Here’s How to Extend Your Deck & Patio Season with an Outdoor Heater

Types of Outdoor Heaters

Outdoor heaters come in a variety of styles, each with their own strengths. When choosing, consider your location, decorating style and how you plan to use the heater, from family time to home entertaining.

Fuel Sources

The three most common fuel sources for outdoor heaters are propane, natural gas and electricity (gel fuel canisters are a less common choice limited to smaller heaters). Choose your best option based on the size and layout of your backyard entertainment area, plus any available power sources.

Propane Patio Heaters

A propane patio heater is portable so you can move it from dining table to conversation set. Full-size heaters are powered by standard 20-pound propane tanks (just like you use for your BBQ), while tabletop models typically use 1-pound bottles (as is used for camp stoves).

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

A natural gas heater is a good choice if you have an outdoor gas line or can have one professionally installed. However, this means your gas heater will need to be in a fixed location. Natural gas is a good choice if you entertain in a large outbuilding, such as a barn, but such spaces must be fully open for full ventilation in order for fumes to safely dissipate.

Electric Patio Heaters

An outdoor electric heater can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. Since there’s no fuel tank, you’ll never run out of power. However, if you don’t have an outside outlet, you’ll need to run an extension cord out to the heater. Most electric heaters are also rated for indoor usage.

Outdoor Heater Features

Different styles of patio heaters come with different features. Consider these safety and performance features when weighing your outdoor heater choices.

Tip-Over Protection

A must in homes with kids, pets or heavy foot traffic, the tip-over safety feature shuts the unit off automatically if it falls over.

Overheat Shutoff

This feature protects the heater from damage by turning it off if it overheats.

Remote Control

A remote control takes the legwork out of operating your outdoor heater. Just sit back, relax and customize your heat!

BTUs

British Thermal Units refer to a device’s heat output. Outdoor heaters can vary from under 10,000 BTUs to 58,000+ BTUs depending on type, size and fuel source.

Electronic ignition

Integrated electronic ignition makes it super easy to power on your propane heater.

Adjustable Height

Some hanging heaters can be adjusted higher or lower as needed, while tripod-style freestanding units also offer some flexibility in height.