The kind of device you'll want really depends on your needs: how large of an area you wish to heat and how much, and what type of power you want to use and portability, if any.

  • Power source. You can get patio heaters that are powered by propane, natural gas or electricity. Propane will be the most expensive fuel, but it is portable. The price advantage between natural gas and electricity can vary from year to year and by locale. For a natural gas heater, you'll need a natural gas line installed by someone qualified to do that work. Some electric heaters can plug into an electric outlet, but some need to be directly wired. Again, that job needs to be handled by someone with expertise.
  • Heat capacity. Tabletop models meant to heat a small area usually have a maximum of 20,000 BTU. The standup heaters that are seven or eight feet tall can heat up to a 20-foot radius (though most say ten feet is more realistic) and usually have a maximum output of 40,000 BTU. Manufacturers and retailers of electric heaters usually detail capacity in terms of watts. While manufacturers say a patio heater can warm an area by, say, 20 degrees, that would be in optimal conditions and only when you are close to the heater.
  • Reflector size. The size of the dome-like reflector atop gas patio heaters is proportional to the area it will heat - the larger the reflector, the farther it will radiate. While retail websites give the size of the reflector, they also give a range of heating distances that tells you what you need to know without having to worry about translating dome size to heating area.
  • Safety features. Just about all patio heaters have an automatic burner shutoff if the heater is tilted more than slightly, and most good patio heaters also will automatically shut off the flow of gas if the burner goes out. Some gas heaters also have an oxygen-depletion sensor that will shut off the heater if it detects a lack of oxygen in the immediate area. This is important if you are restricting airflow, such as having walls to block the wind.
  • Finish. Stainless steel will be more expensive than powder-coated aluminum but will last longer. Buying a cover or upgraded cover will protect the heater when not in use and also may prevent insects from building a nest in the heater.
  • Ignition. Most good patio heaters have a pushbutton Piezo electric igniter, which is safer and easier than lighting gas with a match.
  • Warranty. An average residential patio heater will have a one-year warranty, but some models have a two-year warranty and in rare cases even more. Generally on the same model, the length of the warranty will be shorter if you are using the heater in a commercial situation.

Commercial-grade patio heaters obviously are built to withstand more constant use than a residential model and usually cost more. If you are going to be using the heater for many hours each day, you might want to consider a commercial heater.

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