The 9 Best Commercial Patio Heaters in 2023 + Buying Guide

Here’s Linquip’s guide to the 9 best commercial patio heaters in 2023. You will find this article helpful in choosing an outdoor patio heater in the winter months if you plan on entertaining outside. It can keep you and your guests warm even when the weather is cold. 

You can find a wealth of information about heaters on Linquip’s website to help you make an informed decision. We provide you with access to the best patio heaters on the market today, so you can do your job more efficiently. We provide information on Linquip’s “What Are Heaters?” page that explains what Linquip offers for you based on the intended use of your heater.

Are you considering purchasing a patio heater soon? The extensive selection of Heaters Products available on Linquip can help you find the right solution for your application. Linquip’s platform can be used to get quotes for patio heaters. Our free online form allows you to receive quotes from a variety of Heater Suppliers and Companies within a short time.

Patio heaters are in high demand right now. People are setting up their spaces for a socially distanced winter, just as they have in the past couple of years. The most important thing to consider when purchasing a patio heater is its heat output, ease of use, and safety. In this guide, you will learn about the most fundamental criteria for selecting a patio heater, as well as the most popular models.

Patio Heaters Buying Guide

Depending on their size, patio heaters can serve as focal points around which partygoers gather, while others are more functional – they heat the area without adding much ambiance. Choosing the right outdoor heating option for an individual patio is largely a matter of taste, but there are a few factors to consider.

Style

Patios need the same decor attention as other indoor spaces, even though they are outdoors. You can choose from a variety of patio heater styles to create a unique aesthetic in your backyard oasis:

• Tower-style heater
• Space heater
• Tabletop heater
• Mounted heater
• Firepit/fireplace

Tower-Style Heater

Usually 6 to 8 feet tall, tower-style heaters have heat sources located at the top, middle, and bottom. These patio heaters are available in electric and propane versions and offer warm air to a radius of five to ten feet, making them ideal for yards and larger patios.

Space Heater

Designed to heat a limited area, the space heater is more functional than aesthetic. During outdoor dining, a space heater placed underneath the table may provide enough warmth for diners to feel comfortable. It is possible to power space heaters with propane or plug them into outdoor electrical outlets.

Tabletop Heater

A tabletop heater is smaller than a freestanding unit and attached to a patio table (most often through the hole where an umbrella would fit). Whether electric or propane, they are portable and provide a good level of power for smaller gatherings but are less powerful than larger models.

Mounted Heater

These electric patio heaters are usually infrared (radiating heat) and mounted on walls or ceilings. For those who have a large space that needs to be heated but have limited floor space, these units are an excellent choice.

Firepit & Fireplace

Offering the flickering atmosphere of a campfire, firepits and fireplaces are the perfect addition to the outdoor ambiance, and they’re high on the wish lists of many outdoor entertainers. Powered by propane, natural gas, or wood, you can use them to hold late-night sessions surrounded by patio chairs.

Area Size

Several factors determine the amount of area that a patio heater can comfortably heat. It is more common for large patio heaters to use radiant heat rather than fans to distribute heat. As opposed to just warming the air, radiant heat warms objects in front of it. When the wind blows away the heated air, convection heaters are not effective at keeping people warm.

Heating elements in patio heaters can radiate heat between 4 and 12 feet or even farther, depending on their power. Several heaters allow you to adjust the amount of heat they produce – turning it down to heat a smaller area or turning it up to heat a large area.

Heat Output

British thermal units (BTUs) measure the heat output of a natural gas or propane patio heater, while watts measure the output of an electric heater.

• To estimate suitable BTUs for a patio heater, multiply the patio’s square feet by 20. As an example, for a 400-square-foot area, multiply 400 by 20 to get 8,000; so an 8,000-BTU gas patio heater would be effective at heating it. Based on style and size, gas patio heaters can produce between 5,000 and 40,000 BTUs.
• The average electric patio heater generates 1,500 watts of heat, which is equivalent to 5,100 BTUs, so it is ideal for smaller patios. To increase the heat output of a patio, you can use two or more electric patio heaters.

Aesthetic

Although patio heaters are primarily designed to maintain a comfortable outdoor temperature, many of them also provide a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Tabletop styles can reflect varying light colors or feature flickering flames, adding a dreamy atmosphere.

