Patio Heater Report

Outdoor living is fast becoming the way forward with the garden adding an extra set of rooms to urban living. To get the most from the garden space a patio heater is a must have. But how do you choose the right heater for you?

Patio heaters can be fuelled by gas, wood, coal and electricity. These range from the popular free standing models, table models, fixed/plumbed into the ground, wall units and open basket models. The easiest to use and the most versatile is the free standing gas model. The market is saturated with many different types but the important features to look for are:

Safety Features
Always look for a model fitted with a flame failure device, avoid purchasing patio heaters without this safety device. Also look for a patio heater tilt safety shut-off, should someone attempt to move the patio heater when it's lit the tilt device will quickly cut the gas supply off to the patio heater. The better patio heaters will also be supplied with a thermal fuse for added safety. If the patio heater is missing any one of these safety feature just ask yourself if it has been built with the customer in mind or is it cheap and cheerful model.

Heat/Power Output
Some list power via KW but by far the best method is to look for the patio heater's BTU/h's (British Thermal Unit). The BTU's will show the engine size and is a more accurate way of understanding how much heat will be generated. Just as too little power (table models often have 20,000BTU/h's or less) is not ideal, to much power will just guzzle gas with no added benefit. The design and construction of patio heaters is a fine balance of height plus reflector diameter to deliver the most efficient heat to the patio and people below. Patio heaters up to 45,000BTU can be fully harnessed under the reflector, anything above 45,000BTU needs a re-engineered patio heater that should be much taller (3M plus) and with a much wider reflector to effectively capture and reflect the heat output downwards. Look for patio heater models with a min 35,000 BTU up to 45,000BTU, anything above will just burn extra fuel into the air above with no extra benefit.

Burners

The heart of a patio heater and the most expensive part is the burner. These can be manufactured using tin plate, chrome or stainless steel. Even if the body of the patio heater is stainless steel most budget models fit tin burners as standard. Within the UK the tin/chrome burners rust quickly, always best to check a full stainless steel burner is fitted before making a decision on your patio heater.

Types of Finish
Stainless steel patio heaters offer the lazy gardener the best option. These can be left in the garden without fear of rust. Patio heaters that are powder coated should be protected using a full length patio heater cover. Avoid burner covers (made for use in The Far East/S. Africa), always look for a full length patio heater cover. To help keep the worst of the British weather off and prevent fading, scratches and the potential for rust, invest in a good quality patio heater cover. More information why stainless steel patio heaters do  not corrode can be found at: how are stainless steel patio heaters anti corrosive?

Fuel

It's worth checking if the patio heater will run on both propane and butane. Not all patio heaters are designed to run on dual fuel, some are single fuel only. For the best all year round performance propane is the wise choice. There are two types of propane cylinders, one is generically called "patio gas" supplied in a green cylinder and designed for a clip-on LPG propane regulator.  The other is standard propane in an orange cylinder, this takes a reverse screw regulator.

Warrantees
Depending on where you purchase a patio heater it can be difficult to return items. There are many traders who dabble in garden items from paddling pools, trampolines and patio heaters by purchasing from a discount wholesaler. Once sold it may be difficult to get back-up and support. Most switch from one patio heater model to the next based on lowest wholesale cost - not always the best way to guarantee quality. Look for a patio heater suppliers with consistent product production, development and support.

Fake Sales
Many of the traders operate on fake sales. To see if the patio heater is being sold on a fake sale take a note of the price and web site. Check back a few weeks later and you'll find many of the "for this month only" or "last few remaining" tickets have not changed. Best to avoid those that operate using dubious practices that misled the customer, the question is what else are they hiding?

Position

Garden patio heaters are for outdoor use only. When positioning near to any structures the clearance needed is 60cm to the side and 50cm above. If using a gazebo check if the material is flame retardant. Never place on a slope or uneven surfaces. Patio heaters suffer storm damage, if high winds are forecast it's best to move to a sheltered spot or strap the patio heater pole to a down pipe. This will prevent any storm damage toppling the patio heater over, the reflector will act like a sail in high winds.

Design

Avoid the unsightly garden patio heaters fitted with clumsy doors for access to the

gas cylinder. Look for the sleeker models with hidden access for gas.

There are two types of reflectors - the single piece or sectional reflectors, often called canopies, lid or dome. A patio heater reflector size should be around 80cm for optimum heat deflection. A single piece patio heater reflector is not repairable. An alternative is a 5 piece patio heater reflectors which can be easily repaired by purchasing sections required at lower unit cost.