This heater checks in at 48,000 max BTUs and it shows. The heater offers an easy push-and-hold sparking ignition button and weighs just 5.85 pounds (without the propane cylinder). It comes with a cover and carrying straps for even easier portability. It kept us toasty and required minimal assembly. We loved the portability of the little heater. Overall, the heat output was terrific, and the style is attractive. Like the Thermo Tiki, this Hiland patio heater features a stylish pyramid design with a faux flame, which can run eight to 10 hours on high. Except for the smallest space heaters, most propane patio heaters feature a cabinet that conceals the propane tank to create a cleaner look. The level of difficulty was roughly on par with assembling Ikea furniture: there were manuals that occasionally needed a little interpretation. Flickering flames dance up and down the transparent glass tube at the center of the Pamapic Pyramid Flame Patio Heater. After testing each of these heaters, we found that the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland Freestanding Patio Heater and Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater offered the best heat output, concealed the propane tanks the best, and were stylish overall. Like the Fire Sense, it has a Piezo ignition system for a push-button start, requires a 20-pound propane tank, and has safety auto-shutoffs. Propane tanks arent heavy enough to keep your outdoor patio heater safe if a strong wind picks up. Shop your favorite products and well find the best deal with a single click. This heater is perfect for those who value style over functionality. Mr. Heater features an automatic shutoff in the event it tips over. If youre looking for a reliable source of patio heat, a natural gas heater could be a cost-effective way to entertain outdoors, even during cool weather. The Dr Infrared Heater features adjustable heat output and plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet, so theres no need to fill and haul propane tanks. Within two feet of the pyramid heater, averaging all points, you get a change of 7.49 degrees. The upside to a natural gas patio heater is a lower operating cost because natural gas is usually a less expensive power source than propane. And we like that you can adjust the output to combat a light autumnal chill or seriously frosty nights. Some are quite large and will hold up to a 20-gallon propane tanka boon when you wish to heat a large area for an extended period. This Bromic patio heater is an excellent option if you want heat that you can direct at yourself and your group, instead of wasting energy heating a space beyond your patio furniture. It connects to a 1-pound propane cylinder and produces up to 3,800 BTUs of welcoming heat. Electric patio heaters are typically smaller and more lightweight, weighing up to an average of 20 to 30 pounds, but wheels will still come in handy. Propane and gas heaters are not meant to be used indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces, however. It's the shortest -- only 6 feet tall -- and has a glass tube structure similar to the Hiland model. Pricing for this one seems to vary, but generally it's under $250. Natural gas patio heaters are often at the top of the price line because they are frequently designed for installation in permanent outdoor kitchens and living areas. This heater is perfect for outdoor activities away from home. The $165 price tag makes this the most inexpensive model I tested, but keep in mind that the warranty is substantially less generous. Its wheel ensure maximum portability to place it right where you need the heat the most. The heater is designed for exterior use but only in a protected location, as it cant come into contact with precipitation. Replace any tubing or accessories that look worn. Anything that produces enough heat to warm a patio comes with some safety challenges. We also found that it was awkward to place the propane tank inside the table after assembly. When I was sitting next to one, I felt comfortably warm. This heater does not have an adjustable table or wheels. When the infrared energy strikes a solid object like a person or furnishings, the beam converts to heat.. When shopping for the best outdoor heater, you have several options for the type of power required to operate the unit. It produces a generous 42,000 BTUs of heat and includes wheels for easy portability. The unit measures 35 inches long by 8 inches tall and weighs just 8 pounds, making it well suited to installation on a wall or ceiling (mounting brackets included). This traditional-style heater has a base, a pole and a heating element up high, with a saucer above for reflection. Although its BTU is lower than some other models, its design directs that power more efficiently. Also, remember that the best electric patio heater includes a power cord, so its necessary to have at least one outdoor electrical outlet. And if thats not enough to keep you toasty in frigid conditions, you can check out our roundups of the best heated insoles, winter hats, heated socks, and even heated slippers to stay cozy. As with any other product that produces high heat, there are risks involved with using outdoor heaters for patios , and the risks differ a bit with each product type. There are heaters that reach higher temperatures at certain points, but this one has even heat distribution when you are near it. Paige Szmodis is an editor for Runners World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics, who researches and writes home, tech, and outdoor product reviews and news. Depending on local building codes, running a natural gas line to the patio probably requires the services of a licensed plumber. AZ Patio Heaters Hiland Freestanding Patio Heater, Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater, Pamapic Patio Heater 42,000 BTU Pyramid Flame. It's compact, easy to carry and will take up less storage space during the warmer months. