You are here:   Home > Blog > Patio heaters

Patio heaters Archives

Safety Tips for Outdoor Electric Heaters

Comments Off

Outdoor electric heaters are an excellent way to enjoy your patio or back yard, even when the air becomes chilly. However, as with any type of heating element, safety is always an important issue. While most people have learned how to use a fireplace or a space heater safely, electric patio heaters are more unfamiliar.

Here are a few safety precautions to follow to ensure a fun and care-free patio heating experience.

1. Only use your patio heater outdoors.

If a tabletop heater works well on your patio, it should warm up your kitchen table in a pinch, too, right? Although that is a logical assumption, if your heater is designed to be used outdoors, it should only be used outdoors. Your heater may not have the proper venting or emissions standards to be used in your home.

2. Consider hazards in the area where you set up your electric heater.

  • Before you plug in your heater, take a moment to consider the potential hazards in the surrounding area. Some examples include:
  • Is the electric cord lying across a pathway where people might trip over it?
  • If the heater is below a tree, is there a risk that leaves or small branches might fall into the heating element, causing a fire?
  • Is the heater in a high-traffic area, where it would be easy to brush against a hot surface accidentally?
  • Have you followed the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding proper floor surface and distance from flammable materials?

3. Be careful of high winds while using your outdoor heater.

Although a patio heater can keep you warm even on the coolest nights, it’s not recommended to use one if the winds are too strong. Heavy gusts can knock over your electric heater, causing a fire hazard.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure that you and your family enjoy your outdoor patio heating for many years to come.

Keeping Warm When Entertaining Outdoors

Comments Off

We entertain out doors on  average about twice a week.

We have a barbecue area that never got used until we bought the outdoor heater, and a campfire area and a festival area which we only use in the winter for the winter solstice.

The barbecue area is a paved area under the shade of a big oak tree and is bordered by Cyprus pines, which provide a wind break when the westerly winds blow in, on one side with the bush behind them and pecan nut trees and apricot trees on the remaining sides.

It is a picturesque setting and the perfect spot to entertain, high on a hill over looking the vineyard.

We have invested in an outdoor heater to provide that extra warmth for when the sun goes down in the evening and the air chills.

It provides a sophisticated element to the occasions that we entertain outside, and heat of course for the courtyard in which it stands.

Everyone can enjoy the outdoor spectacle and atmosphere, as the sun goes down the sky’s colors change to orange red purple and deep blue, the birds go home to roost, owls begin to hoot, the kangaroos hop on by, stars come out and the possums and koalas call and forage. being out in the bush really is fabulous and sharing a dining experience is truly fulfilling.

What I like most about it is there is no dirt, soot, messy logs, or sparks that could ignite a bushfire, unlike the campfire area.

The campfire area we used all the time because the children would want to eat chips and steaks for dinner and I won’t cook them inside.

I would go out to the camp fire area and dig a pit and build a fire and we would all collect logs from the bush then light the fire, and while it was burning and we waited for the coals to be hot enough, the evening meal preparations would begin.

The big cast iron pot I use for deep frying on the camp fire and the cast iron steak plate for the steaks, were carried out to the camp fire , then the salads and the foods to be cooked.

All of this was time consuming, grubby, clothes staining work.

But the worst of it was the leaning into the fire to turn the steaks and lift the fries from the hot oil, it was no fun, smoke in my eyes and spitting fat and oil coupled with the odd gum leaf that would fall into the food as it cooked, hardly sophisticated dining.

When it was time to go inside for the evening the camp fire would have to be covered with dirt to make it safe, and all clothes would be removed at the back porch as they would be covered in smuts.

Not many people eat their steak and chips with a spade next to them to put out the oven! Very redneck!

When the outdoor heater arrived, we could use the barbecue area more often knowing we would be warm while we cooked the meal.

We can sit out in the courtyard and enjoy our meals under the stars by the warmth of the heater. The seating in the courtyard is safe from sooty hand prints and grubby clothes because we no longer cook there. It is a real pleasure for the guests who don’t have to worry about the smoky aroma pervading their clothes.

I don’t put out the barbecue with a spade, just turn the gas off, but we also don’t have to go inside the house as quickly as we did when we only used the campfire area. With camp fires once the fire is out so is the ambiance and heat.

No dirty smoke infested smelly clothes. The barbeque area is an extension of the kitchen and we are so glad we have the outdoor heater. The kids still like to ‘rough it’ with their friends’, but I like my court yard now that it has a pleasant temperature to eat our outdoor oven cooked pizza in and share a bottle of wine under the stars.

