Patio Heater Review

Patio heaters provide radiant heat to take the chill off in cool weather

We found a few tests of patio heaters, but they're more useful as buying guides than for choosing a specific brand or model. Both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping tested propane patio heaters, but the testing methods weren't described. More recently, a Canadian TV show called "The Shopping Bags" tested patio heaters informally but compared only three propane models and two electric patio heaters.

Enough owner-written reviews of patio heaters and fire pits are accumulating to make some useful distinctions among specific models as well as types. We found the most such reviews at Home Depot's website and at a big online retailer, Patio-Heater-Direct.com, which also picks some Editor's Choice patio heaters. While the latter retailer sells only gas-fueled patio heaters, we found that reviews elsewhere often give higher average ratings to patio fire pits and outdoor fireplaces -- though some fire pits receive criticism for flimsy construction and early rusting.

We found some additional overviews and buyer's guides, some of which recommend specific brands or models. A phone call to one retailer, BackyardCity.com, revealed that their top brand -- for quality and customer service -- is Schaefer. Another retailer, PatioExperts.com, notes that Sunglo, the originator of the gas patio heater, makes its products in the United States and uses a superior ignition system.