The propane tank is usually concealed by a cabinet, except for the smallest propane patio heaters. To achieve the best aesthetics, choose a material that complements the home and patio. Stainless steel patio heaters are perfect for contemporary homes with modern décor, while cast-iron firepits suit rustic cabin retreats.

Safety

In order to warm a patio, any device that generates enough heat must be designed to meet certain safety requirements. The heating elements of patio heaters are concealed in cool-to-the-touch materials or placed above the height of humans (in the case of tower-style heaters) in order to prevent burns. You can still use a patio heater safely by following these tips.

• Don’t let the patio heater come into contact with walls, lawn furniture, or anything flammable. A patio heater should be positioned with three feet of space on all sides.
• Some patio heaters include a safety shutoff if they tip, but not all. Don’t let the heater tip over by placing it on a level surface.
• An ash-ejecting wood heater or a space heater that falls over might present a fire hazard. A fire extinguisher will make you more prepared in case of an emergency.
• Keep an eye on it; Never leave a patio heater unattended.
• A cover is included with some patio heaters. Buy one if you don’t already have one, and cover it when not in use. By covering the heating element, bugs, dirt, and debris won’t blow into it, clogging it or posing a fire risk.

Portability

When a patio heater comes with wheels, getting it from one end to the other of the patio or moving it near a pool will be easier.

It isn’t uncommon for propane patio heaters to weigh 60 pounds or more, not counting the weight of a 20-pound propane tank, so carrying one becomes challenging. The average weight of an electric patio heater is between 20 and 30 pounds, but wheels remain useful.

Portable heaters may weigh as little as a few pounds and can easily be packed in a trunk or moved around a yard.

Cost

It is often the electricity bill that accounts for most of the cost of electric patio heaters since electricity is more costly than either natural gas or propane. Electric heaters, however, are less expensive.

A propane patio heater can range in price from an inexpensive space heater to a tall tower model, but it is generally cheaper to run than an electric model.

Since natural gas patio heaters are often designed to be installed permanently in outdoor living areas and kitchens, they are often among the most expensive models. The installation may require a licensed plumber, but they’re among the least costly to run.

The pricing of wood-burning firepits and fireplaces also varies widely, from inexpensive firepits to high-end fireplaces that are permanently installed in entertaining outdoor areas.

Best Commercial Patio Heaters Reviews

The 9 Best Commercial Patio Heaters in 2023 include:

• Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
• Hiland HLDSO1-WGTHG Propane Patio Heater
• Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater
• Pamapic Patio Heater, 42,000 BTU Pyramid Flame Outdoor Heater 
• Mr. Heater F232017 MH9BXRV Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Radiant Heater
• Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
• Briza Infrared Patio Heater
• Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
• Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit

Listed below are the best patio heaters that will keep your loved ones warm, comfortable, and safe while you spend time outdoors, so you can choose something that works for your socially distance outdoor gatherings or perhaps something that’s family-friendly and pet-friendly.

1. Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater

Specifications 

There is one control knob on the mushroom-top unit, which controls ignition and two heat settings, low and high. Controls for the heat are located on top of the unit, so short people need to stand on their toes to reach them, but kids can’t reach them. You can use the same propane tank you use for your barbecue to operate it. Due to its weather-resistant design, it does not need to be stored away during the winter.

When the weather is freezing, even the AmazonBasics patio heater won’t turn your deck into an oasis in the summer. However, it can provide a hint of warmth, so you can spend more time with family outside.

2. Hiland HLDSO1-WGTHG Propane Patio Heater

Specifications 

The 91-inch tall propane heater weighs 65 pounds, but it can be moved thanks to two wheels on the back easily. It is very simple to light, contains a safety shut-off valve in case it tips over too far, and uses a standard propane tank that holds 20 pounds. If you have a full tank of fuel, you can use it for up to 10 hours, while the quartz glass flame tube in the heater will keep everything within 10 feet warm.

3. Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater

Specifications 

Hampton Bay’s stainless steel patio heater delivers 48,000 BTUs and is stylish. As well as covering a large area (approximately 200 square feet), this heater lasts up to ten hours and has a weighted base that keeps it in place and prevents it from easily tipping over (as a result of the anti-tilt safety device built-in). In addition, the electronic ignitor is easy to use, turning on and off the heater with a simple push of a button.

