Best Patio Heater Reviews – Pro Buying Tips For Outdoor Heaters.

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Warmth is a given, but the best patio heater offers much more than that.

Some outdoor heaters have an almost architectural quality that creates a really brilliant atmosphere to harmonise your evenings outdoors.

The “dancing flame”  patio heater in particular can add the drama, warmth and ambience of a real flame. If they’re not the most efficient in generating pure heat then they certainly are at generating mesmerising visual drama.

Of course for pure heat the best patio heater is the familiar free standing pedestal. The higher end commercial grade models are able to warm a quite significant area beneath them  One well known manufacturer Dyna – Glo actually claims an impressive 25 foot diameter of reach. So it might be able to toast bread at 5 feet !!!

PATIO HEATER REVIEWS

Dyna-Glo Premium 48000 BTU Patio Heater

POWERFUL PATIO HEATING OPTION

The Brilliant Dyna-Glo Propane Outdoor Heater

• BUILD: Generosity of material and proportion makes this elegant patio heater a brilliant season extender for your patio or a powerful winter event warmer.
• HEATING: Fitted with one of the largest burners mantle combinations on the market. This heater throws out a serious heat.  Suit heater to the seasons with the variable heat control.
• IGNITION: Push button electronic system.
• COVERAGE: Manufacturer claims an amazing 25 foot diameter. This Dyna-Glo patio heater will keep your cool evenings and nights comfortingly warm.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: A built in ballast reservoir in the base to add extra stability if required. Wheeled base for manoeuvrability.
• COLOUR/FINISH OPTIONS: Choose from either hammered bronze or stainless steel finishes.
• SAFETY: The Dyna-Glo has an auto cut-off switch if the heater becomes tilted.

XtremepowerUS 48,000 BTU Outdoor Heater

XtremepowerUS Propane Patio Outdoor Heater

• BUILD: A really robust heavy duty outdoor heater. Fabricated using stainless steel fabrication to resist the elements. Tough powder coated colors for extra durability.
• HEATING: An abundance of heating power here too.  48,000 BTUs of fully adjustable heat. Fitted with stainless steel burners and heating grid. Runs from the standard 20 pound propane bottle found at most hardware stores.
• IGNITION: Fitted with a premium Piezo ignition system as standard on this heater. Simple one step push button operation gets the heater fired up in seconds. Piezo ignition systemThese systems work effectively even at higher altitudes.
• COVERAGE: The manufacturer claims 200 sq/ft and 15 foot radius. It is an immensely powerful patio heater.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Easy to manoeuvre with its built in wheels.
• SAFETY: Automatic tilt cut-off safety switch. CE/CSA/ETL Approved.

Hiland 48,000 BTU Commercial Patio Heater

The Excellent Hiland Propane Outdoor Heater

• BUILD: Sturdy and robust build quality- Uses stainless steel burners in combination with the double mantle heating grid to enhance the durability.
• HEATING: The Hilland heater produces 48000 BTUs. For this style of heater this is one of the highest outputs on the market. Of course it’s easily adjusted to suit the owners temperature preference. The 33 inch diameter heat shield on top spreads warmth down over a very extended area,
• IGNITION:  A reliable single stage ignition system uses a single AAA battery to fire up the patio heaters pilot light.
• COVERAGE: Hiland  claim an 22-25 foot heating range but this obviously depends on the ambient temperature.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Built in wheels for easy heater positioning.
• COLOR OPTIONS: This patio heater comes in plenty of interesting colour options to co-ordinate with your outdoor decor.

Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater

Amazon Basics Pedestal Heater

• BUILD: As you would expect this commercial grade heater is built from a high grade powder coated steel so it’s corrosion resistant.
• HEATING: Peak heat is quoted as an impressive 46,000 BTUs. Heat output is easily adjusted using the variable control situated just below the stainless steel burners.
• IGNITION: A simple and convenient push button ignition system fires up the pilot light and heater.
• COVERAGE: A real 15 foot radius is covered by this patio heater.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Built in wheels and the patio heater has a base reservoir that can easily be filled with either water or sand, creating a steadying base weight.
• COLOUR OPTIONS: Comes in six  different finishes to suit your patio decor.
• SAFETY: Fitted with an automatic cut-off switch if the heater becomes tilted.  It is compliant with ANSI, CE, and CSA safety standards and specifications

Hiland AZ Pyramid Propane Patio Heater

BEST DANCING FLAME PATIO HEATER

Hiland AZ Dancing Flame Outdoor Heater

• MANUFACTURE QUALITY: An elegant patio heater but it’s tough and durable too. Built from corrosion and fade resistant grade aluminium and steel components. It is designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions.
• HEATING and COVERAGE: Pyramid-style heater uses a dancing flame column to produce radiant warmth as well as an interesting visual effect. The manufacturer claims the heater’s able to warm a 15 foot diameter area with a peak heat output of 40000 BTUs.
• SAFETY: First the ceramic glass heating column is surrounded with protective mesh for safety, Additionally if the heater is tilted or tips over there is a built in valve that automatically shuts of the fuel supply. A super reliable igniter pilot light startup is a real plus feature.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Easy positioning of the heater with built in wheels on the base. Dancing flame height and temperature are adjusted from a single hidden control knob. Various color options.
• WARRANTY: 1 Year

