Since spring and fall can be cool in many climates, a lot of restaurants can only use their outdoor spaces during a few of the warmest months. It can work in a covered area it the manufacturers ventilation and clearance requirements are followed. Be sure to check your local building and fire codes to make sure that there are no restrictions on the use of outdoor heaters in your municipality. This little, lightweight device is an excellent option if you're short on space or want an outdoor heating option while you're on the go. Is there anything so exciting, so delicious, so refreshing as a perfectly mixed drink? Pros: Small footprint, durable construction, portable, simple to use, Cons: Not an ideal solution for providing warmth for a large group of people. Even if you find an enticing deal on this heater, I recommend skipping it. If aesthetics are important to you, keep in mind that electric and propane heaters give off different types of light. I panic-purchased the AmazonBasics Patio Heater when the weather started to turn colder and the pandemic didn't appear to be ending anytime soon. I've been using the AmazonBasics Patio Heater for months now, and it's made it comfortable enough to sit outside even during the chilly Canadian fall and early winter. These tall patio heaters are often seen at restaurants because they can keep a large number of guests comfortable at one time. Great for areas where guests are standing or walking, Keeps customers warm without taking up extra space, Still functions as a table even when turned off, Provide warm ambiance - not intended for cooking, May require greater clearances and special installation, Typically more efficient than freestanding units, May require professional layout / design / installation, Flush mount models are available for recessed installation, Available with multiple heat level settings, More expensive to operate than natural gas, Allows you to turn on only the heaters you need, May be difficult to reach for some employees, Requires each unit to be turned on manually, Different versions can be permanently mounted or handheld, Can be placed where it is easy for employees to reach, In some cases remote controls are not designed for single heaters, Multiple remotes may be required for multiple zones of heaters, Only turns on the heaters that you need at any given time, Can be mounted at a location that is easy for employees to reach, More expensive and complex to set up and operate, Not available on all patio heaters / systems, May corrode quickly in harsh coastal environments, Some models have a more industrial appearance, Designed to resist corrosion in harsh coastal conditions. Electric heaters can be a backup for those without a gas hookup but a 220v hookup is required. (The colder it is, the more gas you'll use to heat the area.) Pyramids are fun to look at. Just pick what looks best in your space and you will be happy with your purchase. If your business already uses natural gas for cooking and indoor heating, this fuel type may be the best choice for you because it is readily available and often less expensive than electricity. Do you have natural gas available? Rohan wants to build his own dream backyard to get away from their busy home life. My AmazonBasics patio heater has controls so high that I need to stretch to reach them. Check the Ingress Protection Code (IP) weatherproof rating to make sure it can withstand rain and water. If they will only be used infrequently, you may not need to invest in an expensive system of wall mounted heaters as freestanding units may do the job. You simply aren't able to detect it without a CO detector. We even switched out the propane tank just in case the one we were using had an imperceptible leak, but to no avail. = Estimated Total Additional Revenue per Year. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. x How many additional days per year will your patio operate? Electric patio heaters aren't all dust and waterproof, either. They both have the same amount of BTUs and they both do the same job. Which you choose is up to you, but they both do a great job and will last for years and years. Buying from a reputable company that sells replacement parts means you'll be able to repair your patio heater should something break. In this guide, we'll take a look at key bar necessities to help your bar staff become proficient professors in the field of mixology and craft the coolest cocktails in town. If you have an available outdoor outlet, you may prefer an electric heater. They also don't require regular trips to the hardware store for fuel refills. We recommend choosing a model with wheels if you're opting for a standalone unit like a dome-top or pyramid heater so that it's easy to wheel out of the way when not in use. If you only need to heat a small space, it is easy to choose the patio heaters yourself. Or, you may need to use additional heaters to make up for the challenging ambient conditions on your patio. Propane models require refilling, storing and disconnecting and reconnecting gas fitting on the tank. 2003-2022 WebstaurantStore Food Service Equipment and Supply Company All Rights Reserved.Variation ID: The Leading Distributor of Restaurant Supplies and Equipment. "There's no danger for it to be out in the cold," said Griffith. While some electric patio heaters may be approved for use inside, most electric models and all gas models should only be used in open, outdoor, well-ventilated areas with a minimum of combustible surfaces nearby. We operate independently from our advertising team. Based in Lancaster, PA. WebstaurantStore is the largest online restaurant supply store servicing professionals and individual customers worldwide. Most importantly, never use an outdoor propane-powered heater inside. This helps to make it burn brighter, longer. