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Patio Heater Buying Guide | How to Buy a Patio Heater

The whole point of having an outdoor space is to spend more time outdoors, right? Well, the idea of being in the elements after the sun goes down or the calendar turns to winter can be enough to send a chill down your spine. But you don’t have to settle for shivering on your patio or looking longingly into your backyard as it goes to waste in the cold — not when you can invest in an outdoor patio heater! These appliances extend the outdoor season even amid brisk evenings and colder months, creating a year-round outdoor space for family and friends.

Outdoor heaters are fairly inexpensive and low-maintenance appliances, but you may encounter some frustration sorting through the hundreds of models on the market today. Many seem identical, with only a few subtle differences of note. To help clear up the confusion, our outdoor heating experts compiled this guide covering the main points to consider when buying a patio heater. It’s our hope that the warmth of wisdom will lead you toward the right decision for your space.

Outdoor Heater Fuel Type Options

The track to toastier outdoor gatherings starts here. This decision will play a major role in which outdoor heater you settle on, mostly because certain fuel types present particular installation requirements. Gas heaters, for example, have different concerns that arise depending on whether the unit runs on natural gas or propane. Electric models bring fewer considerations — it’s much easier to plug something in than to constantly supply it with combustible fuel — but let’s get to the specifics.

Keep in Mind: Because gas patio heaters produce heat by combusting gas, they produce harmful byproducts that must be vented. That’s why most gas outdoor heaters require constant airflow, can’t be recessed into walls or ceilings, and shouldn’t be installed indoors or in enclosed areas with inadequate ventilation. Many electric heaters, however, don’t have airflow requirements and can be recessed or installed in areas with poorer ventilation. No matter which fuel type you choose, always refer to your owner’s manual for proper installation requirements and clearance to combustible materials.

Patio Heaters Offer Several Mounting Options

Fuel type: check. Infrared: check. Next up is the actual type of outdoor patio heater, which we classify based on how it is (or isn’t) mounted. Luckily for you, this decision is heavily dependent on the ones you just made — mounting type is closely tied to fuel source. Unsure of what we mean? For instance, freestanding and tabletop patio heaters are often fueled by portable propane tanks. Permanent installations like post mounted outdoor heaters, on the other hand, typically run on bulk propane or natural gas. In the event you need another example, electric patio heaters are most often available in wall or ceiling mounts and have the added benefit of allowing recessed or flush-mounted installations. There’s a bit more to it than that, though, so let’s turn up the heat on mounting types!

Other Things to Consider When Shopping for Patio Heaters

Feels good to be done with the big decisions, doesn’t it? Before we let you go, however, we’d like you to think over a few more pertinent points when it comes to buying a patio heater. Warranties: they’re a pretty big deal. Average heating area: kind of the whole reason you’re buying one of these things. Outdoor heater accessories: you might actually be surprised by how much is out there! Let’s take them one by one so you can leave this article with all the knowledge you need to move forward.

Residential/Commercial Warranty

These units are fit for both backyard and commercial use, so make sure you select a model with the right type of warranty. Bars, restaurants, and other businesses that want to keep guests warm year-round must choose from a brand that offers commercial warranties to ensure their heaters are covered. Though these appliances are generally low-maintenance and hold up well under continuous use in any setting, you never know when something could go wrong. Don’t know where to start? Our patio heater warranty chart will help you find the right type of coverage from a trusted brand.

Average Heating Area

Obviously, this is one of the most important factors to keep in mind as you do your research. Start by measuring the length, width, and total square footage of the space you need heated. With the knowledge that the average heating area for any outdoor heater is about 100 square feet, the size of your space will largely determine the type and number of units you should choose. There’s also the fact that post-mounted heaters and free-standing conventional models produce heat in a circular radius, so they’ll need to be centrally positioned in a space. Wall or ceiling mounts, meanwhile, generate directional heat and should therefore be installed to cover the entire space you wish to heat. Factoring in the type of heat transfer alongside your total heating area will help you make the right decision.

Outdoor Heater Accessories

It might be hard to imagine accessories for patio heaters, but they do exist! Control devices are the most prominent among them, and they can get fairly complicated. Remember that permanently mounted heaters usually need to be hardwired — when installing just 1, you have a simple choice of an on/off switch, dimmer switch, or remote control. But in the event multiple units are being set up, several brands provide various control systems based on the complexity of your arrangement.

You know what’s not complicated? Patio heater covers! Keeping your outdoor heater covered when not in use will help it look new for years to come and extend its lifespan, so including this accessory is a no-brainer. Though freestanding and portable models can be easily stored inside during the warm season, we still recommend covering them to block out moisture and dust.

Mounting brackets are another must-have for units positioned on ceilings and walls. Directional brackets are particularly helpful because they let you tilt or turn your heater right where you need warmth most, while drop brackets play a similar role for specifically ceiling heaters. As always, be sure to check your owner’s manual for proper clearance from combustibles and mounting options before installation.

That warm, fuzzy feeling you’ve got right now — that’s the feeling of knowing you’re ready to make some big decisions. Coincidentally, that’s also the feeling you get when sitting in front of a patio heater. Anyway, we want to continue guiding you toward the right heater for your outdoor space, so call our experts at 1-877-743-2269 if you have additional questions. It would also be wise to visit our Free Outdoor Living Design Service, especially if you’re having trouble figuring out how many units you need to properly heat your space. With their help and the information from this article, you’ll have a warmer backyard in no time!

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