brownmilk61

How to Choose the Best Gas Patio Heater Gas patio heaters make use of propane instead of electric patio heaters which require electricity and are expensive to run. On hot days, they can also burn or sputter through the tank quickly. Look for pyramid-style heaters that can be connected to propane tanks that are standard and produce 40000 Btu or more. These heaters are more likely to heat larger areas and are more effective in colder climates. 1. Infrared Infrared heating is a fantastic option for patios because it is efficient and warms both people and objects. It is also safe to touch. This is essential if you are spending time outside in winter and want your outdoor seating to last as long as possible. When looking for a gas patio heater make sure to be attentive to how much heat it emits per hour in Btu, which is the standard unit of measure that measures how much energy a heater requires. A higher Btu rating indicates that the heater will warm up your outdoor space faster and more efficient. If you reside in a colder climate or plan to host guests, look for models that can produce more than 40000 Btu to ensure you keep everyone comfortably warm. Dome or pyramid-shaped patio heaters typically have the highest Btu output, allowing them to warm larger areas and ensure that more people are at ease. The top infrared gas heaters for patios have many features, such as remote controls and automatic shut-offs for tip-overs that make them easy to operate and durable. Some come with a cover to protect them from the elements. If you want to upgrade your patio space an infrared heater equipped with LED lighting is the best option. It will increase the ambience and make the area more inviting. If you're not keen on spending extra on an infrared gas heater for your patio, there are still many affordable options to pick from. For example our top pick for Best Value, the Bromic Heating Tungsten Infrared Patio Heater, is a dependable and cost-effective model that generates a remarkable amount of heat. Its tilted, high-end head is great for directional heating that directs the warmth to your backyard seating area. The patio heater comes with wheels at the bottom of its stand to help you move it around your backyard as needed, and it operates on both natural gas and propane. Another alternative is the Modine freestanding OHP34S48 gas infrared heater for patios, which has two heat settings with 360deg oscillation and an extremely durable construction. If you have an natural gas line that runs to your backyard the Modine OHP34S48 is a smart choice because it can be hooked up directly to the gas supply of your home so that you never run out of gas. 2. BTU Many gas patio heaters have an impressive output of heat, which makes them perfect for large outdoor areas. However the amount of heat that a patio heater produces depends on its size, location and other aspects that are important to take into consideration all aspects before selecting one. One method to assess a patio heater's power is through its BTU rating, which stands for British thermal units and indicates the amount of heat it can generate in an hour. BTU ratings are provided by the manufacturer and usually refer to the number of square feet of area a heater can comfortably warm in ideal conditions. You can also calculate how many BTUs the patio heater requires by multiplying the area of your patio by the desired temperature increase. Propane and Natural Gas are the most popular patio heater fuels because they produce a significant amount of heat quickly. This makes them an ideal choice for large outdoor spaces in commercial buildings or homes for residential use. These heaters are more expensive than electric ones and may require refilling or replaced often. However they are a good choice because propane tanks can be purchased at gas stations or convenience stores. Some gas patio heaters are equipped with safety features to keep you and your guests safe while using them. Some include an automatic shut-off valve to prevent the heater from overheating and an electronic lighter to make it easier to ignite. Some models have a protective shield around the flame which helps to reduce the risk of burning. In addition to safety features, a few models of gas patio heaters are visually appealing. Some are classic designs with intricate details, ideal for a sophisticated outdoor setting. Other options have a rustic aesthetic with earthy tones, natural materials and a rustic vibe. They are ideal for a relaxing backyard. Some of our top models emit the flickering flame which can add to the visual appeal of your outdoor space. 3. Coverage When looking at a gas patio heater it's important to think about its coverage. If you regularly entertain guests outdoors, you may want to consider a model with a large coverage area. This will let everyone take advantage of the warmth without being too close to each other. The size of the patio heater is another factor to consider when determining its coverage. In general taller propane patio heaters will provide more heat than shorter options because they have the ability to radiate heat in multiple directions simultaneously. Thomas Bonfiglio of Triple T Hospitality said that's one of the main reasons his New York and New Jersey restaurant chose dome-top and pyramid-top heaters to warm their outdoor dining areas. “They're fantastic at heating the entire space and keeping the tables warm,” he says. While taller propane patio heaters usually offer more coverage but they also require more space, and the heat output could decrease in a windy environment. It's important to select a model that is wind-resistant. Other things to consider when choosing the best gas patio heater is the power source and installation method. Certain models are permanent fixtures that must be connected to the natural gas line while others are portable and run off a propane tank. The type of fuel used affects the maintenance and cost of the heater. Electric heaters are more affordable to run than propane alternatives. However they take longer to heat up and lack the power needed to cover a large patio. They must be kept away from any flammable material and should not be left unattended. Propane heaters cost more to operate than electric heaters however they have greater heat output. They can cover up to 215 square foot. They require a professional to install them and must be kept away from the ignition of combustibles. They require a greater initial investment than their electric counterparts however they can be controlled remotely or by the basis of a timer. 4. Safety When you are looking for a gas patio heater it's important to think about safety. Many models come with anti-tip features such as a weighted bottom and a tilt shutoff valve that prevents them from tipping over and burning your backyard. Certain models include a carbon monoxide alarm and detector that will turn off the heater in the event that there is a leak. If you want to be sure that your patio heater is safe, look for CSA certification. This means that it has been tested independently by a third party and meets the safety standards for outdoor use. When selecting a gas heater for your patio, you must also consider its overall appearance. There are a variety of styles to choose from. These include umbrella and pyramid models, as well wall-mounted versions which are smaller, more discreet and blend into your deck or yard. You can also pick from different finishes, with stainless steel and black being the most popular shades, but certain brands provide a range of color options to suit your personal style. In terms of fuel gas patio heaters are often cheaper to run than electric ones and provide more warmth for a greater area. However they need some natural ventilation in order to operate safely, so they aren't suitable for tight or enclosed spaces. Fortunately, some manufacturers make propane models that don't require to be hooked up to a gas line and can be powered by the standard 20-pound tanks, just like your grill. The top propane patio heaters feature a simple yet sturdy design that can withstand the most severe weather conditions. One model we tested can withstand winds that can reach 60 mph. Its assembly was simple and took less than a half hour using just a few basic hand tools. It can hold any propane tank that weighs 20 pounds. The automatic tip-over shutoff ensures it will stop working in the event of a fall. Other models in our list include additional safety features, such as the flame failure sensor, which shuts the gas flow if the flame has been extinguished. Based on your area you may prefer a propane patio heater approved by the local fire department or has an certified safety rating from UL.