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Want to enjoy your outdoor space in all seasons? Why not opt for adapted heating? A patio heater is the ally of the most cautious, it offers the possibility of prolonging the pleasure of a moment of relaxation in winter, but also during cool summer evenings.
Patio heaters also have the advantage of being compact. They can become real decorative elements just like solar outdoor lights, provided you choose them in the right way.
In this guide, discover the key elements to quickly and easily find the equipment you need. And since we know your time is precious, we’ve put together the most successful models right now in the list of best patio heaters consumer reports.
Best Patio Heaters Consumer Reports – Reviews & Buying Guide
- 1. Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater With Wheels (Best Commercial Patio Heater)
- 2. Hiland HLDSO1-WGTHG Pyramid Glass Tube Propane Patio Heater With Wheels (Best Propane Patio Heater)
- 3. Briza Infrared Patio Heater For Indoors & Outdoors (Best Electric Patio Heater)
- 4. FDW Tall Standing Hammered Finish Garden Outdoor Patio Heater
- 5. Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Portable Propane Heater For Patio And Garden
How To Use A Patio Heater?
Sum Up
5 Best Patio Heaters To Buy Right Now!
1. Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater With Wheels (Best Commercial Patio Heater)
Have a look at this patio heater that operates on propane. The heater has an energy output of 46,000 BTUs, which is ideal for providing heat to an area of up to a 9-ft radius.
You can use this patio heater at your residential patio or commercial restaurants and cafés.
The patio heater is made of a combination of sturdy plastic, aluminum, and steel with a durable powder-coated finish that helps it withstand all the outdoor elements efficiently.
The inclusion of the Piezo ignition system allows easy push-button start-up. The patio heater has several features such as an auto shut-off tilt valve, a water box to add weight to the base, and wheel assembly for seamless mobility.
You can easily secure the heater when not in use to avoid any damage to it. The heater needs a 20 lbs liquid propane tank to heat the surroundings, which you will have to buy separately.
The company provides a 1-year limited warranty on the product against all manufacturing defects.
2. Hiland HLDSO1-WGTHG Pyramid Glass Tube Propane Patio Heater With Wheels (Best Propane Patio Heater)
Hiland has developed an exceptional patio heater that can easily cover an area of up to 10 square feet.
The patio heater features a reliable ignitor and safety auto shut-off tilt valve, so you don’t have to worry about accidents when using this heater.
The patio heater has an energy output of 40,000 BTUs, which means, you can enjoy great warmth outside as the temperature dips.
When you are done enjoying outside, come inside and enjoy the same warmth, courtesy of the best heat pump.
We really like the design of the patio heater, which features a Quartz Glass Tube, which allows you to see the mesmerizing flame.
Add this patio heater to your patio and see how it transforms the entire surroundings. The patio heater can easily accommodate a 20 lb propane tank that can easily last between 8-10 hours, but you will have to buy it separately.
3. Briza Infrared Patio Heater For Indoors & Outdoors (Best Electric Patio Heater)
This is a portable patio heater that runs on electricity, so you are saved from the hassle of buying and installing a propane tank.
The patio heater comes with hardware that allows you to mount it on walls or ceilings. A tripod stand is also provided in the package, so you can use it as well.
The patio heater comes with a remote, thus letting you control the heater with great ease.
You can turn on and off the unit, adjust the timer and heat levels without being in the vicinity of the heater.
The company has taken care of the safety aspects as well, which is why you will find a built-in sensor in the heater that automatically shuts off the unit in case it tips over, thus reducing the chances of a fire hazard.
The heat produced by the unit is similar to the heat produced by the sun. The heater produces infrared rays that are quickly absorbed by the surfaces around the heater, which results in a quick rise of temperature to bring quick warmth.
The patio heater comes with an IP55 rating, which makes it capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, dust, and more.
You can install the heater in the garage or shed of your home as well. There are 3 heat levels in this heater that include 900, 1200, and 1500 watts.
You can set the timer on the heater using the remote from 1 to 9 hours for the heater to turn off automatically.
4. FDW Tall Standing Hammered Finish Garden Outdoor Patio Heater
FDW brings to you a highly capable patio heater, which runs on liquid propane. You will get the heater well packaged and with all the instructions, thus making it easier for you to set it up.
With an energy output of 41,000 BTUs, the patio heater can efficiently heat your surroundings at night in winter.
The heater can accommodate a 20 lb propane tank that can easily last for 2 weeks.
So, you can enjoy your favorite meals on your lawn or garden on cold winter nights with this patio heater in proximity.
For safety, the company has equipped this patio heater with an auto shut-off tilt valve along with auto shut-off when the gas runs out.
The patio heater is made of high-quality stainless steel, which allows it to go to high temperatures without the worry of melt/burn-off.
The product has been given CSA certification, which is a testimony to its superior quality.
5. Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Portable Propane Heater For Patio And Garden
Ending our list with this incredible patio heater from Sunjoy, which boasts a rust-resistant, powder-coated steel frame with an elegant neutral grey color.
This material offers better heat conversion and also withstands high temperatures. With an energy output of 47,000 BTUs, you can expect fast and long-lasting warmth in the surrounding area.
The company has equipped the patio heater with smart ignition, which allows you to turn on the heater with a simple push of the ignitor button.
There are two heat settings in this patio heater, i.e., low and high, which you can switch using a variable-heat control knob.
The patio heater features an automatic safety tip-over valve, which allows the unit to shut off automatically in case it is accidentally tipped or knocked over.
The inclusion of wheels makes it easier for you to move the heater from one place to another.
How To Choose The Best Patio Heater?
Through this buying guide for the best patio heaters, we help you choose the model you need. Discover our advice that will allow you to invest in quality equipment.
