Gas Patio Heaters
This is a guide to how to choose a gas patio heater and the key choices you will need to make. However don't forget that there are other choices for outside heating including chimeneas, fire baskets and electric heaters.
Free-Standing vs Table Top Heaters
What size area do you want to heat? Free-standing gas patio heaters are much more powerful and cover a much wider area (typically a radius of about 6m) but table-top patio heaters, although they are much less powerful, they are much lighter and easy to store.
Heat Emission
Typically the power output of a gas patio heater is between 8-14KW for free-standing models. Note though that some models now have a “double-skinned professional emitter” which increases efficiency. You should also check the size of the reflector which reflects the heat downwards – if this is small then you will lose a lot of the heat produced. Also check that you can adjust the heat output as it is unlikely you will always need maximum heat. Finally check the heat circle/radius which is the area that the heater will warm.
Manouvreability
Freestanding gas patio heaters can be very heavy and difficult to move. Some models have wheels. Also compare the weight of the model you are considering with others.
Using with a Table
Table top heaters are obviously designed specifically for tables. It is also possible to attach some freestanding models to tables by means of a "table clamp" which is usually bought as an "extra". If you want to use your freestanding patio heater with a table then check it is possible to fit a table clamp. Alternatively you will find that some models have small tables attached to the patio heater. This is useful for parties where people tend to gather around the heater.
Safety Features
Check whether the gas patio heater has a tilt sensor which will cut off the gas if the heater is tipped over. Does the heater have a solid firm base which will provide stability? Are the reflector and emitter far enough off the ground to stop anyone touching them by accident? Is there a flame failure device to cut off the gas if the flame fails?
Extras
You will normally need to pay extra for a gas regulator and arrange your own supply of gas bottles/cannisters. You may also want to purchase a table clamp (see above). Another extra which may be useful is a patio heater cover to protect your heater against the elements.
Additional Resource
This comparison chart from Prezzybox enables you to quickly compare the features of a number of models.
