Cooler weather doesn't have to be the end of patio season. Outdoor heaters provide the necessary warmth to keep the party going, and there are plenty of different fuel types, as well as sizes and styles to choose from.
Discover some of the unique differences between outdoor electric, gas, and propane heaters. Decide which is more preferable for your home or business.
Electric Outdoor Heaters
Electric outdoor patio heaters are exceptional at keeping your outside living areas warm during the fall, and even during winter for more temperate climates. For outdoor spaces that lack proper ventilation required for natural gas or propane heaters, adding an electric model is an exceptional choice.
These heaters come in a variety of styles from tabletop to freestanding, and wall mounted. Equipped with infrared bulbs, they produce instant radiant heat that warms objects instead of the air.
Place next to a deck chair and sip on your favorite hot beverage, enjoy watching the kids play a little longer outdoors, or host your fall dinner on the deck with the comforting warmth of an electric heater.
Pros + Cons of Electric Outdoor Heaters
Electric outdoor heaters have their own set of pros and cons to consider before purchasing.
Pros
- Plug-and-go-Operation: Place the electric heater where you need it, and plug into any standard home outlet and you’re good to go.
- Safe for Enclosed, Unheated Spaces: For outdoor patio that are enclosed and not well ventilated for gas heaters, electric outdoor heaters provide warmth suited for small spaces.
- Easy to Use: Most of these heaters have simple touch-button controls and a single heat setting. Many include a remote control for even easier operation.
Cons
- Limited Placement: Requires proximity to a compatible electrical outlet, so be sure to double-check the voltage requirement.
- More Energy Use: Electric outdoor patio heaters run at a higher amp draw than other types of comfort products like fans and humidifiers.
Products We Love
EnerG+ offers outdoor heaters designed to look like patio tables or table lamps, and include a selection of wall or ceiling mounted models, and oscillating freestanding heaters.
Bromic is a well-known name in heating and their wall-mounted models are sleek and unobtrusive. All of these provide:
- Instant, Silent Heat: Infrared heaters start immediately, quickly blanketing you with warmth, and operate soundlessly.
- Safety Switches: Overheat and/or tilt safety switches automatically shut down the heater in case of accidental tip-over or detected excessive heat.
- Designer Styles: Attractive, stylish designs are available for a number of patio decors.
The Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Infrared Patio Heaters are a customer favorite, and can be mounted on a wall near the ceiling. Plus, they’re safe for covered outdoor spaces as well. Available in black or white and several wattage options to ensure adequate heating.
EnerG+ Water Resistant Infrared Heater can be wall mounted or suspended from the ceiling in a covered outdoor area. It features a Gold bulb (vs. standard carbon) for more intense heat which lasts up to 5,000 hours, and uses a standard 120V outlet.
Another customer favorite is the Westinghouse Standing Patio Heater which provides 360-degree heat in a cool-touch, tower style. This freestanding outdoor heater is quick to set up and easily portable.
Natural Gas Heaters
Natural gas heaters provide plentiful warmth on well-ventilated outdoor decks and patios for homes with existing natural gas lines. These professionally installed heaters provide fast warmth for covered decks, patios, or other outdoor gathering spaces.
Their quiet, efficient heating is great for large parties, outdoor dinners, and just right for enjoying the great outdoors in fall & winter, and they are less expensive to operate than electric heaters. There are, however, some things to remember with natural gas heaters.
Pros + Cons of Natural Gas Heaters
Pros
- Better Heat Output: Because of the combustion of natural gas, they have a greater heat output than electric outdoor heaters.
- Unobtrusive Design: Most natural gas outdoor heaters feature sleek exteriors and blend in easily, making them excellent for outdoor bar decks, patios, and dining areas.
Cons
- Professional Installation: Requires professional installation for safe operation and to prevent voiding the warranty.
- Fixed Heating: Natural gas heaters are fixed or wall-mounted to permanent natural gas lines.
- Ventilation: Needs to be placed in well-ventilated areas for safety.
