![]() All of these remain inconsistently available as of fall 2023. But if you could take your pick, there were three models in particular that stood out to us: the East Oak SPH22002 adjustable heat lamp, the mushroom-top-like EnerG+ HEA-21821SH-T, and the vertically oriented Westinghouse WES31-15110. ![]() Because of this widespread similarity (combined with ongoing availability issues due to both popularity and supply chain problems), we generally recommend getting whichever electric patio heater is currently in stock. They were all pretty similar even if you buy an off-brand model, it may very well have come from the same manufacturing plant as a name-brand model. We considered more than a dozen different models, and we tested about half of those. But they also produce infrared heat, which beams warm waves directly at your skin (or whatever else stands in their way), so the heat often feels more immediate and satisfying. You can get along with one hot, but it could help to prolong the life of the heater.Įlectric patio heaters have much lower heat outputs than their propane counterparts, maxing out at around 5,100 BTUs (1,500 watts). (If anything breaks on an electric heater, the whole thing is pretty much shot.) You may also want to invest in a waterproof cover to protect your heater from the elements when it’s not in use. Although this kind of maintenance may sound daunting, it means that a good propane heater will prove more resilient over time. “If you can’t replace that, then the heater is useless after a few years.” Some companies (including AZ Patio Heaters) sell replacement parts in case anything does go wrong if you buy an off-brand heater, however, you might have trouble finding parts that fit. Over time that will deteriorate,” explained McMillen. “Your emitter screen up top is essentially burning, and then cooling, and then burning, and then cooling. Because these heaters create actual fire, some of the parts may eventually start to wear out. You should clean them at least once a year (before you put them away for storage at the end of the season), to remove any carbon buildup or other blockages in the burner or pilot area due to bugs, dirt, and debris. Unlike electric heaters, however, propane heaters require a bit of maintenance. Supply chain issues and high demand are common with these kinds of heaters, so if these specific ones are unavailable, a similar-looking model with a different name will likely serve you just as well. Most of those models come from the same factory, regardless of their branding. We were also fond of the Westinghouse WES31-15110, which isn’t mounted but instead sits on the ground, emitting heat in a vertical column that’s particularly effective if you’re sitting down. This might require you to huddle in closer to the pole, but the telescoping base gives you some flexibility. The EnerG+ HEA-21821SH-T is another pole-mounted option, with a canopy top that deflects the heat downward (not unlike a mushroom-style propane heater). It also works as an outdoor lamp and comes with a remote control, so you don’t have to get too close to the source. The East Oak SPH22002 radiates in a wide horizontal heat band, and it can be mounted on a pole or a wall, depending on your patio setup. But their infrared elements make you feel like they’re warming you more directly. ![]() Electric patio heaters, aren’t nearly as powerful as propane heaters, typically cranking out around 5,100 BTUs of heat (about one-eighth as much heat as our propane picks).
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