Yes, propane heaters are worthy of use on the backyard patios, under pergolas, gazebos, or over deckings. They will not blow hot air but rather produce electromagnetic waves. Though the propane tanks need to be changed frequently and can be costly; however, a propane patio heater is a safe and portable option for your patio.
Do Patio Heaters Work?
Patio heaters usually work more than you may think; enjoying a chilly evening or night next to a warm fire in the backyard or patio is very favorable to many people, and patio heaters can provide that natural warmth and ambiance. It might sound crazy how you heat outdoor, but patio heaters are experts in this task. They provide warmth ideally to people sitting next to them. Also, they give aestheticism to the patio and cooking service. You can host a Barbecue party or a movie night around the patio heater you choose. Or you can even enjoy a relaxing book reading or meditation next to the patio heater. Patio heaters come in various types and qualities, and prices for Patio heaters range from $150 to more than $2,000 for luxury versions.
Maximum patio heaters are mainly made of stainless steel, often called steel patio heaters. Steel patio heaters can be electric or propane, or even natural gas patio heaters. This means the building material is steel, and the fuel or power sources differ. All patio heaters( firepit, fireplace, chiminea, tabletop, etc.) come in four categories depending on the fuel type: wood-burning, propane, natural gas, and electric). And all of them have both bad and good sides, which must be checked before buying or installing one.
Pros and Cons of Propane Patio Heater
A propane patio heater is a good choice considering its pros, but you should look for the cons too. Below are the pros and cons of a propane patio heater; if you plan to have one soon.
Pros of a propane patio heater;
- It is portable and can be easily moved
- It can be used on an open patio, under a pergola, gazebo, or over deckings
- Temperature can be controlled
- It is safer than other heater options.
- It does not produce hot air, which can make breathing uncomfortable.
- It is energy efficient.
Cons of a propane patio heater;
- It is expensive
- You need to change the tanks frequently
- It needs well-ventilation and can not be used in an enclosed space.
How Much BTUs Do I Need?
Usually, propane patio heaters produce 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs, depending on the strength and size. However, the amount of BTU you need entirely depends on the size of your patio and the number of people who will enjoy it. For example, in every 1500 square feet, one patio heater is enough for a handful of people. However, if your space is around 32 feet-50 feet, you will need approximately 220,500 BTUs-268,800 BTUs; in this case, you will need to install 5-7 patio heaters according to space and people.
Propane Vs Electric Patio Heaters, Which One is Better?
Patio heaters are also called mushroom head heaters, and an electric patio heater uses electricity for its power source. Contrarily, a propane patio fire pit uses propane to burn as its fuel. Both electric and propane patio heaters have some good and bad points considering different factors. The below table will give you an idea about them;
Topic | Electric Patio Heater | Propane Patio Heater |
Safety | Safer than propane patio heaters. | Less secure than electric patio heaters. |
Fuel | No fuel is needed. But a stable electric connection is required. | It runs on propane gas, and the propane tanks need to be changed frequently. |
Portability | Not very portable due to the necessary electric cable connection. | Extremely portable |
Heat | Produces low heat and provides heat in one direction. | It gives off high heat safely and provides warmth in all orders. |
Affordability | Low cost and affordable | Expensive |
Environment friendliness | Environment friendly and does not produce any smoke or burn natural energy resources. | Energy efficient, though it burns on a natural energy resource. |
Size | Small and compact | Bulky and oversized |
Convenient location | Both indoor and outdoor( open patio, pergola, gazebo, deckings, house), | Recommended outdoor. Still, it can be used in a pergola or pavilion. Also, it can be used under a tent with adequate ventilation. |
So, from the table, you may have understood that if you are on a tight budget and your priorities are safety, size, and environment, an electric patio heater is way better than a propane patio heater. But, on the other way, if you are planning to enjoy a warm evening in colder months or winter, you should choose a propane patio heater by maintaining safety precautions.
[You may also like: How long a 5KG propane bottle lasts?]
Can You Use a Propane Heater Under a Covered Patio?
You can enjoy a propane patio heater under a tent, gazebo, pergola, and on an open backyard patio. A propane patio heater can not be used without proper ventilation; for example, it is a wholly enclosed tent, room, or enclosed deckings. With proper ventilation and safety preparations, you can avail yourself of a propane heater under a covered porch or patio.
How Much Gas Do Patio Heaters Use?
A 20lb propane tank, or around 4.7 gallons of fuel, is typical of a portable propane patio heater. You may need to change the propane tanks more intermittently than you think. The average cost per hour for a propane patio heater comes to $1.5 – $2.
How Long Does a 20lb/5Gallon Propane Tank Last on a Patio Heater?
A 20lb propane tank usually lasts up to 10 hours straight. So if you start the heater in the evening, it will last up to the late night, perfect for partying or a movie night.
Should I Buy a Used Propane Patio Heater?
Whether you should buy a used one or not depends on the propane patio fire heat that you want to buy. Considering the time it has been used and if it has been appropriately maintained will determine if you should buy it or not. If you are going to buy a used one, check if the heater’s every feature and pipeline is okay or not. Suppose it’s been used less than 1 or 2 years, by confirming every other quality you can buy. However, spending on a new propane patio heater is always better.
Final Verdict
Propane patio heaters are suitable for an excellent warm experience, for example, Hiland Propane Patio Heater. Though they can be costly compared to other heater options, their portability and 360° heat radiating ability put them in the spotlight more. In addition, they are energy efficient and suitable for use in any outdoor function or activity. So you can try them if you plan to enjoy a cozy warm winter on your patio.
