Top Ten Tips To Buying
Quality Patio Heaters
No. 1. Stainless Steel Burner.Not all stainless steel patio heaters have a stainless steel burner supplied as standard. Most domestic heaters will ship with a tin or chrome burner that is polished to look like stainless steel. Always ask the question, "Is the actual burner stainless steel or tin"?
No. 2. Latest Technology.
EU regulations changed in 2009 requiring improved energy efficiencies. The latest patio heaters will have the new updated technology factory fitted. Older patio heaters may still fit 16kw burners to use up old stocks. Worth noting that Europe's largest patio heater spare parts supplier discontinued spares for 16kw patio heaters back in 2009.
NO. 3. Spares, Support & Back Up.
This is a service industry, to keep patio heaters working in tip top condition will require back up and support. Most traders do not keep any records of spares or hold service information. When the time comes to service the heater make sure you have access to a full list of patio heater spare parts and expert advice.
No.4. Full Sized Reflector.
Undersized reflectors is a big issue. There are patio heaters with small burners paired with cut down reflectors and patio heaters with 16kw burners paired with undersized reflectors. Always go for the optimum balance of a full sized normal reflector with latest technology burner - paired together this combination gives maximum heat reflection without costing a fortune to run.
No. 5. Warranty.
Factory direct gives the best warranty, normally 2 years. Traders struggle to match. Some void warranty (read their terms) if close to costal areas which is a sure sign the patio heaters are made of tin!
No. 6. Matching Base.
A good looking patio heater will have a matching base and wheels. So if it's stainless steel patio heater the base will match. Cheaper alternatives fit plastic or painted tin bases to cut costs. These can look odd as the base and wheels age at a different rate to the rest of the patio heater.
No. 7. Safety Feature.
Most patio heaters now fit a tilt switch, some fit a flame failure device but few if any have triple safety feature, for best protection make sure it also has a thermal fuse. Only the latest and most advanced gas patio heaters will have all three as standard.
No. 8. Design & Construction.
Quality patio heaters will be designed for safety and strength. One area that many budget models miss is the tiny grommets that protect small fingers from harm. Check the base has rubber protective grommets, cheaper patio heaters leave these out as they are not a legal requirement but vital for the safety of little fingers.
No.9. Heritage.
Traders come and go in this market - over 130 in 3 years and still counting! Many operate fake sale tickets using made up RSP and 70% off, 60% off and free extra's - check back and the same fake sales run all year long. Already illegal in the EU, these traders operate below the radar and quickly change trading names when the law catches up with them. To avoid getting duped on a low value product from fake sales sites it's best to use an old established company that has continually developed its patio heaters than take a chance with a gas appliance.
No. 10. Pricing.
Surprisingly pricing is last, the rule with all gas appliances is never ever buy any gas appliance solely on price. That 'once in a lifetime' deal is a gas appliance that needs to be up to the job, safe for you and your family to use. Check mark all above first, pricing really is the last issue.
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