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In some cases, an additional shield or heat deflector may be required. To raise the temperature on a porch, Pope recommends a SunPack-type wall or ceiling mounted heater if the distance from the floor to the porch cover is 10 feet, although requirements vary by manufacturers. We didnt slow down for the holidays and people are still ordering, he says. They also come in a wide variety of colors, which makes it easy to match your color scheme. When you make your outdoor seating areas usable for several more hours each day and for several more months in each year, that adds up to a substantial increase in profits for your business. What if you could make your cozy restaurant an attraction during the winter months? Mushrooms are more practical since they retain heat longer. >Sylvane has a 1200-watt Westinghouse oscillating outdoor heater, >Wayfair has a bio-ethanol outdoor tabletop fireplace, >Patio heaters are for sale at Amazon, Frontgate, Home Depot. Usually a simple on/off toggle. Dont bother with 110v models and make sure any electric equipment used outdoors is outdoor rated, says Pope. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. If your household has children or pets, you might also consider a patio heater with out-of-reach controls to prevent any accidents. Griffith suggests calling your local fire department if you're unsure about placement or have questions about patio heater safety. These materials are lighter, so they are easier to move around, but they are also more prone to rusting.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',878,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; If you are looking for something that will stand out, then get one that is made out of copper or brass. Even in warm climates, customers may become chilly sitting outside after sunset. Gas, Is the outdoor area covered? To see how well the devices heated, I let the heaters run for two hours on their highest settings. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Depending on your local utility's energy sources, an electric heater may be more environmentally friendly than a propane or natural gas heater, especially if it uses renewable energy sources. How much gas your patio heater uses depends on its heat output, what setting you're using, and the surrounding air temperature. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. The cone shape has an opening for air to flow in and up past the flame. Know how much space you have to heat and double check the math to be sure the heaters you choose will be up to the job. "There's a reason why one company can sell it at half the price," he said. Dan Pope of NW Natural Appliance Center in Portland has been swamped with requests for people wanting to heat outdoor spaces. Most outdoor heaters have specific requirements for installation in locations that are near combustible surfaces. Another alternative to fuel your outdoor patio heater is with natural gas. How much revenue does each seat generate per shift (in dollars)? Undaunted, homeowners are still searching for ways to bring warmth to their patio, pergola or porch. If you want to get a patio heater that looks like a pyramid then you will have to get a pyramid style heater. If you have an outdoor seating area, you know just how profitable those spaces are! Part of a series on outdoor entertainment spaces, Create a timeless outdoor living space to enjoy year-round with these tips from a pro. We can only reply to comments that include an email address. You'll get the most benefit if you're sitting in front of the heater. Using a thermometer, I monitored the outside temperature to see how warm it was from several distances away. Outdoor electric patio heaters provide heat from a renewable energy source, while providing heat instantly and with no wait time. This helps to give the fire more oxygen, which makes it burn brighter. Once you have decided on the style that looks best in your space then just pick which one you like best.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',876,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-leader-1-0')}; Pyramid heaters and mushroom heaters can be purchased at the same price. Keep your outdoor space warm year-round with a precast fireplace or heater. Here are some products worth considering: In order to write this guide, I researched the safest and most reliable patio heater brands. Indoor pellet stoves require electricity, but outdoor ones dont. Despite shortages, we were able to get our hands on three models to test and review and also consulted safety experts to put together this guide on what to look for if you're considering purchasing an outdoor patio heater. Natural gas models are provided with quick disconnect hoses that can be purchase in various lengths. They have a lot of shine to them, which makes them stand out from all the other patio heaters you will see on the market today. I also paid attention to how long it took the heaters to go through a propane tank on their highest settings. Most manufacturers list heat