Golden Flame 40,000 BTU Pyramid Patio Heater

Golden Flame Propane Outdoor Heater

• BUILD: This great commercial model is manufactured from long lasting heavy grade materials.  It’s 25 inch triangular base makes it extremely stable in blustery wind.
• HEATING: Provided by the standard 20 lb propane gas bottle. The variable control is nicely hidden in the gas tank compartment.  Manufacturer rates output as 40,000 BTUs, this not instantaneous heat of course as the heat tube will take a little time to heat up.
• COVERAGE: Around 15 feet diameter. It’s a tall heater but the ceramic tube measures 50 inches so the BTU distribution is directed directly where positioned
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Wheels for optimum manoeuvrability.
• SAFETY: Auto cut-off switch if the heater becomes tilted. Approved by CSA to their safety standards and specifications

Fire Sense Telescoping Infrared Patio Heater

BEST ALL ROUND INFRARED HEATER 

Fire Sense Telescopic INFRARED Electric Heater

• BUILD: Well made heavy duty construction. Black option model is steel made with a weather resistant powder coat finish.
• HEATING: The Fire Sense infrared patio heater runs from a regular 12V electric outlet. Rated at 1500W this electric patio heater throws out an impressive 9 foot envelope of infrared heat. Heating from an infrared element means that the heat is not affected by chill winds or blustery conditions.
• SAFETY: Tilt over protection shuts the heater off when not upright.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: It’s fitted with a telescopic height adjustment, but manufacturer recommends keeping the heater at maximum height. This still keeps users well within the 9 foot heating envelope.  A wheeled base provides for easy placement.  Comes with a generous 12 foot power cable.
• COLOUR/FINISH: Stainless or black powder coated steel.

Sundate INFRARED Patio Heater 

Sundate Infrared Outdoor Heater

• BUILD: Made from a brushed aluminium alloy. Fitted with a adjustable height pedestal. Range between 51 and 74 inches. It ‘s dust-proof and waterproof too.
• HEATING: The heater is rated at 1500W and being infrared it produces instant heat. Choose from 3 heat settings
• MOUNTING: Keep on the pedestal or mount on the wall.
• REMOTE CONTROL:The weighted base gives added stability and a remote control is additional to the manual heat/light controls
• COLOR/FINISH: Pick from either the silver model with round heating ring or the stainless steel version (pictured) with the conventional straight bar elements.

Ener-G+ Infrared Outdoor Heater with Remote Control

Ener-G+ Free Standing Infrared Patio Heater with Remote Control

• DESIGN: The elegant and modern look may not suit all outdoor decor situations but this heater certainly tops the sophisticated design awards category. Despite its good looks the robust build gives an element of protection from both dust and rain.
• HEATING: Owners can choose from 500, 1000 or 1500W power settings to suit the evening ambient temperature. This electric patio heater can be run directly from a 120v power outlet and  the heating element is rated for around 5000 hours before needing replacement,
• SAFETY: Automatic shut off feature if the heater is not upright.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Comes with a 7 foot power cable and an on/off remote controller.
• COLOR/FINISH: Stainless.

Choosing The Best Patio Heater

Why, where and what power source?  Obvious, but fundamental in choosing the the right patio heater.

Patio Heater Decor And Design

Some patio heater buyers are looking for much more than just heat. Patios and outside seating areas are going to have an element of decor and design. The architecture of many of the more powerful propane patio heaters means that they can easily dominate a setting, So careful placement is important, they’ll dominate the intended focal point if they’re placed too close.

Some freestanding patio heaters have a industrial feel to them, especially the stainless steel models . They  look brilliant, stunning in fact, in the right setting.  Perhaps they’re not so suitable for a more mellow or romantic decor.

That’s why color choice and placement are important.  These type of pedestal outdoor heaters often work best in pairs or multiples.   If you use unobtrusive colours, arranged around the periphery these heaters can still be warm but don’t intrude too much into the decor. [spacer height=”20px”]

If it’s an element of heating and visual drama you’re looking for the best patio umbrella to choose is a dancing flame..  That’s why so many commercial establishments like restaurants and hotels choose them.  Everyone likes to see a comforting real flame fire in the colder months.  These patio heaters are an instant visual hit, and a natural event focal point. 

But if it is pure heat you are looking for dancing flame patio heaters are not the best in providing it.

Patio Heater Location

Where?   Well outdoors of course.  Hardtop Gazebos, patio parties or pop up canopies can all be turned into cosy spring and autumn outdoor spaces.

In some states an outdoor heater can make year round outdoor living and entertaining a real possibility.  For most of us though an outdoor heater means we can start our patio season a month or two early,  and finish the season in late fall.

Of course electric patio heaters are tethered to a power outlet. They can be a great choice close to the house, but many folks won’t have convenient electrical points in the garden or even on the patio.

Easily the most convenient, electric heaters won’t suit everybody; and every occasion. They maybe  the most expensive to run too.  Infrared heaters are becoming a popular option, they can effectively heat a certain space at a fraction of conventional electric units.

Wheeled propane patio heater is easily the most versatile form of heating. They’ve the obvious drawback of the gas cylinder life, and the minor hassle of cylinder replacement. These patio heaters come in plenty colour variations and sizes from freestanding pedestal heaters through to small table top heating lamps. 

Best Patio Heater For High Wind

We always recommend infrared as the best patio heaters for windy condition.  Infrared heating is not easily dissipated by wind because  infrared heaters are directional heaters not space heaters.  They can’t easily fill a room with heat though,  but the area in front of them will be warm as toast even in high wind. 

Wind and blustery conditions for gas powered patio heaters is always a problem.  A dancing flame patio heaters can stand some wind without blowing out, but they do present a large profile to the wind.  In windy conditions dancing flame heaters don’t throw out much heat either. The best patio heater for wind is definitely going to be and infrared

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