The Different Types of Patio Heaters and Their Benefits

For many people, their favourite spot in the house is their outside area or the patio. This is their oasis where they can have their coffee, read a book, entertain their friends and family and simply unwind. That’s why designing this space in a way that promotes comfort and relaxation is important. From choosing the perfect furniture pieces and proper lighting to finding the ideal heating solution – everything plays a big role in creating the right ambience. 
Thanks to outdoor patio heaters, you can comfortably enjoy the starry nights and cool breeze year-round. These units come in various shapes, sizes and styles for you to choose from. 

Wall-Mounted Heaters

Wall-mounted heaters were invented in the early twentieth century by metallurgist Albert Leroy Marsh. They are a great way to save some space on your patio if you’re limited. By installing it on the wall you’ll have more room to ad chairs and do different kinds of activity. They’re one of the best choices for permanent heating. Before installing and attaching them make sure that the wall is sturdy enough. Drywall and sheetrock will fare well with them but exposed brick or concrete won’t be holding the heaters up.

When you place them at the right spot, you can direct the heat where you want it to go, and keep you comfortable and warm. The wall-mounted outdoor heater is usually electric and uses infrared heat. Its installation shouldn’t be a problem, many people have installed it on their own. These heaters can vary in size and price depending on your preferences and the space that needs to be heated. Also, many of them come with regulating systems that allow you to control the heat and zones where they warm up. A lot of restaurants and cafés use them as a heating solution.

Fire Pits and Chimneys

If you want to be able to easily move your heating element around, freestanding units like fire pits and chimneys are your best option. Needless to say, they are one of the most beautiful heating solutions.

Fire Pits

These all-time-favourite outdoor patio heating solutions can operate on either gas or wood. Owners of gas fire pits point out the environmental benefits as opposed to wood fire pits. Although gas fire pits are very popular, they can’t replace and replicate the heat and warmth that comes from wood fire pits. They don’t need a lot of maintenance, and if handled with care, they can last for many years to come. Combined with your carefully chosen furniture and plants, the rustic flair and ambience that fire pits provide make them a great focal point for every outdoor space.  

Chimneys

Together with fire pits, chimneys create a great atmosphere. They can be a great focal point with their unusual look and cute appearance. If you decide on a clay chimney, you’ll have a lot of bright and vibrant` colours to choose from, and the cast iron ones limit you with colour but will last longer. Because they fall in the category of open-fire heaters, you’ll need to be careful when handling them, especially on a patio. One spark or a small ember could make some damage and even cause a fire if it’s not under constant observation. Nevertheless, these two outdoor heating options have remained at the top of the list among buyers.

Freestanding Heaters

Freestanding heaters are the pioneers in outdoor heating and are currently the most commonly used items people heat their spaces with. Their popularity is worldwide, not just for home usage but also in restaurants, coffee shops and hotels. Usually, they are tall, slim and give out a good amount of heat. They come in different types and range in size, power, price and fuel use. 

The two basic models are the quartz tube and mushroom style. The quartz tube is probably the least efficient of them all because the heat spread is very little. On the other hand, the mushroom style is a great outdoor patio heating element. It can be fueled by gas or by an electric type. The reflector at the top of the pose doesn’t allow for the heat to go up and spreads it evenly into the surroundings. They are the least expensive to buy but can be easily tipped over if they don’t have weighted bases.

Hanging Heaters

Hanging heaters are the most space-saving type of patio heater. Instead of putting the heater on the wall and don’t add a TV outside, just hang your heater and you’ll have more space on the walls for a dartboard or some art. It would be best if the patio has a hard ceiling roof that can hold up its weight, otherwise, this is not the product you want.
They can be a great addition to the outside décor, hung over the comfortable outdoor sofas, warming up you and your friends and family. Because they are designed like lamps there would be no issue in combining them with every style and decoration. Infrared technology is most common among hanging heaters. This allows for the warmth to be spread directly to whatever you put under it.

Benefits of Outdoor Patio Heaters 

• Extend your outdoor season so you can enjoy your  nights; 
• Can make your outdoor space homier; 
• Can be a stylish centre-piece that adds beauty to the space; 
• Portable and versatile; 
• Affordable; 
• Create a cozy ambience; 
• Bring people together and encourage conversation and closeness. 

In Summary

When choosing what heater to buy take into consideration the size of the area, your budget, safety features and style. It will help you create the perfect outdoor space that you’ll love coming back to every single day.