Patio Heaters for Any Occasion

Patio Heaters Explained

So, you've put some effort and money into creating an inviting outdoor living space, and now you're looking to maximize its use. One of the best ways to do this is by adding a patio heater! Whether you love spending time in your garden or on any other outdoor area, patio heaters are the ideal solution. If you're fortunate enough to live in a warmer climate, you'll be able to enjoy your patio heater all year long. For those in colder regions, these heaters can give you an extra two months of comfortable outdoor enjoyment! Patio heaters aren't designed to maintain a specific temperature in your outdoor space; instead, they work by reducing the chill in the air. Think of them as a modern version of a campfire—consistent heat is provided to a certain area without generating ash or smoke. Patio heaters operate in one of two primary ways:

• Burning a fuel like natural gas or propane; or

• Heating an element using electricity

Fuel Types for Patio Heaters

Propane:

This is the most widely used fuel source for patio heaters and comes in portable tanks, making it easy to position your heater wherever you desire. Propane patio heaters are typically turned on via an ignition switch, which doesn't require an electrical connection. Just flip or press the switch, and a spark ignites the gas to start the heater.

Electricity:

Simply plug it in and turn it on! Electric patio heaters generally don’t provide the same level of heating power as their gas counterparts, so they’re better suited for smaller spaces.

Natural Gas:

If you have access to an outdoor natural gas outlet, you can connect the heater directly to it. However, it's advisable to hire a professional for this task. Similar to propane heaters, natural gas patio heaters feature an ignition switch that doesn't need an electrical connection. Press the switch, and a spark ignites the gas to activate the heater.

Types of Patio Heaters

Floor or Free-Standing:

These are the most common and popular types of patio heaters. Most floor or free-standing patio heaters run on propane, but they can also be powered by natural gas or electricity. They typically consist of four main components:

Base: Keeps the unit stable and prevents it from tipping over. It may also house a propane tank if the heater uses propane.

Pole: Elevates the heat source to enhance coverage.

Heat Source: The heat source is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A higher BTU indicates greater heat output. Gas-powered patio heaters usually offer the highest BTU levels.

Reflector: Prevents upward heat loss by directing heat downward and outward toward the surrounding area. Not all free-standing patio heaters come with a reflector, but those that do allow for an adjustable heat source that can be aimed at the desired warming spot.

Tabletop Patio Heaters:

These heaters resemble smaller versions of their free-standing counterparts and can serve as a cozy focal point on your patio table.

They share the same components as floor or free-standing heaters but offer a lower BTU range, meaning they don’t cover as large an area as full-sized models. Tabletop patio heaters can run on either electricity or propane.

Wall-Mounted Patio Heaters:

Mount your heater on the wall to keep it out of the way while still enjoying the warmth. Wall-mounted patio heaters are a great option if you need a heater but lack space for a freestanding one. Typically electric, they use infrared heat to keep your outdoor space cozy. These heaters come with wall mount brackets and many units can tilt up or down, letting you direct the heat where it’s needed most.

Why not make the most of your yard or patio by investing in a patio heater?