User Guide for Shopping for Outdoor Portable Heater

While it might seem unnecessary to heat open-air areas that aren’t fully enclosed or airtight, it’s actually quite feasible. Outdoor portable heaters provide an excellent way to add warmth to open spaces, and recent advancements in technology and design have made these heaters both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re looking to add a soft glow to a dim outdoor area or enhance the ambiance of a covered patio, portable heaters come in various styles and sizes to meet your heating needs. Continue reading for essential tips on choosing the right portable heater, understanding how much space it can cover, and picking one that matches both your design and heating preferences.

Are There Different Types of Portable Heaters?

There are numerous types of portable outdoor heaters. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for making an informed purchase. The two most common types of portable patio heaters are:

• Residential patio heaters
• Commercial patio heaters

Both types offer similar advantages while catering to different requirements. Read on to learn more about these heaters and make a purchase decision that fits your needs.

What Is the Role of Portable Propane Patio Heaters?

A portable propane patio heater is typically easy to move around, especially if it comes with a wheel kit. Its portability stems from the fact that it runs on a propane tank. When buying a portable patio mushroom heater, you can efficiently heat a space using infrared heat distributed in a 360-degree circular pattern. When a portable heater stops generating heat, it usually indicates that the propane supply has run out. Fortunately, replacing empty propane tanks is straightforward. Simply remove the empty tank and either refill it or swap it with a full one. Most grocery stores and gas stations sell full propane tanks and accept empty ones for refilling.

Who Should Consider Using a Commercial Portable Patio Heater?

Commercial portable patio heaters are often purchased to keep customers or staff warm in large outdoor areas. For instance, many restaurants with outdoor seating opt for commercial portable heaters to provide some warmth, allowing them to keep their patios open even during colder months.

One of the primary reasons businesses like restaurants and bars choose outdoor propane heaters is that they don’t require natural gas connections, giving them flexibility in placement. Breweries operate similarly, using commercial outdoor propane heaters to keep their patrons warm during cooler seasons. Hotels, community centers, and condo/apartment complexes offering outdoor lounges also rely on these heaters to keep guests comfortable in open-air settings.

What Are the Advantages of Residential Propane Heaters?

With a residential portable patio heater, you can comfortably warm up nearly any outdoor area, whether it’s a screened porch, an outdoor garage, or an uncovered patio. The right heater ensures that you, your family, and any guests remain comfortable outdoors regardless of the season. Even during snowfall, you can still enjoy the outdoors with the proper heater. This means you and your loved ones can savor outdoor meals, enjoy morning coffee al fresco, and even stay cozy while stargazing through a telescope in the backyard.

How to Calculate the BTU Requirements for Your Outdoor Space?

BTU stands for British thermal unit and is used to measure heat energy in various fuels. A more technical explanation is:

BTU refers to the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit (at sea level).

To determine the appropriate heater for your outdoor space, consider the BTU output. Higher BTUs generally indicate better performance, but it’s wise not to buy a heater with excessive heat for a small area. This ensures both safety and efficiency.

Use this guide to figure out how many BTUs your heater needs 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?

When searching for a heater that aligns with your design and aesthetic preferences, you’ll discover plenty of options. Some of the most popular outdoor patio heater designs include:

• Suspended: A hanging patio heater can be attached to various overhead structures. Many people prefer to hang them directly from the ceiling, which is ideal for smaller spaces. By suspending the heater, you free up floor space. Box-shaped heaters powered by natural gas or electricity are also commonly installed overhead.
• Freestanding: Freestanding heaters are versatile and suitable for almost any setting. Propane versions are easy to move around, while natural gas heaters are fixed and not portable.
• Wall-Mounted: These box-shaped heaters run on natural gas or electricity and are permanently mounted to walls. They serve as a permanent heating solution without taking up floor space.