How to Choose the Best Gas Patio Heater uk
With autumn just around the corner, now's the time to start thinking about extending your outdoor living space. This stylish and efficient copper lantern patio heater from Kettler Kalos is our top choice.
The ratings for heaters' power are usually listed in British thermal units (Btu) but the size of your garden as well as the kind of furniture you have will determine the strength of heat you need. This pyramid heater comes with an automatic tip-over valve for security.
1. Size
Gas patio heaters have a greater heating radius than electric patio heaters. This means that they require much more space, as they need to be at least seven feet from anything that is flammable. Additionally, they should be in a well-ventilated space to avoid the danger of fumes building up within your home.
They are available in a variety of sizes and styles. The size you select will depend on the amount of space you want to heat and the dimensions of your outdoor seating area. The BU-KO Pyramid model, for instance, is a stylish option that looks great with garden furniture and can be a perfect fit in an area. Its high-heat settings are ideal for a cool night and its low-heat setting is perfect for a relaxing evening after dinner.
A hanging or wall-mounted heater is an excellent option if you only have the space for a few items. These heaters are great for small gardens as they don't require a lot of space for floor space and can be affixed to a parasol, or set over a table. They are also cheaper than freestanding models as they don't require a huge base.
You can also try out a fire pit that's similar to a freestanding patio heater but gives a more rustic appearance. They are less expensive than the pyramid or dome-top models and can be placed in any outdoor space. However, it's important to remember that they generate much less heat than dome-top and pyramid patio heaters.
2. Design
The elegant, pyramid-shaped heater from German manufacturer Herschel is sure to be the focal point of your garden and appear elegant. It's also quite affordable and can provide a substantial amount of heat to help take the chill off chilly evenings. It uses infrared technology so it's much quieter than the other models on this list and also offers a low setting which provides subtle light to create an inviting atmosphere.
It's a self-standing model that doesn't require professional installation. It can also be moved around if you need to change the position of the heater. It's suitable for both propane and natural gas and has a wireless remote control that allows you to alter the temperature and lighting. It's heavier than other models, however it comes with wheels and a handle for easier transportation.
Pyramid-style gas heaters are a popular choice because they're stylish and can create an impressive statement in the garden. They tend to be made from stainless steel which is extremely durable and suitable for outdoor use because it's very good at dispersing heat evenly.
The type of fuel used for patio heaters is crucial to think about as it could have a big impact on the price of operating them. Gas models are more affordable than electric options, but they require refueling with butane or propane gas. This can add up. They're also better at heating larger areas than electric versions but they'll need to be near an outlet to allow you to switch them on and off when needed.
3. Power
Pyramid patio heaters look elegant and are also sturdy with a solid base. This makes them safer than the more fragile models with a mushroom top, which tend to fall over easily. Outsunny's model comes with an swivel function and a safety shut-off function that will stop the fire in case it is knocked over. Its low and high temperatures help take the chill off cooler evenings and keep the ambience going after the darkness.
Propane patio heaters have a number of advantages, among them the speed at which they heat up an area. A propane gas heater is also more portable because the fuel source is contained in a small bottle that can be moved and refilled when required.
However propane patio heaters may be more expensive to operate since you'll need to refill the tank frequently. Electric heaters don't require refills, but they may use up more electricity than you might expect, especially if the unit has multiple lights or a powerful fan.
Our top pick is an electric patio heater from Swedish company Opranic. It comes with five power levels ranging from 1200W up to 2000W, meaning it can be utilized in a variety of situations, including heating garages and conservatories. The power cable is only about 1.8m in length and poses an issue for safety. It is best to avoid placing it close to other equipment, and to have an outdoor outlet nearby. It's not equipped with the sophisticated safety features of other models, such as tilt cut-outs or overheat protection, however it's still simple to put together and safe for use.
4. Efficiency
British thermal units (Btu) are used to determine the amount of heat produced by your patio heater. The higher the Btu the greater the heat you'll receive. This is especially important in the event that you have more area to heat or you are located in a colder climate.
A high Btu output is also a sign that your patio heater will be able to heat a larger space at a quicker rate than other heaters. This is a great benefit if you frequently organize outdoor events or parties in your garden.
A standard feature found on many gas patio heaters is a special reflector that can be used to focus the heat output. This can reduce the amount of heat that is wasted in heating the air around it, instead concentrating the majority of it to the people who are directly beneath it. This means that less Btu is required to heat the same area and results in an area that is smaller and less running costs.
It's also important to ensure that your patio heater is operated in a safe manner. Always read the instructions from the manufacturer and keep it away from anything that could catch on fire or combustibles. Place it on an even surface to avoid it tipping over when it is turned on. Be amazon gas patio heater of any power cables that could pose a risk to your safety.
If you want a patio heater that offers an exceptional level of performance, look for one that oscillates or features multi-directional heating. This will help to evenly heat the entire space without leaving any hot or cold spots, which makes it a much more pleasant experience.
5. Safety
It's a smart idea to purchase an outdoor heater that is backed by an independent safety certificate. Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief of the Montreal Fire Department, says this will ensure it is in compliance with certain safety standards. Registering your patio heater is crucial. That way, you'll be contacted when it's issued with an alert for safety or recall.
Gas models are generally more efficient than electric models which means that they heat up a space in a shorter period of time and requiring less money to operate. They also offer the benefit of a flickering flame that provides an energizing glow, ideal to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. They're a popular choice in bars and restaurants, where the warmth helps customers stay outside and prolongs their stay.
The best gas patio heaters are made with safety in mind and can be found with a range of features designed to make them as user-friendly as is possible. Certain models have an anti-tilt bottom that can shut off the heater in the event that it is accidentally tipped. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the device after a certain time.
Other safety considerations include the ease with which a model can be moved as well as whether it has a protective cage over the flame. This is a great idea to prevent the embers from flying off the flame, and could cause the possibility of a fire. A patio heater must be kept at a minimum of two metres away from any flammable material. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the unit for any damage or wear and tear.