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Similar to staring at a campfire, watching the flame continuously rising up through the glass tube is absolute entertainment. But if youre up for the risk, its significantly cheaper than comparable models and has the same functionality: 48,000 BTU with a push-button igniter and adjustment knob. None of the heaters I tested are going to sweat you out at long distances, but getting up next to one will certainly warm you up. The steel-constructed heater offers a diameter of warmth between 10 and 12 feet around. Most electric patio heaters are designed for use in sheltered patio conditions, like under a covered or enclosed patio. Theres a bit of a gamble when you choose this low-priced pick: several buyers have complained about dents or scratches on the base. The hose presents a tripping hazard, and the exposed tank is unattractive. We found the biggest drawback to this patio heater was the assembly. You can divide that number by the BTU rating on your patio heater to figure out approximately how long it will last on high. Manufacturers instructions should include this information, but as a rough rule of thumb, youll need at least two (sometimes three) feet of clearance above a mushroom-style heater if its going to be used under a roof. The more BTUs, the betterbut youll still have to dress appropriately if you want to spent time outside in the winter. Get the Best Choice Products patio heater at Walmart. You can also wall-mount the heater. An outdoor patio heater is a great way to get more use out of your porch, deck, or patio. Similar to the Hiland mushroom-style heater, Hampton Bays version offers 48,000 BTU of heat output. The bottom has a sand reservoir (no sand included, though) to help keep it weighed down. However, the biggest frustration was removing the protective film off the stainless steel base. Stay cozy all year long with this affordable, yet powerful gas-powered pick. When it comes to options for outdoor heaters, there are several types that might be the choice for you: a propane patio heater, an electric patio heater, or a natural gas patio heater. Since then it's been tough to find in stock at a decent price, but as long as you can find it in this same price range, this freestanding heater is my top choice. Patio heaters are well suited to northern climates, where the mercury plunges as soon as the summer sun drops beneath the horizon. The ability to move a patio heater from one side of the patio to the other or relocate it near a pool will be simpler if the unit includes wheels. With its pyramid shape and glass tube running the center length of the stainless steel heater, it has a more modern look than the pole and saucer style of a traditional patio heater or a commercial patio heater. Getting fresh air is a boon to our mental and physical health, but its hard to convince everyone that an outing is in if the sun isnt warm. Fortunately, many of the larger heaters were easy to maneuver thanks to wheels on the base. We tested each heaters ability to heat by gauging the farthest distance one needed to stand from each unit in order to stay warm. Most 20-pound tanks should last for at least 10 hours of use, depending on your heat settings. But when I tested them, it was clear that the Hiland and Amazon model 62516 -- despite being nearly identical pyramid-style tube heaters -- weren't alike. Hampton Bays version is less expensive than Hilands heater, making it an economical option if you do not mind lacking those accessories. This type of heater can generate a lot of heat, depending on the size of the firebox and the amount of wood it will hold. And while I like staring at the flame, this heater illuminates the surrounding area so much that you or your neighbors might find it too bright. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Natural gas and propane patio heaters range from around 5,000 to 40,000 BTUs or more. Although its not the most powerful option here, the Thermo Tiki can run on a 20-pound tank for up to 10 hours and heat areas up to 15 feet in diameter. Get the Outland Living Firebowl patio heater on Amazon and at Walmart. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. If youre looking for a heater that pushes out plenty of heat, this mushroom-style patio heater is the way to go. We also love the many finish options that include hammered bronze, black, and silver. Patio heaters are designed to add enough warmth to make staying outdoors comfortable even when the temperatures are chilly. In short: they are safe on decks, as long as you dont leave them running unattended and as long as theyre not in an enclosed space. The best patio heater overall (as well as the cheapest, best-performing and made by the company with my favorite name of the bunch) goes to the model 96054 by XtremePowerUS. Also, make sure that if youre using an outdoor electric heater, its nowhere near a pool or other source of water. All outdoor heaters should come with built-in safety features to shut down the heat supply if the unit tips over, but dont depend solely on that. View from the side showing the temperature increase at every measured point. The hose is about 4 feet long, meaning the exposed propane tank will only be a few feet from the sitting area. Its construction was primarily sound, except for the cylinder access door for the propane tank at the base. Its wheeled base makes it easy for you to transport, and it comes with a little built-in table. We also examined consumer reviews from retail sites like Amazon and Home Depot to confirm that these heaters will be easy to assembly, good-looking, and reliable options for your deck or patio areas, too. Cozy Up: The Best Gas Fire Pits for Your Backyard or Patio | Relax Outside on One of These Outdoor Sectionals | 10 Camping Blankets for Warming Up Anywhere. This ODS sensor makes it possible to use the space heater in enclosed patios or tents without fear of depleted oxygen levels.
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