Trendy restaurants and taverns are not the only places one may find an outdoor patio heater these days. Given their improved performance, safety, and affordability, homeowners are increasingly looking to patio heaters as a viable alternative for heating their patio, deck or porch.

Also called mushroom or umbrella heater, patio heaters radiate heat in circles ranging from 10′ to 20′ and increase outside temperatures by 10 to 25 degrees. Although not enough to transform the dead of winter into a balmy oasis, the difference is significant and will keep you outside longer enjoying the fresh air.

An outdoor patio heater is designed simply to generate heat and direct it to a small area outdoors where people have gathered. This is accomplished by positioning a gas burner or electric heating element on top of a standard. The burner or heating element generates heat against a perforated metal screen, which then radiates the heat in a circular pattern. A reflector at the top of the unit keeps the heat from escaping upwardly and directs it to the area around the heater.

Aluminum, copper, chrome, nickel and stainless steel are some of the durable and fashionable finishes that may be featured. Some patio heaters display striking colors and textures, not to mention various shapes and sizes. Some look like floor lamps, others like table lamps or street lights. Still others are six-sided, square, round or have triple domes or bullet bases.

In addition to functionality and style, patio heaters are easy to use and come with a wide range of safety features. Basic to these are automatic shut-off mechanisms to prevent CO2 poisoning, safety tilt switches to stop the fuel source should the unit tip over, and emergency cut-off valves so you can immediately kill the heat source in case of a problem. Along with common sense precautions, such as keeping it at least 3′ away from combustible materials and 25′ from gasoline and other flammable liquids and vapors, a patio heater is safe to use.

Generally, outdoor patio heaters run on three different fuels: electricity, propane, and natural gas. To select the right one for you requires matching your needs and preferences to the advantages each fuel source offers. The availability of the fuel source also is an important consideration. For example, electricity is easily accessible virtually everywhere, and electric patio heaters are very easy and convenient to use. However, they have to be plugged into a grounded electrical outlet, which somewhat restricts the number of places the unit may be located.

If you want to be able to move your patio heater to different locations, then a propane model may work best. Although requiring connection to a small propane tank, many people prefer propane because of its portability, as well as its relative cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages.

Natural gas is the third main type of fuel source for patio heaters and has its own advantages. It too is odorless and relatively safe for the environment. It tends to be less expensive than electricity and other fuels, and it does not require tank refills. It does require installation of fixed gas lines, so it too is restricted in terms of its portability.

No matter what time of day or year, outdoor patio heaters are now a fashionable and effective way to bring family and friends together whenever there is a chill in the air. Their functionality, style and safety make them an ideal alternative for enhancing the backyard patio, deck or porch.

Chris Basher is a recognized expert on outdoor patio heaters , gas and wood burning fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and related backyard products. For additional free information about patio heaters and similar products, along with timely discounts on a variety of these products, visit his online specialty store at FirePitNow.com.

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