How to Choose the Best Gas Patio Heater uk

With autumn on the way, now is the time to start thinking about the possibility of 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 usually listed in British Thermal Units (Btu) however the size of your garden and the type of furniture you have will determine the amount of heat you will require. This pyramid heater has an automatic tip-over valve to ensure safety.

1. Size

Gas patio heaters have more heat than electric ones. This means that they require much more space, as they must be at least seven feet from any flammable object. They must also be placed outside in a space that is well-ventilated to avoid the risk of fumes accumulating in your home.


They come in various sizes and styles. The size you select will depend on how much space you want to heat and the size of your outdoor seating area. For example, the BU-KO pyramid model is a stylish option that looks great with your garden furniture and sits perfectly in an area that is a little off. The high-heat settings make it ideal for a cool night and its low-heat option is ideal for relaxing after dinner.

A hanging or wall-mounted heater is a great option for those with a small amount of space. They are perfect for small gardens because they don't require a lot of space for floor space and can be affixed to a parasol or placed over a table. These models are also cheaper than freestanding ones since they don't require a big base.

You can also look into the fire pit, which is similar to a patio heater, but is stand-alone but has an edgier look. These heaters are less expensive than the pyramid or dome-top varieties and can be used in any outdoor space. However, it's important to remember that they produce far less heat than dome and pyramid patio heaters.

2. Design

This beautiful, pyramid-shaped heater from German manufacturer Herschel will create the focal point of your garden and look really elegant. It's also quite affordable and can provide a substantial amount of heat to help keep the chill off cold evenings. It's quieter since it uses infrared light, and also has a low setting to create a relaxing ambience.

This is a self-standing model that doesn't require professional installation. It can be moved to adjust the location of the heater. It is suitable for natural gas and propane and has an electronic remote control that allows you to alter the lighting and heat levels. It's a little heavier than the other models on this list, but it comes with a handle and wheels so moving it is easy.

Pyramid-style gas heaters are popular because they're very stylish and can make an impressive statement in the garden. Stainless steel is a durable material that is ideal for outdoor use. It also evenly distributes heat.

The type of fuel used for patio heaters is important to think about as it could affect the cost of running them. Gas heaters are cheaper than electric ones, but they need to be refilled with propane gas or butane which can cost more over time. Gas models are also more efficient at heating larger areas than electric models, however they must be placed near an outlet to allow you to switch them on and off.

3. Power

Pyramid patio heaters are stylish and are durable with a solid base. This makes them more sturdy than some of those fragile models with a mushroom-top that often collapse. The model from Outsunny has a handy swivel function and a safety shut off feature that shuts off the flame when it's knocked over. Its low and high heat settings help to reduce the chill of cooler evenings and also keep the atmosphere continuing after dark.

Propane has a few advantages over electric patio heaters, such as the speed of heating up the space. A propane gas heater is also more portable, since the fuel source is contained in a tiny bottle which can be moved and refilled as needed.

The propane patio heaters are more costly because you will need to refill it often. Electric heaters needn't be replenished, but they may draw more electricity than you'd like to particularly if they are equipped with numerous lights or powerful fans.

An electric model from Swedish firm Opranic is our top pick for a versatile patio heater. It comes with five power levels that range from 1200W to 2000W, meaning it can be utilized in a variety of situations including heating garages or conservatories. To ensure safety the power cable is just 1.8m long, making it essential to be mindful of the location you place it near to other equipment, and that you have an outdoor socket close by. It doesn't have the sophisticated safety features of other models such as tilt-out or overheat protection, but is still simple to assemble and safe to use.

4. Efficiency

British thermal units (Btu) are used to determine the amount of heat generated by your heater for your patio. The more Btu the greater the heat you will get. This is particularly true when you have a larger area to heat or if you are located in a colder climate.

A high Btu output will also mean that your patio heater will be able to provide heat to a larger area at a quicker rate than other heaters. This is great if you frequently organize outdoor parties or events in your garden.

A typical feature on many gas patio heaters is a special reflector that can be used to help concentrate the heat output. This helps to reduce the amount of heat wasted on heating the air around it, instead focussing the majority of it on those who are directly below it. This means that a smaller number of Btu's are needed to effectively heat the same area which means less footprint and lower operating costs.

It is crucial to ensure that your patio heater is used safely. Always read the directions given by the manufacturer and keep it away from anything that could catch on the fire or ignite. Also, ensure it is placed on a level surface to avoid tipping over when it is on. Also, be aware of any power cables that could result in an accident.

If you are looking for a patio heater that provides the most functionality, look for one that can oscillate or has multi-directional heating. This will allow you to evenly heat the entire space without leaving hot or cold spots, which makes it a more relaxing experience.

5. electric patio heater vs gas

If you're planning to buy a patio heater it's a good idea choose one that has an independent safety certification. Matthew Griffith, chief of the prevention department at the Montreal Fire Department says that this will guarantee that it is in compliance with certain standards. Registering your patio heater is important. You'll also be notified when there's a safety warning or recall.

Gas models are more efficient than electric models that heat a room in a shorter amount of time and costing less to operate. They also have a flickering flame that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are a popular choice for bars and restaurants, where they help customers to stay longer and prolong their visit.

Gas patio heaters that are the most secure and user-friendly come with a variety of features. For instance, some models come with an anti-tilt base that shuts off the unit in the event that it is accidentally tipped over. Some models include an automatic shut-off function that turns off the device after a predetermined time.

Safety considerations also include the ease of moving a model, and whether it has a shield of protection over the flame. This is a good idea as it protects against embers flying out of the flame and could potentially cause the possibility of a fire. In addition, a patio heater should be kept at least 2 metres away from any substances that could ignite. It is also important to check the heater regularly for wear and tear or damage.