Who doesn’t like to sit back and relax in the soothing atmosphere of a patio, right?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to enjoy a patio when it’s freezing cold. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? All that space is lost because of inconvenient weather.
That’s where patio heaters come in! With the modern technological advances, these babies have come a long way.
Are patio heaters worth it, though?
That’s what we aim to explore in this article, so stick around.
Are Electric Patio Heaters Any Good?
Yes, electric patio heaters will satisfy your heating needs, leaving little to be desired. Is it the right choice for you, though?
The Advantages of Electric Patio Heaters
Everything about electric heaters screams great value for money. Here’s why:
Convenience
Unlike gas heaters, electric units work efficiently if you don’t have much ventilation. You don’t have to go through the same hassle as gas heaters to turn them on.
They start heating with the push of a button. They also come with intuitive controls and heating settings, so you won’t face any trouble navigating the system.
Here’s the cherry on top: A few modern models can connect to your home automation system, allowing you to control them remotely.
Electric patio heaters don’t require much maintenance. A quick wipe-down every now and then is enough to keep them running.
From freestanding to wall-mounted heaters, you have different designs to choose from.
Durability
Most electric heaters come with an IP rating. That means they’re sturdy and can withstand extreme weather.
Efficiency
Electric patio heaters are more than 90% energy-efficient. They turn most watts they take into heat. Some can even go as far as 100%! Not only does this save energy, but it also gives you your money’s worth.
Electric heaters don’t emit carbon dioxide and use 85% less energy than their gas counterparts. That makes them the safest option on the market.
They might have a high purchasing price, but you’ll save a lot of money on operational costs.
The Disadvantages of Electric Patio Heaters
Despite offering convenient features, electric patio heaters aren’t perfect.
Placement Options
Since they rely on electricity, you need to install them near a power outlet, so your placement options are limited.
Installation
The installation process is simple in most models. However, some models need a professional electrician and can take a while to install.
Are Pyramid Patio Heaters Any Good?
Yes, the pyramid patio heater is a crowd favorite. It has a few advantages over electric heaters.
The Advantages of Pyramid Heaters
With a unique design and astounding durability, you’d be surprised by what pyramid heaters can do.
Installation
I know most people think assembling a heater is frustrating and tedious, but the process is easier than with electric heaters.
If you follow the instructions carefully, you might take only 30 minutes to put it together.
Safety
The base of pyramid heaters is wide and heavy, making them more balanced and sturdy than electric heaters. You don’t have to worry about the unit potentially falling off in extreme wind.
The fire sits inside a glass tube, and the steel grills don’t get too hot, so your kids aren’t susceptible to getting burnt.
Not convinced yet?
Pyramid heaters have an anti-tilt feature. That means even if the Greek gods of wind successfully force it to fall off, it’ll automatically shut down.
You also have the option of screwing it to the ground to prevent potential fire hazards.
Aesthetics
The unit’s pyramid design is unique and intriguing, complementing any patio it sits on.
Unlike most heaters on the market, you can see the long dancing flames inside the heater. They offer soothing, atmospheric visuals that add aesthetic value to your patio.
Portability
They come with wheels for easy mobility, making them more convenient than standard electric and gas heaters.
Ignition
Starting pyramid heaters is easy. Just push the Igniter button and turn the pilot knob. Give it a few seconds, and you’ll see the dancing flame.
Here’s the best part: You can use the pilot knob to adjust the fire to your desired degree!
The Disadvantages of Pyramid Heaters
Yes, these units are sturdy, convenient, and flexible. That’s not all there is to a heater, though. There are several crucial aspects where they fall short.
Heating Output
While pyramid heaters aren’t weak, their heating output isn’t as powerful as their electric counterparts. It might be around 30% weaker.
However, if you have a closed/semi-closed deck, you won’t feel that difference.
Toxins
Unfortunately, pyramid heaters aren’t the safest option on the market. They use fossil fuels, which result in releasing carbon monoxide.
It’s odorless, so it’s hard to notice without a detector. If you have a closed or semi-closed patio, I don’t recommend using a pyramid heater.
Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can be fatal.
Costs
A propane pyramid heater can empty a 20-pound tank in 10 hours. So, not only does it consume too much fuel, but it also forces you to pay for frequent refills.
Are Table Top Patio Heaters Any Good?
As the name suggests, tabletop heaters are smaller versions of full-sized units that you can place on your patio’s table. Let’s see what they can do.
The Advantages of Table Top Heaters
Don’t let the small size fool you. These cheeky buggers have a lot to offer.
Assembly
As you can tell by their size, this type of patio heater takes no time to assemble. I’d say 15 minutes is enough to put one together.
Convenience
They come in different sizes and designs, giving you the freedom to choose one that matches the aesthetics of your patio.
If you want to start an electric tabletop heater, plug it in and push the button. You’ll notice it gets hot instantly. You also don’t have to worry about loud noise, either. It’s virtually silent.
Safety
I know what you’re thinking: Small heaters can easily fall over and cause potential fires. Well, not necessarily.
Yes, their small size makes them more susceptible to extreme wind. However, like full-sized heaters, high-quality tabletop models come with durable materials and a sturdy base. If you assemble it right, you won’t have to worry about it falling over.
If that’s not enough, they also come with an anti-tilt feature, which forces it to shut down if it falls over.
Portability
That’s where the unit’s small size becomes its biggest advantage. The small size makes it more portable than any other type on the market.
The Disadvantages of Table Top Heaters
As you might expect, these small models can fall short in a few technical aspects.
Heat Output
Tabletop heaters aren’t weak by any means. However, they don’t offer as much heat as full-sized heaters, which is natural given their small size.
Although they distribute heat evenly for everyone sitting around them, you shouldn’t expect them to have a long range.
If you’re sitting a bit far, you probably won’t feel any heat whatsoever. You might need to install a few units to get reasonable warmth.
Cost
Since they’re on the small side, the purchasing and shipping prices will be reasonable. However, the operational costs are nothing to scoff at.
You can power propane models with a 1-pound cylinder. On high settings, that cylinder can last you 1-2 hours. On lower settings, it can last for 4-5 hours.
While it’s convenient that you can connect them with a 20-pound tank using an adapter hose, you still need to refill it frequently. So it can get a bit pricey.
Are Patio Heaters Bad for the Environment?
That’s a controversial matter that has troubled climate change specialists for a while now.
Yes, patio heaters are bad for the environment. After all, they emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane. These substances radiate energy and maintain heat, stopping the Earth from cooling itself.
Fire pits aren’t any different. In fact, the environmental damage they cause might be worse. Besides carbon dioxide and methane, their smoke releases black carbon.
They can also cause particle pollution, which results in various respiratory issues. If you want to minimize the environmental damage fire pits cause, start using dry seasoned wood.
It emits less smoke and provides more heat. Another way to reduce the smoke from fire pits is to chop big wood chunks into smaller pieces.
The fire pit will burn more efficiently, releasing less smoke.
Final Thoughts
So, are patio heaters worth it? Yes, they’re an excellent investment if you want to enjoy the soothing atmosphere of your patio in colder seasons.
However, buying a patio heater isn’t very straightforward. There are various models on the market, and each has its pros and cons.
So, choose one that caters to your needs and matches the aesthetics of your patio.
Yes, they’re harmful to the environment. However, there are a few ways to reduce the environmental damage that some of them cause.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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