7 Small Changes That Will Make A Big Difference With Your Best Gas Patio Heater

How to Choose the Best Gas Patio Heater Gas patio heaters use propane instead of electric patio heaters which require electricity and are expensive to run. On hot days, they can also sputter or burn through the tank quickly. Look for pyramid-style heaters that can be connected to standard propane tanks and produce 40,000 Btu or more. These will typically warm larger areas and more cold temperatures than tabletop or dome-top patio heaters. 1. Infrared Infrared heating is an excellent option for patios as it is efficient and warms people and objects. It's also safe to touch. This is essential if you are spending time outside in winter and want your outdoor seating to last as long as it can. When you're looking for a patio heater, pay attention to the Btu output. This is a standard measurement unit that determines the amount of power a heater draws. A higher Btu rating indicates that the heater is able to warm up your outdoor space faster and more efficient. If you live in a region with a colder climate, or plan to host guests, look for models that can generate over 40,000 Btu. This will ensure that everyone stays warm. The highest Btu output is typically located in pyramid- or dome-shaped patio heating units. This makes it possible to warm larger areas and keep a large number of people comfortably at the same time. The top infrared patio heaters are equipped with a variety of features like automatic tip-over shutoffs, as well as remote controls that make them simple to use and long-lasting. Some even have a cover for extra protection from the elements. Those looking to upgrade their patio space with the ultimate in luxury could select an infrared gas heater with an integrated LED lighting system that offers lighting that enhances mood and makes the area more inviting. If you're not keen on spending extra on an infrared gas patio heater, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from. For instance, our Top Pick for Best Value, the Bromic Heating Tungsten Infrared Patio Heater is a dependable and cost-effective model that can produce a huge amount of heat. Its high, angled head is perfect to direct heat to the seating area in your backyard. The patio heater comes with wheels at the base of its stand that will let you easily move it around your yard as required, and it runs on both natural gas and propane. Modine OHP34S48 is a freestanding gas infrared heater that has two heat settings and 360deg oscillation. It is also built to last with a sturdy construction. This model is ideal if you have a natural-gas line in your backyard. It can be connected directly to the gas line of your home, so you'll never run out of. 2. BTU Many gas patio heaters boast a high energy output, which makes them ideal for large outdoor areas. However, the amount of heat a patio heater provides is dependent on its size, location, and other elements that are important to take into account all variables before choosing one. The BTU rating of an outdoor heater is a good method to determine its power. BTU stands for British Thermal Units. It indicates how much heat the heater is able to generate per hour. BTU ratings, which are often listed by the manufacturer, refer to the amount of space a heater can be able to comfortably heat in ideal conditions. You can also calculate the number of BTUs required for an outdoor heater by multiplying the area of your patio and the desired temperature increase. Natural Gas and Propane are the most popular patio heater fuels because they generate a lot of heat quickly. This makes them an ideal choice for large outdoor areas in commercial establishments as well as homes that are residential. They are more expensive than electric ones, and they may require refilling or replaced often. However they are convenient since you can buy propane tanks at convenience stores or gas stations. Some gas patio heaters have safety features that keep you and your guests secure when using them. Best gas patio heaters UK include an automatic shut-off valve that stops the unit from overheating, and an electronic lighter to make it easier to ignite. Some include a safety guard around the flame to protect it from accidental contact, reducing the chance of burning. In addition to safety features, some models of gas patio heaters are attractive. Some have a classic design with intricate details, ideal for a sophisticated outdoor setting. Others have an edgier style that highlights natural materials and earthy tones perfect for a relaxing backyard. A few of our favorite models also emit the flickering flame which can enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. 3. Coverage When considering a gas patio heater, it is important to consider its coverage. For instance, if intend to entertain guests outdoors regularly, you may want to purchase a heater with a larger coverage area to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the warmth and conversation without being too close. The height of the patio heater is a different aspect to consider when determining its coverage. In general, taller propane patio heaters will provide more heat than shorter options due to their ability to radiate heat from multiple directions simultaneously. Thomas Bonfiglio, CEO of Triple T Hospitality, said that's one of the reasons his New York and New Jersey restaurants opted for dome- and pyramid-top heaters for their outdoor dining areas. The heaters are great for heating the space and keeping the table warm. Although taller propane patio heaters usually provide more coverage, they also require more space to operate, and the heat output could decrease in windy conditions. This is why it's crucial to select a model that has an anti-wind design. Other things to take into consideration when choosing the best gas patio heater is the power source and installation method. Certain models are permanent fixtures that have to be connected to a natural gas line, while others are portable and run off of a propane tank. The kind of fuel used influences the cost of maintenance and repairs associated with the heater. Electric heaters are more affordable to run than propane options. However they take longer to heat and lack the power needed to cover large areas of patio. In addition, they need to 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 a higher energy output and can cover as much as 215 square feet. Installed by a professional, they must be kept clear of burning combustibles. They require a greater initial cost than their electric counterparts but can be controlled remotely or on the basis of a timer. 4. Safety When shopping for a gas patio heater, it is important to think about safety. Many models have anti-tip features, such as an adjustable bottom that is weighted and a tilt shutoff valve to stop the heater from tipping and setting your backyard ablaze. Some models come with a carbon monoxide alarm and detector that will turn the heater off if there is an issue with the leak. If you want to make sure that your patio heater is safe, look for CSA certification. This means that it has been tested independently by an outside party and is in compliance with safety standards for outdoor use. Another feature to consider when choosing a patio gas heater is the overall appearance. There are many styles to choose from. They include umbrellas and pyramid models, as well wall-mounted models which are smaller, less obtrusive, and can easily blend in with your deck or yard. There are also various colors to pick from. Steel in stainless and black are the most common however some brands offer many colors that match your personal style. Gas patio heaters are more affordable in terms of fuel consumption and also offer more heat for a larger space. However they need an amount of natural ventilation to function safely, which is why they're not suitable for small or enclosed spaces. Certain manufacturers make propane models that don't require a gas line to operate and are powered by standard 20-pound tanks, similar to your grill. The most effective propane patio heaters come with an easy-to-assemble design that can withstand the most severe weather conditions. One model we tested can withstand wind speeds that can reach 60 mph. Its easy assembly took less than an hr with only a few hand tools. It can be used with any 20-pound propane tank, and the automatic tip-over shutoff ensures that it will stop working in the event of a tip-over. Other models on our list have additional safety features, like a flame failure sensor that will shut off the gas flow when the flame has been extinguished. Depending on where you reside you may want to select the propane patio heater that is endorsed by your local fire department or is the UL safety certification.