output in British thermal units (Btu) and estimate the square footage a heater can handle in ideal conditions. Plus, be sure not to allow furniture or other items to come into contact with the heater to protect your furnishings and prevent damage to the heater itself. Neither of them are going to rust or break easily. While we've only been able to test a few brands due to stock issues, we'll be adding reviews of other reputable brands to this guide soon. Receive coupon codes and more right to your inbox. For example, in a rural location, you may not have access to natural gas so electric heaters might be the best option for you. How much area do you need to heat? Keep in mind that using an electric heater frequently will cause your power bill to increase. Laying out your patio heater system can be tricky, so knowing the dimensions of the space, the clearances available, and the amount of coverage you need is important. My patio is about 1,500 cubic feet (assuming a height of around 5 feet I'm short, so I don't need to heat the air too far above my head), and if I want to hang out outside in the fall when it's 50 degrees outside, I'll probably want to raise the temperature by at least 10 degrees. When you are deciding what patio heater will best suit your business, there are a few questions to ask yourself: If, however, you need to create a system of patio heaters to warm a large outdoor space the process can be a little more complicated. The heat controls are placed at the top of the unit, which requires short people like me to stand on their toes to reach but keeps the controls out of kids' hands. He also adds that it's a good idea to check whether your town has any specific regulations for this kind of outdoor heating appliance. Pope, who sells natural gas products at the showroom but is familiar with other types, says this is the best option for efficiency, convenience and cost to operate. There are fire sources fueled by bioethanol produced from biomass. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products. Analyze the list of pros and cons for electric patio heaters. Steph Coelho is a freelance writer and homebody with a passion for home and kitchen goods. Bonfiglio said he settled on gas models for his restaurant because of their ability to evenly diffuse heat without adding unnecessary bright light. Patio heaters guzzle a lot of propane, so I always like to keep an extra tank on hand since I have multiple outdoor gas-powered appliances like a grill and an outdoor fireplace. Most propane patio heaters are compatible with standard 15- to 20-pound propane tanks, but some portable versions work with smaller, 16-ounce canisters. If electrical connections or natural gas plumbing are not available in your outdoor space, your options may be limited to propane-operated heaters. Outdoor heaters impact the environment and some cities banned their use at restaurants. If you want to get a patio heater that looks like a mushroom then you will have to get a mushroom style heater. The best option for heat in outside areas is natural gas, says Pope. If you're planning on starting a new bar, you should be familiar with the science of crafting drinks, also called "mixology". Experts told us you can store most propane heaters outside all year round. You're buying a patio heater to keep warm when it gets cold, so heat output should be a key consideration. An outdoor living space designed by Michelle Rolens is heated by a 48-inch, stainless-steel, gas Lynx infrared patio heater controlled by a remote or wall-mount switch.Darius Kuzmickas. The reason I decided to write this post is because I have come across so many people who are confused on what type of patio heater they should buy. She's always on the hunt for the best home and kitchen gadgets and is determined to help people sort the treasure from the trash. Unfortunately, many options were sold out. "[Carbon monoxide] is an odorless, colorless insipid gas. The trick to making an outdoor living space comfortable year-round: Heat. Make Your Restaurant's Patio a Winter Dining Destination, As the weather gets cooler, it is time to prepare your restaurant for winter . Propane can be a hassle to replace the tank underneath and some people dont like the look of a tank outside of the unit. If you love spending time outdoors, this is the blog for you. Outdoor dining areas range from simple sidewalk space to lavish poolside bars. Rohan has provided many colorful ideas including a water fountain, gazebo, pergola, BBQ area, splash pad, sandbox, and decking with a built-in barbecue. Read our full review of the Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater. heaters are also known as Garden Mushroom heaters, Tree Mushroom heaters, Mushroom Flame heaters and Mushroom patio, heaters are one of the most efficient patio. Also, consider storage and whether you'll store the patio heater outdoors or indoors when it's not in use. What is the difference between a pyramid heater and a mushroom heater? By using commercial patio heaters to increase the number of days your patio is open every year, you'll increase the profitability of your outdoor spaces which in turn will boost your bottom line. Its rugged design also makes it suitable for camping. A single control for each patio heater, mounted on the unit itself. Here are patio heaters we tested that didn't make the cut. Copper and brass are very heavy and very durable. Additional commercial patio heater parts