Café culture and outdoor restaurant dining has recently boomed in popularity. Many people are taking these ideas home with them and creating their own outdoor dining areas. The propane patio heater, so commonly used now in city cafes, plays a large part in creating that ambience.
The increase in popularity has meant that outdoor patio heaters are now more affordable than ever. The most popular type is fuelled by a tank of propane gas and is versatile and reasonably priced. These are called ‘mushroom’ or ‘umbrella’ heaters because that is what they resemble.
Rays of heat radiate from the ‘mushroom’ top and can warm an area of 12 – 20 feet in diameter, depending on the model that you buy. The bigger the ‘mushroom’, the bigger the area it heats!
Are they expensive to run?
No – they’re quite economical. Depending on the level of heat output that you select, a standard tank of propane will last for between ten and twelve hours – long enough for most outdoor parties!
Most models house the gas tank in the base of the unit – so it’s out of sight and also gives the heater a low center of gravity which helps to prevent it tipping over. This is a necessity as many models are around eight feet tall!
It’s advisable to keep a spare tank as nothing is more annoying than running out of gas just before the guests arrive!
To take the guesswork out of it, it’s worth buying a ‘gas level indicator’. This is a very inexpensive small unit that fixes magnetically to the side of the tank. When the gas is running low, crystals in the unit change color.
If you have nowhere to house a spare tank and don’t like the thought of it decorating your outdoor space, it is possible to buy slip-on tank covers or you may consider having an outdoor cupboard built against the wall.
How moving!
Many people prefer these heaters because they are portable so you can position them wherever you like. Just make sure that they are on level ground.
Most models now feature wheels, discretely hidden in the base, for maneuverability. When not is use, it is easy to store them in a garage or shed to protect them from the weather. Salt air is particularly bad as it can cause the metal housing to erode.
Storage also helps to prevent the common problem of bugs setting up home in the burner orifices. Check the orifices regularly to prevent annoying blockages. If no storage is available, waterproof, slip-on covers are easily obtainable.
The heaters are available in stainless steel and now in other colors and finishes too. As their popularity grows, so more styles are becoming available. It pays to shop around until you find what you want. Once you have chosen a model, check out different suppliers for the best price.
If you’re still undecided, don’t forget that as these heaters are portable, they can also be used to heat
are usually cheaper than electrical ones and this makes them a popular choice.
is cheaper than propane and it burns much more cleanly. So, it’ll save you money and be better for the environment. However, putting in a gas line to your patio is a job for a certified contractor.
If you don’t have a home gas supply or you don’t want the cost and hassle of having a gas line run to your patio then a propane gas bottle version would suit you better. It would also give you the choice of having your heater in different positions and means that you could use it to heat the garage or a workshop.
