Propane Patio Heaters - Tips, Options, and What to Look For
Propane patio heaters are one of the most popular choices in backyard heating. They are simple, efficient, and get the job done.
Advantages of Propane Models
There are advantages that the propane heaters offer that other models do not. For example, a propane heater propane is a fairly inexpensive and easy to purchase fuel. Also many already have propane tanks available in their backyards that they use for their barbeque's and outdoor kitchens.
Propane patio heaters also allow you to be completely "off-the-grid". You don't need an electrical outlet or use of natural gas. While most probable use their heater at home, you can take propane heaters with you to other locations like a cookout or camping trip. This also allows you to space out the heaters, if you have more than one, while not having to mess with cords that can get in the way. Remember to only use propane heaters outdoors.
Table-top Propane Patio Heaters
While there are the popular full-size models of propane heaters there are also table-top models. These are small heaters, less than half the size, that sit in the middle of the table. These use much less fuel and keep everyone around the table warm for smaller gatherings.
What to look for in a propane heater
Look for efficient propane patio heaters. Efficient models will burn about 450-860 g/hr. If it's considerable more than this, you might want to look for a different model.
Weight. If you are planning on moving the heater around, you might want a lighter weight model. Look for something less than 50 pounds if you want portability.
Heating Diameter. Some propane heaters look rather efficient, but that's because their heating diameter is less than 10 feet. Make sure a full-size model has between 10-20 feet of heating diameter, generally around 14 feet. Table-top models should be around 10 feet.
A regulator with multiple settings is a plus as well. This allows you to set your fuel usage at different levels when you want less heat or more.