and accessories are also available for proper installation and maintenance of your new outdoor heating system. Keep propane tanks at least 3 feet away from entrances or building openings, discard tanks that are damaged or more than 10 years old, and never store a propane tank indoors. A, SunPack-type wall or ceiling mounted heater. The mushroom-top unit has a single control knob with an ignition setting and two adjustable heat options, low and high. You'll have to buy propane tanks separately from the heater, as you would for a gas-powered outdoor fireplace or grill. Dome or pyramid-shaped heaters are typically larger and have a higher Btu output, so they can usually heat a larger area than tabletop patio heaters. The fire is placed at the top and the heat rises up and out of the top of the heater. Some reputable patio heater brands include Home Depot's in-house brand Hampton Bay, AZ Patio Heaters (also sold as Hiland), Westinghouse, Dyna-Glo, and Mr. Heater. A covered patio or a standalone structure can be made more comfortable in cold months with a fire table or a mushroom-top heater on wheels. Plug-in heaters require a lot of electricity, so Mock recommends not having too many things plugged in at the same time as your electric heater. Here's how you ca, Whether you live in warmth all year long or you're looking to take advantage of the summer sunshine, consider transforming your unused or wintry outdoor space into a profitable patio destination. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. It operates on a propane tank, the same kind you may use to operate your BBQ. The Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater is a compact, portable heater perfect for personal use and heating up small outdoor spaces. Flame tables and fire bowls can be used in a covered area if manufacturers ventilation and clearance requirements are met. A wall- or ceiling-mounted heater can be used in a covered area if it meets the manufacturers ventilation and clearance requirements. "Those are meant to be outdoors where it's ventilated," said Griffith. I also spoke with three experts to learn more about patio heater safety and features: Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief with the Montreal Fire Department; Dan Mock, brand manager for Mister Sparky, an electrical services company; and Thomas Bonfiglio, CEO and founder of Triple T Hospitality. In areas all over the country, contemporary bistros, cafes, and eateries have redefined winterizing their spaces. Check the manufacturer specifications and look for an IP Code rating of at least 55, which means the device can handle some dust and water. Works like a ceiling fan remote. Steph is currently based in the Montreal area, where she lives in a 70s-style bungalow with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot named Felix. It's OK to keep a tank outside all year round. Confirm chimney clearance and height requirements; an outdoor pellet stove may not be appropriate for covered areas. I recommend this space-saving heater to anyone wanting to spend more time outside, as it will help keep you warm without gobbling up valuable real estate. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common types of outdoor patio heaters on the market: While most outdoor patio heaters use propane or electricity as an energy source, natural gas heaters also exist, but they require professional installation into an existing gas line, so we don't expect to test these anytime soon. If you are looking for something more modern looking, with a little more flair, then get one made out of steel or aluminum. Do you want heat or ambiance? Extend your patio seating season! as well as other partner offers and accept our. The fire is placed at the top and the heat rises up and out of the top of the heater. Its rugged design also makes it suitable for camping. What we recommend: AmazonBasics Patio Heater, What else we recommend: Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater, Check out more great patio and outdoor guides, how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products, AmazonBasics Patio Heater, $173.88 on Amazon, Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater, $149.99 on Amazon, We don't recommend buying from third-party sellers, Read our full review of the AmazonBasics Patio Heater, Read our full review of the Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater, Hampton Bay 38,200 BTU Bronze Heat-Focusing Propane Gas Patio Heater, Westinghouse 1500-Watt Infrared Table Top Electric Outdoor Heater, a list of reputable patio heater brands here. Here are more sources. A mushroom patio heater is a type of heater that is designed with a cone shaped top and a rectangular base. If it's out of stock or only available from third-party sellers, we recommend waiting until Amazon receives more stock. Wired and wireless controllers are available that send a signal to turn the heater on or off. The only difference is the shape of the top.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',875,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dreamoutdoorliving_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; So if you are just looking for price then you will have to decide on which one you want based on the look of the heater. If you're thinking about outdoor entertaining in the colder months, the right outdoor patio heater can keep you and your guests cozy, even if there's a significant chill in the air.