How to Choose the Best Gas Patio Heater
Gas patio heaters utilize propane instead of electric patio heaters which require electricity and are expensive to run. They can also explode on hot days, or burn through a tank quickly.
Look for pyramid-style heaters that connect to propane tanks that are standard and produce the equivalent of 40,000 Btu or more. These heaters are more likely to heat larger areas, and in colder climates.
1. Infrared
Infrared heating technology is a great choice for patios because it's efficient and can warm people and objects and not just the air. It is also safe to touch. This is important for those who spend time outdoors in winter and want your outdoor seating to last as long as it can.
When looking for a gas patio heater, make sure to be aware of how much heat it emits per hour in Btu, which is the standard unit of measure that measures the amount of energy a heater consumes. A higher Btu rating indicates that the heater will be able to heat your outdoor space faster and more efficient. If you are in a colder area or plan to host guests, look for models that produce over 40000 Btu to ensure you keep everyone comfortably warm. Pyramid-shaped or dome-shaped patio heaters usually have the most Btu output which allows them to heat larger spaces and ensure that more people are at ease.
The top infrared gas patio heaters offer a wide range of features, including remote controls and automatic tip-over shut-offs that make them easy to use and durable. Some come with a cover to shield them from the elements. If you want to upgrade your outdoor space by installing an infrared heater that has LED lighting is the ideal option. It will improve the ambience and make the space more inviting.
If you're not interested in investing more money in an infrared gas heater for your patio, there are still plenty of affordable options to pick from. For instance, our Top Pick for the Best Value, which is the Bromic Heating Tungsten Infrared Patio Heater is a reliable and affordable model that can produce a huge amount of heat. The high, angled head is perfect for directing heat to the seating area in your backyard. more info here is fitted with wheels on the base of the stand, so you can easily move it around. It runs on both natural gas and propane.
Another good option is the freestanding Modine OHP34S48 gas-infrared patio heater that comes with two temperature settings as well as 360deg oscillation. It also has strong construction. If you have an natural gas line that runs through your backyard the Modine OHP34S48 is an excellent choice as it can be hooked up directly to the gas supply in your home so that you will never run out of gas.
2. BTU
A majority of gas patio heaters have an impressive output of heat, making them ideal for large outdoor areas. The amount of heat that a patio heater produces depends on its location, size, and other aspects. It is important to take these factors into consideration before choosing one.
The BTU rating of a patio heater is a good method of determining its power. BTU stands for British Thermal Units. It reveals how much heat a heater is able to generate per hour. BTU ratings are provided by the manufacturer and typically refer to the amount of square feet of space a heater can comfortably be able to heat in ideal conditions. You can also figure out the number of BTUs an outdoor heater needs by multiplying the square footage of your patio by the desired temperature increase.
Natural Gas and propane are the most popular heating fuels for patio heaters due to the fact that they produce a large amount of heat quickly. This makes them an ideal option for large outdoor spaces in commercial buildings or homes that are residential. These heaters are more costly than electric ones, and they may require refilling or replaced often. However, they are convenient because propane tanks are available at gas stations or convenience stores.
Certain gas patio heaters come equipped with safety features to ensure you and your guests are secure while using them. Some include an automatic shut-off valve that prevents the heater from overheating and an electronic lighter that makes it easier to ignite. Other models include a shield around the flame to avoid accidental contact, reducing the chance of burning.
Some models of gas patio heaters come with attractive designs in addition to their security features. Certain models sport an elegant design with intricate details that make them perfect for a sophisticated outdoor setting. Others have an earthy look with rustic tones, natural materials and a rustic vibe. These are perfect for a cozy backyard. Some of our favorite models have a flickering flame that can increase the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
3. Coverage
When looking at the possibility of a gas patio heater it is crucial to consider its coverage. For example, if you plan on entertaining guests outdoors often it is possible to invest in an option with a greater coverage area to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the warmth and conversation without being too close.
Height is another crucial factor when determining the coverage of the patio heater. In general taller propane patio heaters will provide more heat than shorter options because they are able to radiate heat from multiple directions at once. Thomas Bonfiglio of Triple T Hospitality said that's one of the main reasons why his New York and New Jersey restaurant chose pyramid-top and dome-top heaters to heat their outdoor dining areas. The heaters are ideal to heat the space and keeping the table warm.
The power of taller propane patio heaters can be affected by the wind conditions. That's why it's important to select a model that has an anti-wind design.
When selecting a gas patio heating system you should also think about the power source and the installation process. Some models require a long-term connection to a gas line, whereas others run on a propane tank.
The kind of fuel used affects the maintenance and cost related to the heater. Electric heaters are typically less expensive to operate than propane options, but they take longer to heat up and often aren't powerful enough to cover a large area of patio. Additionally, they should be kept away from flammable materials and shouldn't be left unattended for long durations of time.
Propane heaters are more expensive to operate than electric heaters however they provide more heat. They can cover an area of up to 215 square foot. They require an expert to install them and must be kept clear of the ignition of combustibles. They also require a larger upfront investment than their electric counterparts, however, they don't have to be recharged every time they are used and can be turned off and on remotely or on a schedule.
4. Safety
When shopping for a gas patio heater it's important to think about safety. Many models come with anti-tip features, such as an adjustable bottom that is weighted and a tilt shutoff valve to stop them from tipping and creating a fire in your backyard. They may also have an integrated carbon monoxide detector and alarm that turns the heater off in the event of an CO leak. To ensure the absolute security, look for a patio heater that has CSA certification, which means that it has been independently tested by a third party and has met certain safety standards for outdoor use.
Another thing to think about when selecting a gas patio heater is its overall design. There are many designs to choose from, including umbrella and pyramid models for standing heaters, and wall-mounted models which are smaller and less obtrusive and can easily blend into your deck or backyard. There are also different colors to pick from. Black and stainless steel are the most commonly used but there are some brands that offer a variety of colors that will suit your personal style.
In terms of fuel, gas patio heaters are generally cheaper to run than electric models and can provide more heat for a larger area. They require natural ventilation to operate safely, and are therefore not suitable for tight or enclosed spaces. Some manufacturers produce propane models that don't require a gas line to operate and can be powered by standard 20-pound tanks, just like the grill you use.
The top propane patio heating units feature simple, yet durable design. They can withstand harsh weather. One model that we reviewed can withstand wind speeds that can reach 60 mph. Its assembly was simple and took less than a hour with only a few hand tools. It can be used with any standard 20-pound propane tank, and the auto tip-over shut-off makes sure that it won't work when it is tipped over.
Some models on our list include additional safety features like a flame failure detector that will shut off the gas flow when the flame is extinguished. Based on where you live you might want to select the propane patio heater that has been approved by your local fire department or carries the UL safety certificate.