Is it Time to Think About a Propane Patio Heater for Your Deck?

You have probably visited restaurants which provide a propane patio heater for those who wish to dine outdoors in comfort. In certain parts of the country, these heaters are in evidence and used frequently year round.

Evenings can be cool, especially if there is some wind, though the day may have been nice and warm. California is noted for this! There is certainly something to be said for being toasty warm while out of doors in a cool breeze - or a cold wind - no matter what the time of year.

This writer experienced how wonderful a patio heater can feel in Burbank, California in the middle of July! So, don't discount the need for these heaters any time of the year.

Stainless steel propane patio heater Propane patio heaters, needless to say, are extremely popular in restaurants all over the country that offer patio and outdoor dining. If you don't see one, all you need to do is ask your waiter if one is available. These patio heaters are also used in various upscale public places where people must congregate for a few moments in the cold weather. When you are waiting for valet service at a restaurant, or standing in front of a hotel waiting for a taxi, you can get pretty chilly, and these heaters are much appreciated.

Wouldn't it be nice to have one of these patio heaters to use at home? How would you enjoy sitting out on your deck or patio no matter what the time of year? Well, you can do just that with one of these! A good heater for outdoor use will insure that you are never without a source of warmth whenever you feel the need for it.

The designs that heaters come in are very attractive and decorative, some with copper, bronze, and stainless steel finishes that are really beautiful. In fact, some of them look more like an old fashioned light posts than a heater! This makes them perfect for those who don't want an accessory that would look a little out of place during the hot months of summer.

Another great thing about this type of heater is that most of them are so lightweight that they can easily be moved from place to place. They are mounted on wheels, and are self contained with the section containing the propane “tank” artfully placed so that it really doesn't look much like a tank at all. It's actually a place to put a propane grill cylinder, the same kind that you would use to power a gas grill for cooking. Some heater models will actually have the space for this cylinder behind a small, closed door.

You'll find the light weight of these outdoor heaters is quite handy, especially when/if you have the dubious honor of getting the patio ready for guests all by yourself! Or, you can choose what is known as the table top version of outdoor heaters. These are very nice, and extremely reasonable in price. They put out a surprising amount of heat, and can be placed obviously on a table top - hence the name! Or, place the table top heaters anywhere that you need them to be in order to keep you and your guests comfortable.

Propane patio heaters do not use nearly as much propane as you might think. You can get many uses out of just one propane cylinder, depending on whether you have the heater set on low or high. You can expect around 21 hours of heat from one cylinder when the heater is used on the low setting only, and around 12 hours of heat when the heater is used on the high setting only. If you choose a heater that includes a light, you can use the light only for around 170 hours. These times can change depending on the brand of heater you get.

Many people are worried about safety issues with this type of patio heater, and rightly so, especially if there are children and pets running about while the heater is in use. Most of these heaters operate on the same principal as a small electric heater - if it is tipped over even slightly, it will turn off. Do be aware, though, that the outside of the heater gets very hot in spots, and can burn the skin if touched.

Propane patio heaters are the perfect accessory to set the mood for your next outdoor party or gathering when you are expecting chilly weather. They are also perfect to keep at the ready for cool nights in the summer. You will greatly enjoy using this type of heater, and will wonder how you ever managed to do without it!

For more information on heating your deck or patio, please read these additional articles:

How to buy a discount patio heater

Understanding outdoor gas patio heaters