Three Common Reasons Your Best Electric Patio Heater Isn't Working (And What You Can Do To Fix It)
Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around your garden.
Gas patio heaters can push out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but will require a regular refill of natural gas or propane. This is a great choice for large gardens with many outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered versions and, depending on the model you choose, have lower running costs too. There's no need to refill a tank with propane and there's not much assembly involved.
The most effective ones have a remote control that makes operation easy and an LED light integrated for ambience. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave energy over an area of the size of a table. It is easy to use heating settings and 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is a different option. It utilizes an aluminum reflector to focus the heat beams on your preferred spot.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a soft, clean glow. However the Herschel is more modern and is more suited for modern gardens or if you're trying to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems that enable you to set your preferred brightness and temperature, which could save even more energy in the long run.
It is important to remember that while infrared heat is efficient but it only warms the objects and people who are directly in front of the heater and will lose its effect if you move away. It will also not provide heat to your patio if winds blow it around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will provide warmth to a greater area if they aren't moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. They are often located in pub gardens. They provide a cozy burning log effect that looks good in most decors.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and can produce a lot of noise and smog when the flame is burning. Contrary to propane which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it is depleted, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more sustainable. You should also remember that a gas heater produces a higher level of heat than an equivalent electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As the summer winds down and the evenings become colder it's the perfect time to invest in an outdoor heater that will keep you outside for longer. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you choose gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
Although gas heaters are more economical to buy than electric models but they are costly to run - in fact, according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful in terms of both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill, and will last approximately 13 hours of heating.
In contrast to gas, electric heaters use radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Electric heaters are cheaper to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They are also much simpler to use. Simply plug them into the outlet, and they'll start to begin to heat up.
Electric heaters that are suitable for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings, such as bars, restaurants, and private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that permits you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models, and they can be moved easily. This is a great feature if you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
The downside of these heaters is that they have to be connected to the power source, which means you'll need a power socket nearby and an extension lead that's certified to work with outdoor devices. Most electric heaters aren't allowed to use an extension lead greater than 1.8m. This is to be in line with safety standards. Also, you'll need to be careful to avoid blocking any sockets that are located outside or leaving the extension lead trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized to complement the look of a gas-powered heater but do not want to be limited by its location or to reduce your costs. These heaters for patios are powered by electricity and heat up quickly. They can be controlled by a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is nice-looking choice that won't look out of place amongst your rattan garden furniture and is weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating shields it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we do not recommend using a high pressure hose on it). This model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted according to your needs, as well as an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the positioning of the gas patio heater is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes, and includes many options, including a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, though we don't advise letting it get wet, as this could affect the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers the portable patio heater is a good budget-friendly option for those who like to be in control of their heating. It's simple to use with a remote control, 2 temperature settings, as well as the ability to turn on or off the light from an extended distance. It also has a built-in safety feature that turns off the unit when it's tipped over.
Unlike a gas patio heater electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide. Therefore, they're an ideal choice for families with pets or children who are not yet old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are also ideal for large outdoor gazebos and areas because they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. These models are light and easy to move. Some even come with an remote that lets you alter the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and the kids are back to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outside space. Electric heaters are available in a variety of styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low operating costs. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a pedestal, which makes it perfect for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It also has a remote control for adjusting the heat. It is described by some as a Goldilocks choice, as it's just warm enough to ease the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are perfect for spaces that are small such as garages or covered porches, since they don't emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters should be used in open spaces with adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. patio heater electric free standing are also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. That's particularly important when you reside in a region that has high energy costs.
Electric heaters may not be as powerful as gas heaters but there are plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be attached to parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great option for those looking for an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It's available in two sizes and has various options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heat settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it is able to withstand light rain and splashes of liquid.