Selecting The Best Patio Heater

If you’re tired of being cooped up indoors, it’s time you take measures to make your patio more comfortable. Once you select the right furniture, consider investing in a patio heater.

These appliances are perfect for a chilly evening so that you can your family can enjoy a cozy night under the stars. Depending on the model, a patio heater will allow you to extend the life your backyard/patio space throughout the year.

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Why Should You Choose Your Patio Heater Carefully

Here are a couple of reasons why you should invest in a patio heater carefully:

Entertain Your Guests

Take advantage of your beautiful patio by seating your guests outside. A good patio heater allows users to make use of their outdoor space. Not only will the appliance keep your guests warm but it will also contribute to the style and ambiance of your patio.

Visual Appeal

If you’re planning on selling your house after a few years, a patio heater is a great accessory that can increase the value of your home. For added benefits, we suggest you invest in a wall-mounted patio heater that is likely to invite the attention of several buyers. Additionally, the overall all design of the patio heater can also make your house more visually appealing.

Safety

Take a few extra minutes to evaluate how safe the patio heater is to use. This feature is significant if you have kids. However, it’s worth noting that the best products with the most high-end safety features are typically the most expensive.

Survive The Chilly Weather

Nobody will be thrilled to sit outside if the temperature is cold. A good patio heater offers sufficient heat ensuring your friends and family members stay toasty and warm. Plus, your kids will love you for being able to enjoy dinners and lunches outdoors.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Patio Heater

Want to ensure you’ve made the right purchase? Here are a couple of factors you should consider before investing in a patio heater:

Heat Type

Outdoor enthusiasts can typically choose from three heat types:

Electric

Electric models are probably the most convenient to use since you won’t have to worry about toxic gas emissions. However, the only downside is that not all folks may have access to an electrical outlet in their patio plus using an electrical cord may result in accidental trips.

As for the advantages, electric patio heaters are fairly economical to operate. However, some models may require professional installation.

Natural Gas

As the name indicates, natural gas heaters operate using a natural gas supply line which may need to be installed by a professional. This feature is important if you want to avoid leaks. On the upside, these patio heaters are fairly eco-friendly and have the lowest cost operation. Another advantage is that models are least likely prone to damage.

Propane

Portable propane patio heater hardly requires any professional installation. These models are also easier to transport plus you save costs for professional installation. However, on the downside, these models have the highest operating costs as you need to refill the fuel tanks every once in a while or as required.

Size Of The Patio Heater

The size of your patio will depict how large and powerful the heater should be. For accurate results, use a measuring tape to measure the square footage of the patio or your outdoor space. Multiply the measurements by how many degrees Fahrenheit you’d like to raise the temperature.

This exercise will provide you a basic idea of kind of patio heater would be more appropriate for your outdoor space and backyard. However, it is worth noting that the warmth of the machine will transmit according to diameter.

Reflector Shape And Size

The dispenser, also known as the reflector is a large circular component that caps the top of the heater. It helps to direct heat to the surrounding area. We suggest you opt for a patio heater with a large dispenser so that the heater can transmit heat over a large area. However, if you have a small patio, you’re better off with a regular-sized piece of equipment.

Portability Of The Patio Heater

Sure, while weight can be a testimony of the overall craftsmanship and quality of the machine, most folks are likely to prefer a portable, lightweight model.

However, avoid incredibly lightweight heater as it can be a sign of questionable parts and will obviously not be as sturdy and durable as the heavier models. Additionally, lightweight models may be susceptible to damage in case of heavy winds.

Materials

Most outdoor patio heaters are constructed using stainless steel surfaces. Stainless steel is an excellent material thanks to its durability and easy to clean properties. Most heaters are available in a variety of finishes includes black, copper gold, white or regular stainless steel. Folks can opt for a design according to their personal preference.

Type Of Warranty

Warranties act a testimony of how much trust a manufacturer has for its products. However, warranties likely vary from company to company. This reason is why you should stick to a reliable brand. When purchasing a patio heater, ensure the manufacturer offers replacement parts as well.

Also, opt for a brand that offers a standard one year or 3-year warranty. Some brand try to fool customers with a non-existent 30 warranty so make sure you’ve invested in a product from a reputable vendor.

