Patio Heater Buying Guide

The weather may have turned colder but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy spending time on your screened-in porch or hardwood deck year-round. Adding a patio heater is a great way to warm the area so you don’t have to go inside when the sun goes down or temperatures drop. Outdoor heated settings allow you to relax in the fresh air, soak in some vitamin D and sit comfortably for a cozy alfresco dinner despite the chill in the air elsewhere. Unlike the convection heating used indoors, such as furnaces, boilers and HVAC systems that warm the air and then circulate it, outdoor patio heaters utilize radiant heating that heats nearby objects and people more efficiently [Hitchings (2007)].

Choose the best patio heater

So, how do you pick the right outdoor heater for your backyard? There are many types of heaters from which to choose. Are they your only choices for heating your outside space? What about fire pits or fireplaces with open flames?

Once you’ve established that one or more patio heaters make the most sense, you need to figure a few things out. This buying guide outlines a number of important criteria that you should understand when investing in these essential heating devices.

Determine heat requirements

First, calculate how much heat you need to make your outdoor setting more comfortable. Do this before evaluating patio heaters. The size of your space, its covering and the climate all affect the required heat. Uncovered settings in colder environments will require more heat to warm the same-sized covered area in more temperate zones.

BTU to Watts

British Thermal Units are the standard measurement of heat output. BTU is typically referenced with gas outdoor heaters, while Watt is associated with electric heaters. A BTU represents the thermal energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at sea level. A Watt is a unit of power and 1 Watt = 3.41 BTUs.

While there are several ways to estimate the heat needed for an outdoor space, a simple rule of thumb is multiplying the square feet by twenty BTUs to calculate the required BTUs.

Estimated BTUs & Watts by outdoor space size

Space in Square Feet	Estimated BTUs	Estimated Watts
100-150 ft2	2,000-3,000	600-900 w
150-250 ft2	3,000-5,000	900-1,500 w
250-500 ft2	5,000-10,000	1,500-3,000 w
500-1,000 ft2	10,000-20,000	3,000-6000 w
1,000-2,000 ft2	20,000-40,000	6,000-12,000 w
2,000-4,000 ft2	40,000-80,000	12,000-24,000 w

Evaluate fuel types

Next, assess which porch heater fuel best meets your needs, budget and personal preference. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks in the short and long term. Consider how those characteristics will work in your specific environment before purchasing.

Outdoor Propane Heaters

Liquid propane tanks are commonly connected to backyard barbecues and fire tables. However, they can also be used to fuel gas patio heaters.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Plumbed natural gas often fuels fireplaces and other permanent fire features. It can also be used for outdoor patio heaters.

Electric Patio Heaters

Indoor and outdoor space heaters can be powered by electricity.

Review different design styles of patio heaters

While considering different fuels, factor in how the characteristics of your outdoor setting might impact your design choices. Some outdoor patio lamp heaters work well in large spaces, while others are ideal in small ones. The location of your gas lines and electrical outlets matters as well. Outdoor heating appliances fall into two design categories: those that can be moved and those that can’t after installation.

Freestanding – Portable outdoor heaters

Mobile heating units vary in their intended placement and degree of portability. Standalone propane patio heaters have enclosed compartments. They store and conceal their gas tanks and can be placed anywhere. Outdoor electric heaters are limited in their mobility by the outlet position and cord length. A key benefit of these space heaters is the ease of set-up.

Floor or stand-up heaters

Most standing heaters are large (6-8 feet tall) and have wheels. These tower, mushroom or pyramid heaters are often used on restaurant decks and patios. They provide warmth for diners within a 5 to 10-foot radius. Smaller versions of this outdoor heat lamp have squared designs and are placed under tables or to heat smaller spaces.

Tabletop heaters

These small heaters sit on tabletops and often mimic the look of larger floor models. Typically 3 feet or shorter, they’re easy to move and store when not in use.

