Outdoor (patio) propane heaters?

[VolNExile]

Hey all, any personal experience with deck-type outdoor propane heaters? We are heading into cold weather here in Ashe Vegas and are curious about how effective they are in say the 30’s and 40’s.

We’re looking at both the tall ones and heat tables.

 

[kiddiedoc]

In my experience, they are most effective if you have a somewhat-protected space (covered, maybe two walls). One of my friends has a fairly expensive model that's like a tall elongated pyramid shape, and it puts out a ton of heat.

 

[VolNExile]

In my experience, they are most effective if you have a somewhat-protected space (covered, maybe two walls). One of my friends has a fairly expensive model that's like a tall elongated pyramid shape, and it puts out a ton of heat.

Thanks.

Are they safe on a covered space? I know there’s no open flame, but you don’t have to worry about concentrated heat damaging the “ceiling”?

 

[GAVol]

Thanks.

Are they safe on a covered space? I know there’s no open flame, but you don’t have to worry about concentrated heat damaging the “ceiling”?

The upright heaters usually have a hood the redirects the heat downward.

 

[OldandStillaVol]

They are common here in Fl in outdoor patios. I was in Orlando a few years ago at a business dinner outdoors in Jan. Next to tall pyramid one, it was quite comfortable in mid 40’s, no wind. If it had been windy, we wouldn’t have been able to stay.

 

[VolNExile]

They are common here in Fl in outdoor patios. I was in Orlando a few years ago at a business dinner outdoors in Jan. Next to tall pyramid one, it was quite comfortable in mid 40’s, no wind. If it had been windy, we wouldn’t have been able to stay.

and @kiddiedoc

When you describe pyramidal heaters, do you mean something like this, or on a completely different level altogether? (This is all really helpful, btw, so thank you.)

 

[DancingOutlaw]

I read an article last week about restaurants trying to survive covid in the winter, one guy said they started looking for outdoor heaters in July and the ones they secured won't be delivered until mid December. Don't know if you have a line on some but the commercial market is making them scarce.

 

[VolNExile]

I read an article last week about restaurants trying to survive covid in the winter, one guy said they started looking for outdoor heaters in July and the ones they secured won't be delivered until mid December. Don't know if you have a line on some but the commercial market is making them scarce.

That’s a really good point. I’m hoping that restaurants and breweries are buying the big dog ones. Our local Lowe’s does have some in stock.

In similar news, pressure canners (not cookers) are finally available for purchase again for a halfway reasonable price. Still waiting on mason jars to come down!

 

[OldandStillaVol]

I've been to casual restaurants here in Florida that have really nice gas fire pits for outdoor patio areas. I prefer those to the outdoor heaters maybe because they seem more natural. At 50 degrees, you need to be in sweatshirt/jeans. When I was at my outdoor dinner in Orlando in Jan., I was in coat and tie.

 

[volmanbill]

We have had this one for 3 years with no issues. Really like that we can tilt the shield to direct the heat.

Hampton Bay 38,200 BTU Bronze Heat-Focusing Propane Gas Patio Heater-HDMIRAGE10 - The Home Depot

 

[VolNExile]

We have had this one for 3 years with no issues. Really like that we can tilt the shield to direct the heat.

Hampton Bay 38,200 BTU Bronze Heat-Focusing Propane Gas Patio Heater-HDMIRAGE10 - The Home Depot

That’s cool; I’ve never seen one that does that.

 

[volmanbill]

That’s cool; I’ve never seen one that does that.

We have a 3 sided area leading to the outer deck/pool. I put it just outside that area and direct the heat back in. Always nice and toasty.

 

[DancingOutlaw]

I've been to casual restaurants here in Florida that have really nice gas fire pits for outdoor patio areas. I prefer those to the outdoor heaters maybe because they seem more natural. At 50 degrees, you need to be in sweatshirt/jeans. When I was at my outdoor dinner in Orlando in Jan., I was in coat and tie.

Bro I wet wade at 50 degrees. I will not wear a jacket above 40. Florida has softened you.

 

[DancingOutlaw]

That’s a really good point. I’m hoping that restaurants and breweries are buying the big dog ones. Our local Lowe’s does have some in stock.

In similar news, pressure canners (not cookers) are finally available for purchase again for a halfway reasonable price. Still waiting on mason jars to come down!

My mom's been trying to get a new one and it's months wait. She went to some woman's house and emptied dozens of old jars because you can't buy them and people on FB want $3-5 a jar. Her outlook though is all these first time canners will realize how much work it is and give it up, so there should be a glut of supplies next year.

 

[kiddiedoc]

and @kiddiedoc

When you describe pyramidal heaters, do you mean something like this, or on a completely different level altogether? (This is all really helpful, btw, so thank you.)

View attachment 321716

That is a very similar look

 

[hog88]

Have one and it works great on my covered deck.