The basic criteria to take into account before purchasing are the type of heating, its power, its design, and its practicality. Here are the parameters to consider when choosing the best patio heater:
Type
The winter season becomes exciting when you have an exciting heating appliance installed inside and outside the house. For inside, you can rely on the best furnace whereas for outdoors, you need a patio heater.
But which type of patio heater is the best value for money? Let’s find out. In the market, you can find electric models and others that are gas-powered.
The first type is, in general, small in size. It must be placed near an electrical point. Some brands offer devices with remote control to offer a great comfort of use.
There are also infrared models that allow instant heat distribution while providing mood light. The second type is often supplied with butane or propane gas. The gas cylinder is usually housed in the base of the appliance.
The most widely used materials for outdoor heaters are steel, aluminum, and sometimes quartz. There are also examples of which the heating body is provided with PVC or glass.
Power
Electric heaters often have power between 1500 and 2500 W. You can see this information on price comparison. The power of the device you are going to buy should be chosen according to the surface to be heated.
For a terrace of less than 20 square meters, for example, a 1500 W model will do. You can install it on the terrace, the balcony, or in the garden, on flat ground and in a corner sheltered from the wind.
In general, electric heaters diffuse less heat than gas, but they quickly heat the area where they are installed. Thus, for a surface of more than 20 meters square, you can bet on a gas appliance, its heating power will be gradual, but intense.
Design And Practicality
The final parameters to consider before deciding where to buy a new patio heater are its design and practicality. Electric and gas heaters come in different shapes: square, oval, round, and with various heights.
The ideal is to opt for the one whose look is in harmony with your exterior decoration. If you like simple looks or clean lines, you can choose a steel part that has a colored coating or is shaped like a metal tube.
For an industrial or country style, go for a metal model or one that is dressed with wooden elements on the parts away from the heat source.
To promise you great comfort of use, the majority of outdoor heaters can be moved as you wish. Their support can be swiveling or fixed and some are equipped with casters.
How To Use A Patio Heater?
It is important to choose a patio heater correctly based on specific criteria. But it should also be used to make your moments of relaxation outdoors as pleasant as possible. This is because some people do not know how to use it at full capacity.
Find A Location
The place where you are going to place your patio heater is an important point for your comfort. So, you can put it next to outdoor furniture, like a sofa or an armchair.
An installation near a hammock is also ideal for a warm nap in the middle of winter. Also, determine which way the wind is blowing and place the device between you and the air stream so you don’t get cold.
Install The Product
This part is not to be taken lightly since your comfort depends on it. The distance between you and the device should be at least 60 cm horizontally and at least 50 cm vertically.
This will allow you to take full advantage of the heat without burning or running out of oxygen. Also, if you have an enclosed patio, make sure you have a working ventilation system to prevent suffocation.
Adjust Patio Heating
In general, recent models are equipped with a thermostatic valve. If this is the case with yours, you just have to choose the intensity by turning from the minimum indication to the maximum one and vice versa.
If the internal temperature of a house emitted by this type of device should be 20 degrees Celsius on average, the outdoor device should display within 25 degrees Celsius, or even 30 degrees Celsius so that people around do not feel the wind and cold. Of course, it depends on the surface to be heated.
Programming The Heating
In some cases, it is possible to perform programming on this type of machine. It is a process that is used to prepare the terrace for your next moment of relaxation.
Indeed, this allows the device to be started automatically a few minutes before your arrival. So, you can plan the temperature to be 20 degrees Celsius or higher for a set period of time.
Some specimens also have the systematic shutdown function which will turn off the heating after such or such hours of operation.
Maintain The Boiler
For an electrical appliance, check the condition of the lamp and replace it if necessary. For a gas model, maintain it regularly using a damp cloth to get rid of dust and dead insects.
If you are using a wood-burning specimen, then proceed to sweeping the chimney, cleaning the boiler, checking the various functions, and finishing with the adjustment.
If you have the necessary equipment, measure the temperature of the fumes, the rate of oxygen and Co2 that the latter contains, and make sure that there is no carbon monoxide.
Observe Some Safety Instructions
It is advisable to keep a certain distance from the device when it is in operation for health reasons. Install the device on a flat and stable surface.
There is then no risk of it tipping over in the event of strong wind or impact. Children must never play around the machine, to avoid any accidents. Always turn off the heater when not in use and remember to close the gas cylinder valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Turn On Patio Heater
It is very easy to turn on the patio heater. You need to turn the control knob of the patio heater to the pilot position. Keep holding the control knob and press the ‘Stick’ button at least 5 times. Doing this will turn on the ignition. Now, allow the control knob to automatically pop out once a flame gets going.
How To Light Patio Heater Manually
If the automatic ignition is not working on your patio heater, then you will have to find a way to light your patio heater manually.
To do so, you need to turn on the control knob to the pilot position. Then, turn it around to 45 degrees counter-clockwise. As the control knob is turned to the pilot position, light the patio heater, preferably using a candle lighter because it is the safest compared to other types of lighters.
Find the matching lighting hole to insert the candle lighter. Once inserted, light the candle, and your patio heater will heat up.
How To Keep Patio Heater From Tipping Over
Finding the right spot to install your patio heater is very important and here are the tips that you can keep in mind to prevent your patio heater from tipping over:
- Make sure that the base of your patio heater is stabilized.
- Keep the patio heater in an area away from hazards.
- If included, make sure to check the anti-tilt features in your patio heater.
- Prefer a mounted patio heater.
Sum Up
With different types of patio heaters available on the market, it can be tricky for anyone to determine the best patio heater. However, you can make the buying process a lot easier now that you have read the information about 5 best patio heaters consumer reports along with a comprehensive buying guide. Give your patio a new and improved look by installing a beautiful patio heater. Place your order today!