Outdoor Heaters: Enjoy Your Patio Even in Cool Weather

Why Buy an Outdoor Heater

• Convenience - One of the biggest selling points of outdoor patio heaters is how easy they are to use. Whether you choose an electric or gas-powered heater, they're quick and easy to set up and even simpler to turn on. In just seconds, you'll have reliable heat wherever you need it, making it a snap to enjoy the outdoors in comfort, even when the temperatures dip.
• Value - When you invest in an outdoor heater, you're investing in your outdoor space. If you've spent quite a bit of money creating the perfect patio paradise, you'll obviously want to get the most out of it. By adding an outdoor heater, you increase the amount of time you can spend enjoying your space, increasing the overall value of your home or business patio.
• Efficiency - While there are other methods for adding some warmth to an outdoor space, and we carry many of them here at Firepits Direct, outdoor heaters are some of the most efficient options. Firstly, because they provide heat in a directed fashion, they are better at heating up a specific area compared to other options. Secondly, many of our offerings use an infrared design, which increases efficiency by not exposing the flame to open air.

What to Consider when Buying an Outdoor Heater

• Fuel Type - The first thing to figure out is which type of fuel you'd like your heater to use. We carry both electric and gas heaters, and the gas units can generally be powered by either propane or natural gas. Electric units may plug into a standard outlet or need to be hardwired, so make sure you check the owner's manual for any heater you're looking to buy.
• Configuration - Our selection of heaters comes in three styles: wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted and freestanding. Standing patio heaters have the benefit of being mobile, while wall- and ceiling-mounted units won't take up any floor space. Your choice on this point is going to be a matter of preference and on the layout of your space.
• Heat Output - When trying to heat a specific space, it's important to get a heater that puts out the right amount of power. If you choose a heater that's too strong, you'll find yourself just as uncomfortable if you choose one that's underpowered for the space you're heating. Product listings for each model will provide more detail about the amount of space they are suitable for.
• Size - When installing a patio heater, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding clearance to surrounding materials. Part of this is ensuring your heater is not too large for the area you'd like to mount it, particularly for wall units. Fortunately, we carry outdoor heaters in a variety of sizes to ensure there's something for nearly any use case.
• Features - Because we carry only the best, most innovative brands, our selection of patio heaters includes models with smart quality of life features. Some popular ones include: ceiling recess kits, remote controls, dimmer controls, wind-resistant design, waterproof construction and automatic shutoff timers.

Outdoor Heater FAQs

• How many BTUs does a patio heater need to put out to work? This will depend on the size of the space you'd like to heat as well as the ambient temperature. Generally, you can multiply the total cubic feet of the space by the number of degrees you'd like the temperature to increase for a rough estimate.
• Can I use a patio heater in the winter? Maybe. It will depend on how cold it gets where you live. Most patio heaters don't function at all when temps dip below about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Can I mount an outdoor heater on a wooden surface? It will depend on which model you choose. Generally, natural gas and propane heaters burn too hot to be placed that close to combustible surfaces, while electric models are safe in that application. To be sure, you'll want to take a look at the owner's manual for whichever heater you are considering.