A great way to enjoy alfresco living and extending the season is a
patio heater on the patio or in the garden. Now very common in bars, restaurants, and caf© they are becoming popular for home use in the back garden.
Patio heaters can be fuelled by gas, electricity , wood or coal and range from wall models, table, free standing, basket or plumbed/fixed.
The most versatile and popular is a free standing gas patio heater. Before selecting look out for these features:
Safety. Flame failure is now standard on most patio heaters but not all will have a safety tilt switch. If patio heater is blown or knocked over the tilt switch will cut the gas supply off. For extra protection look for models with a thermal fuse as used on the top end commercial patio heaters. Always check the ground is level and never place on an uneven surface. If using propane the patio heater must have adequate ventilations and never use indoors, they are outdoor use only.
Heat Settings. Avoid older models with high/low heat setting, newer models will have variable heat control.
Gas supply. Patio heaters that run on both propane and butane are the best choice, avoid the single fuel types. Butane will operate during summer but will freeze at low temperatures, for this reason propane is the best choice.
Heat Output. Table models yield a low output of around 18,000BTU’s; free standing heaters should yield 32,000 BTU up to 45,000BTU. Anything above will burn extra fuel with little benefit.
Regulators. The gas cylinder is connected to the patio heater burner via a gas hose and regulator. The best and simplest type to use fits the green cylinders generically called patio gas. The regulator has a clip-on fit for speedy cylinder changes
Colours. For the gardener with little time the best choice is stainless steel, it can remain in the garden without fear of corrosion or rust to spoil its look. Powder coated patio heaters need protection with a full length patio heater cover to keep their looks. An alternative option is a hammered finish; these are hard wearing and with a good choice of colours available.
Looks. The latest models are sleek with a small footprint, avoid models with doors that tend to buckle and break. Newer models have hidden gas access.
For more information see http//:www.patioheaters4u.com
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