Who doesn’t love grilling out on the patio in the summertime? We know we do. In fact, most American families are avid supporters of the BBQ tank mart, especially on traditional summer holidays like the Fourth of July (70%), Labor Day (50%), and Memorial Day (51%). Many families host lunch and dinner outside using BBQ grills and smokers during these holidays.
But here’s a problem with eating al fresco: it’s too drafty!
So, if you’re like one of us and feel that your patio can get chilly away from a fireplace, patio heaters are your answer.
They look great and provide a cozy atmosphere leaving an otherwise cold area of your house, warm. And we believe that’s all you need when it comes to deciding if patio heaters are right for you or not.
However, with a variety of models to choose from, it could seem like a difficult task to narrow down your options. Here’s a list of tips for buying patio heaters to help you make an easy decision:
Patio Heater Buying Guide
1. Decide fuel source for the patio heater
The most popular types of patio heaters are propane, electric, and natural gas-fueled models, with propane being the most widely available and used. Though electric patio heaters do not require any fuel, they can be a little expensive to run. On the other hand, propane or natural gas patio heaters only require a fuel source and may be less expensive to run than an electric model.
These heaters are made of either aluminum or stainless steel, with an enamel finish for color. But beware, as some very inexpensive models are made from powder-coated steel, which doesn’t hold up well to the elements (and their paint will chip).
Also, it’s best to look for a propane tank storage compartment to hide it neatly. At Propane Ninja, we provide our valuable customers a protective cover for above the flame if you’re using it as a tabletop heater.
2. Choose the patio heater of the right size for your space
Next, think about the size of your patio and how many people you’ll typically have over for outdoor parties and get-togethers. This will help you determine if you need a large patio heater or if a smaller one will suffice.
Most manufacturers will provide information regarding how large of an area their product can warm up based on the BTU output of the heater. This information can help you decide how large of a heater you need so that you don’t end up with one that is too small or too large for your space.
3. Consider the design of your outdoor space when choosing a style of heater
There are three main styles of outdoor heaters, as discussed above. Here is some basic information on the different models to help you decide which type would suit your needs best:
· Propane patio heaters are usually freestanding
Some are designed to be portable and come with wheels for easy movement. They usually have a built-in base that can be filled with water or sand to ensure stability. This ensures that the heater will not tip over easily, especially when people accidentally bump into it.
Propane patio heaters can also be mounted on a wall or ceiling. These are generally permanent fixtures in an outdoor area, and homeowners do not have to worry about them being stolen or easily tipped over. In addition, wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted heaters emit heat at waist level, unlike freestanding models, which emit heat from a point several feet above ground level.
Propane patio heaters use liquid propane gas, which is stored in a tank that either comes with the heater or needs to be purchased separately and can be filled by a reliable local dealer or exchanged at a propane exchange location like us.
The tank attaches directly to your heater, providing a continuous supply of fuel so you can enjoy your outdoor space for hours on end. Propane models offer plenty of power and work well for large areas needing extra warmth during cool-weather months.
· Natural gas patio heaters can also be freestanding or mounted on walls or ceilings
As with freestanding propane models, natural gas patio heaters often come with a built-in base that can be filled with water or sand for stability. Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted natural gas patio heaters require professional installation to ensure proper ventilation and secure mounting to prevent potential accidents.
Moreover, natural gas heaters typically don’t have as much power as their propane counterparts. They must be hooked up to a natural gas line, which means the reach of your heater is limited by how far it can stretch before the connection is lost.
4. Check safety features
They say, “safety is paramount to long-term risk management, ” and rightfully so.
Your patio heater should be equipped with a tip-over shutoff switch that automatically shuts off the gas if it’s accidentally bumped or knocked over. Look for this feature when shopping for outdoor heaters since it’ll prevent accidents or fires.
You’ll also want to ensure your heater is CSA-certified (CSA International is a product safety testing and certification organization).
Seems like a lot?
Sit back, relax and get high-quality patio heaters from Propane Ninja across Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, and Sarasota. Our reliable quality inspection rounds performed on all propane cylinders before delivery ensure 100% customer satisfaction. We also deal with the leasing of patio heaters, propane delivery for heater repair, and delivery of propane fuel for forklift.
For more information, visit our website to create a free account or contact us today!