Give Your Outdoor DiningThe Red Light! – Electric Heaters

Comments Off

mojove-infrared-patio-heaterIf you’re trying to decide which sort of patio heater to buy, you may have dismissed electrically powered ones as the most expensive to run.  Traditionally, electric appliances have been more expensive than gas.  But the way that infrared outdoor heaters work, makes them surprisingly economical.

How do they work?

Infrared energy travels through the air and only heats the objects which the heater is directed at.  It doesn’t waste energy by heating the air in between itself and whatever it’s heating.  Convection heaters which do heat the air are at the mercy of the wind.  The smallest breeze can mean a large loss of heat.  As radiant infrared doesn’t suffer this loss, it makes it a very energy efficient heating method.  The other good news is that some models have 3,000 hours of bulb life!

Infrared heating doesn’t produce any condensation, fumes or hissing noise – as it is a ‘dry heat’ system.  Another bonus is that because this method of heating doesn’t move any air or dust it makes it a clean and environmentally friendly choice.

Which model to choose?

You’re not stuck with purely electrical infrared heaters.  These days, they can be run by natural or propane gas which means that you can position them anywhere as you’re no longer restricted by the length of an electrical cord.

There are many models available.  You can choose from freestanding, table top or wall fixed.

A Few Words of Caution

If you want a permanent wall fixed infrared heater, check that the model you choose is safe to stay outside in all weathers.  Not all are, so take care.  Check if the element is exposed or protected.  If it is exposed, once it is switched on it will become very, very hot and even a few drops of water on it could cause a very loud bang!

You will see some electric infrared outdoor heaters that have exposed elements being sold as safe if used underneath awnings and garden umbrellas.  But just keep in mind that rain doesn’t always fall down from the sky in a straight line.  Light drizzle can be blown in all directions and a metal grille won’t prevent drops of water from landing on the electrical element.

Some are sold as ‘splash proof’ but this would not be enough guarantee for me  to consider it safe for use outside in the rain.

Look for models which are sold as ‘completely weatherproof’ and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your patio all year round!

 

Ten Things You Need To Know About Patio Heaters

Comments (2)

What has smoking got to do with Patio Heaters?  Quite a lot, actually!  As many Countries now ban smoking indoors in pubs and restaurants, establishment owners have been increasingly found themselves having to provide outdoor areas for their smoking customers and buying outdoor heating to keep them warm in the cooler months.  This sudden surge in buying has brought the costs of outdoor heating down so that it is now an affordable option for homeowners.

There are many types of patio heater and it is important to choose the right one for your needs, space available and budget.  Here are ten things that you need to consider before making that exciting new purchase.

1.  Which type of outdoor heating will suit you best?

You can choose from free-standing, fixed (plumbed into your household gas supply), table-top, wall mounted (if space is tight), fire pits, or fireplaces.

2.  How would you prefer the heat to be generated?

The main choices here are gas, electricity and solid fuel although there are solar-powered models available too.

  • Gas patio heaters look like lampposts and are known as ‘mushroom’ heaters.  They usually run from a canister of propane but they may also be plumbed into your household supply.
  • Electric ones are infrared and may be freestanding, table top or wall mounted.
  • Fire pits are basically free-standing, decorative metal receptacles for an outdoor fire.

3.  Where do you want it positioned?

Bear in mind that wind is not great for patio heaters.  A breeze of only five mph can double the amount of heat needed to warm the area – halving the efficiency of the heater.

The perfect setting would be a sheltered spot near walls, fences and overhead structures, to contain and radiate the heat back.

4.  I know where I want to put it but there are no walls or fences nearby…

Mushroom heaters radiate a lot of their heat horizontally, so if there are no walls or fences to help radiate it back, you may prefer to buy a Tilt Reflector Kit.  These are not expensive and can increase the both the heat and the efficiency of the heater.

5. Are they safe?

Yes – if you look for the right features.  Most heaters now have an electric starter so there’s no need to worry about lighting a pilot light with matches.  Another fairly standard feature is an automatic emergency shut off.  It the heater is overturned (which is fairly hard to do), tilted (if someone tries to reposition it while it’s running) or even hit, it will immediately turn itself off.  Flame failure devices are also pretty standard and will also shut it down safely.
Other features to look for are sealed burners and flame control.

Outdoor fire pits can be contained in a decorative unit or open.  Open ones will need to be treated with the respect due to any open fire.

6.  How much heat do you need?

The more expensive heaters can heat an area of up to twenty feet in diameter.  The more affordable ones will cover a ten foot diameter which is usually enough for most needs.  Many people buy more than one and overlap the heat outputs.

