Different Types of Patio Heaters

Outdoor Heater Options

Outdoor patio heaters can come in two main different types: freestanding and mounted. Which option is best for you mainly depends on how much portability and floor space you need.

Freestanding Patio Heaters

If you don't need to install your patio heater permanently or want the versatility to move a heater from one spot to another, a freestanding patio heater is an ideal choice. These models don't typically require mounting brackets and most of them use portable propane tanks for power, although natural gas models are also available. Each freestanding heater has its own control, allowing your staff to turn on only the heaters that are needed at any given time. Let's breakdown the four styles of freestanding patio heaters so you can decide which is best for your business.

Wall or Ceiling Mounted Patio Heaters

For permanent installation on patios and decks, wall- or ceiling-mounted outdoor heaters may be your best choice. By strategically placing permanent heaters, you can provide consistent heat directed precisely where it is needed. Heaters mounted above customer areas don't take up any floor space so you'll have more room for tables and chairs, as well as room for customers and staff to walk.

Some permanently mounted heaters have more control options so that you can operate them remotely. Also, many wall-mounted heaters can be linked together to create zones that can be easily controlled with the touch of a single button.

Gas vs Electric Patio Heaters

Make sure you choose a power type that best fits your location and the utilities you have available. Also, keep in mind that electric and gas units each have different mounting and ventilation requirements.

There are many considerations when choosing between electric, natural gas, and propane patio heating options. For example, in a rural location, you may not have access to natural gas so electric heaters might be the best option for you. If your business already uses natural gas for cooking and indoor heating, this fuel type may be the best choice for you because it is readily available and often less expensive than electricity. The choice between an electric patio heater, a natural gas patio heater, and a liquid propane patio heater is usually easy to make, but read on for additional pros and cons of the different fuel types.

Benefits of Outside Patio Heaters

Investing in an outdoor heater is great way to prepare your restaurant for colder weather and increase profits by keeping your outdoor space open for longer.

Make the Most of the Seasons

Extend your patio seating season! Since spring and fall can be cool in many climates, a lot of restaurants can only use their outdoor spaces during a few of the warmest months. By properly heating your patio or deck area with a system of outdoor heaters, you can make those spaces comfortable for customers to use earlier in the spring, later into the autumn, and even potentially during the wintertime if you choose to make your patio a destination for winter dining.

Open Earlier, Stay Open Later

Even in warm climates, customers may become chilly sitting outside after sunset. By adding patio heaters to your space, you can ensure more available seats for the dinner rush - boosting your profits over the long term! Or, if you open early in the morning for breakfast, you can allow customers to comfortably enjoy the sunrise from your deck.

Increase Revenue and Profits

When you make your outdoor seating areas usable for several more hours each day and for several more months each year, that adds up to a substantial increase in profits for your business. While the upfront costs of installing patio heaters may seem daunting, you can make up those expenditures and get a return on your investment very quickly with the increase in revenue.

How Much Could My Revenue Increase?

To see what the additional revenue could be for your business, simply follow this formula and use the revenue information from your own restaurant.

How much revenue does each seat generate per shift (in dollars)? x How many additional shifts will your patio operate per day? x How many additional days per year will your patio operate? = Estimated Total Additional Revenue per Year

What to Look for in an Outdoor Heater

The control style and a unit's material are two factors to keep in mind when further narrowing down the type of patio heater that is best for your outdoor space.

Outdoor Heater Controls

Most freestanding patio heaters will have the controls mounted on the unit itself. If you choose to go with a wall- or ceiling-mounted heater system, there are some additional options that you can choose from!

When you are shopping for a patio heater, pay attention to what control options are offered. Also, remember that there are often different controls available for single-stage and two-stage units. Below are some common control choices and their benefits and drawbacks.

Patio Heater Materials

Coastal environments can be particularly harsh on any metal or wood furniture and equipment that is used outdoors. This is something you already know if your business is near the water! To make sure your patio heaters last as long as possible, consider purchasing units made of marine grade type 316 stainless steel if your business is located in an area where salt water corrosion is an issue.

Outdoor Heater Safety

Below are some safety tips to keep in mind when installing and operating your patio heater

How to Keep Your Patio Heater From Tipping Over

The easiest way to keep your patio heater from tipping over is to add weight to the base to balance out its top-heavy design and add more stability. This can be done by placing a sandbag on the base or filling it with sand or concrete. When you are purchasing a patio heater, be sure to look for an anti-tilt base to reduce the chances of your outdoor heater blowing over.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

While some electric patio heaters may be approved for use inside, most electric models and all gas models should only be used in open, outdoor, well-ventilated areas with a minimum of combustible surfaces nearby. Be sure to check your local building and fire codes to make sure that there are no restrictions on the use of outdoor heaters in your municipality.

Clearance from Flammable Materials

While you want to be sure that your patio heater puts out enough heat and is close enough to the area you wish to keep warm, it's also important to remember that the patio heater itself will get hot. Placing a patio heater too close to flammable materials like wood, cloth, or paper can be dangerous.

Plus, be sure not to allow furniture or other items to come into contact with the heater to protect your furnishings and prevent damage to the heater itself. Most outdoor heaters have specific requirements for installation in locations that are near combustible surfaces.

If you need to hang your heater from a wooden patio overhang, mount it to a sided exterior wall, or place it near non-metal patio furniture, be sure to consult the specification sheet and manual for the unit you choose. Make sure that your location can accommodate the clearances recommended by the manufacturer. In some cases, an additional shield or heat deflector may be required. Additional commercial patio heater parts and accessories are also available for proper installation and maintenance of your new outdoor heating system.