Patio heaters are all the rage in outdoor living spaces. These heaters can provide substantial heat to create a warm and welcoming patio, porch, or other outdoor location. They can be found in many different design styles, sizes, material selections, colors, and fuel options. Learn how to choose the best patio heater to suit your outdoor space, decor, and budget.
One of the first things you should do when shopping for a new patio heater is to determine the size it needs to be to fit your patio or outdoor space. Patios and outdoor living spaces come in various sizes. Some patios may extend outward to combine with a pool, hot tub, or other outdoor feature. Another important consideration is how many people you intend to have surrounding your patio heater. Most manufacturers of patio heaters list the BTU output, and this number can help ensure that your selected patio heater will be the size you need to keep you and your guests warm on cooler days and chilly evenings.
Patio heaters come with several different fuel sources, and you will need to decide which fuel type will best suit your outdoor heating purposes. A popular type of patio heater is the electric version. With this type of model, there is no need to mess with toxic fuels or to determine a safe storage area. Natural gas and propane patio heaters are also available and may often be less expensive to operate than the electric models. Another popular choice are infrared patio heaters as a viable alternative to electric models. You can save money on fuel by purchasing eco-friendly patio heaters.
Most patio heaters are crafted from stainless steel or aluminum, with an enamel finish that gives them their color. Most patio heater experts recommend avoiding patio heaters that are crafted from less expensive powder-coated steel. These heater versions tend to not fare well when exposed to the outdoor elements over time. Paint often begins to chip with these models, which can be dangerous.
There are many different styles of patio heaters available on the marketplace. These include freestanding patio heaters, tabletop versions, hanging patio heaters, and mounted varieties. Try to find a patio heater that matches your outdoor space decor and/or architectural style for a coordinated appearance.
Some patio heaters come with added features that can make the unit safer when in use. Look for a tip-over switch for freestanding and/or tabletop models that shuts the heater off when tilted to an unsafe degree. There should also be a safety shutoff switch to lessen fire risks as well.