How to Choose the Best Gas Patio Heater uk
With autumn approaching, now's the time to start thinking about extending your outdoor living space. Our top pick is this stylish and effective copper lantern patio heater from Kettler Kalos.
The power ratings of heaters are generally listed in British Thermal Units (Btu) However, the size of your garden and the type of furniture you are using will determine the amount of heat you require. This pyramid heater also comes with an automatic tip-over valve that is designed for security.
1. Size
Gas patio heaters have a higher heating radius than electric patio heaters. They also require plenty of space, since they must be at least seven feet away from anything flammable. They should also be put outdoors in an area which is well ventilated to avoid the danger of smouldering fumes inside your home.
They are available in a variety of dimensions and styles. The size you pick will depend on the amount of space you'd like to heat, and the dimensions of your outdoor seating area. The BU-KO Pyramid model, for example is a fashionable option that will look stunning with garden furniture and can be a perfect fit in the corner of your home. Its high-heat settings are perfect for cool evenings and its low-heat setting is ideal for relaxing after dinner.
If you're limited in the amount of space to spare, a wall-mounted or hanging gas heater is a great option. These heaters don't require the floor and can be positioned on top of tables or attached to a parasol which makes them the ideal option for smaller gardens. They are also less expensive than freestanding models since they don't require a huge base.
You can also consider a fire pit that's similar to an outdoor heater that is freestanding but gives a more rustic feel. These heaters are less expensive than the pyramid or dome-top models and can be utilized in any outdoor space. However it is important to remember that they produce far less heat than dome and pyramid patio heaters.
2. Design
This elegant, pyramid-shaped patio heater from Germany's Herschel is designed to be a true focal point in the garden and is really elegant. It's also quite affordable and provides a lot of heat to warm up chilly evenings. It's quieter since it uses infrared, and has an option to set it at a low level to create a pleasant ambience.
It's a stand-alone model that doesn't require professional installation and can be moved around should you require changing the location of the heater. It's compatible with natural gas and propane, and has a wireless remote control that lets you to alter the lighting and heat levels. It's a bit heavier than the other models on this list, but it comes with a handle and wheels making moving it simple.
Gas heaters in the pyramid design are popular because they look great and can be a stunning feature piece in your garden. They are typically constructed from stainless steel which is durable and great for outdoor use since it's excellent in dispersing heat evenly.
It is essential to take into consideration the type of fuel that patio heaters use, as it can influence the price. Gas models are more affordable than electric options, but they require refueling with butane and propane gas. This can add up. Gas models are also more efficient at heating larger areas than electric models, however they must be placed close to an outlet in order to switch them on and off.
3. Power
Pyramid patio heaters are stylish and are sturdy, with a weighty base. This makes them more stable than the flimsier models with a mushroom-top that often fall over. This model from Outsunny also features a convenient swivel function and a safety shut-off feature that stops the flame in case it is knocked over. Its high and low heat settings help to reduce the chill of cooler evenings and keep the ambiance in the evening after the darkness.
Propane patio heaters come with a couple of advantages, one of which is the speed at which they warm up an area. A propane gas heater can also be more portable because the fuel source is contained in a tiny bottle that can be moved and filled as required.
The propane patio heaters are more expensive because you'll need to refill it often. Electric heaters do not need to be replenished, but they may draw more electricity than you'd like to particularly if they are equipped with many lights or powerful fans.
Our top pick is an electric patio heater from Swedish company Opranic. It has five power levels that range from 1200W to 2000W, meaning it can be utilized in a variety of scenarios, such as heating garages or conservatories. The power cable is only about 1.8m in length and poses an issue for safety. It's best to avoid placing it too close to other equipment, and to have an outdoor outlet nearby. It does not have the advanced safety features of other models, such as tilt-out or heat-protection, however it is still simple to assemble and safe to use.
4. Efficiency
British thermal units (Btu) are used to measure the amount of heat produced by your patio heater. The higher the Btu output is, the more warmth it will generate. This is particularly important if you have a bigger space to heat or if you reside in a colder region.
Having a high Btu output is also a sign that your patio heater will be able to provide heat to a larger area faster than the other models. This is great if you regularly organize outdoor events or parties in your garden.
A common feature found on many gas patio heaters is a reflector that can be used to help concentrate the heat output. This decreases the amount of heat lost by heating the air surrounding it, instead concentrating the majority of the heat to those directly underneath it. This means that less Btu is required to heat the same space, resulting in a smaller footprint and reduced operating costs.
It's also important to ensure that your patio heater is used in a safe manner. Always read the instructions from the manufacturer and ensure it is away from anything that could catch the fire or ignite. Place it on a flat surface to prevent it from tipping over when it is turned on. Be aware of any power lines that could pose a risk to your safety.
If you are looking for an outdoor heater that has the most functionality, look for one that oscillates or features multi-directional heating. This will help evenly heat your entire area without leaving hot or cold spots, which makes it a more enjoyable experience.
5. Safety
It's a smart choice to purchase an outdoor heater that is backed by an independent safety certificate. Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief for the Montreal Fire Department, says this will ensure it is in compliance with certain safety standards. It is also essential to register your patio heater with the manufacturer. This way you'll be notified if it is issued with a recall or safety alert.
Gas models tend to be more efficient than electric ones, heating a space in a lesser amount of time and costing less to run. They also have a flickering flame that creates a warm, inviting ambience. They are a favorite choice for bars and restaurants, which allows patrons to stay longer and extend their stay.
Gas patio heaters that are most secure and user-friendly come with a variety of features. For example, some models have a tilt-proof base that turns off the heater if it is accidentally tipped over. gas patio heater pyramid have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the device after a predetermined time.

Other safety considerations include the ease at which a model can be moved, and whether it has a cage that protects the flame. This is a good idea as it protects against embers flying from the flame, which could spark an igniting fire. In addition, a patio heater should always be kept at a minimum of 2 metres away from substances that could ignite. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the unit for any damage or wear and wear and tear.