Well, it’s almost that time when you have to close up that gorgeous patio because it’s too cold outside. But if you had the right heater you may never have to close it up at all! There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right outdoor heater. But once you get the right one for your patio, you can enjoy those sunsets once more. With the nights creeping up early, a nice warm glow in the patio is something you can look forward to all day!
How to choose the best propane patio heater
Well, just like anything else, there are a few factors to consider before you start your search for the perfect patio heater. These parameters will help narrow your search results. There are numerous options for heaters out there, so make sure you know what you are looking for before you dive in.
Fuel
Probably the biggest decision you have to make before you go hunting for heaters is the type of heater you want. The most common types of heaters used are electric and propane. Of course, there are also the old classic wood-fueled heaters. The main advantage of using a propane-fueled heater is cost-effectiveness. Propane is cheaper than electricity when you compare the number of units of heat generated. It is also easy to set up unlike wood or kerosene-fueled heaters.
Area
The next thing to consider is how large the patio is and how much of it you would like to have heated. Heaters do not function in the same way outdoors as they do indoors. Since there is no circulation of hot air, the area that you would like to be heated plays an important role in selecting your heater.
Intensity
How hot do you want the area to get? While there is no thermostat attached to an outdoor heater, its heat output is how you can gauge just how hot it may get. Naturally the higher the output, the more the heat, and also subsequently more fuel usage.
Best Propane Fueled Patio Heaters
Here is a list of the best propane heaters that you can install on your patio. Remember to consider the above-mentioned parameters before making a decision.
Hiland Quartz Glass Tube Heater; 40,000BTU ($769)
The Hiland Quartz Glass Tube Heater will make a beautiful addition to your patio. Its tall elegant design will definitely have your family and guests peering into the flames. It provides 360-degree heating and is perfect for a patio gathering. Even when not in use, this heater makes for an attractive centerpiece.
The heater comes with an in-built lighter. It also has an anti-tilt shut-off feature that prevents it from causing a fire hazard if tipped over. The heater uses a standard 20lb propane tank.
Heat output: 40,000BTU
Buy: Hiland Quartz Glass Tube Heater ($769)
Sunglo Propane Gas Patio Heater; 40,000BTU ($1565)
This Sunglo patio heater is a classic gas patio heater. This heater comes with a reflector heat that prevents loss of heat by reflecting it back down. The reflector also helps distribute heat more evenly. The freestanding design lets you place the heater anywhere in your patio without worrying about annoying cables or pipes.
The device is fitted with battery-operated ignition. When running it can heat up an area of approximately 12 feet in diameter. You also do not have to worry about the wind blowing out the flame since the Sunglo heater has an automatic switch-off function that prevents gas from escaping when there is no flame.
Heat output: 40,000BTU
Buy: Sunglo Propane Gas Patio Heater ($1565)
Nova Patio Heater; 46,000BTU ($999)
This rugged-looking patio heater is sure to fit into any outdoor area with ease. The Nova patio heater contains a ceramic heating element that puts out an impressive 46,000BTU of heat. The lower compartment is designed to make it easy to switch out your propane cylinders.
The unit uses a standard 20lb propane tank. It has an electronic ignition system that runs on batteries, so there is no hassle of wires. The Nova Patio Heater can heat an area of approximately 9.5 feet radius.
Heat output: 46,000BTU
AZ Propane Gas Patio Heater; 40,000BTU ($380)
This big bad wolf is great if you have a nice large patio. While it does stand tall at close to 7 feet, that also means that it has great heat distribution all along its length. The AZ Patio heater has a free-standing design that lets you place it anywhere you like. Its compartment at the bottom supports a standard 20lb propane tank. It also makes it very easy to change out the tank when you need to.
This heater comes with a safety tilt switch that shuts off the gas if ever tipped over to prevent any damage. It also has an automatic switch-off function that prevents gas from escaping when there is no flame. There are two heat settings (Low, High) that can be accessed on the unit itself.
Heat output: 40,000BTU
Buy: AZ Propane Gas Patio Heater ($380)
Dyna-Glo Pyramid Flame Gas Patio Heater; 42,000BTU ($365)
This beautiful pyramid stand-alone heater is perfect for patios with an outdoor feel. The hammered bronze finish makes it fit in perfectly with your outdoor setup. The Dyna-Glo Pyramid heater features a clear glass flame display in the center that is sure to catch the attention of your guests.
The heater uses a standard 20lb propane tank that can be changed easily using the hatch in the lower compartment. It has an electric ignition set up that works well even in a breeze. The unit is mounted on wheels making it easy to move around the patio.
Heat output: 42,000BTU
Buy: Dyna-Glo Pyramid Flame Gas Patio Heater ($365)
Oakmont Premium Outdoor Patio Heater; 40,000BTU ($160)
This classy heater is sure to up your patio game. The heater boasts of a heat radius of approximately 18 feet in diameter! The Oakmont Premium Patio Heater has an aluminum reflector head that helps distribute the heat more evenly.
