With the festive spirit of the Holidays behind us now, you might, like me, find yourself staring longingly out the window at your outdoor deck or backyard patio.
But are somber January days really a reason to stay stuck inside until spring? Of course not. Choosing from the bewildering array of outdoor heating options, well, that’s another story.
I’ve researched dozens of possibilities and have zeroed in on a very popular choice in outdoor heating. One you’ve probably enjoyed at receptions and restaurant patios: a freestanding outdoor propane heater. I’ll look specifically at the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Commercial Patio Heater here, discussing its pros and cons, so you can get out there and get some fresh air again.
Make that foreboding, Sunday-evening feeling a thing of the past by planning Mondays outside with a big, cozy heater and a little glass of your favorite craft brew. Or consider hosting your Super Bowl party al fresco this year.
Whatever your pleasure, think about enhancing your life and the time you spend at home with friends and family by adding warmth and light to your outdoor space. Let’s look at how.
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Heated Exchanges
Overwhelmingly, the reviews of this heater are positive. Most reported no problems, with 75% giving the heater 4 or 5 stars. A total of 17% of reviewers gave it a low rating, at just 1 or 2 stars, and in the middle with 3 stars were 8% of reviewers.
The Good: Overall, people liked the classic look and shape of this heater. Many reviewers commented on its attractive finish, and almost everyone liked the Piezo electronic ignition. Most mentioned that it fired right up, and that assembly wasn’t difficult with two people, taking between 45 to 120 minutes to complete.
People who liked this heater were, in some cases, undaunted by a missing bolt or dented base (OCD types beware). They ran to the hardware store, ignored the dent and moved along with getting their space ready to enjoy. Keep in mind that, while a serviceable model, this is not the very high end of patio heaters, some of which cost in the range of $600 to $1700.
The Bad: Many reviewers complained of rust forming on the unit, but if you don’t cover steel to protect it from the elements, it will oxidize and begin to form rust. There are covers available, so protect your investment and get yourself one. This heater comes with wheels, about which I noted no complaints, so just roll it up against the house if the weather forecast calls for rain or wind. A couple of reviews mentioned problems with the wind knocking over the unit and damaging the reflector, but there is a reservoir for ballast–either water or fine sand–so you can stabilize your heater this way. I also saw a few comments about “melted paint,” but I would forego the colors, even for poolside, and stick with the timeless look of stainless steel.
It’s “Just a Basics” Item. Really?
I chose to write about the AmazonBasics heater because all things considered, for this type of heater, you get a better quality construction at a price that’s significantly lower than popular name brands. And a very nice set of features, to boot. Amazon lists this as a “Commercial” model; Fire Sense, for example, has regular, Commercial, and Pro models, which puts this one in the middle category for about half the price of the Fire Sense Commercial model.
10 things I love about this heater:
- Commercial-grade stainless steel construction makes it a much better, sturdier choice in this price range.
- Heat output of 46,000 BTU’s will keep you comfortable at a heat radius of about 8 feet, depending on weather conditions and where you set it up.
- Piezo electronic ignition makes for quick and easy startup.
- Safety auto shut-off tilt valve in case it does get knocked over.
- Wheel assembly provides easy maneuvering and smooth trips across the patio or porch.
- Measures approximately 89 inches high, so a nice, big heater.
- Prime delivery available, yay!
- Delivers quiet, consistent heat that requires little attention while you entertain or relax.
- Attractive, classic style that works beautifully with any decor and won’t look dated in seasons to come.
- Good price for the level of quality.
Staring into the “Requires Assembly” Abyss
Please note that you will not receive the required 20 lb. propane (LPG) tank with your heater, nor will you get the AAA battery needed for the electronic ignition. Otherwise, everything you need will be there, including the option to purchase Expert Assembly service during checkout on Amazon. Plan to spend about an hour or two on assembly if you’re on your own, and under an hour if you’ve got someone to help. Use “real” tools, not the toy tools included in the box.
The heater ships in Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging, which they say is also designed to minimize damage and reduce waste. If you’re sending the heater as a gift, you can choose to have it gift-wrapped or click Ship in Amazon Packaging (double packaging) at checkout so the contents of the carton are not revealed until opening. The shipping weight is listed as just over 42 lbs.
You can also opt for a 3- or 4-Year Protection Plan from Amazon during checkout. Either plan is under $10.
This heater has a one-year warranty, but so did all of the others I researched, including one $1600 model.
How Many Patio Heaters Do I Need?
It depends. Where will you set them up? In the backyard for movie night? On a semi-enclosed porch while you’re snoozing under a camping blanket? Or near an open poolside to coax swimmers out at dusk when the buffet is ready? It also depends on weather conditions. Damp and 38 degrees F? Or dry and 55 degrees F but with a light breeze? A simple rule of thumb is:
Cubic feet of area X desired rise in temperature = BTU’s needed.
If you’re still unsure, you might call a local outdoor kitchen design company and see if they can help you determine how many heaters you need.
How Much Clearance Do I Need?
The safety clearance is 3 feet from the top and 2 feet from the sides of any combustible material. But remember that glass is subject to thermal stress, so keep the heater away from windows and glass doors etc., as well. Also, please keep in mind that this AmazonBasics Heater is listed at 89 inches tall. That’s nice and tall, so measure carefully when making your decision. Here is a PDF of the User’s Guide for this model heater; it includes clearance and safety information.
I’m Freezing! Just Hurry Up and Help Me Decide!
Okay, here’s a quick re-cap.
This type of freestanding propane heater is good for you if you:
- Have the outdoor space and clearance. Keep in mind, it’s 89 inches tall.
- Can assemble it or have it assembled.
- Can wheel it out of the rain when needed (it weighs 40 lbs.)
- Just want something quiet going in the background that doesn’t require your attention.
Remember, this model is considered a Commercial heater, not the kind used in the Hospitality industry, but still a very nice set of features with a good, sturdy build-out for the price, including:
- commercial-grade stainless steel construction.
- electronic ignition for easy startup.
- automatic shut-off tilt valve in case it gets knocked over.
- heat output that should keep you comfortably warm at about 8 feet away, depending upon conditions.
If you enjoy the convenience of propane but also want a big visible flame, you might consider a pyramid heater. It has a sort of “modern tiki-torch” style that looks very beautiful near a pool or pond. There are also easy-to-use propane fire pits and freestanding table-top heaters.
If you have family members who love chopping wood or the crackle and smell of burning logs, then have a look at a few wood-burning chimineas or fireplaces before making your decision.
With so many choices, there’s surely an option that would make everyone in your backyard happy long before the weather warms. So don’t wait until spring—find something you love and go outside!