Many people are now discovering that patio heaters are an affordable way of outdoor heating to make the most of an outdoor space.  Trying to choose the right model to suit your needs can be confusing. 

One of the decisions to make is how you want it to run.  Gas patio heaters are usually cheaper than electrical ones and this makes them a popular choice.

If you decide that gas if for you, then you have the choice of buying a heater that runs from a propane gas canister or one that runs on natural gas and can be hooked up to your household gas supply.  Both have their pros and cons.

Hook up or bottle?

Natural gas 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. 

Ask your gas company for a list of properly credited contractors who could do this – and then get several quotes before choosing someone.  The job shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.  Make sure that you ask the fitter to fix up a ‘quick connect’ hook up for you and ask him to fit one with a cover that drops down.  This will protect it from the weather and nesting bugs!  Once it’s fitted, you will be able to quickly and easily connect your heater to the house supply. 

It also means that in the unlikely event of the patio heater catching fire, you can turn off the gas supply at the ‘quick connect’ point without having to go near the heater itself.  You can also disconnect it for storage elsewhere when it’s not in use.

Having a patio heater that you can hook up means that you never need worry about the gas running out and getting caught without a spare!  It also solves the problem of where to store spare bottles of gas as there aren’t any!  But it does mean that you will be limited as to where you can position your heater.  The maximum length allowed for a hook up hose is 12 feet. 

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.

The bottle that runs the unit usually sits in the base and is not seen.  Don’t forget that you will probably want to buy a spare tank.  If you have nowhere to store it, you may wish to buy a cover for it or have a ‘bottle cupboard’ built against the wall.

Whichever gas you choose, your Patio heater will give you pleasure for many years and will take your outdoor entertaining experience to a new level!