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heater propane lpg That simple variation made all the difference, and it proved true among several of the identical pole heater models, too. Performance-wise, this freestanding patio heater didn't deliver as well as some of the others, as you would expect from a 34,000 BTU unit. Consider power source, material, design, safety features, and more to find the best patio heaters to keep warm. Overall, we found that the tower style with dome covers distributed heat more efficiently at a distance. They do burn hot (up close), but they don't seem as sturdy as I had expected. The bottom has a sand reservoir (no sand included, though) to help keep it weighed down. While needs vary, the following patio heaters are all at the top of their respective categories, and any one of them would be a suitable choice. The ability to move a patio heater from one side of the patio to the other or relocate it near a pool will be simpler if the unit includes wheels. The 9 Best Gas Patio Heaters for Outdoor Entertaining, Bromic Heating Portable 38500 BTU Patio Heater, Fire Sense 10,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater, Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater. Manufacturers instructions should include this information, but as a rough rule of thumb, youll need at least two (sometimes three) feet of clearance above a mushroom-style heater if its going to be used under a roof. In short: they are safe on decks, as long as you dont leave them running unattended and as long as theyre not in an enclosed space. The heater has a clearly marked ignition mechanism that allows you to easily and safely start the heater. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We found the tank hose to be the biggest drawback. To reduce smoke, burn only seasoned hardwoods, such as hickory, birch, and white ash. The heater is designed for exterior use but only in a protected location, as it cant come into contact with precipitation. However, I wouldn't recommend putting your cold beer on a table attached to a heater. This Bromic patio heater is an excellent option if you want heat that you can direct at yourself and your group, instead of wasting energy heating a space beyond your patio furniture. If youre looking for a heater that pushes out plenty of heat, this mushroom-style patio heater is the way to go. But keep your coat on, because at that distance we're talking about only half a degree warmer than the ambient temperature. This type of heater can generate a lot of heat, depending on the size of the firebox and the amount of wood it will hold. The upside to a natural gas patio heater is a lower operating cost because natural gas is usually a less expensive power source than propane. Spend more time outside this fall and winter with an outdoor propane heater. Within two feet of the pyramid heater, averaging all points, you get a change of 7.49 degrees. At less than 11 inches tall, the Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater is just the right size for heating small spaces, such as under a patio table. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Its construction was primarily sound, except for the cylinder access door for the propane tank at the base. The best patio heater enhances enjoyment of outdoor living and provides heat exactly where you need it on chilly days or nights. This 40,000 BTU standing heater is priced around the middle of the pack and comes with a one-year limited warranty. Can This Machine Finally Hunt Down Dark Matter? With no open flame, electric heaters may be safer than other types for some families both indoors and out. Fire Sense claims the 10,000 BTUs of adjustable power can heat spaces up to 25 degrees.

When you choose a propane patio heater, youll have to regularly trade in the propane tank for a full one (which you can do at many hardware and home improvement stores). For those thinking of buying a patio heater, some questions are to be expected. The final word on the best patio heater for you. Natural gas and propane patio heaters range from around 5,000 to 40,000 BTUs or more. This electric option offers modern features like a remote control, multiple power settings, and a 12 hour timer. The patio heaters were rated by their BTU output, maneuverability, and overall style. However, the biggest frustration was removing the protective film off the stainless steel base. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Bike Lights to Illuminate Your Ride, The Best Bike Locks for Keeping Your Wheels Safe. The smallest portable heater may weigh only a few pounds and easily be packed in the trunk of a car or moved to any yard location. Its built almost identically to the Hiland heater, with a couple of exceptions. By the time I got to the last of the pole heaters, I was a pro and it was a breeze. The propane cylinder isnt included, but once you connect one, the MH30T can heat from 8,000 to 30,000 BTUs with an easy push-button start. Within one foot, this outdoor heater provided an average temperature increase of 11.72 degrees, which happens to be the highest average recorded. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. When the temperatures drop and a chill is in the air, having a source of outdoor heat will make outdoor activities more enjoyable. