How to Choose the
Best Gas Patio Heater ukWith autumn on the way, now is the time to think about the possibility of extending your outdoor living space. Our top choice is this elegant and efficient copper lantern patio heater from Kettler Kalos.
The power ratings of heaters are generally listed in British Thermal Units (Btu), but the size of your garden and the type of furniture you are using will determine the amount of heat you will require. This pyramid heater comes with an automatic tip-over valve to ensure safety.
1. Size
Gas patio heaters can offer greater heating range than electric ones. However, this also means that they require a lot of space, as they usually require at least 7 feet away from anything that could catch fire. In addition, they must be in a ventilated space to avoid the danger of fumes rising within your home.
They are available in different sizes and styles. The size you select will depend on how much space you'd like to heat and the size of your outdoor seating area. For instance, the BU-KO pyramid model is a stylish option that looks great with your garden furniture and fit perfectly in the corner of the room. The high-heat settings make it ideal for a cool night and its low-heat setting is perfect for a relaxing evening after dinner.
A wall-mounted or hanging heater is a great option for those with a small amount of space. These heaters are great for small gardens as they don't require much area for flooring, and can be attached to a parasol, or set over a table. These models are also cheaper than freestanding ones as they don't require a large base.
You can also try out a fire pit that's similar to a freestanding
patio heater gas heater but offers a more rustic feel. These heaters are less expensive than the pyramid or dome-top models and can be utilized in any outdoor space. It is important to note that they produce less heat than dome-top or pyramid patio heaters.
2. Design
This elegant pyramid-shaped patio heater from Germany's Herschel is designed to be a true focal point in the garden and looks really quite elegant. It's also economical and can provide plenty of heat to warm the winter evenings. It's quieter because it uses infrared light, and also has a low setting to create a relaxing atmosphere.
This is a freestanding model, that doesn't require professional installation. It can be moved as needed to adjust the position of the heater. It's suitable for both propane and natural gas and includes wireless remote control that allows you to adjust the heat and lighting levels. It's a little heavier than the other models on this list but it comes with a handle and wheels making moving it simple.
Gas heaters in the pyramid shape are very well-known because they look beautiful and can be a real feature piece in your garden. They're typically made out of stainless steel that is durable and great for outdoor use as it's extremely efficient at dispersing heat evenly.
The type of fuel used to power heaters for patios is essential to take into consideration because it can significantly impact the price of operating them. Gas heaters are cheaper than electric options but they need to be refilled with butane or propane gas which can be costly over time. Gas models are also more efficient at heating larger areas than electric models, but they must be placed close to an outlet that allows you to turn them on or off.
3. Power
In addition to looking fashionable In addition to looking stylish, pyramid patio heaters are sturdy with a reassuringly weighty base. This makes them more durable than the flimsier models with a mushroom top that can collapse. The model from Outsunny features a convenient swivel function and a safety shut-off feature that stops the flame in case it is knocked over. The low and high temperatures will allow you to warm up the evenings when it's cooler.
Propane has several advantages over electric patio heaters such as the speed of heating up a space. A propane gas heater can also be more portable, since the fuel source is contained in a tiny bottle that can be moved and refilled when needed.
The propane heaters for patios are more expensive because you will need to refill it often. Electric heaters needn't be replenished, but they may use more power than you'd expect particularly if they feature numerous lights or powerful fans.
An electric model made by Swedish firm Opranic is our top pick for a versatile patio heater. It has five power levels ranging from 1200W to 2000W, which means it can be employed in a variety situations, including heating garages and conservatories. The power cable is about 1.8m in length, which is an issue for safety. It's
best gas patio heater to avoid placing it too close to other equipment, and to have an outdoor socket close by. It does not have the advanced safety features of other models such as tilt-out or overheat protection, but is still easy-to-assemble and safe-to-use.
4. Efficiency
British thermal units (Btu) are used to measure the amount of heat generated by your heater for your patio. The more Btu is, the more heat you'll receive. This is particularly true in the event that you have more area to heat or if you reside in a colder region.
Having a high Btu output will also mean that your
patio heater gas cylinder heater will be able to provide heat to a larger area faster than its counterparts. This is great if you regularly organize outdoor parties or events in your garden.
A standard feature found on a lot of gas patio heaters is a reflector that can be used to help focus the heat output. This helps reduce the amount of heat that is wasted by heating the air surrounding it and instead concentrates the majority of the heat to those who are directly beneath it. This means that a fewer number of Btu's are needed to efficiently heat the same area, meaning a smaller footprint and lower running costs.
It's vital to use your patio heater safely. Always read the instructions of the manufacturer and ensure that it's kept at away from any flammable objects or anything else that could ignite. Also, ensure it is placed on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping over while switched on. Finally, be mindful of any power cables that could result in a trip hazard.
If you're looking for a patio heater with more functionality, consider one that is able to oscillate or has multi-directional heating. This will distribute heat evenly across the area without leaving any cold or hot spots, making for a more pleasant experience.
5. Safety
It's a smart idea to purchase an outdoor heater that is backed by an independent safety certificate. Matthew Griffith, chief of the prevention division at the Montreal Fire Department says that this will ensure that it meets certain standards. Registering your patio heater is also important. That way you'll be informed when it's issued with a recall or safety alert.
Gas models are generally more efficient than electric models which means that they heat up a space in a shorter amount of time and costing less to run. They also offer the benefit of the flickering flame which gives an energetic glow, ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They're a favorite choice for restaurants and pubs, where the warmth encourages customers to stay outside and prolongs their visit.
The top gas patio heaters are made with safety in mind. They can be found with a range of features that make them as user-friendly as is possible. For instance, some models come with a tilt-proof base that shuts off the unit in the event that it is accidentally tipping over. Others are available with an automatic shut-off function which turns off the device after a set period of time.
Other safety considerations include the ease with which a model can be moved, and whether it has a protective cage over the flame. This is a great option because it stops embers from flying out of the fire and potentially starting an explosion. A patio heater should be kept at least 2 metres away from any flammable materials. It is also essential to inspect the unit periodically for any wear and tear or damage.