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In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Unless you live in a realm that reckon comely atmospheric condition all twelvemonth long , there comes a time when you ’ll have to close up yourpatio for the wintertime . But if you make room for a terrace bullet in your outdoor space , you ’ll keep the garden party going evenwhen the temperature plummet .
To find the best propane terrace heaters , we put a potpourri of heaters to the test powerful at home plate . In addition , we verbalize toJim Schimmenti , proprietor of The Grounds Guys of Garden City , andDor Wand , mathematical operation lead at Hippo , for insight .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
One of the most important thing to look for in a terrace smoke is its Btus , which will enjoin you how powerful the heater is . A good rule of thumb is to breed the straight footage of your patio space by 20 , and that will be theminimum Btus you needto adequately heat the quad . However , you may need more in cooler mood or uncovered areas .
What We Tested
For three calendar week , tester used their given bullet in their backyard , keeping in mind rest of setup and employment , safety feature , issue of Btus , and overall carrying out . tester were place in the Northeast , Midwest , South , and on the West Coast . To learn more about how we tested propane patio heaters , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Pamapic Pyramid Patio Heater
This heater warm up a 10 - foot outdoor space in only 10 minutes .
Despite the wheels , the 61 - pound free weight made it unmanageable to move around .
Not only is this heater affordable , but the nerveless pyramid design take in it a rosehip decor accent in summation to a heating plant source for your patio . The heater features a glass flame subway system , which is bewitch to keep an eye on and operative at the same time .
Credit: Amazon
While the heater was leisurely for us to install and apply , weneeded a whole step stoolto meet the upper sections due to the height . you may wrick the passion up or down as needed using a dial . The warmer also has a safety valve that shut the heat off if it angle or fall over .
During examination , it only take 10 minute to warm our 10 - ft blank space . The only matter missing , in our notion , was the ability to control the rut ’s way for more customization . But if you ’re on a budget and prefer relaxingfire nether region vibraphone , we extremely recommend this model .
Just be aware that , despite having rack , you ca n’t roll it around well because it ’s a powerful 61 pound sterling . It is available in 10 finishes , include bronze , hammer bronze , and stainless steel .
This Pamapic heater has a pyramid design that offers a decorative touch to your outdoor space.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product detail : Dimensions:23 x 23 x 89 inches|Heating Areas:15 feet |Btus:48,000 |Weight:61 pounds
Best Safety Features
Mainstays Propane Gas Outdoor Patio Heater
It ’s a conditions - resistant and rustproof warmer that can be used outside year - rotund .
Be disposed for an passing long apparatus operation .
This is a knock-down smoke , making it one of the best propane heaters tokeep a large patio quick . But the safety feature really made it stand up out during testing . Auto shutoff secure peace of brain , and the materials are weather - repellent and rustproof so you’re able to keep it outside all twelvemonth .
Another positive facet of the aim is that the warmer ’s massiveness makes it palpate stable and almost inconceivable to lean over . The heater puts out 48,000 Btus of heat and there ’s a knob to control the stream . It did n’t take long to inflame up our space — we felt the effects within instant of turning it on .
The frame-up process was exceedingly wearisome since the warmer is gravid and come with many component that have been individually shrink - wrapped in credit card . It took us over four hours to let out the parts and tack the heater — mode longer than we anticipate . However , the instruction were clear and easy to travel along .
And although it was bulky , we could easily wheel it around . However , it is likely more suitable for an outdoor patio , bivouac , or gazebo , as it may not fit well on theaverage - sized pack of cards . It is uncommitted in two finish : sinister and stainless blade .
Product Details : Dimensions:32 x 32 x 86.6 inches |Heating Areas:200 square feet|Btus:48,000|Weight:32.01 pounds
Best for Focused Heating
Hampton Bay Heat-Focusing Propane Gas Patio Heater
It ’s equipped with reflectors to channelize heating in a specific counseling for more efficient heating .
It might be too marvelous for shorter people to comfortably attain the reflectors
The addition of reflectors on the strong-armer name this Hampton Bay smoke moreefficient compare to other optionson our tilt . They focus oestrus in specific areas so you’re able to direct it where you need it the most . We liked that we could steer heat only to the area where people were sitting .
Its range hold out up to 120 square feet , which is tolerable for standard tosmall deck or terrace . Getting it depart is unproblematic , requiring only a push of its electric ignition clitoris and then tamper with its knob to control how much propane petrol you use .
There was a slight encyclopedism curve when see out how to perch it , but once it was up and run , we found that it warm up our back deck chop-chop with a detectable temperature difference . Additionally , we had no consequence with the apparatus instructions , which were clear-cut and easy to understand .
Its base is grit - filled , so it ’s heavy and unlikely to tip over . That said , in the event it does find , it features an anti - tilt figure that mechanically shut out off the heater . At 74 Ezra Pound , it ’s the heavy fastball on our tilt , and we found it quite tall for a shorter individual to conform the reflectors .
Product point : Dimensions : 86.6 x 34 x 34 column inch |Heating Areas:120 hearty feet |Btus:38,200 |Weight : 74 pound
The Bottom Line
ThePamapic Pyramid Patio Heaterwas our pick for safe overall because of its spry and in effect heating . The heater was loose to install and utilize and it feature a handy safety valve as well .
Our Testing Process
To happen the near propane heaters , we put a potpourri of option to the mental test right on at home . For three weeks , we used the heaters in our own backyards and evaluated each based on a preset methodology . Testing was carry in the Northeast , Midwest , South , and on the West Coast .
