Patio Heater Buying Guide
Why Patio Heaters?
Because summer can’t last forever driving people inside, during the cooler months. Whether you’re a restaurateur hoping to expand seating capacity to the outdoor section, a hotel manager trying to keep the poolside feeling like paradise, or a homeowner looking to spend as much time possible in your backyard, stylish patio heaters – and their cousins, spot heaters – help brush off that touch of chill and keep the gathering warm and happy.
What you need to know about Patio Heaters:
Different settings require different forms of patio heating. Patio heaters throw heat in a circle; spot heaters are focused in one direction. Both have portable, stand-alone options; spot heaters are otherwise mounted by brackets, while patio heaters come in freestanding, tabletop, ceiling-mount, and in-ground forms.
What kind of area do you need to heat?
Patio heaters provide even, circular heating over as much as a 20-foot diameter; spot heaters are better when more intense, focused heat is needed. Patio heaters are also designed with a nod to style; they’re meant to complement outdoor settings like patios and trendy restaurants, while spot heaters have a more industrial aesthetic.
What should I know about patio heaters?
Portable – These full-sized patio heaters have no fixed fuel line; they can be moved from place to place as the need for warmth – up to a 20-foot diameter – arises. Most are designed with a compartment for their fuel tanks.
Tabletop – They’re compact, portable, inexpensive options perfect for providing warmth over a small circle. Many are designed with bases that house fuel tanks.
Ceiling/Wall Mount – Don’t want to clutter your space? Opt for a ceiling-mount model, which provides all the power and heating capability without getting in the way. These models are built for permanent installment; they’re designed to hook into an established natural gas supply.
In-ground – Built for permanence, power, and stability, in-ground models generally heat a broader radius than portable models. They’re usually built to tap into an established natural gas supply – although the Zubri Classic Stainless Steel Patio Heater houses a 20-pound propane tank. They’re ideal for commercial establishments.
Power rating/range – Power ratings are expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units); the higher the BTU rating, the broader the heater’s range. Products boasting the same range can be compared by BTU rating; the higher the rating, the more effective the heating over the described range.
Construction – The vast majority of patio heaters are made from steel, although some at the lower end of the price range include lower-quality aluminum parts. The type of steel used – stainless, weather-treated – varies by price, as does the size of the base (for portable heaters) and the diameter of the pole.
Dome – Another important feature of the construction is the dome. Domes with bigger diameters allow better, more effective heat distribution. Most patio heaters have single-dome construction, but the Endless Summer Triple Dome Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater is easily distinguished by its triple-dome construction, which guards the heating element against wind and diffusion.
Fuel – Most patio heaters are fueled by liquid propane tanks (Propane Patio Heaters); some are designed to tap into an established natural gas source (Natural Gas Patio Heaters), while other use electric radiant heat (Electric Patio Heaters). Others come in two models, allowing you to order by fuel preference. Please note that for models that use tanks, the fuel is generally sold separately.
Ignition – Only the most basic models require anything more than the push of a button to ignite. Most models come with a form of piezo electric ignition, which produces sparks that interact with the fuel; higher-end heaters can have automatic or electronic ignition.
Safety features – Patio heaters are available with a wide range of safety features – the most basic of which are automatic shut-off switches, to prevent leaking gas, and safety tilt shut-off switches, to prevent heaters from lighting objects on fire should they fall. Other features include heat adjustment, pilot lights, tip-resistant construction, and shut-off switches to guard against severe weather.
Heater accessories – The primary accessory line for patio heaters is patio heater covers, which guard against dust, dirt, and insects – all of which shorten a heater’s life and limit effectiveness. Another option is a clamp to hold tabletop models in place.
What should I know about spot heaters?
Energy – Most spot heaters are electric-powered and must be hard-wired. The Sunpak Patio Heaters Infrared Spot Heater can come in propane-powered or natural-gas-powered models but features electronic ignition.
Power rating – Electric spot heater power is measured in watts; propane or gas spot heater power is measured in BTUs. The more BTUs or watts, the more effective the spot heater in warming its target.
Mounting/portable – Many spot heaters are designed for ceiling or wall mounting; other, free-standing models can be moved from place to place where the heat is required. Most of those that are portable are usually lower in wattage rating.
Application – Along with standard use in heating specific outdoor and indoor areas (like restaurant decks and warehouse aisles, respectively), spot heaters are perfect for greenhouses and garages, and for tucking underneath balconies and awnings to provide inconspicuous warmth and comfort.
Need more help?
Our Customer service is available at 888-861-0362. Our experts are here to help you with any questions you have and to ensure that you purchase the heater that is best for you.
