Patio heaters are designed to warm outdoor venues such as patios, decks, and balconies. They work by heating the surrounding air and distributing it around the area, raising temperatures by up to 25 degrees within a maximum 20-foot radius. They are commonly used in late summer, autumn, and early winter. They are available as tabletop, freestanding, and mobile units.
Electric patio heaters plug into AC sockets and use electricity to generate heat. They are more convenient to use and offer more temperature controls. However, they are usually less powerful and less durable than gas heaters.
Gas patio heaters
Gas patio heaters are powered by propane or natural gas. They produce more heat than electric heaters and cover larger outdoor areas. They are ideal for mobile use because they do not require mains power to operate.
Heat output. Make sure the heater has the right heat output for the size of your space. This is usually measured in British thermal units (BTUs). For large patios, choose a heater with a rationg of about 40,000 BTUs.
Safety features. Choose a patio heater with timers and automatic shutoff to keep them from overheating. If there are small children in the house, make sure the heating element is enclosed or at least hidden or covered.
