects, and dust, which can affect the heater’s performance and longevity.
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