Which Patio Heater Works For You:

There are many different options to consider when purchasing a good patio heater. These options should be looked at before anyone purchases a heater that will not work for their home.  The first key feature you need to look for is the power source. You can purchase an electric patio heater, a propane patio heater or a natural gas patio heater. Propane has been touted as the more expensive of fuels, but it’s portable and quite efficient. The price advantage between natural gas and electricity varies from year to year, and location. There are some natural gas patio heaters, but you’ll have to install a natural gas line and that could turn out to be quite expensive, due to labor. It is important not to simply use a tabletop patio heater, as their maximum output of heat is roughly ½ of that of a good patio heater. Though buying a table top patio heater may cost you less, this will go along with the “you get what you pay for” adage.  Another key feature you’ll need to explore is the reflector size. A good rule of thumb is, the larger the reflector, the farther the heat will go out over the intended area.

Patio Heater Safety:

Upon further inspection make sure that the outdoor patio heater you choose has an automatic shut off valve in case the fire goes out. An automatic shut off, will keep the gas from flowing if the fire goes out, and keep you safe. There are also heaters that have restricting airflow screens to help keep the wind out of the heater, so that heat can permeate regardless of the weather.  And lastly, is the finish.  I always recommend purchasing a finish (exterior look and design) that will match your backyard, however the two most popular finishes right now are the standard steel patio heater and the stainless steel patio heater. 

Patio Heater Igniters And Covers:

You should always consider getting a good heater that has a pushbutton electric igniter, which is much safer than lighting the fire with a match.  Also, make sure that the one you purchase comes with a patio heater cover; if it doesn’t, be sure to purchase one.  The last thing you want is ashes blowing in high winds when not in use and dirtying up the rest of your patio furniture.

Patio Outdoor Heater Warranties:

Warranties are important to any major purchase, included a good patio outdoor heater. Make sure that you look over the manufacturer’s warranty before you purchase a heater. Read through and look for longer terms than 90 days, and make sure that warranty includes parts and labor in case anything goes wrong with your specific device.

Best Outdoor Patio Heaters:

Commercial heaters are meant to withstand more than residential heaters, but they will cost more. There are several major brands with different highly rated consumer options. These options include the Solaira All-Season Quartz Patio Heater at around $280, the Endless Summer Patio Heater 92000 at around $125, the Garden Sun Patio Heater Outdoor Propane Patio Heater at $175,  and the Easy Radiant Free-Standing Patio Heater at $760. Regardless of the size of your patio, there are definitely great opportunities to keep you warm no matter what the occasion.  Also, there are more common names you’re probably familiar with that are fairly inexpensive, such as the Bernzomatic patio heater and the Coleman patio heater.  These two companies have been around, for what seems like, forever and come with fairly comparable warranties.

Cheap Patio Heaters!

There are cheaper models available to consumers, however, it is not advised to purchase too cheap of a model. You want to be safe and you want to make sure nothing goes wrong with your heater. Regardless of the fuel source, you should weigh your options and make sure that you pick the right heater for your needs. There are many popular brands, and many small upgrades that you can take advantage of, but these vary from store to store. Shopping around is a good idea, as there are many different price ranges to choose from.