Posted: November 2009

While summer is great for outdoor living, there's an additional charm that comes with the winter season. And in some parts of the country, you can still be outdoors since the seasons may not be so starkly different from one another. However, even if you're in an area that isn't blanketed with snow, many people still find it difficult to take advantage of being outdoors, unable to enjoy their decks and patios because it's simply too cold.

There's an extra sense of comfort that comes from sipping hot cocoa or your own favorite brew of coffee while sitting outside on your deck, surrounded by the glow of a patio heater, encircling you in a blanket of warmth while you enjoy the chilled weather, listen to the rain or watch the snowfall.

With a portable patio heater, you can still enjoy your outdoor areas without having to suffer through the cold as well. With a brief introduction of what patio heaters are, you'll also be well on your way to enjoying a nice toasty outdoor winter season.

What is a Portable Patio Heater?

A portable patio heater is a small heater that is usually powered by electricity. While you're able to use your heater in an outdoor area (that is covered in order to protect the heater from water), you'll find it better suited to use your heater in an enclosed area. Even if your area has roof coverage, it will go a way in protecting the emitted heat. In an enclosed patio, you are going to find that a portable patio heater will give you a lot more heat than in an open setting - though the portable heater works in both settings.

The portable patio heater is an inexpensive heating unit that can be purchased for a reasonable amount and something that will help you get the most out of your outdoor space.

How It Works

Patio heaters come in many different forms, including freestanding patio heaters, mounted table top heaters, commercial patio heaters, propane patio heaters, electric patio heaters, and finally natural gas patio heaters. While many homeowners traditionally choose table top patio heaters, there is also the option of free standing heaters which are normally used by restaurants. Free-standing heaters are larger (about 95 inches tall) and more powerful than table-top heaters. Table-top heaters, though, because they are lighter and smaller, are also much easier to carry around, wherever you want to go.

But before deciding on one just yet, take a moment to read which one bests suits you by learning how they work and where you can use them.

Energy Source - Patio heaters are constructed to function using one of three different fuel types: propane, natural gas, or electricity. Natural gas is used for permanent, stationary heaters. Propane, conveniently available in tanks, allows a heater to be moved about. Infrared heaters are often powered by electricity, though some are run by natural gas.

Stationary heaters are advantageous because they hook up to your natural gas lines, and so do not have tanks that need to be replaced or refilled. If you plan on moving the heater to different locations, though, you will need a portable propane model. Portable heaters can be either free-standing or table-top models.

Temperature - Patio heaters usually have several different settings. The heating power of a patio heater is rated in BTUs. As an example, a 45,000 BTU heater will produce a 20 foot heat diameter. Free-standing heaters are often more powerful than table-top heaters, and so can be used for larger groups. Some units even have a thermometer that you can also use to set the temperature that you would like your space to be and then be able to easily regulate it from thereon out. Most of these, when they reach the set temperature, will shut themselves off.

Safety - Many of the portable patio heater come with automatic shut offs that will switch off either after a set amount of time, or if the portable patio heater is tipped over or blocked by something. A portable patio heater that has these functions is going to eliminate or lower your risk of fire being caused by the heater. This safety feature is particularly attractive if you have pets or children.

Where Can You Use It?

There are many places where you can use a portable patio heater. Depending on the size of the lamp heater, and your specific needs, you'll be able to use them in outdoor spaces, like enclosed patios or garages. Anything that has walls and ceilings will benefit from a portable patio heater, but even an outdoor space that is not enclosed will benefit, because the area right around the portable patio heater tends to heave up considerably and consistently.

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