User Guide for Shopping for Outdoor Portable Heater

While it might seem unnecessary to heat outdoor spaces that aren’t fully enclosed or airtight, portable heaters can be surprisingly effective. Outdoor portable heaters provide a great solution for adding warmth to open-air areas, and thanks to modern advancements in technology and design, these heaters can double as stylish decorative pieces. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy ambiance on a covered patio or add a soft glow to a darker outdoor space, there’s a portable heater available in every shape and size to meet your needs. Keep reading for essential tips on selecting the right portable heater, understanding its heating capacity, and choosing a model that fits both your aesthetic and practical requirements.

What Are the Different Types of Portable Heaters?

Portable outdoor heaters come in a variety of styles and options, each offering unique advantages depending on your specific needs. Two of the most common types of portable patio heaters are:

• Residential Patio Heaters: These are designed for personal use in smaller, private outdoor spaces such as decks, patios, and backyards. They’re often easier to move around and tend to blend seamlessly into home decor.
• Commercial Patio Heaters: These are built for larger-scale usage, such as restaurants, bars, and other public venues. They’re typically more robust, durable, and capable of heating larger areas.

Understanding the differences between these types can help ensure you pick the right heater for your situation. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each type below.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Propane-Powered Heater?

Propane-powered portable heaters are extremely convenient due to their portability, which is largely thanks to the detachable fuel tanks they use. If you opt for a portable mushroom-style heater, you’ll be able to disperse heat evenly across a 360-degree radius. Once the heater stops producing heat, it usually means the propane has run out. Thankfully, refilling or swapping out empty propane tanks is straightforward—just replace the empty tank with a full one. Most grocery stores and gas stations offer full propane tanks for purchase, and you can return empties for a refill.

Who Would Benefit from a Commercial Portable Heater?

Commercial portable heaters are ideal for businesses that need to keep customers or employees warm in expansive outdoor areas. For instance, many restaurants with outdoor seating areas install commercial portable heaters to extend their seating season into cooler months. These heaters are particularly useful because they don’t require natural gas hookups, allowing businesses to place them wherever necessary.

Restaurants, bars, and hotels often rely on outdoor propane heaters to maintain customer comfort during colder weather. Community centers and apartment complexes also utilize these heaters to enhance guest experiences in outdoor lounges and seating areas.

What Are the Benefits of Residential Propane Heaters?

A residential portable heater gives you the flexibility to warm up virtually any outdoor space, whether it’s a screened-in porch, an uncovered patio, or even an outdoor garage. With the right heater, you and your family can stay comfortable outside regardless of the season. Even in the dead of winter, you can enjoy the outdoors with proper heating. This means you can host outdoor dinners, sip morning coffee al fresco, or stargaze comfortably in your backyard all year round.

How Do I Calculate the Required BTUs for My Outdoor Space?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measurement used to quantify the energy output of various fuels. Simply put, a BTU represents the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.

When evaluating a heater’s efficiency, always check its BTU rating. Higher BTU ratings generally indicate better performance, but it’s crucial not to oversize your heater for a small space. Doing so ensures both safety and optimal efficiency.

Here’s a quick guide to help you determine how many BTUs your heater should produce based on the size of your outdoor space:

• 100–150 sq. ft.: 5,000 BTUs
• 150–250 sq. ft.: 6,000 BTUs
• 250–300 sq. ft.: 7,000 BTUs
• 300–350 sq. ft.: 8,000 BTUs
• 350–400 sq. ft.: 9,000 BTUs
• 400–450 sq. ft.: 10,000 BTUs
• 450–550 sq. ft.: 12,000 BTUs
• 550–700 sq. ft.: 14,000 BTUs
• 700–1,000 sq. ft.: 18,000 BTUs
• 1,000–1,200 sq. ft.: 21,000 BTUs
• 1,200–1,400 sq. ft.: 23,000 BTUs
• 1,400–1,500 sq. ft.: 24,000 BTUs
• 1,500–2,000 sq. ft.: 30,000 BTUs
• 2,000–2,500 sq. ft.: 34,000 BTUs

What Are the Various Styles of Outdoor Patio Heaters?

If you’re looking for a heater that matches your aesthetic preferences, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are some of the most popular styles of outdoor patio heaters:

• Suspended: A hanging patio heater can be attached to various overhead structures, including ceilings. Many people prefer suspending them from the ceiling since it doesn’t take up any floor space. Additionally, box-shaped heaters powered by natural gas or electricity are also commonly hung overhead.
• Freestanding: Freestanding heaters are versatile and work well in almost any setting. Propane models are especially portable, making them easy to move around. Natural gas heaters, while less portable, remain a solid choice for patios with gas line connections.
• Wall-Mounted: These box-shaped heaters operate on natural gas or electricity and are permanently installed on walls. Unlike portable options, wall-mounted heaters are fixed solutions that provide consistent warmth without the hassle of moving them around.