Heater Shape

When opting for a patio heater, you’ll find that there are many different shapes on the market. Each style works in a particular way depending on its intended purpose and ideal placement. Some of the most popular designs include:

Triangle Flame Heaters

Triangle flame heater emits heat using a 360-degree pattern. While the heat tends to be of a lower intensity, these models can dissipate heat more quickly when it’s windy outside. Most triangle flame heaters operate best when the winds are blowing at ten mph.

Another notable advantage of triangle flame heaters is that these models feature an ambient light source that is beneficial if you have guests over.

Mushroom Dome Heaters

These models emit heat from a fixed burner and are capable of producing higher intensity heat using a fairly small source. The heat is emitted using an overhead dome reflector that directs the heat downwards.

However, this can be quite problematic if your guests are seated in a high chair or are standing near the heater. These heaters are best suited for windy areas, up to 30-40mph. These heaters don’t give off much light but are a fairly good option nonetheless.

Curve Infrared Heater

As the name indicates, these heaters use a curved component to transmit heat up to 10 feet or even larger distances. These models are perhaps the most advanced and are a great option if you are trying to save space. The heat produced by the machine isn’t dry and does not dry out the surrounding area.

Infrared is capable of heating surrounding objects without increasing the temperature of the surrounding air, which increases efficiency and brings down fuel consumption. Infrared typically produces a warm glow that is perfect if you’re a fan of subtle lighting.

Axis Flame Heater

This type of heater uses a similar mechanism to triangle flame heaters however it incorporates the use of a different burner type. This burner gives off a spiraled effect which is visually appealing and is a great way to attract the attention of guests.

These heaters perform well under 10mph and are best suited for places that require horizontal heating. Axis Flame Heaters are an excellent option for places where increasingly tall patio heaters may not be safe to operate.

Best Free Standing Patio Heaters

Selecting the best patio heater can be a challenging task. To help our readers make the best decision, we have compiled a list of some of the best patio heaters on the market.

Winner – AZ Patio Heater

AZ Patio Heaters came into existence in 2002. Ever since then, the company has worked hard to establish itself in the world of Patio Heaters. The HLDS01-GTSS Quartz Glass Tube Patio Heater is a sight to see. Some notable features of the product include:

The unit is visually stunning and features a nice long flame that lights up the entire area, which is probably one of the best looking heaters in the market. Customers will find that assembly is quite easy while the instructions are also easy to follow. Most people were able to put the patio heater in just about 30 minutes.

OUR RATING

Another notable advantage of the patio heater is that it is comparatively safer to use for folks who have kids and are concerned about their safety.

Unlike other heaters on the market that are typically umbrella-shaped, this heater is a fairly good choice since it is shaped like a pyramid and is much stable. Additionally, since the flame is inside the quartz, it does not heat up the metal grills.

The heat output is pretty great plus the heat lamp is easy to light. You can easily adjust the flames according to your convenience. The heat is fully adjustable, making it an excellent choice for people who want to spend more time outdoors in this chilly weather. 

Runner-Up – Fire Sense Mocha Commercial Patio Heater

The Fire Sense Mocha Commercial Patio Heater is among the most efficient heating systems in the market. Its powerful unit is capable of delivering an impressive output of 46,000 BTU’s. Most customers were highly impressed with the product, stating how it’s one of the best outdoor entertainers in the market. Here are a few notable features of the product:

The patio heaters have many unique features that allow it stand out among other patio heaters on the market. It includes a Piezo ignition that is easy to light up. The unique ignition system with a quick auto shut-off valve.

OUR RATING

With a powerful output of 46,000 BTUs, the unit is capable of warming your entire patio space, which ensures your loved ones remain warm on a chilly night. Another notable advantage is that the Fire Sense Mocha Commercial Patio Heater offers easy assembly. Most customers were able to assemble the patio heater in about 45 minutes.

The durable stainless steel burners also add to the toughness of the machine. The double mantle heating grid boosts efficiency, ensuring the patio heater can generate enough heat even on the chilliest days. 