This heater does take some time to assemble, but with patience and determination, it can be ready for use within an hour. To keep yourself warm, you’ll also need to purchase a propane tank separately since it’s not included. Choosing a heater that comes with smooth, rotating wheels is a good option if you think you might want to move it around your patio.

4. Pamapic Patio Heater, 42,000 BTU Pyramid Flame Outdoor Heater

Specifications 

The Pamapic Pyramid Flame Patio Heater features flickering flames that dance up and down the transparent glass tube. With an 89.4-inch height, this propane heater provides variable heat output settings. A solid cabinet conceals a 20-pound propane tank at the base of the pyramid.

There are several safety features built into this pyramid heater, such as a safety shutoff if it is knocked over, and it weighs 19.8 pounds (without the tank). A generous 42,000 BTU of heat is produced, and the wheels make it easy to move. Reflector shields on top radiate warmth, and a metal cage surrounds quartz glass tubes. Additionally, the heater is protected by a zip cover when not in use, so dust and the elements won’t get inside.

5. Mr. Heater F232017 MH9BXRV Buddy Grey Indoor-Safe Portable RV Radiant Heater

Specifications 

You can use this little, lightweight device when you don’t have much space or need outdoor heating while traveling. With a width of 14 inches, it is suitable for tabletop use. 

The single control knob allows you to switch between low and high heat. The unit heats the surrounding area fairly quickly and runs for up to three hours. A heater will give you the greatest benefit if you sit in front of it. 

For anyone who wants to spend more time outside, this space-saving heater will keep you warm without taking up much space.

6. Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater

Specifications 

In addition to its pyramid-style design, this Thermo Tiki heater features a dancing flame inside a glass column, providing some light for evening enjoyment. For anyone who lives in a fire-restricted area, the faux flame is also good news. Even though it doesn’t offer the most power here, the Thermo Tiki can heat an area up to 15 feet in diameter for up to 10 hours with a 20-pound tank.

7. Briza Infrared Patio Heater

Specifications 

Choose an electric patio heater instead of a propane one, such as this one from Briza, if you don’t want to buy propane tanks. A powerful, comforting warmth is produced within seconds using infrared heat. But what makes this product so powerful is that it radiates heat directly at you and the objects around you, making it much more efficient than heaters that simply heat up the air.

With the included tripod, this electric patio heater is able to stand on its own, but you can also mount it on the wall or ceiling if you wish to save space on the floor (the appropriate hardware is included). Additionally, you can turn it on or off and select three heat levels using the convenient remote control. This heater even has a built-in timer that turns it off automatically nine hours later, which is helpful for people who worry about forgetting to turn it off. In garages, sheds, workshops, and more, you can use it to stay warm since it can be used indoors and outdoors.

8. Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

Specifications 

A Dr Infrared Heater emits 1,500 watts of infrared heat, making it perfect for an enclosed patio or three-season room. With dimensions of 35″ long by 8″ tall and a weight of only 8 pounds, this unit is ideal for mounting on walls or ceilings (mounting brackets included).

There’s no need to fill or haul propane tanks with the Dr Infrared Heater since it plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. In addition to remote control, this unit has a programmable timer, as well as an automatic shutoff mechanism in case of overheating. Designed for exterior use, the heater must be placed in a well-protected area away from precipitation.

9. Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit

Specifications 

A 10-foot propane hose is included with the Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit so propane tanks can be tucked away out of sight while the fire bowl glows inside. Heat output can be customized based on the outdoor temperature. As soon as the lava rocks (included) are heated, heat is retained and radiates.

With a diameter of 24 inches and a height of 13 inches, this patio heater is compact and portable. It comes with a carrying strap and a cover to make it even easier to transport.

A major disadvantage is that the propane tank hose is approximately 4 feet long, so the exposed propane tank is only a few feet from the seating area. There is a tripping hazard with the hose, and the exposed tank is unsightly. Firepits, however, emit excellent heat and are portable, making them attractive options as an alternative to wood fires.

Download Best Commercial Patio Heaters PDF

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