I have used several methods of heating my outdoor space during the cooler months. I have used the three styles of heat in this article, wood, gas, and electric. I have only used the electric on my three-season deck.
I will go over some of the information that will help you decide what kind of heat source will work best for you. Follow below for my information.
Different Types Of Patio Heaters Explained
Introduction: Embracing Outdoor Comfort in Chilly Weather
- Exploring the joy of outdoor living spaces during colder months
I try to spend some time outdoors even in the cooler weather. I have several wood-burning solutions around my home.
Your friends will enjoy sitting outdoors with you if they are not getting too cold. Having a heat source that keeps everyone warm will be what you are looking for.
- The importance of selecting the right patio heater for your space
The space size, floor material, closed walls, overhead material, and convenience to a power source (Electric outlet, wood pile, gas or propane source) will be some of the things to consider before you look and purchase a heat source for your patio.
- Overview of the types of patio heaters covered in the article
Wood burning uses cut wood or pellets to burn. Cannot be used in some areas and the bottom will burn any surface it sits on and it must be at least 3 feet from any wall material. Comes in many styles and shapes to match your needs and decor.
Electric infrared or just oil-filled heaters are used in outdoor spaces. Most are plug-in types (regular 110 outlets), and some can be directly wired for a permanent solution.
Floor or overhead mounting is available depending on your space and power source location.
This is the cleanest heat and can be used in most locations, making sure you keep the proper distance from combustible or products that can be damaged by heat.
Gas or Propane-clean burning, and easy cleanup after a fire are a few reasons to choose this type of heat.
Many styles are available from table top for your dining table to console-sized with burn bowl inserts to convert to a coffee table.
Gas hookups can range from a 1-pound portable tank, a 20-pound tank to a direct hookup to a home gas line. I prefer the small to medium-sized tank models as they are portable and convenient.
Decoding The Heat: Understanding Patio Heater Fuels
- Unpacking the differences between electric, gas, and propane heaters
Wood-Heat is provided from burning wood or pellet wood. It produces a high heat that will take a lot of work to keep the wood burning. You must have a wood stack close by and keep adding wood until your fire is over.
After the fire is over it will take a considerable amount of time to cool. You will have ashes to clean up after the fire is cool.
The good part is that most people will use this type of fire to cook hot dogs or Smores over the flames. Watching the flames can lead to more conversations around the fire.
Gas or propane-much cleaner burns that wood. Easy to start and when you put the flame out, cools very quickly and no cleanup is needed.
When using the tank type, you may find that the tank will run out during your burn. Most can be changed quickly, may need to move your guest while you open or disassemble your fire pit for tank change.
A solid line hooked to home gas will make your fire pit permanent in its location. Cooking on most gas fire pits is not recommended.
Electric- Very clean heat, no mess to clean up or fire to start. Most start with a flip of the switch or with a remote. The infrared models produce a lot of heat for their size.
Larger heaters are normally mounted to a stand or other surface, and cannot be moved easily.
- Discussing the convenience and energy efficiency of each fuel type
Wood produces a lot of heat, depending on the wood availability in your area will determine your cost. I cut my own tree on my property to get all my firewood.
When the wood is burnt there is a pile of ashes left that have to be cleaned up. You will have to add and keep wood arranged for proper burning.
Gas or propane- Once lit, very little work will be needed. The only problem you may have is that your tank will run out.
Tank models can be moved with ease in most cases. Great for game or beach tailgating.
Electric-Must have an electric source close by, cannot use an extension cord. Clean heat will not require any startup or cleanup.
- Considering the environmental impact and personal preferences in the heating choice
Wood-Can use discarded wood that is proper for burning. Produces smoke that can damage your lungs if you sit too close. Can cook and provides a little more than just heat.
The ashes will need a place to dispose of after your fire, I put my ashes in my garden area as this will help the soil when you plant in the spring.
Gas or propane- Very clean burning does not give a great amount of smoke. No cleanup after your fire is over.
Electric-Not smoke or clean up. unless the electricity goes out your heat will continue. Can be placed above your seating so that it does not interfere with socializing.