We assembled each one out of the box , notice how long it took . Once in place , we tested each for safety and stableness by giving each one a bump to see if it budge or stay on in shoes . Then , we fired up each one to see how quickly it warm up and how much of the outdoor surface area it fire up .
We pick out the best heaters of the grouping based on simplicity of apparatus and use , heating public presentation , safety , and overall value .
What to Know About Propane Patio Heaters Before Shopping
Dimensions
Propane terrace smoke are n’t intimately as compact as thespace heatersyou might utilize inside your home base or situation . Some are more fashionable than others , so you wo n’t take care making room for them on your terrace . Other models are really quite magniloquent , average out around 7 feet .
Before purchasing , you want to ensure you have enough headroom for your space heater , peculiarly if you ’re using itunder a covered patioor near other large patio furniture and decor , likepatio umbrella . ( Be sure to translate all maker ’s guidepost on refuge clearances . )
If you have a large patio , you should be all right with just about any propane terrace heater on our tilt , but if you have a more stocky space , you ’ll want to pay attention to the dimensions of these so that they do n’t overpower your patio . tiptop aside , many model on our list are or so 2 feet in distance and width .
Heating Area
The heat of some propane heaters is assess in straight metrical unit , while some are in diam or r . Either way , consider the size of it of your patio in damage of the heat production of the propane bullet so you ’re not left out in the cold ( literally ) .
The patio heater on our tilt with the good heating range is theMainstays hummer , which can warm area up to 200 square metrical unit . For guiding heating , the best propane terrace heater is theHampton Bay picking . Although it does n’t warm as much open region as the Mainstays selection , it has reflectors that direct heat .
Btus
Btu is the building block of measurement define the level of rut require to increase the temperature of one quid of H2O by a single stage Fahrenheit . Typically , the more Btus a heating unit of measurement has , the more potent it is .
The middling terrace heater clocks in at around 40,000 Btus , but you ’ll need to calculate your patio ’s region and straightforward footage , Schimmenti enunciate , to ensure that you ’ve vex an fair to middling unit . If it were indoors , you ’d reproduce the square footage of the space by 20 to get the correct amount of Btus .
Keep in mind , though , that the outdoors are different — you’re deal with much lower temperature as well as farting that will diminish the warmth get out of the heater — so the Btus even for a small patio warmer will be much high .
Weight
Propane patio heaters can be rather hefty . Our heaviest option is theHampton Bayat 74 pounds . If you go for a heavier heater , expect for one that has wheels so you could easily and safely move it around .
Other Propane Patio Heaters We Tested
East Oak Outdoor Patio Heater
We tested theEast Oak Outdoor Patio Heater , which was loose to meet and wake up fairly promptly . However , we finally felt it was too grandiloquent to distribute the heat as effectively as we would have liked .
AZ Patio Heaters Quartz Glass Tube Hammered Bronze Propane Patio Heater
TheAZ Patio Heaters Quartz Glass Tube Hammered Bronze Propane Patio Heaterhas a nice aesthetic and is fairly dewy-eyed to use . It took us about three hours to set up , however , and it ’s also more expensive than other options .
Living Accents Freestanding Propane Patio Heater
determine up theLiving Accents Freestanding Propane Patio Heaterwas fairly straight thanks to clear instructions . We felt that the design made it mislay too much oestrus out of the side , however .
Your Questions, Answered
How long does propane last in a patio heater?
Purchasingpropane to control a heateradds an additional cost . However , “ propane space heaters are extremely effective , ” Schimmenti says . “ A 20 - Syrian pound propane tank car can last up to 10 hours . ” That ’s two pound of propane per time of day of use , so look at that figuring when square up your propane terrace warmer employment .
Can you use a propane heater under a covered patio?
When setting up your propane heater , the placement is a cardinal consideration . “ Propane heaters can be used under a covered patio if the chemical mechanism is place for indoor use , ” Wand says . It ’s crucial to leave enough clearance between the heating system ingredient and the cover .
Be certain to learn and stick with all maker ’s guidelines . Wand says that you do n’t have to disclose a propane patio smoke as a heat source ; on ahomeowner ’s insurance insurance , it would be covered as personal property ( reporting C ) . Still , you are “ encouraged to take appropriate precautions when using one of these heaters , ” he says .
Can a propane heater be used in a garage?
“ The same recommendation [ for cover patios ] apply forgarages and indoor workshops , ” he pronounce . “ It ’s critical to use a propane heaterdesigned specifically for indoor use of goods and services . ” Regardless of where you are capable to safely use your heater , Wand powerfully recommends not leave it neglected while on . For the utmost safety , have it inspected annually .
Who We Are
This article was written byNor’Adila Hepburn , a author for Better Homes & Gardens . To amass this list of the good propane patio heater , Hepburn analyzed laboratory insights from our examination site in Des Moines , Iowa . She also consultedJim Schimmenti , possessor of The Grounds Guys of Garden City , a Neighborly company , andDor Wand , procedure lead at Hippo .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends sealskin of blessing . ware that earn the seal of approval have been put through rigorous testing to verify they ’re worth a place in your dwelling . We buy most of the products we essay ourselves , but from time to time we are put up samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing standard we use to prove the purchased product .
Credit: Walmart
We thought the bulkiness of this Mainstays style contributed to its durability and safety.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: The Home Depot
Despite a learning curve, this Hampton Bay pick quickly heated our patio during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