The heater has an automatic switch-off system when it is tilted to prevent any possible damage. The gas is immediately turned off when the flame goes out. You need not worry about getting a separate lighter because the Oakmont patio heater has its own pulse ignition built-in.
Heat output: 40,000BTU
Buy: Oakmont Premium Outdoor Patio Heater ($160)
Hampton Bay Heat-Focusing Propane Patio Heater; 38,200BTU ($200)
The Hampton Bay heater utilizes the classic outdoor heater design but adds its own little features to it. Small as they may be, these add a lot of value to the product and make you wonder why other heaters don’t come with them! The heater comes with a set of wheels attached to the side which lets you tile the device to move it wherever you like. This makes it so much easier to place your heater at different spots depending on where you are sitting.
Another point that makes this heater stand out is the reflector head. While most of the heaters in this design have reflectors, this reflector head can be adjusted to better focus the heat. The tilting mechanism on the head lets you direct the heat exactly where it is needed instead of spreading it out everywhere. When directed this heater can heat up a section of 120 sq.ft.
Heat output: 38,000BTU
Buy: Hampton Bay Heat-Focusing Propane Patio Heater ($200)
Hiland Table Top Patio Heater; 11,000BTU ($250)
This tabletop heater is perfect for your patio if you don’t want to lug around a big piece of metal. Tabletop heaters provide perfect heat for seated situations as compared to standalone ones. While the heat output may seem less, this heat is directed right at your body.
The Hiland Tabletop heater features a regulator to adjust the heat output. It also has a weighted bottom and an anti-tilt switch off function to prevent it from causing any damage if it were tipped over.
Heat output: 11,000BTU
Buy: Hiland Table Top Patio Heater ($250)
Hiland Table Top Pyramid Glass Patio Heater; 9,500BTU ($157)
If it is aesthetics you are going for, you cannot go wrong with this glass pyramid design from Hiland. This tabletop heater is sure to mesmerize you and your guests with its dancing flames. The heater uses a 1lb propane tank that can easily be fitted. It can also be connected to a regular 20lb cylinder using a 5′ adapter hose.
The heater comes with an anti-tilt safety feature so that you do not have to worry about bumping into it.
Heat output: 9,500BTU
Buy: Hiland Table Top Pyramid Glass Patio Heater ($157)
Dura Heat 360 Degree Outdoor Propane Heater; 25,000BTU ($134)
This rugged-looking heater can be placed on a tabletop or even below a large table. The heat output is evenly distributed by the 360-degree design. The Dura Heat heater has a dual cylinder set up which is quite unique. This lets you bump up the heat output to a whopping 25,000BTUs.
A two 1lb propane tanks fit perfectly within the heater. You can also hook it up with a standard 20lb tank using an extension hose. The heater has a built-in oxygen depletion sensor that will automatically turn the device off when the levels drop. Of course, this is only if it is used indoors. It also has a tip-over shut off function.
Heat output: 25,000BTU
Buy: Dura Heat 360 Degree Outdoor Propane Heater ($134)
Dyna-Glo Cabinet Heater; 18,000BTU ($120)
Here is another rugged-looking heater that can be used on a tabletop or simply in the corner of a room. This heater can easily be carried around and can also be used indoors. It comes with a set of wheels that lets you drag it to the perfect spot. The sleek black finish on this heater makes it fit nicely into any decor setting.
The oxygen depletion sensor automatically cuts off the gas supply when levels drop. It also has a tip-over shut off function. It can be attached to a standard 20lb propane tank. The Dyna-Glo cabinet heater has three heat settings and an electric ignition system.
Heat output (Max): 18,000BTU
Buy: Dyna-Glo Cabinet Heater ($120)
AZ Patio Heaters Propane Fire Pit; 40,000BTU ($222)
If you are looking to up the aesthetic of your patio, this is the way to do it. This gorgeous firepit by AZ Patio Heaters is as beautiful as they come. The open flame is sure to ‘spark’ conversation among your guests. The heater uses lava rocks to disperse the flame.
These beautiful burning rocks give dancing light to your patio. The heater requires a standard 20lb propane tank that is neatly hidden in the compartment below. It has an electric ignition system that is easy to use and comes with a thermocouple flame failure device that prevents gas from escaping when the flame is lost.
Heat output (Max): 40,000BTU
Buy: AZ Patio Heaters Propane Fire Pit ($222)
Tacklife Outdoor Companion Fire Pit Table; 50,000BTU ($190)
Here is another gorgeous piece of furniture that adds both class and heat to your patio. This fire pit doubles as a table when not in use, and can be used as a centerpiece in your patio. The fire pit uses lava stone to diffuse the flame and give a beautiful outdoor campfire effect.
A 20lb propane tank fits perfectly under the burner and is hidden by the metal wicker sides. It has an auto-ignition function and has a dial to adjust the intensity of the open flames.
Heat output (Max): 50,000BTU
Buy: Tacklife Outdoor Companion Fire Pit Table ($190)
We hope this article helped. If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below.
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