Outdoor Patio Heating: Patio Heaters
Continue using your patio well into the chilly season with a patio
heater.
The now ubiquitous patio heater is available in many models and designs.
Available in floor standing, tabletop and hanging mount models, there
is a patio heater to suit your needs.
Patio heaters provide less visual impact than a roaring fire, but they
also take up much less room, are generally less expensive and don't pollute
like a wood fire. Patio heaters are available in both gas or electric
models although gas models tend to dominate right now.
Patio heaters are rated in BTU's to indicate their heating capability.
Floor standing models typically output about 40,000 BTUs and claim a
circlular heat zone of 20 feet in diameter. So, in theory, anywhere within
10 feet from the heater you should feel warmth. In our testing, we found
that a realistic distance was about 6 feet (12 foot circle). Of course,
results vary depending upon wind, nearby structures, temperature and
other factors. We were quite comfortable within the 12 foot diameter
zone when the temperature dropped into the mid 40's with a breeze adding
a wind chill factor into the high 30's. Note that some manufacturers
list the circle, some list the distance and some use radius (which is
the same as the distance). One model we saw listed a radius of 20 feet,
which would mean a circle of warth 40 feet in diameter, an unbelievable
claim leading us to suspect they misused the term and really meant a
20 foot circle.
Floor standing models use a 20lb propane tank, the same tank used with
many BBQ grills. Manufacturers claim about 10-15 hours of continuous
operation on a single tank; your results may vary. We recommend keeping
a full spare on hand. Some models are designed for use with natural gas
(NG) and can be connected to household gas supply lines. Some models
may be convertable to NG from LP but check the specifications before
you purchase one.
Tabletop models output about 10,000 BTUs and their claimed circle of
heat averages 7 feet. We found ourselves comfortable around a typical
round patio table, but at a rectangular table the persons seated at either
end were cold. These models operate on a 1lb propane canister (like the
kind used with camping equipment) although many offer an extension
hose to connect to a 20lb tank. On a 1lb canister we got about 90 minutes
of operation when run at the highest setting.
Hanging mount models are available and tend to be powered by a dedicated
natural gas line or electricity. BTU ratings vary widely with the size
of the unit.
For heating a small group of people who are seated, one or two table
top models may be adequate. A floor standing unit can adequately warm
people seated at a table although people on one side will likely be warmer
than those on the othe side. If heating a patio full of mingling guests,
a couple floor standing units placed 12-16 feet apart will create a large
comfort zone. Add a fire pit in a central location and the heaters can
be spread a few more feet apart.
We found the propane heaters to provide excellent warming and kept our
guests comfortable. These heaters are large but weighted to avoid tipping.
Select model with wheels to ease moving. Furthermore, all models we reviewed
have a tip-over shut-off safety feature, an important feature we think
is a must. Be careful to keep heaters away from combustible material
such as overhanging branches, umbrellas and wooden patio covers.
Learn more about the options
in outdoor heating in these articles listed below.
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Patio Heaters
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