Winter is coming, which means our lives are moving more and more indoors. But sometimes, that’s not an option. That’s where outdoor patio heaters come in. Historically, these heaters have been most popular in the Sun Belt, throughout the American South and Southwest, according to Bo McMillen, executive vice president of AZ Patio Heaters. “When it gets to be in the 60s, everybody’s breaking out their patio heaters,” he told us over the phone. But the coronavirus pandemic changed the appeal of outdoor patio heating in less-temperate regions, as well. If you want to keep enjoying your outdoor space as the weather gets colder, we recommend investing in a propane-powered patio heater like the AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-SSxxx with 48,000 BTUs of heating power, it delivers the best bang for your buck. And it has enough safety features to make sure that nothing goes bang! except the igniter. Other mushroom-style heaters will likely serve you just as well; many of them are even manufactured in the same factory. But this AZ Patio Heaters model set itself apart with a few thoughtful design upgrades. And, most importantly, this company provides very reliable customer service to ensure your patio heater will keep on burning for years to come.
Our pick
AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-SSxxx
The most powerful outdoor patio heater
One of the most powerful propane patio heaters we tested is also among the easiest to find, with good safety features and customer support that set it apart from similar competitors.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $145.
At 48,000 BTUs, the propane-powered AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-SSxxx puts out more than nine times as much heat as an electric patio heater. So if you’re looking for sheer heating prowess, this mushroom-style heater is the way to go. The company also distributes widely across the country, and it provides excellent customer service. Whether you’re concerned about assembly or you need to replace the inevitable broken part some years down the line, AZ Patio Heaters has you covered. The HLDS01-SSxxx is similar to many other mushroom-style propane heaters (including models exclusive to Lowe’s and Home Depot), but the HLDS01-WCGT’s ignition mechanism is more clearly marked. This kind of thoughtful safety measure can be crucial when you’re literally playing with fire. If the HLDS01-SSxxx is unavailable, the East Oak EO-PHxxx is a nearly-identical mushroom-style heater with similarly thoughtful details and reliable customer service.
Also great
AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTxx
An attractive high-heat alternative
This pyramid-style propane heater doesn’t generate quite the same level of heat as our pick, but the mesmerizing glass-tube flame spreads the warmth more evenly.
Glass-tube (or pyramid-style) heaters are another popular propane design, and the AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTxx is our favorite. It doesn’t put out quite the same level of heat as our top pick (40,000 BTUs, as opposed to 48,000). But this model contains the heat in a vertical glass tube, instead of pumping it out the top of the heater and deflecting it downward (where the people are). That centrally positioned heat source provides a pleasant, even warmth whether you’re sitting or standing. Plus, you get to watch the flame dance in the glass tube, which is just plain cool. The HLDS01-GTxx is otherwise pretty similar to its mushroom-topped counterpart, the HLDS01-WCGT, with the same wide distribution and reliable customer service from AZ Patio Heaters. If this particular model isn’t available, the East Oak EO-PH22006 is nearly identical with similarly reliable customer service, although it does tend to cost more.
We also considered electric patio heaters, which aren’t nearly as powerful as propane heaters, but their infrared elements make you feel like they’re warming you more directly. Most of those models put out 1,500 watts of heat (equivalent to about 5,100 BTUs), and they come from the same factory, regardless of their branding. Still, there were a few models that stood out above the rest, if you can find them in stock between the supply chain issues and the high demand. 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. 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 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). This might require you to huddle in closer to the pole, but the telescoping base gives you some flexibility. 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.
from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-patio-heaters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed
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