Choosing the best patio heater for your backyard, balcony, or covered porch can sometimes be challenging. And the most crucial factors in buying a heater are heat output, safety, and overall performance. However, don’t worry, we have systematically compiled all the tips and techniques to quickly select the best patio heater for you in this article.
How to Buy a Patio Heater: (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Know the required heat output and location:
First, you must verify the heat requirements according to your area’s weather records, and the type of patio heater you’ll be buying will depend on it. Though the temperature is essential, it’s crucial to fix the location. People with gazebos, pergolas, or covered porches will have different decisions than those planning to use the outdoor heater.
Step 2: Measure the area
Before selecting the style or type, measure the area where you want to use the patio heater. While measuring, keep in mind the safety distance clearances.
Step 3: Select the patio heater type and style
If the temperature drops below freezing or rises above freezing during the winter, you must use gas-powered heaters to stay warm. In contrast, electric patio heaters are the best fit for warm areas. If you plan to use it backyard or in open spaces, you should go for the gas run, while you should never use gas-powered standing heaters under covered porches. However, you can use a tabletop patio heater under gazebos or pergolas. Electric patio heaters are the best solution under balconies or covered porches.
Step 4: Check for intelligent features and reviews
As you have already fixed on a type, it’s time to check for the safety and intelligent features and the reviews of the best-performing products. For example, safety shut-off, tilt or tip over protection, intelligent control, portability, etc., are some features you can look for. Also, checking the market’s best products and their reviews is a wise decision.
Here are our recommendations for the top patio heaters to help you choose the best product.
Step 5: Compare, asses, and purchase the right one for you!
You already know about different patio heaters, their features, performance, and other factors. It’s time to compare among the bests and asses the information, features, and versions. After your investigation, it’s time to buy the perfect patio heater
No, it would be best never to use an electric infrared outdoor heater in the rain. If exposed to Rain, it increases the risk of electrocution. Apart from the threat of electrocution, utilizing your electric gazebo heater during Rain or other severe weather conditions may cause the materials or finishing to rust or degrade quickly.
Outdoor electric heaters should be cautiously used to ensure they are securely shielded from rain or turned off. A high-temperature tarp cover could be instrumental in these situations.
To know about the best and safest patio heater to use under covered porch click here.
No, it would be best never to use an electric infrared outdoor heater in the rain. If exposed to Rain, it increases the risk of electrocution. Apart from the threat of electrocution, utilizing your electric gazebo heater during Rain or other severe weather conditions may cause the materials or finishing to rust or degrade quickly.
Outdoor electric heaters should be cautiously used to ensure they are securely shielded from rain or turned off. A high-temperature tarp cover could be instrumental in these situations.
To know about the best and safest patio heater to use under covered porch click here.
No, it would be best never to use an electric infrared outdoor heater in the rain. If exposed to Rain, it increases the risk of electrocution. Apart from the threat of electrocution, utilizing your electric gazebo heater during Rain or other severe weather conditions may cause the materials or finishing to rust or degrade quickly.
Outdoor electric heaters should be cautiously used to ensure they are securely shielded from rain or turned off. A high-temperature tarp cover could be instrumental in these situations.
To know about the best and safest patio heater to use under covered porch click here.
No, it would be best never to use an electric infrared outdoor heater in the rain. If exposed to Rain, it increases the risk of electrocution. Apart from the threat of electrocution, utilizing your electric gazebo heater during Rain or other severe weather conditions may cause the materials or finishing to rust or degrade quickly.
Outdoor electric heaters should be cautiously used to ensure they are securely shielded from rain or turned off. A high-temperature tarp cover could be instrumental in these situations.
To know about the best and safest patio heater to use under covered porch click here.
No, it would be best never to use an electric infrared outdoor heater in the rain. If exposed to Rain, it increases the risk of electrocution. Apart from the threat of electrocution, utilizing your electric gazebo heater during Rain or other severe weather conditions may cause the materials or finishing to rust or degrade quickly.
