Gas vs Electric Patio Heaters: How to Choose Between them?
Enjoying your outdoor space all year round is easier with the right patio heater. Whether it’s enjoying a bonfire in autumn or relaxing on a summers evening, an outdoor heater can extend the season and create a welcoming atmosphere. But with options ranging from gas patio heaters to electric and infrared models, how do you know which is best for your needs?
Gas Patio Heaters: Warmth with Atmosphere
Gas patio heaters have long been a popular choice for pubs, restaurants, and private gardens alike. A popular option is a freestanding gas patio heater, such as the DG124 from Dellonda. This particular model has a striking central glass pilar that fills with flame, creating a wonderful atmosphere. At 2.1m tall, and outputting 13kW, it’s a great choice for a garden or other social spaces.
Safety is an important consideration when choosing modern gas heaters. Many come with a fully enclosed propane gas cylinder chamber and a tip-over safety switch. Dellonda variable temperature controls allow for customised warmth, and compatible gas bottles include Calor, FloGas, and FloGas GasLight.
While gas heaters are powerful, it is important to note that they are intended strictly for outdoor use and cannot be used indoors due to fumes and carbon monoxide risks. Their design makes them particularly suitable for open-air spaces including home gardens, restaurant terraces and other outdoor areas like beer gardens.
Electric and Infrared Patio Heaters: Clean, Efficient, and Flexible
Electric patio heaters offer a different set of benefits, particularly for those who prefer a cleaner, low-maintenance solution. Infrared patio heaters provide heat directly to surfaces rather than the surrounding air, producing no gas, no fumes, or smell.
By using infrared waves to heat objects, including people, rather than the air, infrared heaters can be much more efficient. As surfaces heat up they radiate that warmth back out, helping you to feel much warmer than the surrounding air.
Can I use a patio heater under a pergola or gazebo?
Yes! By choosing an infrared heater you are removing the open flame element, which makes it significantly safer. You still shouldn’t leave it plugged in and unattended, but the risks of fumes and fire are greatly reduced compared to gas models.
Dellonda’s electric patio heaters include wall-mounted units, freestanding designs, and parasol heaters with folding options for easy storage. Some even feature wireless speakers, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Another option is the Bistro bar table heater, which combines convenience and style. This particular model includes three motion sensors that automatically turn the heater on and off or can be set to constant heat. All infrared Dellonda heaters have a built-in tip-over switch that adds an extra layer of protection.
When selecting an electric or infrared patio heater, it’s useful to consider how many kW you need for your outdoor space and how much it costs to run an electric patio heater in the UK. Unlike gas heaters, infrared heaters provide targeted radiant heat, rather than warming the surrounding air. This makes them more energy-efficient in covered or partially sheltered spaces, offering steady warmth with lower energy consumption.
What Safety features should I look for?
In gas patio heaters it’s important to make sure that your chosen model included tip-over switches and uses a high quality gas regulator to avoid leaks. If you’re using the heater in a commercial environment, make sure to chose a version designed for that – it’ll be inherently tougher and therefore safer.
Infrared heaters are inherently safe from the risks of gas, but it’s still possible for them to cause a fire, especially when left on unattended. Make sure that your chosen model has a good quality fuse, and that your outdoor plugs are suitably weatherproofed.
Choosing the Best Patio Heater for Your Space
The best patio heater depends on your space, desired style, and usage. Gas heaters are ideal for open-air areas, offering high heat output and a dramatic flame, while electric and infrared heaters excel in covered or compact spaces, providing efficient, clean warmth.
There are many designs in both categories, from the classic commercial gas patio heater to the dramatic pyramid patio heater. Electric heaters also come in a verity of styles, including wall mounted versions, those designed for mounting to parasols, and even some with integrated Bluetooth speakers.
The right patio heater can transform your outdoor space, creating a comfortable environment throughout the year, extending your outdoor living.
