Free Standing Heater Buying Guide

Extending your outdoor season with a freestanding heater is perfect for those who want the warmth of and Infrared Patio heater but want the mobility of moving them around the patio. Freestanding heaters come in multiple sizes, styles, and fuel sources to choose from, but how can you tell which one is better suited for your space? There is not a right or wrong answer, but instead there are factors you should consider which will guide you to selecting which one is right for you based on how you plan on using the patio heaters.

Factors to Consider

Step 1: Fuel Types

Freestanding units come (3) different fuel sources to choose from, Natural Gas, Liquid Propane or Electric.

Step 2: Area to be Heated

Take into consideration the size of your space and what exactly you want to heat. Standalone heaters come in multiple sizes and BTU ratings to choose from. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is the imperial system’s basic unit of heat, used to measure how much heat is required to raise one pound of water’s temperature by one degree. The heat output of a patio heater is measure per hour in BTU’s, the higher the BTU the larger the heat output. Each heater will have different BTU ratings and heat blooms, refer to the manufactures specifications to gather this information. You will want to pick a heater that has a higher BTU rating and a higher heat coverage area, this will allow you to cover a larger area with minimal number of heaters. Electric heaters also give off radiant heat and you will want to refer to the manufacturers specifications to determine what the heat bloom is of each heater.

Step 3: Installation Type

Standalone patio heaters do not necessarily mean they are all portable. There are different installation options available and taking into consideration how often you will be using these heaters will help you determine which installation type is best for you.

Portable Heaters

This will be common with liquid propane heaters and electric heaters. These types of units will likely have wheels for easy mobility and will have a storage cubby for gas heaters to keep the 20lb propane tank hidden from sight. This is good for applications where seating and gathering areas change often and having the ability to move these units to different locations is key. For example, residential applications.

Permanent Post

This will be common for Natural Gas heaters. Permanent post application are fixed heaters that are cemented or bolted to the ground and connected directly to a gas line. These units do not move and are usually strategically positioned throughout the patio. This is perfect for restaurant type settings where the units are installed and stay put year-round.

Portable Post

This will be common for Liquid Propane and Natural gas lines. This is perfect for those who want the look and feel of a permanent post but have the ability to store the units away when not in use. This would be good for hospitality type settings where they can install when needed and remove the units when not in season.

Step 4: Warranty and Parts Replacement

Patio heaters are not a cheap investment so taking into consideration what the warranty period is along with if replacement parts are available will be key. When you are looking at heaters side by side its impossible to tell what the main difference is between them. The material that the units are made from is a good indicator of the quality of the product. For example, a heater that is made of 304 Stainless Steel will last longer than a unit made from aluminum. When doing your research take note not only of the material, but also how long the manufacture will back their product. Lower quality freestanding patio heaters will usually have a standard one-year warranty, material will be made of aluminum and replacement parts won’t be available. This means in a year or two if something breaks/ malfunctions you will need to purchase a brand-new unit. Instead look for manufactures that use quality material such as stainless steel and who offer longer warranty periods and have replacement parts available to repurchase.

With our list of industry-leading brands to choose from, we are confident we can help you find the perfect solution to accommodate your application. Our trained staff has years of experience and are happy to help you choose the best solution for your outdoor space. Our Patio Specialists are ready to answer all of your questions, give us a call today and take advantage of our FREE heating design consultation at 855-298-4922.