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Some users recommend getting an adapter for a 20-pound tank if you want to run it for longer. It has wheels to assist with moving, but I find the traditional style pole heaters balance nicely and are easy to carry from one point to the other. Installation is not too difficult; just be aware that youll need batteries for the igniter. If youre looking for a reliable source of patio heat, a natural gas heater could be a cost-effective way to entertain outdoors, even during cool weather. However, there is no base weight (so dont leave it out in windy weather) and it doesnt come with a cover. Electric patio heaters are typically smaller and more lightweight, weighing up to an average of 20 to 30 pounds, but wheels will still come in handy. Like the Thermo Tiki, this Hiland patio heater features a stylish pyramid design with a faux flame, which can run eight to 10 hours on high. We also found that it was awkward to place the propane tank inside the table after assembly. After testing each of these heaters, we found that the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland Freestanding Patio Heater and Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater offered the best heat output, concealed the propane tanks the best, and were stylish overall. For test equality, the elevation of the thermocouples are determined by the height of the unit being tested: 10, 20, 30 and 40 inches below the unit's cap. It comes with a cover and carrying straps for even easier portability. Being outdoors is a natural mood elevator even when the temperature drops after you pick the best patio heater for your home. All measurements within two feet of the heater average out to a temperature increase of 7.51 degrees. None of the heaters I tested are going to sweat you out at long distances, but getting up next to one will certainly warm you up. Unlike many of the other heaters that come with a one-year limited warranty, this one is only covered for 30 days from purchase. The $165 price tag makes this the most inexpensive model I tested, but keep in mind that the warranty is substantially less generous. If youve enjoyed outdoor dining during the pandemic, then you may recognize this Hampton Bay heater. patio We tested each heaters ability to heat by gauging the farthest distance one needed to stand from each unit in order to stay warm. This ODS sensor makes it possible to use the space heater in enclosed patios or tents without fear of depleted oxygen levels. Although it features an amazing design, we did find that the heat off the Pamapic Patio Heater wasnt quite as effective as a mushroom-style heater. It kept us toasty and required minimal assembly. Get the Mr. Heater patio heater at Amazonand The Home Depot. Fire Sense also offers a more portable, compact heater thats actually attractive enough to place at the center of a tabletop for an outdoor dinner party. We tested the top heaters based on heat output, use, and style. Producing a hefty 57,000 BTUs of heat, the Best Choice Products firepit table will keep outdoor diners toasty warm. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. The heater runs on propane, and a 20-pound tank fits in the bottom cabinet. All measurements within four feet read 4.78 degrees warmer than ambient. Nothing about the assembly process really stood out, except for the fact that it highlighted the similarities between all of the traditional models. Cozy Up: The Best Gas Fire Pits for Your Backyard or Patio | Relax Outside on One of These Outdoor Sectionals | 10 Camping Blankets for Warming Up Anywhere. This heater is perfect for those who value style over functionality. In addition to relying on Roy Berendsohns expert advice and testing of a few patio heaters, we recommend the nine gas patio heaters below based on research from five other expert sources, including Good Housekeeping, Toms Guide, and Wirecutter. Its well-designed and easy to use, boasting a piezoelectric ignition for quick, easy starts and auto-shutoff if the heater tilts, plus a built-in control valve for regulating temperature. But when I tested them, it was clear that the Hiland and Amazon model 62516 -- despite being nearly identical pyramid-style tube heaters -- weren't alike. It connects to a 1-pound propane cylinder and produces up to 3,800 BTUs of welcoming heat. Theyre among the least expensive to operate, but you may require a licensed plumber for installation. Both types emit infrared energy, he explains. Pyramid-style patio heaters already provide great ambience to your patio, and this Thermo Tiki heater goes the extra step with its dancing flame inside a glass column, which will provide some light to enjoy in the evening, too. For an authentic campfire feel, theres nothing quite like a wood-burning patio heater. The fire bowl generates up to 58,000 BTUs of heat, and the heat output is adjustable to suit the outdoor temperature. If youre thinking of mounting your heater to a wall outdoors, this infrared patio heater is a good pick: It can be mounted or used on the included stand, which adjusts up and down so you can find the right height. And we like that you can adjust the output to combat a light autumnal chill or seriously frosty nights. Flickering flames dance up and down the transparent glass tube at the center of the Pamapic Pyramid Flame Patio Heater. Propane patio heaters can warm up spaces quickly. Since then it's been tough to find in stock at a decent price, but as long as you can find it in this same price range, this freestanding heater is my top choice. Heavy duty wheels make it easy to position anywhere outside, and the Piezo ignition switch will have it up and running in an instant. Propane and gas heaters are not meant to be used indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces, however. Depending on the power of the heating element, a patio heater can radiate heat 4 to 12 feet or even farther. These two top picks will help keep your family and guests warm on the patio while complementing most outdoor decor. Just keep in mind that wind can blow out most of these heaters burners, so choose a semi-protected spot or stay inside on gusty nights. Nevertheless, I followed each set of instructions as they were written to ensure testing accuracy. This patio heater by Fire Sense provides commercial-level power with 46,000 BTUs and runs on a 20-pound propane tank, which can last for up to 10 hours of use. Get the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland patio heater at The Home Depot. When