Outdoor heaters allow you to enjoy your deck, covered or screened porch, and patio long after the leaves have changed and fallen. There are many styles, from tables to firepits, and power sources including electricity, natural gas, and LP gas, to choose from.
If you’re unsure which would be best for you, this guide will explore the advantages and best uses of each and offer suggestions for various styles. For those who have a good idea of what they might need, you can use the navigation links to jump to that section.
- Powering an Outdoor Heater
- Gas Fire Pits Freestanding Propane Outdoor Heaters
- Wall-Mounted Outdoor Heaters
- Freestanding Electric Outdoor Heaters
- Table & Lamp Heaters
Powering an Outdoor Heater
Outdoor heaters can be powered using natural gas, connected to a gas line directly—which can be very convenient for homes with this option. Liquid propane (LP) gas, usually a 20lb tank, is readily available for most people and simple to use. Electric outdoor heaters are most often infrared, which heats objects instead of the air, and can be very effective.
For more information and guidance on which power type might be best for you, check out this article: Outdoor Heaters: Electric vs. Natural Gas vs. Propane
Gas Fire Pits
For creating an immediate focal and gathering point, a gas fire pit with its real flames and added heat, can’t be beat. Their beauty, and the variety of styles available make them a customer favorite. Most gas fire pits use a 20-lb LP gas tank and are fairly easy to move and place wherever you want them.
Gas Fire Pit Advantages:
- Many fire pits feature mantels surrounding the center which are a convenient landing place for drinks and food. They also have covers for the pit area and can be used as tables during the summer.
- Variety of styles and finishes in round, rectangular, and square designs.
- Easy to use one-touch ignition for starting the fire
- Very easy to maintain, most gas firepits also include fabric covers for use in protecting them from rain and undue sun damage.
Suggested Uses: Uncovered outdoor sitting areas, decks, open patios, and pool decks
Bestseller: Endless Summer Burlington Outdoor LP Gas Fire Pit (GAD15285SP) is a square style featuring a faux wood mantle with matching pit cover.
Traditional Propane Patio Heaters
These versatile heaters also use LP gas with an enclosed glass cylinder or have an element which creates radiant heat without flames. Their height and slim size allow them to be placed near eating areas and make them a favorite with restaurant and café owners for outside seating areas, as well as homeowners. Available in umbrella, pyramid, cylindrical, and contemporary styles, they are an effective way to heat larger outdoor spaces.
Freestanding Propane Outdoor Heater Advantages:
- Most feature wheels which make them easy to place and transport
- Protective covers can usually be purchased if needed
- Single-touch starter ignition
- Some have a small table design or include a small table around the central pole
Suggested Uses: Uncovered outdoor sitting areas, decks, open patios, pool decks, and outdoor dining spaces. Many can be used on a larger covered or screened porch as long as there is adequate circulation, and they can fit underneath it. Be sure to check height since most are at least 7 feet tall.
Bestseller: Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat 500 Portable Patio Heater is recent good design award-winner and features a cutting-edge design, large wheels, adjustable heat output.
Shop All Freestanding Propane Outdoor Heaters
Wall-Mounted Patio Heaters
Having the ability to install an outdoor heater on the wall is a great option for areas with limited floor space and for larger outdoor dining venues. These versatile heaters come in electric infrared models, as well as gas-powered styles, and can be used in covered and semi-covered areas.
Wall-Mounted Outdoor Heater Advantages:
- Unobtrusive, these heaters mount on the wall near the ceiling and spread warmth downward onto occupied areas.
- Electric models can usually be hard-wired for permanent installation, while others are equipped with a plug, which is simple to set up and use.
- Infrared heat can cover a wider area than flame-heated models and are ideal for outdoor venues.
- Gas powered models include those which can be used with existing natural gas lines and others which are used with liquid propane (LP) gas.
Suggested Uses: Covered, semi-covered, and uncovered outdoor gathering and dining areas, gazebos, patios, and decks.
Bestseller: Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat 2300W Electric Outdoor Heater puts out 23,600 BTUs of infrared heat and features 60 degrees of direction heating. Hard-wired installation, stainless steel chassis with wind & moisture resistance allow this heater to cover a wide area. In addition, it can be mounted into the ceiling of covered spaces.
Shop All Wall-Mounted Outdoor Heaters
Freestanding Electric Outdoor Heaters
These outdoor heaters are easy to set up and use, and are available in tower circular styles, pole-mounted models, and compact standing models for smaller spaces, making them a great solution to the perennial problem of how to heat a screend in porch in the winter. There are also heavy-duty models that come with cages to hold them—great in garages and workshops.
Freestanding Electric Outdoor Heater Advantages:
- Many of these heaters have an oscillation feature to help disperse heat throughout the space
- Simple to place and use—extremely portable, you can place one almost anywhere, then simply plug it in and turn it on
- They require little maintenance, using heating bulbs with 5,000 or more hours of run time
- Adjustable heating levels allow you to set it for colder or more moderate weather.
Suggested Uses: While you may think these electric heaters can only be used in a covered space, many are moisture-proof and can be used on open decks and patios as well as screened porches.
Bestseller: Westinghouse 1200W Infrared Oscillating Electric Outdoor Heater adds immediate heat to a variety of outdoor spaces. With automatic oscillation, programmable timer function, and a simple control panel, this heater is a customer favorite.
Shop All Freestanding Electric Outdoor Heaters
Electric Table-Style & Lamp Heaters
Table and lamp heaters are innovative products that provide simple electric infrared heat as you sit around them enjoying a meal or a beverage. Heater tables are available in square, rectangular, and circular designs, making them versatile heating options for patios, decks, and screened porches. Also versatile, an electric lamp heater is easily placed on a convenient table and plugged in just like a standard table lamp.
Electric Table and Lamp Heaters Advantages:
- Even when extra heat isn’t needed, they are still useful as a convenient side table
- Heater lamps are compact and easy to store when not in use
- Near silent operation that doesn’t compete with conversation
- Many safety features such as cool-touch grilles, tip-over protection, and overheat protection
Suggested Uses: Can be used on covered patios and in screened porches, as well as on decks.
Bestseller: Continue to enjoy fresh air when temperatures drop with the EnerG+ Square Bistro-Style Infrared Table Heater. It adds comforting heat to your patio, deck, or screened porch, and the tempered square glass top is ideal for holding drinks and snacks. It continues to be useful year-round as a convenient side table.
Shop All Table Heaters & Lamp Heaters
Summary
Outdoor Heaters are the best way to extend your enjoyment of your patio, deck, or screened porch all through fall and into the winter months. A wide variety of styles and operating types are available, including electric freestanding & wall-mount models, natural gas wall-mount heaters, LP freestanding & wall-mount heaters, as well as gas fire pits.
Not only are these all rated for outdoor use, many of these are safe to use in covered areas and screened porches, too. Take a look at all Sylvane’s outdoor heaters to find the model just right for your home or business.
Questions?
All types of outdoor heaters come with safety features and weather-resistant materials to stand up to tough outdoor environments. Using one does more than extend the time you can spend outdoors—they often set the mood for your patio and complement to your décor. Call and speak to one of our knowledgeable team members at 1-800-934-9194, and find the outdoor patio heater that is right for your home.