7.  What type of look are you going for?

Consider what your outdoor space and your home look like.  There are heaters in stainless steel or antique metal finishes, different colours, stone, metal and even glass.  Choosing a heater that is in keeping with your surroundings will help it to blend in and make it an attractive addition to your home.

8.  How much do you want to spend?

Budget is a consideration for most people.  Outdoor heaters start at quite basic, affordable prices.  Table-top heaters are the smallest and therefore the least expensive.  If you’re looking at a custom built outdoor fireplace you’d be parting with some serious cash – but it would add to the value of your home.
As with anything, prices do vary so shop around.

9.   Don’t forget the ‘hidden’ extras!

Gas tanks can run out when you most need them so you may wish to invest in a gas level indicator which attaches magnetically to the canister.  Crystals change colour when the gas is running low.
You may wish to keep a spare tank for easy changeover.  If you have nowhere to store it, covers or ‘outdoor tank cupboards’ are available.
Portable mushroom heaters should be kept in a shed or garage when not in use.  If this isn’t possible, you can buy a cover for it.  This is well worth the money as it will prolong the life of your heater.

10.  Watch out for fingerprints and bugs!

If greasy fingerprints are left on the surface of a reflector, they will burn into its surface and cause discoloration.  Before turning the heater on, clean the reflector with alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
Bugs are the biggest problem for outdoor heaters!  They set up nests in the burner openings and can cause annoying blockages.  A cover will keep them out.

Electric Patio Heaters: Bring the Party Outside

Comments Off

Why do people love to entertain and host parties outdoors? If you ask this question of a dozen people their answers for the most part would likely focus on how much easier it is to have a party outside rather than indoors. There is less mess to clean up, it’s less crowded, and you can invite more guests than you would be able to if the party was inside. But if you plan to host a party in the evening, it could be quite chilly and uncomfortable to entertain outdoors. Electric patio heaters, though, can warm things up for you and your guests.

There are several different types of patio heaters. You can choose from freestanding heaters, mobile heaters, in ground, tabletop heatersor ceiling and wall mounted heaters. The type of heater you choose will primarily depend on your space, heating needs and budget. By far the least expensive of these options are the table top heaters. Mobile heaters are also less expensive than the other options.

The most expensive type of electric heater used to be the wall and ceiling mounted heater. Averaging at about $1,000, these heaters were best chosen if you used the outdoor space for entertaining often or if you use it commercially. However, prices have dropped dramatically and you can now find these types of heaters at realistic costs. So if a wall-mounted heater will work best for your space as far as placement and heat distribution are concerned,  then you will certainly be able to pick one up that suits your budget..

If you like to move or rearrange your outdoor entertainment area, it might be best to stick with more mobile options such as the table-top heater or freestanding heater. Both of these heaters put out a great deal of heat and can be easily moved to where the warmth is needed most.

As you can see, there are many outdoor electric heating choices and really no reason for you to continue bringing the party indoors on chilly nights. With an electric outdoor patio heater you can entertain outdoors comfortably well into the cooler months

For Year-Round Warmth, Choose an Endless Summer Outdoor Heater

Comments Off

For many years, an Endless Summer outdoor heater was the mark of a high-end commercial establishment.  These powerful and attractive patio heaters allowed businesses such as restaurants to keep their popular outdoor seating areas open far later into the season.

Today, however, you don’t have to be a large company to enjoy safe and powerful year-round heating for your backyard or patio.  Uniflame offers a line of affordable Endless Summer heaters designed for the private residence.  Available online or from mass marketers such as Amazon, Walmart and Sam’s Club, these handsome outdoor heaters often cost less than $200.

For that small investment, you can totally transform the usefulness of your outdoor living space.  An Endless Summer heater can raise the ambient temperature by up to 30°F in a 20-foot radius around itself.  That means you can enjoy balmy temperatures in the 70’s, even when the air outside your circle of warmth is barely above freezing.  Enjoy barbeques, fresh air, companionable chats, and the relaxation of sipping a drink on your back porch, all year round.

With fuel prices rising every year, you will be glad to hear that Endless Summer heaters are highly economical.  They utilize an efficient liquid propane tank, which means that your electricity bills won’t rise, and you won’t have to worry about running an extension cord out to your patio.  At the same time, liquid propane means that you won’t have to worry about keeping firewood on hand, or the smoke disturbing your neighbors.

Of course, safety is always an issue with any kind of outdoor heater.  That is why Endless Summer models come equipped with an automatic shut-off feature.  If your heater is in danger of falling, it will turn itself off to prevent a fire hazard.

If enjoying your patio all year round sounds like a dream come true, a safe and powerful Endless Summer heater is an excellent choice.  View our excellent selection to find the right model for your outdoor living space today.

 Page 2 of 3 « 1  2  3 »