the infrared energy strikes a solid object like a person or furnishings, the beam converts to heat.. There are plenty of different types of patio heaters on the market today, but this round of testing is dedicated to propane heater models only. As I mentioned earlier, a lot of the heaters were similar. It is safe to put a patio heater under a gazebo as long as it isnt within 3 feet of the gazebos sidewalls or ceiling rafters. Getting fresh air is a boon to our mental and physical health, but its hard to convince everyone that an outing is in if the sun isnt warm. Initially, I picked the Hiland HLDS01-GTCB pyramid patio heater as the best model I tested. Some tabletop styles incorporate glass rocks that reflect various light colors, while others produce flickering flames that add a dreamy feel. Some patio heaters are large and serve as a focal point on the patio around which merrymakers gather, while others are strictly functionalthey heat the area but dont add much in the way of ambience. I took temperature measurements at four set elevations relative to the heaters' cap, and 11 equal distances from the heater for a total of 44 points of measurement. This table-style patio heater measures 57 inches long by 22 inches wide by 24.75 inches high, making it well suited to casual gatherings with friends or family. Some manufacturers claim the heater will warm up to eight feet away from the heater, and the results prove that to be true -- sort of. Instead of an access door like many of the other models, this one has a base that lifts up to access the propane tank. Its wheel ensure maximum portability to place it right where you need the heat the most.

2022 CNET, a Red Ventures company. When you consider the type of heat you want, youll also have to consider the power thats available to you: propane means filling tanks frequently (and potentially keeping a backup tank around so you dont run out in the middle of a gathering); electric means you have to have close access to an outdoor outlet (and deal with cord placement so your guests dont trip); and gas means youll need professional installation to tap into your propertys gas line, and you wont be able to move the unit easily once installed. It's important to be able to raise the thermocouples quickly during the testing process. Except for the smallest space heaters, most propane patio heaters feature a cabinet that conceals the propane tank to create a cleaner look. Unfortunately, the base doesnt come with wheels, but at 33 pounds, its not too heavy to move around. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Theres a bit of a gamble when you choose this low-priced pick: several buyers have complained about dents or scratches on the base. Although its BTU is lower than some other models, its design directs that power more efficiently. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater is among the best options for those wanting convenient electric heat in an enclosed patio setting. It also includes an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that will turn off the heater if the oxygen level drops below 18.5 percent.

Still, consider the following tips to more safely use a patio heater. If you have a wood or composite deck, you might worry about whether patio heaters are safe for decks. The most popular type is the one youll find outside of many restaurants, hotels, and other businesses: the tall, dome-topped metal heater that you stand under and the heat beams down on you like the sun. Just shy of 90-inches tall, this pyramid-style outdoor patio heater comes with a wheel kit so you can move it easily wherever you need it. The unit feels sturdier than some of its competitors, and the mesh guard around the heating body stayed put throughout the moving and testing process. The faux flame is also good news for anyone living in an area with fire restrictions. When it comes to electric patio heaters, the real cost often comes in paying the utility bill because electricity is usually (not always) more expensive than either natural gas or propane. Although this patio heater isnt the most stylish, the Mr. Heater MH30TS is a simple, utilitarian model if youre more concerned with portability and efficiency than looks when working outdoors. And like similar patio heaters, a 20-pound propane tank can last for up to 10 hours of use. In his long tenure as Popular Mechanics senior test editor, Roy Berendsohn has tested a number of space heaters, including patio heaters, and provided his expert advice on propane versus electric heaters. Most manufacturers caution against using an extension cord with an electric patio heater as well, so be aware of your distance from an outdoor outlet. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Never put towels or bathing suits on a heater to dry, and keep the heater off of rugs. Gas heaters fueled by natural gas are more likely to be considered permanent fixtures on the patio than propane heaters because they connect to a homes natural gas line. Many feature the ability to adjust the heat outputturning down the heater if only a bit of warmth is necessary or running it on the highest setting to heat a wider area. Within the three main categories of heat (propane heaters, natural gas heaters, and electric/infrared heaters), youll find an array of sizes, designs, and prices. Stay cozy all year long with this affordable, yet powerful gas-powered pick. All outdoor heaters should come with built-in safety features to shut down the heat supply if the unit tips over, but dont depend solely on that. In general, you can put a patio heater under a gazebo, roof, or another type of awning as long as theres enough clearance. There are heaters that reach higher temperatures at certain points, but this one has even heat distribution when you are near it. Patio heaters are designed to add enough warmth to make staying outdoors comfortable even when the temperatures are chilly.