Your Guide to Patio Heaters and Fireplaces

Proper outdoor heating gives the right comfort when one wants to spend a cozy night in the chilly winter. The most effective options for outdoor heating are portable patio heaters and outdoor fireplaces. And we will discuss them in this article, so you have complete information on their features and benefits.

This guide will cover the appliances' significant basics, their heating capabilities, pros & cons, and a few recommended products. So, keep reading to find the best outdoor heating option by the time you reach the end.

Patio Heaters

These are outdoor heating appliances that require fuel to work. There are various types of patio heaters to choose from, primarily based on heating capacity and fuel requirements. 

Fuel Type: Patio heaters can run on three types of fuels based on their type and requirements. The three fuels are natural gas, electricity, and propane.

• Propane patio heaters are easily installable and portable. 
• Electric ones are easy to use and are eco-friendly, as they do not emit harmful emissions. However, electric patio heaters may require experts for installation.
• Natural Gas patio heaters require a constant gas source and must be professionally installed; they need a continual fuel supply and do not require refills. 

Design: Patio heaters come in different types of designs. The available designs are hanging, tabletop, tank-top, mounted, and standing.

• As the name suggests, standing patio heaters are freestanding devices that can be easily transported and operated.
• Mounted patio heaters are attached to the wall and are suitable for warming small outdoor areas.
• Hanging patio heaters are hung from the deck, sunroom, or porch. These are also great for small outdoor spaces.
• Tabletop patio heaters can be kept above a flat surface, preferably on a dining table where everybody's having dinner.
• Tank-top ones are always connected above the propane tanks and are the most affordable option.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Nothing can match the outdoor fireplaces if you want warmth mixed with a flavor of style and elegance. These are permanently fixed fireplaces built with a chimney and a firebox. Some options for outdoor fireplaces are also easily movable and transportable.

There are various types of outdoor fireplaces. Some may come with a convenient protective mesh to catch flying out embers, and some may come with a cooking grid for roasting and BBQ purposes. There is no match for a beautiful outdoor fireplace for an entertaining party, festival, or get-together on a cold evening. 

Fuel Requirements: Outdoor fireplaces generally require any of the four types of fuels: wood, propane, charcoal, and natural gas.

• The most used fuel for lighting up outdoor fireplaces is wood. It is not only an inexpensive option but is also readily available. The sound and smell of cracking wood fire put more punch to the ambiance.
• Propane fireplaces are also popular as they are easy to light. Some propane fireplaces may also allow you to adjust the temperature as per requirements. 
• Natural gas outdoor fireplaces are not that trendy, but they are indeed very effective. Setting up an outdoor fireplace won't be much hassle if you already have a cooking line in your home.
• Charcoal fireplaces are uncommon, but they are the most cost-effective option; it also creates a lovely smell of burning charcoal that even adds excellent flavors to the roasted food if the fireplace is used as a BBQ. 

Size & Shape: Outdoor fireplaces are comparatively heavier than other options for outdoor heating. The sizes and shapes may differ, but they are usually square or rectangular, measuring around 5' to 7' in height and 2' to 4' wide. 

You may also read: Get Ready for a Gastronomic Feast With Our Top 6 Grills of 2022

Pros & Cons of Patio Heaters

Like every other home appliance, patio heaters also have advantages and shortcomings. We will unbiasedly discuss both in this section.

Pros of Patio Heaters

1. Very easy and versatile to use.
2. Safest option as far as heaters are concerned. Highly recommended for households with pets and children.
3. Resistance to temperature fluctuations and can be adjusted accordingly.
4. Effective for warming large areas.
5. Easily transportable as they are generally lightweight and have wheels attached to the bottom.
6. A safer option as it emits no embers or sparks.
7. An eco-friendly option as it emits no harmful emissions.
8. It requires almost no maintenance, and it heats up quickly.