Alternative – Belleze 48,000BTU Premium Patio Heater

The Belleze Premium Patio Heater is among the most efficient yet affordable models in the market. With an output of 48,000BTU, the 15-foot diameter offers an excellent heat range, making it perfect for chilly weather and colder environments. Some notable features of the product include:

Thanks to the central control knob, you can conveniently adjust the temperature according to your convenience. Additionally, with the safety tilt shut-off valve, there is next to risk of any mishap. You can select from four design finishes, making it one of the best looking patio heaters on the market.

OUR RATING

Best of all, since the heater is suitable for commercial use, it includes many modern-day safety features. The heater operates quietly and can light a beautiful flame. Perhaps the most useful feature is the heater’s anti-tilt automatic shut system.

Once it goes beyond 30 degrees, the machine automatically shuts off, ensuring your guests and loved ones are safe from accidental burns and bruises. Plus, you don’t have to worry about knocking the machine over.

The Belleze Premium Patio Heater has a powerful output of 48000 BTU, which ensures the heater can heat up a 15 square foot diameter area in just an hour. It doesn’t matter how many people you invite to your outdoor party. The patio heater is powerful enough to produce sufficient heat. 

Best Tabletop Patio Heater

If you’re a bit limited on space in your garden or if you just prefer, a tabletop patio heater conveniently utilises your garden table by sitting on top of.

AZ Patio Electric Patio Heater

A tabletop patio heater is an excellent option for folks who want to save space and the most out of the outdoor heaters. If you’re in search of a highly efficient yet space-saving device, we suggest you invest in the HIL-1821 Tabletop Electric Patio Heater. You can fix this awesome patio heater on the tabletop. This model is ideal for folks who have small balconies or porches.

Well, fortunately, the AZ Patio Heaters HIL-1821 Tabletop Electric Patio Heater allows folks to enjoy their outdoor patio spaces all around the year without worrying about the chilly weather. The compact yet easy to use design makes this model perfect for three-season porches and verandas. Some notable features of the product include:

The product comes well packaged and is quite easy to assemble. You will only require a few basic tools and a few screws to get the job done. The product plugs into a regular 110 Volt outlet so that you can use the patio heater practically anywhere you go. The powerful heat lamp heats up the room instantly and offers variable temperature control.

OUR RATING

The device features two settings that allow users to switch on one or more coils at the same time. Also, since the device is electric, you can also set it up indoors on a chilly day for your guests or in case you need an extra heater in the house.

The bright, ambient light is another feature that sets the Tabletop Electric Patio Heater apart from other patio heaters on the market. However, since the light is quite bright, it may distract some users. However, you can easily solve this problem by placing the patio heater on the floor. 

Best Wall Mounted Patio Heater

Wall-mounted electric patio heaters are the best choice if you have a small entertaining area and need to keep the floor space clear.

Bromic Tungsten Patio Heaters

Wall mounted patio heaters are an excellent option for folks who want to save space on their porch or patio for guests and family get-togethers. Though these models to be expensive, people typically opt for wall-mounted patio heaters because of its space saving design.

Additionally, wall-mounted patio heaters don’t pose the same safety hazards as other outdoor heating appliances. Some notable features of the product include:

The Bromic Heating’s Tungsten Smart-Heat is one of the best infrared electric patio heaters on the market. The visually appealing design of the patio heater is what sets it apart from its counterparts in the market.

OUR RATING

With its highly efficient heating system, the heater offers efficient directional heating for both residential and commercial locations. It also comes with smart control systems so that one can effectively control the power efficiency of the light.

The heater also features a spectral reflector for sufficient heat output. With its stylish design coupled with its high-tech infrared radiant elements, the patio heater is excellent for all kinds of outdoor spaces.

Additionally, the spectral reflector improves heat output which in turn reduces glare and light emission. The black high-temperature coating contributes to the patio heater’s sleek design while its modern lines and stainless steel also give the heater a visually appealing edge. 

Conclusion

Patio heaters are becoming increasingly popular as more and more folks are now eager to transform their patio into an outdoor living space. With the right heater, you can enjoy dinner parties and small gatherings with your friends on the patio, even if it’s cold outside.

Hopefully, this buyer’s guide has provided you with all the information you need to make the right purchase. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments section below.