If you frequently dine or entertain outdoors, a table patio heater can really enhance the experience.  If you and your guests are spending the evening around the table, there is really no need to heat up the whole patio!  The heat produced by these table heaters generally covers a circular area of three to four metres which can easily keep the table and the diners warm!

As these little mushroom heaters are smaller than a patio heater, their output is lower – but you will be sitting closer to the source of the heat and keeping cosy with little wastage and a lower heating cost. 

How do they work?

These heaters can be freestanding or can be fitted and clamped through the hole meant for a parasol in the centre of the table.  This option is becoming increasingly popular as it makes it impossible to tip the heater over and is therefore safer.  If you are running a propane gas model, the tank can sit underneath the table out of the way.

In the red…

If you are thinking of going for a gas fuelled table heater, look for an infrared one.  New technology means that the heater only needs a tiny amount of gas to kick out a huge amount of heat.  This makes them very economical and energy efficient to run.

Three for the price of one!

It’s also possible to buy patio heaters which are a 3 in 1 design.  That means that they can be used as full height freestanding heaters or freestanding table heaters or fitted through a patio table.  This version gives you maximum flexibility.

At the high end of the market, there are tables available which have integral heaters in their bases.  The advantage of these is that the diner’s legs are kept warm, which in turn warms the rest of them!  They also come in a variety of attractive finishes such as hammered or antique metals.  These tables are expensive to buy but economical to run.

Once you’ve got your table heater up and running, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!