Diving into Designs: Types of Patio Heaters and Their Benefits
- Freestanding patio heaters for versatility and power
Wood or gas-powered heaters can be moved easily while they are cool. You can take them with you to a beach or tailgate party with ease, just let them cool before reloading in the trunk or back of the truck.
Both can produce a good amount of heat with a little work. Adding some chairs can be an evening of heat and enjoyment.
- Wall-mounted units for space efficiency
Most wall-mounted outdoor heaters will be electric. Having them on the wall will get them out of the way of foot traffic.
If you have a small space like a balcony, a wall-mounted heater may be the best choice not to use your valuable floor space.
- Tabletop heaters for an intimate gathering
For those evening diners with just two or four people, a tabletop gas or electric heater will work well.
The gas models will mount to a table with an umbrella hole and the tank will hang down below the table and be out of the way.
Tabletop propane heaters can provide enough heat to keep the people warm around your table with little effort. Modern styles will give you many to choose from.
- Comparing the heat coverage and intensity across heater types
Wood fires will produce the most heat from the fire outwards. The heat will radiate all around the fire keeping many people warm.
Gas fires will produce a moderate amount of heat, it can be dissipated very quickly if the wind is very strong. Having an upright post-type gas heater with a heat shield will help the heat be radiated down to your guest.
The electric heat will be more directional than other types. As the heat is radiated out in one direction, it will not cover a large area unless it is at one end.
- Safety features and ease of use for a worry-free experience
Most wood-burning fire pits will come with an ember screen to cover the burn bowl to keep your fire under control. A forked poker will allow you to turn and move your hot wood with ease.
Some gas fire pits will have a tip sensor to shut off the gas if the fire pit is turned over for any reason. Newer gas fire pits will have windshields around the fire pit to keep flames inside the fire pit in windy conditions, they will get very hot.
All electric heaters that I have used will have a tip sensor to shut them off if they fall over or get bumped to keep them from starting a fire. Look for this feature when you purchase any electric heater indoors or out.
- Things to watch out for on each type
Wood does have some warnings about where you can use it. Do use on any deck materials or close to a house or other combustible material.
You will need to watch little ones so that they do not get burnt around the fire or the hot areas.
Gas does produce a large amount of heat on any of the pit surfaces. Some will have wind panels on them that will become very hot to the touch.
The electric heater will produce a large amount of heat close to the elements. combustibles and small fingers need to be watched closely.
Making the Right Choice: Tips for Selecting Your Ideal Heater
- Assessing your patio space for safety
Is your patio area a good candidate for a source of heating and what kind of heating will work best?
Wood heating can only be used in an open area with a noncombustible floor. Never use a wood-powered heat source on a deck or wooden patio area.
Propane can be used on more surfaces, need to make sure that you have at least 3 or 4 feet on the side for clearance from combustible material.
Electric heat is more directional. Making sure that the area in front of the heater is clear is most important.
- Budget considerations and long-term value
If price is a factor in what kind of heat you will use consider the following facts.
Wood heat will be the least expensive to purchase for the fire pits. You will need wood, some method of storage and transportation of your firewood, a way to move ashes after the fire, a lighter, and a non-combustible area for a fire.
Gas fire pits will cost at least double that of a wood burner. extra cost will include a source of fuel whether it be a propane tank or a gas line from your home. More upfront cost, less cost to operate.
Electric heaters will cost as much or more than a gas-powered fire pit. Running a power source to your needed location may be an extra cost, you cannot run an electric heat source on an extension cord. The only additional cost will be on your electric bill.
My Final Thoughts on Different Types Of Patio Heaters
I have used both gas and wood-burning fire pits. The cost upfront and the styles are more dramatic in the gas fire pits. I use my wood-burning fire pit more because I have plenty of wood to burn, having an indoor fireplace.
My choice would be a wood burner if you have the space away from your home. An electric or gas fire pit will be the choice for those with smaller spaces or only a deck to enjoy for outdoor entertaining.
Hope you found this information helpful. If you have any comments or questions please use the forms below and I will get back to you shortly.