Cons of Patio Heaters

1. There are not many options in design choices. 
2. The appearance may look a bit commercial and aesthetically low.
3. Requires a constant supply of power or fuel sources such as electricity, propane, and natural gas.
4. Do not act as a substantial light source.
5. Propane patio heaters are expensive.
6. Cords may produce trip hazards.

Pros & Cons of Outdoor Heaters

Now that we have discussed the pros and cons of patio heaters, we will do the same for outdoor heaters. They, too, have their respective advantages and disadvantages. 

Pros of Outdoor Heaters

1. Looks aesthetically pleasing.
2. Plenty of options in designs to choose from.
3. Costs are lower compared to other outdoor heating devices. 
4. Can be transported and moved with ease. Permanently fixed options are also available. 
5. Less messy than campfires.
6. Can be used for food roasting and BBQ purposes.

Cons of Outdoor Heaters

1. It is unsafe to use indoors. 
2. Requires constant fuel sources such as propane, wood, or coal.
3. Heating range and space are limited. 
4. No temperature control facility.
5. Opens flames can be risky for households with pets and children. However, some of them come with a protective mesh.
6. The danger of flying out embers and sparks. 

A Few Recommended Patio Heaters & Fireplaces

Aleko Propane Outdoor Patio Heater/ Adjustable Thermostat — Black EPHSBK-AP — 44,000 BTU

This product from Aleko might end your search for a great patio heater as it has every quality that one might look for in a heater. Made with the best quality durable steel, it will keep you warm when the temperature starts to fall. The steel burner is resistant to temperature and corrosion. The controls are simple to follow as it comes with easy push-button, one-touch mechanisms, and a control knob to adjust the heating temperatures. It covers a wide area of 20-25 sq. ft. with an output of 44,000 BTU. The smooth wheels at the bottom facilitate easy transportation and mobility.

Aleko Outdoor Patio Pyramid Propane Space Heater  — Silver EPHPSIL–AP with Adjustable Thermostat — 40,000 BTU 

Like the product above, this is yet another excellent thermostat patio heater you can consider buying. The best part is the quality of materials used to make this product which ensures sturdiness, longevity, and durability. Thanks to the wheels attached at the bottom, it is easily transportable anywhere - to the poolside, terrace, or lawn. It is entirely resistant to temperature fluctuations and corrosion. The pyramidal shape of the heater aids heat in propagating in all directions. 

VidaXL Fire Pit with Poker 25.2 XXL Steel" 311894 

This fire pit can be your favorite heating companion on a chilly and frosty winter evening. Besides heating, it also adds a decorative sense of aesthetics to your lawn or garden. The product is made with 100% corrosion-free steel that initiates excellent absorption and radiation of heat in all corners around it. It comes with a safety mesh that prevents debris and sparks from the open fire from flying out of the fire pit.

VidaXL Fire Pit 35.8”x15.7” Steel 313349

This can be your ultimate choice if you want a simple yet effective outdoor heater. It has everything that the previous product had but with a whiff of tremendous advantage with it. If you don't require it as a heater in case the temperature is not that cold, in that case, you can use it as a cooking grid and turn it into a BBQ. A perfect product for keeping yourself warm and making some freshly prepared BBQ food items that make your winter party even more wholesome. A slight shortcoming may be that it doesn't come with a protective covering mesh.

Final Words

Use patio heaters and fireplaces when enjoying yourself with your family and friends in the garden on a winter evening, when it's harsh to cope when the temperature drops low, to make the evening more cozy and comfortable.

It is not worth it to shiver when enjoying a lovely get-together, as the pleasant nostalgia of summer warmth is what you desire. And that is precisely what you can expect when you have an excellent patio heater or outdoor fireplace. This article has provided you with a guide on these gadgets. We have also attached a product recommendation listing for you to choose from. We hope you keep yourself and your loved ones cozy this winter by using them.

Also check out: How To Choose The Right Outdoor Gourmet Grill For You