Outdoor Patio Heaters – What to Look For When Buying One

Mark Preston

When choosing an outdoor patio heater to use outdoors in the evenings, or during the days, you want to be able to choose one that delivers on heat, is not too heavy, and performs well in the space it is in. As the days get longer more people want to sit out in the gardens for longer, but it can get very cool in the evenings, and that is where patio heaters come in. They provide a safe and affordable way of heating outdoor areas.

What to Look For When Choosing a Patio Heater

When buying an outdoor patio heater you need to consider its power, performance, and ability to heat. Outdoor patio heaters are increasing in popularity as more of us emerge from the lockdown and want to spend more time outdoors. Patio heaters can be stylish and practical and add a lot of aesthetic value to your outdoor space.

These are the main considerations you should be aware of:

Style: the style of your outdoor heater depends on your requirements, the space you have available, and the size of your garden.
Heat: gone are the days of very noisy vacuums. Most people want a vacuum cleaner that does not make a loud, rattling noise.
Fuel type: this is an important consideration. An electric outdoor heater will need to be plugged in so you need to be able to have access to sockets. You can use extension cords if you do not have easy access to sockets. With electric heaters, you will not get the real flame that people like. Gas outdoor heaters can be less expensive than electric heaters and have a natural flame aesthetic. Then we have fire pits that can use charcoal or wood to fire them up.
Reliability: you want your outdoor heater to last well over time, so reliability is important.
Cable length: always check the cable length for electric outdoor heaters. A longer cable length means you can plug your heater in without having to worry about extension cords.

STYLES OF OUTDOOR PATIO HEATERS

Fire Pits

People love fire pits as they are classic and look great. They are great for congregating around and feel cosy and communal. Designed to mimic the traditional campfire, there is nothing better than sitting around a fire pit and having cosy chats and drinks with family and friends. Fire pits are safe as they contain the range of the fire, and they are a great source of heat. You can buy fire pits in electric and non-electric versions which makes them popular.

Table Top Heaters

Table-top outdoor heaters have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. This is because they are stylish and look good, and complement any outdoor seating area. They do not take up much space and double up as a table-top fire pit, and a heater. They are usually small and easy to store.

Standing Heaters

Standalone heaters are usually tall and thin, designed to stand in spaces and deliver heat to outdoor seating areas. They often give out a lot of heat, and usually, they come with a cable which needs to be plugged in.

Mountable Heaters

For those who do not want an intrusive heater, or do not have much space, then mountable heaters are the solution. They do not require much space and can be mounted safely onto walls.

SAFETY

Health and safety considerations are paramount when buying any outdoor heating source. You need to remember that an outdoor heating source needs to be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always buy your heater from a reputable seller, read reviews and avoid second-hand heaters as they may be faulty and pose and fire hazard risk. Additionally, make sure you place your heater in the right area. Placement is important, as you do not want to cause any health and safety issues. For gas-flamed heaters they should not be close to any source which can become inflamed. As a general rule of thumb, place patio heaters at least one meter from any flammable items or surface. Ensure you look after your heater and maintain it regularly.