Outdoor electric heaters should be cautiously used to ensure they are securely shielded from rain or turned off. A high-temperature tarp cover could be instrumental in these situations.
To know about the best and safest patio heater to use under covered porch click here.
No, it would be best never to use an electric infrared outdoor heater in the rain. If exposed to Rain, it increases the risk of electrocution. Apart from the threat of electrocution, utilizing your electric gazebo heater during Rain or other severe weather conditions may cause the materials or finishing to rust or degrade quickly.
Outdoor electric heaters should be cautiously used to ensure they are securely shielded from rain or turned off. A high-temperature tarp cover could be instrumental in these situations.
To know about the best and safest patio heater to use under covered porch click here.
What are the Types of Patio Heaters Available on the Market?
Currently, three types of patio heaters (propane, gas, and electric) are available on the market based on fuel. And in general, two styles are available on the market, and we’ll describe various types of patio heaters, their powers, and other features.
You can check all the best reviewed outdoor patio heaters we recommend here.
1. A standing-style patio heater
i) Mushroom patio heater
Most mushroom heads are propane or gas patio heaters. They usually use a 20-pound propane tank to stabilize the base and a radiator to radiate heat. This type of heater is perfect for open spaces, especially backyards, patios, restaurant patios, and shop fronts.
ii) Pyramid-shaped or glass tube patio heater
Pyramids or glass tubes are best suited for people looking for an aesthetic collection for their patios. These propane-run glass-door heaters are very stunning and sometimes produce spiral flames. However, they do not have significant heat in cold climates.
iii) Tabletop patio heater
A tabletop patio heater can be used if you have a gazebo, pergola, or table on the patio. Tabletop designs usually use mini propane tanks, providing enough heat for 2-3 persons.
iv) Tank- top patio heater
This heater usually has three/four heating bulbs or one circular bulb on the tank directly. Unlike mushroom styles, they do not have any cover and are smaller in height than the free-standing types. As a result, tank-top patio heaters are less safer and suitable for traveling and outdoor use.
2. Mounted patio heater
i) Parasol heater
Many people have parasols or pergolas in their backyards, and parasol heaters are great for illuminating & warm up the environment under the parasol or umbrella. These heaters are typically powered by electricity and have more than two or three bulbs to distribute heat.
ii) Wall-mounted patio heater
This is the most common style among electric patio heaters, and many of them can be used with a tripod stand and wall-mounted. Furthermore, wall-mounted electric patio heaters are safer and perfect for garages, covered porches, balconies, and outdoors.
See some of our recommended wall-mounted patio heaters here.
iii) Hanging patio heater
A very cozy style that provides safe warmth and looks very aesthetic. This patio heater looks like a lamp and can usually be hung under a pergola, on a covered porch, or over the outside food table with the help of a stand.
Things to Consider While Buying a Patio Heater?
A. Portability
Before buying the patio heater, consider portability as the first option. If you plan to use the patio heater in multiple places, consider a propane heater perfect. An electric patio heater is also a handy option; however, this type of patio heater requires a constant electric connection. On the other hand, you can go for a gas patio heater if mobility is not required.
B. Fuel Types and heat output
People with different types of budgets should consider the fuel types according to their capabilities. For example, propane is a more costly option, while infrared heaters or gas patio heaters are more affordable.
Fuel type has a strong connection with the heat output you will need. For example, people in a chilly region should prefer gas patio heaters or multiple high-heat results providing electric patio heaters. Conversely, an electric patio heater is okay for a safer experience in less cold areas.
C. Infrared or Electric?
Infrared technology can be present in a gas or electric patio heater. Choosing an infrared patio heater will help you enjoy the heat more and in a relaxed way. Also, infrared heating consumes lesser energy and ensures efficient energy consumption.
D. Safety
To prevent potential fire disasters and risks, you must check thoroughly for all the safety features, including safety auto shut off, tip-over protection, auto tilt shut down, smokeless, etc.
