Fire Sense 60485 Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater

Bottom line

No other patio heater receives better ratings than the Fire Sense 60485 Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater for heat output, quality of construction and ease of use. This is a propane heater, so you will need to buy and return propane canisters, and parents of small children may be concerned about storing such flammable materials. However, the heater's height and auto shut-off feature make it reasonably safe to use. It also has wheels for portability.

Performance

Puts out plenty of heat. No other propane heater receives as many positive comments about its heat output as the Fire Sense 60485. Users say it burns evenly and quietly and agree it produces "a ton of heat." Some owners, however, caution the heating range is not nearly the nine-foot radius claimed by the manufacturer. One such reviewer explains that the range is really more like two to three feet, especially in cold or windy weather. Still, most owners are more than satisfied with the heater's performance. They're also impressed with its looks, which are often described as stylish and attractive.

Ease of use

Easy assembly despite confusing instructions. We found mixed comments on how difficult it is to assemble the Fire Sense 60485. While some reviewers found it simple, others were baffled by the instructions, which they describe as tiny, poorly labeled and incomprehensible. However, owners go on to explain the actual assembly is not complicated, and they managed to figure it out on their own. Once assembled, owners find the heater very easy to operate. The electronic ignition lights effortlessly, and they like the fact that the flame is adjustable. They're also pleased with such features as the wheels, which make the heater portable, and the automatic tilt shut-off.

Ownership

Solid construction. Most owners describe the Fire Sense 60485 as very well built. One Buzzillions.com review says the starting mechanism is a particularly strong point and compares it to the igniter on a Weber grill. A couple of others complain the heat reflector on top seems flimsy, but since one of these was later amended to praise the heater's "excellent two year performance," it seems to be a minor issue. A few owners at Amazon.com complain that their units were shipped with some missing or damaged parts. One says sending an email to the company solved the problem quickly, but according to another, repeated calls to customer service went unanswered. The heater is backed by a one-year warranty.