When the weather gets chilly, your patio might feel anything but cozy. Unless you have a heater, that is. A heater can help to keep outdoor entertaining comfortable even when it’s cold outside. There are many types of heaters on the market, including electric and natural gas versions for a patio. Whether you have an outdoor space at home or just like to host friends and family outdoors after the sun goes down, a heated patio can be the perfect way to extend your time there into cooler months. But which type is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about the different options, their pros and cons and which one might be best for your needs.

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What is a Patio Heater?
A patio heater is a type of outdoor heater designed to keep your outdoor entertaining areas warm even when it’s cooler outside. They come in a variety of types, including electric and natural gas versions. There are many different ways to heat your patio, including using a patio heater, a fireplace or even a fire pit. There are three main types of patio heaters you’ll see on the market today – electric, natural gas and propane. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll want to choose the heater that’s best for you based on your needs. Natural gas patio heaters, for example, provide a lot of heat and are great for high-use areas like patios. On the other hand, propane patio heaters provide less heat but are more portable.
How to Find the Best Patio Heater for You
Finding the best patio heater for your space will likely depend on the types of features you want. Before you start shopping, think about what’s most important to you in terms of ease of use and functionality. In terms of size, how many people will be using the heater and how much space do you have? If you’ll be using it heavily, you’ll want to make sure the heater you choose has sufficient capacity. At the same time, you want to make sure you have enough room to safely place the heater. You’ll also want to consider both your budget and the aesthetic appeal of the heater. You’ll also want to make sure you choose the right type of heater for your outdoor space. Natural gas, electric and propane patio heaters all have their pros and cons.
Electric Patio Heater
One of the most basic types of patio heaters is the electric heater. While these are fairly convenient because they don’t require any installation, they aren’t as powerful as other patio heaters. Electric patio heaters work by converting electricity from the outlet into heat energy. They’re most effective in smaller spaces and don’t work well in areas that aren’t well insulated. An electric patio heater is a good option if you don’t have a natural gas hookup or want to supplement your existing heating system.
Pros:
- Easy to install: electric patio heaters don’t require any installation, so they’re easy to set up and use.
- No emissions: electric patio heaters don’t produce any emissions, so they’re a good choice if you’re concerned about the environment.
- Low operating costs: electric patio heaters are relatively inexpensive to operate compared to other types of patio heaters.
- Portable: electric patio heaters are often portable, so you can take them with you when you travel or move to a new home.
Cons:
- They’re Not as Powerful as Other Patio Heaters: Electric patio heaters are not as powerful as other patio heaters, so they might not be suitable for larger spaces.
- They’re Most Effective in Smaller Spaces: Electric patio heaters are most effective in smaller spaces and don’t work well in areas that aren’t well insulated.
- They Require an Electrical Outlet: Electric patio heaters require an electrical outlet, so you need to make sure your outdoor space has one before you buy one of these types of heaters.
- They Convert Electricity into Heat Energy: Electric patio heaters convert electricity from the outlet into heat energy, which can be inefficient and costly over time.
5They Might Not Be Suitable for All Weather Conditions: Electric patio heaters might not be suitable for all weather conditions because they can overheat in hot weather or stop working altogether in cold weather conditions.”
Natural Gas Patio Heater
If you have access to natural gas at your home, a natural gas patio heater is a more powerful option that can provide significant amounts of heat. Natural gas patio heaters are typically large, heavy and well-built. Natural gas patio heaters work by burning natural gas to produce heat. They’re very efficient, but they can be dangerous if not installed and maintained properly. Natural gas patio heaters are best for high-use areas and for use in areas that have access to natural gas hookups. Most natural gas patio heaters are built to last several years and are relatively maintenance-free.
Pros:
- They’re very efficient, providing significant heat output.
- Natural gas is a relatively inexpensive fuel source.
- They’re built to last, with many models having a lifespan of several years.
- Natural gas patio heaters are relatively maintenance-free compared to other types of patio heaters .
They can be used in high-use areas without the need for constant supervision .
Cons:
- Requires Professional Installation and Maintenance: One of the main disadvantages of a natural gas patio heater is that it requires professional installation and maintenance. If not installed and maintained properly, they can be dangerous.
- Access to Natural Gas Hookups Required: Another disadvantage of natural gas patio heaters is that they require access to natural gas hookups in order to function properly. Most are not designed for use with propane or other fuel sources.
- Can Be Expensive to Operate: Another potential downside of owning a natural gas patio heater is that they can be expensive to operate, depending on the price of natural gas in your area. Some models are also less energy-efficient than others, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase decision.
Large and Heavy: A final disadvantage ofnatural gas patio heaters is that they’re typically large and heavy items, which can make them difficult to move around or store when not in use
Propane Patio Heater
A propane patio heater is the most portable option available, making it an attractive option when you travel a lot. Propane patio heaters are also better at keeping insects out of your outdoor entertaining space. Propane patio heaters are very easy to use, easy to install and offer significant amounts of heat. They can be a good option if you don’t have access to natural gas at your home or want to use a portable space heater in a low-use area. Most propane patio heaters are designed to sit on the patio and don’t work well in high-use areas.
Pros:
- Portable: A propane patio heater is the most portable option available, making it an attractive option when you travel a lot.
- Keeps insects out: Propane patio heaters are also better at keeping insects out of your outdoor entertaining space.
- Easy to use and install: Propane patio heaters are very easy to use, easy to install and offer significant amounts of heat.
- Good for low-use areas: They can be a good option if you don’t have access to natural gas at your home or want to use a portable space heater in a low-use area.
Cons:
- Propane patio heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly.
- They can be expensive to run, especially if you use them often.
- They are not as environmentally friendly as some other options, such as solar power.
- They can be difficult to move around, and they may not work well in high-use areas such as a pool area or deck
Convenient and Safe Propane Heaters
If you’re interested in purchasing a propane patio heater, there are a few things you’ll want to look for to make sure you get a safe and effective product. First, make sure your patio heater is listed as CSA-approved and that it has an ETL certification. Next, look for a patio heater with an adjustable thermostat so you can adjust the heat to your needs. And finally, look for a patio heater that offers both a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and a spark arrestor. These safety features will help you keep your outdoor space as safe as possible while still enjoying warmth and comfort.
Conclusion
When the weather gets chilly, your patio might feel anything but cozy. Unless you have a heater, that is. A heater can help to keep outdoor entertaining comfortable even when it’s cold outside. There are many types of heaters on the market, including electric and natural gas versions for a patio. Whether you have an outdoor space at home or just like to host friends and family outdoors after the sun goes down, a heated patio can be the perfect way to extend your time there into cooler months. However, it’s important to choose the right patio heater for your space to make sure you get the most out of your outdoor entertaining and keep yourself and your guests safe.