E. Mounting Styles
Decide where to use the heater and select a mounting style accordingly. As for people aiming for backyard or open commercial spaces, mushroom head or standing-tall patio heaters are excellent, while electric wall-mounted or hanging types are best for covered porches, gazebos, garages, or even open areas.
F. Maintenance and Care
Electric patio heaters are often easier to care for, while gas patio heaters require more careful maintenance and cleaning. Based on family members and your capability, the time you should decide to choose the best type for you.
Infrared vs. Electric Patio Heater (Which one to Buy?)
Infrared heating is the most favorable as it produces less smoke and ensures efficient fuel burning; as a result, the overall experience turns safe and less costly. An electric patio heater can be an infrared or convection method. However, the convection method does not use radiant heating, which makes it difficult to enjoy the warmth properly.
Here is a detailed article on infrared vs electric patio heaters, which might help you understand them better.
What Features Should I Look For?
Like many other things, patio heaters are becoming more consumer-friendly and equipped with intelligent application systems. And all you need to do is to focus on those unique features and existing factors that will influence the whole journey with the heater. We have listed out all those necessary features;
a. Safety auto-off :
The regulator or hose connection of the patio heater can get broken once in a blue, but if there is an auto shut-off system, it will protect you from potential disaster.
b. Auto-off while tilting:
This feature is a must if you have a pet or kids at home. Tilting can cause many fire disasters, or the fallen heater can severely injure your pet/child. Auto shut-off while tilting is an attractive feature to prevent any accident.
c. Android control:
Today’s televisions, air conditioners, and most other home appliances have wi-fi connectivity and an Android control system. So choosing a patio heater that can be controlled with your smartphone is a wise option.
d. Remote control:
Though all patio heaters have a remote control nowadays, many propane or gas heaters rely on manual switches. For better comfort and ease of use, look for remote-controlled heaters.
e. Overheat protection:
Overheating can cause health issues and fire accidents if you get sleepy and leave the heater alone. Always buy wall-mounted or hanging heaters with an overheat protection system.
f. Anti-tip over protection:
Strong wind can cause the outdoor standing heaters to tip over, and this may harm the lawn or catch fire if any flammable things are near. Some excellent heaters have a strong base for preventing tip over. In addition, some heaters have an auto-shutdown system in case they fall over.
g. Timer
If you like to sleep while enjoying the warmth of a patio heater, or if you have children or pets, the timer feature can be handy by allowing you to select the additional time the heater will work, after which it will shut down automatically.
h. Wheels
The wheel feature makes the heater fully portable and easy to carry. If you are planning to buy a standing heater, check for wheels.
i. Temperature control
Check for heaters that have fine temperature control to meet your needs. Usually, patio heaters have different heating modes, for example, three or four levels.
j. Warranties
Always try to buy appliances that have warranties. You would not love to get a faulty product and spend your money on less sturdy products.
When Can I Have Some Discount?
During August and September, the prices start to increase, and if you plan to hit discounts, always aim for summer; many shops intend to clear the stock by giving discounts.
Also, during holiday shopping, amazon, home depot, and many other platforms provide discounts and free shipping!
Where to Buy?
You can buy the patio heater or other home heaters from various e-commerce platforms like; Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. You can also try individual manufacturers’ websites or visit local markets.
Among the online platforms, Amazon provides 7% lower prices than Home Depot and 3% compared to Walmart.
>> You can check the best patio heaters on amazon here. <<
Does Patio Heater Worth It?
Patio heaters are well worth the cost. They may meet various demands and are available in multiple sizes and shapes. People looking for safe outdoor heating options can use patio heaters rather than fire pits or space heaters. Patio heaters are also great for gazebos, pergolas, and covered porches.
Final Verdict
To sum up, select the location and your priorities for installing the patio heater and give more importance to health and family-friendly features while buying a patio heater. Checking quality reviews, customer feedback, special features, and sturdiness will help you buy a perfect patio heater and enjoy a happy journey.
