The Best Patio Heaters
HOW TO CHOOSE = The best patio heaters for your home will really depend on your needs. How large an area are you heating? Do you need the heater to be portable? What type of power do you want to use? You can get heaters that are powered by propane, natural gas, or electricity. The standup heaters that are 7 or 8 feet tall can heat a radius of between 10 and 20 feet, and usually have a maximum output of 40,000 BTUs. The size of the reflector on top of gas patio heaters is proportional to the area it will heat. Retailers will tell you the heating range, so you don’t have to calculate the range based on the size of the reflector. Just about all the best patio heaters have an automatic burner shutoff if the heater is tilted more than slightly. These same models will also shutoff the flow of gas if the burner goes out. Stainless steel will be more expensive than powder-coated aluminum, but will last longer. You should think about buying a separate cover for the heater. This will protect the unit from weather and prevent insects from building a nest in the heater. Most patio heaters have a pushbutton electric igniter, which is safer and easier than lighting gas with a match. Warranties vary – 1 year is common; 2 years can be found with some of the more expensive models.
THE REVIEW = The Best Electric Patio Heater is the Solaira All-Season Quartz Heater. This wall-hung unit is good for partially enclosed patios where wind is minimized. It plugs into an ordinary outlet, and radiates more than 4,000 BTUs an hour into an area of about 10 feet by 10 feet. Wall hung units are safest for kids and pets. There are no tanks to fill and no air pollution. This model has a list price of $280.
Best Tabletop Patio Heater (Propane) = Endless Summer 92000 @ $125. Best Freestanding Propane Heater = Garden Sun Outdoor Heater @ $175. Best Natural Gas Freestanding Heater = Easy Radiant Heater @ $760. Best Patio Fire Pit = Landmann Big Sky Stars & Moons @ $150.
Best prices found in Dec. ’09 and again in Apr., '10 = Very close pricing with Amazon.com
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