Fixed – Mounted or Hanging Heaters

Immobile outdoor space heaters are permanently attached to walls or ceilings. They’re perfect when there is little floor space. A professional electrician or gas plumber may be required for the installation. Commercial or high-use residential locations often connect to existing propane or natural gas lines. However, most mounted heaters tend to be electrical units. The safest mounted set-ups are far enough away that people cannot burn their hands on hot metal. This type of heater is great when you have static seating and warm the same areas.

Wall Mount Outside Heaters

Uncovered settings with limited floor space (or when you want inconspicuous heating) are perfect for wall-mounted heaters. Gas lines and electrical wiring can be hidden in walls. This enables you to conveniently position the heat without ruining the ambiance. Cross beams of pergolas and gazebos also offer ideal surfaces for mounting as they are high up and less noticeable.

Ceiling Porch Heaters

Mounting an outdoor heater on the ceiling is sensible when you have limited usable wall space – like a screened-in porch with mesh or glass walls. Some models are affixed to the surface while others are flush-mounted into the ceiling. The latter are less conspicuous and direct attention to the decor. Electric outdoor heaters can be recessed into ceilings while gas versions cannot. Radiant infrared heaters directed toward the floor are much more efficient than heating fans. The latter blows warm air that rises to the ceiling and away from where it’s needed [Roth, Dieckmann & Brodrick (2007)].

Pole Mount Heaters

In some large commercial spaces, mounting outdoor heaters on poles may be a good solution. This is especially true if there’s high traffic, seating is tightly packed and it’s an open-air setting without a ceiling. Portable heaters might get bumped into, so fixing the heat lamps high up on poles makes a lot of sense.

Hanging Patio Heaters

If you have a high or vaulted ceiling, a hanging heater might be your best bet. Whether dangling by a sturdy cord or held in place by chains or rigid metal tubing, these deck heaters bring warmth closer to where you need it. Gas lines can be a bit unwieldy (and eyesores), so most hanging outdoor heaters are electric-powered.

Safety – you can never be too careful

Keep your deck or porch warm and cozy when the temperature drops to enjoy outdoor dining and lounging year-round. However, it comes with great responsibility. Focused heat and gaseous emissions can threaten health and damage or destroy property.

Safe patio heater placement

Natural and propane gas heaters produce harmful carbon monoxide. They can only be installed in well-ventilated uncovered or open spaces [Whitmyre & Pandian (2018)]. Infrared patio heaters aside, most heaters are hot to the touch. Place them away from flammable materials such as foliage, fabrics and furniture to minimize fire hazards (at least 3 feet on all sides). If possible, keep them more than an arm’s length from where people (especially children) can reach. Avoid setting floor heaters on uneven surfaces or in high-traffic areas where they can be knocked over.

Maintenance – keep them working safely

Patio heaters are built to handle the elements in mild conditions. However, they maintain performance and last longer if protected from harsh weather. Store portable heaters in dry spaces and cover fixed-mounted units when not using them to minimize exposure. Secure or weigh down tabletop and standing heaters if you reside in areas with windy conditions to prevent them from tipping over. Clean heaters at the beginning and end of every season and follow manufacturer guidelines for the proper process and appropriate cleaners for your unit. Replace damaged parts immediately and check electrical and gas connections regularly.

Accessories – enhance the performance

Some outdoor heaters have optional remote controls for turning them on, adjusting the temperature or setting their timing. If you have a commercial alfresco dining area with multiple heaters you may be able to customize the warmth based on each table’s location or patron preference. Directional joints or deflector panels help focus heat where it’s needed.

Select your outdoor radiant heater

After you review these criteria and determine your needs and preferences, you can begin your patio heater search in earnest. The right selection will ensure your outdoor space is warm and welcoming throughout the year.

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References

• Hitchings, R. (2007). Geographies of embodied outdoor experience and the arrival of the patio heater. Area, 39(3), 340-348.
• Roth, K., Dieckmann, J., & Brodrick, J. (2007). Infrared radiant heaters. Ashrae Journal, 49(6), 72.
• Whitmyre, G. K., & Pandian, M. D. (2018). Probabilistic assessment of the potential indoor air impacts of vent-free gas heating appliances in energy-efficient homes in the United States. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 68(6), 616-625.