Other Affordable Options

Most Popular Gas-Powerd Patio Heaters

Wall Mounted Electric Space Heaters for Indoors

Electric Outdoor Heater Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to staying warm during the winter, there are many options to choose from Electric Outdoor Heaters or Gas-Powerd Outdoor Heaters.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes. But with so many different models on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

That’s where this buyer’s guide comes in. In it, we’ll look at some of the most important factors to consider when buying an electric outdoor heater and some of the best models on the market.

We’ll also provide tips on how to use your electric outdoor heater safely and effectively and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about electric outdoor heaters.

So, if you’re in the market for an electric outdoor heater, keep reading to learn more about these products and how to buy one that’s right for you.

What is an Electric Outdoor Heater?

Electric Outdoor Heaters are types of appliances that produce heat by using electricity as their energy source. It is used to generate heat and can be used either indoors or outdoors.

Some heating appliances are designed for home use, while others are designed for commercial use.

They come in various shapes and sizes, including some that are portable. They are typically used to heat small spaces indoors, but some electric outdoor heaters are designed to provide heat outside.

Some of the most common scenarios in which people use these products are:

At our homes:

To stay warm while sitting by a fire pit, BBQ grilling, or watching the game. If you love spending your time outside, you will probably spend most of your time there in the winter.

This can make it tough to stay warm when temperatures get cold, but electric outdoor heaters can help. With one of these products, you’ll be able to stay outside and enjoy your patio or deck even when temperatures are below freezing.

Camping:

No one wants to freeze while camping, so electric outdoor heaters are a popular choice. They can be used inside a tent or outside to provide heat on an otherwise chilly night.

Picnics:

Electric outdoor heaters are also popular at picnics and other outdoor events. They can be used to keep people warm outdoors while they eat and socialize.

Some tabletop electric outdoor heaters can also keep lunch warm while it sits on a picnic table.

Parties:

Electric outdoor heaters can also be used to keep party and event guests warm outside. This is especially useful for large outdoor events like weddings, graduation parties, and other celebrations.

Tailgating:

There’s no better way to celebrate the big game than by tailgating with your friends and family. Electric outdoor heaters can be used to keep everyone warm while they enjoy the festivities.

Workspaces:

Electric outdoor heaters can be used to keep people warm in a variety of workspaces. This includes construction sites, factories, and workshop environments.

How Do Electric Outdoor Heaters Work?

Electric outdoor heaters work by using electricity as their energy source. Electricity generates heat, which is transferred from the heater to the surrounding environment.

The amount of electricity an electric outdoor heater uses determines how much heat it can generate. Electric outdoor heaters come in two main types: infrared and ceramic.

These different types of electric outdoor heaters work in slightly different ways.

Infrared Electric Outdoor Heaters

Infrared heaters are the most common type of electric outdoor heaters. They use a heated element placed before a reflector to concentrate the heat. This heated element is typically a tungsten filament, which glows red-hot.

The hot surface then absorbs surrounding energy and generates heat. This makes infrared electric outdoor heaters more effective at heating people than the air around them.

Ceramic Electric Outdoor Heaters

Ceramic electric outdoor heaters work a bit differently. Instead of using a tungsten filament, they use ceramic plates heated by an electrical current.

They produce radiant heat, which is then conducted to the surrounding environment. This makes them much more efficient than other electric outdoor heaters.

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Outdoor Heater?

Knowing what to look for is very important as it will ensure that you end up with the best product for your needs. Here are some of the things that you should think about before buying an electric outdoor heater:

1. Size and Power of The Heater

The size and power of the appliance you choose will depend on how large your outdoor space is. While a small area can be kept warm with a smaller appliance.

It may mean that you will need to turn off other appliances to keep your energy bills down. If you have a large space that needs to be heated, you may want to choose something with more power.

2. Length of Time that The Heater will be used for each day

It is crucial to consider how long the appliance will be used daily. This will determine how much power you need and how quickly your bill will rise if you leave it on the whole time.

It may mean you must choose a bigger appliance with more power or look at portable models instead of fixed ones.

3. Overall durability of the product

You must consider whether you need something strong enough to stand up to the elements. While some models are designed to be left outside all year round, you may need an indoor heater if your climate is harsh.

Go for something made from quality materials that will not be damaged easily during use.

4. Control options

The available control options are essential. You need to think about how much time you will have to turn it on and off each day.

In this case, getting something with remote control and timer may be better, so you do not need to touch the heater.

Some of the most common control options include:

• A remote control will allow you to turn the heater on from a distance and set the temperature you want. It also means you do not need to get up and touch it before bed.
• On/off switch – this is the traditional way of controlling appliances and allows you to turn them on and off whenever you want.
• Timer – this will allow you to set the time you want it turned on and off. For example, you could switch it off after four hours, so your energy is not wasted.
• Smart home integration – some smart home controllers can be used with electric outdoor heaters to help you turn them on and off remotely.

5. Safety features

Safety features are essential with any electrical appliance as you do not want to risk being electrocuted from touching the product.

You should look for products with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This will automatically turn off the power supply if there is any danger of electric shock.

However, you should also check that it is possible to turn the appliance off from a remote control so that you can switch it off without needing to touch it if there is danger.

6. Cost of running the appliance

It is crucial to consider how much it will cost to run your heater daily. The higher the power rating, the more your energy bill will rise.

You may choose to spend a little more on a heater with a higher rating, as it will heat your space much faster. Know your budget and choose something that is within your means.

In general, it will cost you about $350 per year if you run your heating appliance for around 4 hours per day in the cold months estimating $.50 an hour.

7. Additional features

As well as having a high power rating and good safety controls, you may also want to consider extra features. Some heaters come with several attachments that make them easier to use and keep simultaneously clean.

Some of the common features include:

• A windbreaker will help stop the wind from blowing out your fire. It will also help to keep the heat where you need it.
• A grill – this will allow you to do many things, including roasting meat, toasting marshmallows, and even cooking hotdogs.
• An extra heating element will allow you to choose a higher level of heat when needed. It may also extend the life of your heater so that it does not need to be changed as often.

8. Maintenance requirements

Some electric outdoor heaters are much easier to maintain than others. For example, they may require you to clean the elements inside your heater, meaning they may not be a good choice if you do not have time to spend on this.

However, some models are much easier to clean and will not require much maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of electric heater should I buy?

The best kind to purchase will depend on your needs. For example, will you need it to heat a small or large area? Does wind cover the area often?

Do you have time to maintain it as required? All of these questions will impact the best choice that you make.

Can you install an electric heater on your patio?

It is possible to install an electric heater on your patio. However, it will depend on the model you choose and whether the manufacturer recommends it.

It may also be subject to local laws based on where you live and what your local regulations are.

How long does it take a patio heater to cool down?

This will depend on the model that you have purchased. For example, some may take several hours to cool down, while others do not have a cooling-down time and stay hot until they are turned off.

How much does it cost to keep a patio heater running?

This will vary depending on the heater you choose and how often it is used. However, most of them are relatively cheap to run.

For example, a good electric heater used once a day may only cost around $2 per day in electricity costs ($0.5/hr x 4 hrs). This will add up to about $350 per year based on the region and how long the winter is.

Final Thoughts

The right electric outdoor heater will make a big difference to your space, especially if you live in an area that gets very cold during the winter months.

But, with so many options available on the market today, it can be hard to know which one will work the best for your space and needs.

We hope our buyer’s guide has helped answer some of the most common questions and provide you with information on choosing the right heater for your space.

Remember, an electric patio heater will not only keep you warm and cozy in your outdoor space, but it will also make all of your outdoor parties and events much more enjoyable.