There are several outdoor natural gas heaters that are incredibly powerful, energy-efficient, and useful for commercial and residential decks and patios. Further, they provide immense heating for outdoor spaces. Heat up outdoor restaurant decks quickly for restaurant patrons or create a stylish outdoor hangout area on your pool deck.
Products We Love
Bromic outdoor patio heaters provide flexibility, powerful heating, and designer style for any home or restaurant. Offered for natural gas or propane hook-ups, Bromic heaters offer stylish features:
- Ceramic, infrared heating: The transparent ceramic medium protects the heating elements and better spreads warmth through natural transference.
- Spacious heating: Offers heating between 120 – 215 square feet for large parties.
- Direct ignition: Turn ON and OFF the heater with a hardwired switch for electronic ignition.
- Wall or ceiling installation: Install against the wall or flush into the ceiling.
- Wind resistant front: The ceramic front protects the heating elements from the wind.
The Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat 500 Series Outdoor Gas Patio Heaters are one of the most versatile and attractive outdoor heaters on the market. Designed for commercial spaces, these heaters blend design with heating. The Bromic Platinum 500 heats up to 200 square feet with 5 burners, pivots for direct heating, and resists gusts of wind up to 11 MPH.
The Dyna-Glo Deluxe Natural Gas Radiant Heater offers multi-directional heat for large outdoor areas up to 5,900 square feet, and feature simple ignition types for easy start-up. These powerful natural gas heaters are effective for job-sites and outdoor work areas as well as gathering spaces in homes and residential common areas.
Note: Most natural gas outdoor heaters require a technician to connect them to gas lines.
Propane Heaters
Outdoor propane heaters are available in many styles for greater flexibility and faster set-up. You can choose portable heaters which are great for camping, umbrella-style or wall-mounted heaters for outdoor dining or gathering spaces, or fire pits to warm decks, patios and other home and hospitality areas.
Pros + Cons of Propane Outdoor Heaters
Pros
- Flexible: Choice of heater styles make these applicable in a wide variety of places including homes, businesses, and job-sites.
- Propane Power Source: Independent use with propane tanks make them easy to place almost anywhere.
Cons
- Restricted Tank Sizes: Propane tanks only last for a limited period of time depending on size and usage, and must be replaced from time to time.
- Assembly & Set-Up: Some assembly and hook-up is required and, in some cases, professional installation, if connected to an existing, direct gas line.
Products We Love
Hanover, Endless Summer, Bromic, and Dyna-Glo offer designer, powerful outdoor propane heaters that work well for backyard gazebos, patios, and restaurant decks.
For a memorable evening out on the deck while barbecuing or entertaining, the Endless Summer Donovan DualHeat Outdoor LP Gas Fire Pit is a 2020 Vesta Award Winner and adds a distinctive look to your deck or patio. Using a 20-pound propane tank for heat, you can use this versatile unit as a simple table heater without the flames, or turn on the flames for added light as well as warmth.
Break out the Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat 500 Portable Patio Heater with its sweeping curves and height for heating up to 215 square feet. Winner of the 2014 Good Design Award.
Hanover’s Pyramid Propane Patio Heater provides an elegant look as well as 42,000 BTUs of heat with a 360-degree radius. Warmth is felt up to 16 feet away from the heater, which makes it ideal for outdoor dining spaces. Wheels and tank tie downs make it easy to place and transport wherever it’s needed.
Check out the Sylvane Outdoor Heater Buying Guide for a more in-depth look at the types and styles.
Summary
No matter what type of space you need to heat, whether it's a large outdoor seating area for dining or gathering, or it's your home patio or deck, there is an outdoor heater which can add warmth and style. Electric infrared heaters are convenient to use when a power outlet is available. Choose wall-mounted, suspended, or freestanding styles. For outdoor spaces without electric power available, a natural gas or propane gas fire pit or standing heater is a great option.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re still wondering what outdoor space heater is best for you, give our knowledgeable sales team a call today at 1-800-934-9194. You can also connect with us via the Sylvane Facebook and Twitter pages.
