Radiant vs. Convection – Which heater do you need?
Winter is here in full force, and for many parts of the country, this means saying goodbye to having your morning coffee or evening wine out on the patio. If this is the way you think, you might want to regroup. Several patio heaters will keep your spring and summer outdoor haven perfect all year round. Before you run to Home Depot or push that Amazon button, you may want to gather a little information.
Two types of patio heaters you may wish to consider are:
- Radiant Heater
- Propane
- Electric
- Convection Heaters
What are Radiant Heaters?
One type of heater you may be interested in is called a Radiant Heater. Like its name hints, it radiates the same way the sun does. It generates heat internally and radiates it to people and objects beneath it. In doing so, it does not warm entire areas, only parts of them.
Because it only radiates heat and doesn’t blow heated air warming the entire area, it’s a great choice if you wish to sit outside, read a book or talk with a neighbor. On the other hand, it’s not a great option if you want to walk from area to area.
Also, Radiant Heaters can be permanently mounted on walls, underneath floors, or installed in ceilings. For an outdoor patio, most are looking for wall mountings and moveable heaters.
Many of these free-standing heaters not only provide year-round warmth but also add charm on a brisk winter day.
Propane radiant heaters
Hands down, radiant propane heaters are the best pick for your patio. Not only can they withstand the elements, but you won’t need to worry about finding an outlet. So if you’re looking for a heater to place around the pool area or any uncovered patio, here are some of our picks.
1. Mr. Heater F232000
Mr. Heater F232000
- 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 225 square feet – Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning; nearly 100-percent efficient.
- When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level, the heater may shut off.
- Auto shut-off if tipped over
- Propane Tank not included
- 3 hour run time Run Time
Streamlined Portable Heater
If you’re looking for a portable heater that screams streamlined, this contemporary design will not only heat your area but the sleek look great doing it. It’s so popular you will find it gracing the patios of fine restaurants.
2. Bromic Heating Portable
Bromic Heating Portable
- 27.6 x 19.2 x 85.2 inches
- 38500 BTUs
- Heats up to 15 ft in front
- Infrared burners direct the heat where you want it
- Easily moveable design
- Electronic ignition for easy start
- Heats people up to 15 feet in front
There are so many things we love about the Amazon Basics portable heater. The wheels make it easy to move from area to area and with the color options, you can use it as a decorative highlight.
3. The Amazon Basics Portable Heater
The Amazon Basics Portable Heater
- Commercial & Residential – Comes in a variety of colors, such as Baja blue to stainless. It not only heats your patio but looks decorative.
- 46,000 BTUs, heats up to a 9-foot radius, making it perfect for cafes, residential patios, and commercial cafes.
- Made with aluminum, sturdy plastic, and rugged steel with a durable powder-coated finish.
- Piezo ignition system allows for easy push-button start-ups
- requires 20lb Liquid Propane Gas tank (not included)
- Safety auto shut-off tilt valve
- Approximately 18 x 33 x 89 inches (LxWxH)
- weighs 38 pounds
- Backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty
The Pamapic outdoor heater is a party favorite. Its wheels allow it to be moved anywhere the party does. The variety of colors allows it to blend into any outdoor surroundings.
4. The Portable Pamapic Outdoor Heater
The Portable Pamapic Outdoor Heater
- Perfect for parties
- It runs on propane with 42000 British Thermal Units
- It comes will a variable heat setting and built-in control allowing you to regulate the temperature. It also was a “tip over” protection system that shuts off when the heater is tilted.
- Requires a 20 lb propane tank (not included)
- It is equipped with a heater cover to protect it against the outside elements.
- 89.4 inches tall
For those of you not wanting to have to take the time to exchange or fill up propane tanks, there are other options. Of course, I’m talking about electricity. These are a fit for those lucky enough to have an enclosed patio setting.
Two of our Favorite Electric Radiant Heaters
One of the great things about the Briza Infrared Patio Heater – besides not having to fill up a propane tank, is that it includes a wall or ceiling mount. It also comes with an adjustable stand giving you flexibility when heating your patio.
1. Briza Infrared Patio Heater
Briza Infrared Patio Heater
- 35.5 x 4 x 4 inches. It reaches up to 7 feet and has adjustable legs
- The carbon infrared technology produces infrared rays, which are absorbed by surfaces within the heater’s area.
- For safety, it has a metal sheath covering the heating element making the surface cool enough to be touched without being burned.
- The built-in sensor automatically shuts off if the heater tips over.
- The 4 season protection allows the heater to withstand rain, snow, sand, or dust.
- The built-in timer can be set from 1 to 9 hours for automatic shut-off.
The second electric heater we loved is Dr. Infrared electric heater. It is an adaptable heater that comes with or without a tripod – you choose. This option is great, allowing for those of us with a tighter budget.
2. Dr. Infrared
Dr. Infrafred
- Standard black
- Purchase tripod separately
- Do NOT expose to rain or moisture.
- Clean, instant, and odorless Infrared heat, 900W, 1200W, 1500W
- Standard 120V
- Remote controlled
- Included wall and Ceiling mounting bracket
- Made with durable and weatherproof aluminum
What are Convection Heaters?
A convection heater differs from a radiant heater in that it does not heat only part of a room but the entire room. It does this by using convection to move heated air. While it’s a more traditional approach to heating a room, it might not be the most sensible.
The reason is simple. When using a radiant heater, the heat goes directly to the source, whereas with convection, it must travel through the air tripling its inefficiency. To make matters worse, every draft and door opening makes a convection heater work harder.
Convection Space Heaters
The Atomi Smart Tabletop 2nd Generation works with Alexa & Google Assistant. Unlike the older model, there is no longer a beeping sound.
1. Atomi Smart Tabletop Space Heater
Atomi Smart Tabletop Space Heater
- For those of you who are tech savvy, you can control the use of your Atomi Smart Tabletop via commands using Alexa or Google Assist. And due to customer feedback, it now operates silently.
- Safety features include built-in overheat protection, cool-touch housing and handle, a wobble-free base, and a 360-degree tip-over safety switch. It works on any floor surface – including carpet. ETL Certified.
- Use your Atomi Smart Tabletop with or without the app to turn on/off, change the temperature, set timer, turn oscillation on/off or switch between the three modes (high, low, and ECO).
- HEATS QUICKLY – warms the surrounding air to 70 degrees in two seconds.
- Heats up to 750 square feet.
The Mr. Heater Convection heater is so versatile you can use it outside as you enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine or even if you’re working in the garage.
2. Mr. Heater Convection Heater
Mr. Heater Corporation Convection Heater
- 16.7 x 15.9 x 21.8 inches
- 30,000 – 80,000 BTU per hour made for use with propane gas
- Heats up to 2,000 sq. Ft. for up to 14 hours on a 100 lb. Propane tan
- Standing pilot
- No assembly is required.
- Comes with a 10 ft. hose and regulator
- P.O.L. tank connection
Conclusion
There are many choices when it comes to heating your outside or inside patio. You may wish for a heater that mounts to your wall or one with wheels where you can easily move it. Additionally, you can even find aesthetically pleasing heaters that will blend in with any environment. If you choose a radiant heater, you can direct the heat to where it’s needed or warm up the entire room with a convection heater. Whatever you decide, investing in a patio heater ensures you will keep warm on cold winter days or evening summer nights.