Outdoor Comfort: Electric Patio Heater Buying Guide

 Having an outdoor area is one of the best things you could have. And although some people limit themselves on the use of their outdoor space only during this time, the truth is that you can enjoy your times outdoors during autumn and even winter the same way as you enjoy in summer. Besides stocking yourself with blankets to keep you warm while sitting outdoors, you can also invest in outdoor heaters. Besides being eye-catching and appealing, these heaters will keep you and your guests warm while enjoying the fresher air.

When it comes to choosing the right one, the first thing you should take into account is the location heating direction. Usually, these heaters are placed near the seating area, however, this can mainly depend on your personal needs. Giving the fact that there are different electric heaters, outdoor models, considering all of them will give you a clearer picture about which one is the best for your needs.

Types of Electric Heaters

Wall-Mounted Heaters

The wall-mounted electric heaters outdoor types are the most commonly used since they can save you a lot of free space while giving you the needed warmth. As the name implies, they can be installed on walls and on the ceiling, giving you the freedom to choose the right place for your outdoor area. The thing that can add to their flexibility is that these heaters are usually installed with wall-mounted brackets that allow being pointed up and down. Being electric, it is said that these heaters use some kind of infrared heat in order to warm up the area. Before installing them and buying the brackets, make sure they can fit into the wall. If not sure whether they can fit or not, feel free to contact a professional installer and have them installed properly.

Tabletop Heaters

Although they need to be placed on a table, these heaters are still considered space-savvy. Usually, such heaters are used in patios and decks, and they are the perfect way to warm yourself and your guests when the weather is colder outside. Generally speaking, these types of heaters can come in a range of sizes and heights, allowing you to choose the right one for your needs. Giving the fact that they need to be placed over a table, some of them come with anti-tipping weights in order to avoid them from toppling over. An important thing to know about these heaters is that they won’t spread the heat around to a large space which makes them great only for sitting around a table.

Freestanding Patio Heaters

Today’s patio heaters are nothing like the old type of heaters. They are appealing, stylish and convenient to use thanks to the large selection of choices. Plus, they are versatile, allowing you to move them from one place to another without a problem. Generally speaking, these heaters can come in different styles, like quartz tubes and mushrooms. These heaters are considered smaller freestanding haters that makes them great for smaller outdoor areas. The biggest disadvantage of these heaters is that they don’t spread the heat around and are not that efficient in spreading the heat evenly.  The mushroom type of freestanding electric heaters is most commonly used, not only for their appearance but also for their efficiency. The most important thing to have in mind when looking for such a heater is choosing one with a stable/weighted base.

Hanging Patio Heaters

Although wall-mounted heaters can be placed on the ceiling, they are quite different from the hanging patio heaters. The main difference between these heaters is in their shape, size and power. The hanging ones are designed to bring the heat down, which promises that you will obtain a more even heating. The most important thing you need to know about these heaters is that they need a hard ceiling roof in order to be installed. If you don’t have any, then you should not install them as they will pose a danger. In other words, they can easily fall off the ceiling and hurt somebody. In case you do have a hard ceiling roof, you might need a professional installation as it is said that their installation takes a lot of time.

Tables with Built-in Heater

As the name implies, these heaters are inserted inside a table and are designed to emit heat to everyone around the table. These table heaters are great for those of you who love seating outdoors for a longer period of time.

Mobile Patio Heaters

The last but not least type of heaters are the mobile versions. Usually, these heaters come with wheels that allow you to move them around the patio. When in the search for such a heater, make sure to choose one that has stronger wheels in order not to break after several uses.