Outdoor Heater: Outdoor Gas Heater – Patio Heater Guide
An outdoor heater (patio heater) or more specifically an outdoor gas heater provides portable gas radiant heating for outdoor use. Outdoor gas heaters come in both LPG (propane) and natural gas types.
A gas outdoor heater uses a gas burner to heat a ceramic or metal heating element via gas combustion.
The heating element uses the familiar mushroom or umbrella reflectors to radiate the heat.
An outdoor gas heater uses radiant heat as opposed to fan driven convection heating.
The radiant (infrared) energy warms people and objects within a direct line of sight of the heater, just like the sun.
Being devoid of a fan makes outdoor gas heaters very quiet, adding to the pleasant atmosphere created.
Outdoor Gas Heater Types
Outdoor gas heaters come in a variety of configurations including the ubiquitous mushroom heater style of patio heater as well as some more exotic types.
Mushroom Style Outdoor Heater
The gas mushroom heater is the most common type of outdoor gas heater, seen in backyards around the country.
Typically about 2 metres in height, it has good line of sight to all areas surrounding it, providing warmth to the entire area.
Gas mushroom heaters have a simple design, with the radiant heat generated by the gas burner driven heating element bouncing off the namesake mushroom reflector.
The fuel source is a gas bottle in the base which also acts as ballast to prevent the heater from blowing over in a stiff breeze.
However, they still come equipped with tip over shut off switches, should the wind or a party guest knock it over, as well as a flame sensor shutoff.
Ignition is provided by a piezo electric button, the heating is adjustable, and wheels provide ease of movement.
The simple design makes these the least expensive outdoor gas heater type, accounting for their popularity.
Pyramid Flame Heater: Quartz or Glass Tube Gas Heater
Pyramid flame heaters are easily the most visually attractive outdoor heater, and the flame is intriguing to watch, almost hypnotic.
The radiant heat and flame are adjustable, and the ignition is by piezo electric button.
Pyramid patio heaters are relatively new, having only been around for about 15 years, compared to decades for mushroom patio heaters.
As with the mushroom heaters, the gas bottle is located in the base and is usually equipped with wheels.
Combined with a wider base and less ‘sail’ area, pyramid heaters are a bit more stable in the wind, although they still come with safety tip over switches.
Other safety features may include an oxygen depletion sensor to switch off the heater when the ambient oxygen level drops and a flame sensor that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out.
They typically come equipped with wheels for portability.
Area Outdoor Gas Heaters
An area gas outdoor heater is the shorter sibling of outdoor heaters.
These are also radiant heaters with a gas heating element/burner surrounded by a 360° metal mesh enclosure and with piezo electric ignition.
The shorter stature is advantageous with lower overhead clearance, as with patio covers and screen rooms.
The lower centre of gravity also makes them less likely to get knocked over, although they still have safety tip over switches.
The disadvantage is the diminished line of sight and radiant coverage.
Additional safety features may include an oxygen depletion sensor to switch off the heater when the ambient oxygen level drops and a flame sensor that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out.
Gas Fire Pit
A gas fire pit is the one type of outdoor heater that can be either portable or inbuilt, making them more natural gas friendly.
Gas fire pits usually have a round or rectangular bowl with the gas burner at the bottom and glass beads, lava rocks or stones over the top, to hide the burner.
The flame media may similarly be simulated logs, and the gas fire pit may also include a low glass barrier around the perimeter.
A gas fire pit is the classic ‘conversation piece’ usually surrounded by seating… get out the marshmallows!
The disadvantage is that the radiant heat is limited to a smaller area.
Whilst there are smaller portable gas fire pit versions fueled by LPG gas bottles (see image), most are permanently built and use either natural gas or plumbed LPG.
Permanently built are more expensive than the aforementioned outdoor gas heaters.
Outdoor Gas Fireplace
The largest, most impressive and priciest outdoor gas heater is an outdoor gas fireplace.
These are very similar to an indoor gas fireplace except they are designed for 360° viewing and intended to withstand the elements.
You can typically choose your flame media from simulated logs, various coloured stones, lava rocks or pebbles.
Glass surrounds, Wi-Fi enabled, and traditional remote controls are the norm.
The gas supply is plumbed in and can be either natural gas or LPG.
In addition to the high unit cost, be prepared for a substantial installation and gas fitter expense, as well.
Gas Chiminea
While the vast majority of chimineas are fueled by wood or charcoal, there are now some gas chimineas on the market.
Unlike traditional ceramic chimineas, gas chimeneas are typically steel with a black paint finish, as a stainless-steel finish would spoil the look.
As with other portable outdoor gas heaters, the gas bottle goes in the base.
Tabletop Gas Heater
The even shorter sibling of outdoor heaters.
These diminutive outdoor heaters are, as described, intended for tabletop use.
While most are like short mushrooms, there are also little pyramids with tabletop pyramid gas heaters.
Unlike their full-size brethren, the tabletop heater gets its fuel from a gas hose, in lieu of a gas bottle housed within.
No wheels required but the typical safety features are included.
Fuel Choices for an Outdoor Gas Heater
A portable outdoor gas heater is fueled by LPG (propane) from a gas bottle.
Most use a 9kg gas bottle but some will also accept the larger 13.5kg gas bottles.
An inbuilt gas fire pit or outdoor gas fireplace can use either natural gas or LPG, both permanently plumbed in.
Finishes for Outdoor Gas Heaters
As virtually all outdoor gas heaters are made of steel, the most popular finish is stainless steel, as it doesn’t rust and requires little maintenance.
The other choice is that of a durable powder coated paint finish which, like the Model T, is only available in black.