Electronics & Gadgets Blog
Outdoor Heat Lamps, Your Comprehensive Guide to Warmth and Comfort
by Samuel Kalenga on Sep 12, 2024
Imagine it: fall, the leaves beginning to turn reds, oranges and yellows, the smell of food on the grill, and you on your patio, with family and friends and staying warm. You don’t have to just dream of warmer days. With an outdoor heat lamp, you can use your outdoor space well into fall – and the winter – to entertain and relax in comfort.
Understanding the Power of Outdoor Heat Lamps
Outdoor heat lamps, also known as patio heaters, are versatile salutary equipment units that are designed to withstand cooler climates by providing targeted heating. Typically, outdoor heat lamps are propelled by the force of infrared radiation that heats objects or people using ray pattern projection rather than the surrounding air, leading to improved and targeted energy efficiency. Therefore, outdoor heat lamps are beneficial for outdoor spaces as they can effectively warm up a broader surface area compared with traditional heaters.Types of Outdoor Heat Lamps: A Detailed Exploration
The outdoor heating lamp market is vast and varied. It can be hard to know where to start. Let’s cover the most common types of outdoor heat lamps, drill down on the pros and cons so you can be confident that your outdoor heating lamp is the best choice for your outdoor space.1. Electric Patio Heaters: Convenience and Efficiency at Your Fingertips
- Plus points: Electric patio heaters are about as easy to use as you get. They plug into normal mains electricity, don’t require any set-up or maintenance, and are compact enough to be moved around from time to time. Because they can be cheaper and quieter than their gas equivalents, they’re a popular choice for many homeowners.
- Cons: Electric heaters offer a localised heat source. You are limited by the cord length and require an electrical outlet, making them a poor choice for larger patios or outside spaces without built-in electricity. Heating power of electric-resistance models is often less than propane or infrared heaters, making them a poor choice for large areas or colder climates.
Unveiling the Subcategories:
- Tabletop Patio Heaters: Compact and decorative, tabletop patio heaters are an excellent choice for use at a table (putting out warmth only where it’s needed), or on a balcony or other small space. Tabletop heaters are the most portable type, and can be easily moved to create or change seating arrangements.
- Wall-Mounted Patio Heaters: These heaters perfect for permanent installation and maximum discreet heating, while saving precious floor space. They are ideal for south-facing patios, decks or covered areas where a permanent fixture is a must, and fit well with all architectural styles and impress with a sense of taste and subtlety. Hanging patio heaters are suspended off the patio roof and provide overhead warmth to the interior, adding a stylish, trendy touch to your outdoor living area. They’re ideal for adding coziness under a covered patio or in a gazebo, and will provide a bit of elegance while giving guests a respite from the cold wind. Thanks to being suspended, these heaters leave your patio floor space wide open, making it easy to get the most out of your patio area.
2. Propane Patio Heaters: Power and Versatility for Expansive Spaces
- Pros: Propane patio heaters are more powerful and cover a wider area than electric ones, and their smaller size allows for increased mobility, as they are a self-contained unit that can be moved from spot to spot and is perfectly fine outside on its own. If your outdoor space is larger, and electrical outlets are less in supply or concentrated in one spot, propane is the better option. They can be used anywhere, for parties or to make an area comfortable for a family meal.
- Con: Propane heaters need to be regularly refilled with additional tanks of propane, which can add to the expense. They are also generally noisier than electric models, and may not be suitable for confined places such as tents. An open flame is a fire safety hazard in the presence of wind or nearby flammable materials.
Exploring the Propane Subcategories:
- Pyramid Patio Heaters: With their triangular, classic pyramid design, these heaters deliver superior heat coverage over broad areas. They work well in a variety of outdoor settings and can suit a multitude of worldview schools. Their unique look makes them an excellent addition to any patio or deck because of their modern, retro look.
- Table Top Propane Heaters These are economical, portable and powerful heaters that are perfect for warming up small spaces. The tabletop design can be placed and moved as needed, and because they’re so compact, they can be stored and transported with ease. It’s a great option for anyone wanting an occasional heat source or more flexibility in their outdoor heating.
- Less inclusive: Short Patio Heaters: Sometimes, you might only have a small patio or deck so a short patio heater might be a better option. A short heater can still spread heat but can be more focused. This is great for small spaces or in areas where installing something tall wouldn’t be ideal.
3. Infrared Patio Heaters: Efficiency and Comfort for Targeted Warmth
- Pros: Infrared patio heaters are quite efficient, offering warmth directly at people and objects. They are generally also quieter than gas heaters, which make them a good option for an intimate dinner or quiet starry night. As they dont have to warm up the same area three times like gas does, they automatically save you money. Their technology enables instant heat, permitting faster use, relief and comfort.
- Cons: Infrared heaters can be more expensive than electric, propane and wood-burning heaters, and they can be costlier to run. They need more frequent maintenance than other types, and will not heat as large an area as some propane heaters. They are not the best option for large spaces.
Choosing the Right Heat Lamp: Essential Considerations for Success
With so much variety, how do you choose? Consider what features are most important before you make the decision that's right for your situation and preferences. Here are the findings.1. Design and Aesthetics: Elevate Your Outdoor Haven with Style
And, obviously, beyond utility, how your outdoor heat lamp looks is important (think function AND form – this is cozy, after all). Get a heater that coordinates with your patio or deck and your general outdoor décor. From modern and super sleek to more traditional or rustic in design, there’s a heater out there to fit your particular style. After all, the heater you choose might become a focal point in your outdoor area, so your choice will ultimately come down to your personal aesthetic. Make the choice, and enjoy the new season.2. Durability and Weather Resistance: Standing the Test of Time and Elements
Because of their exposure to the elements, the first thing you should look for when shopping for outdoor heat lamps is a durable construction. Seek out a heater that’s made of long-lasting materials such as stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum, as well as features such as weatherproof sealing and rust-resistant finishes, all of which will guarantee your new heater will last for years to come and serve you throughout the outdoor season.3. Safety Features: Prioritizing Peace of Mind for Uninterrupted Enjoyment
Although outdoor heat lamps are likely to be used with a clear focus on safety, it’s still a good idea to check the specifications on the unit in question – the best heaters are designed with different safety features to give you (and everyone else) peace of mind. Below, we’ll explore four specific types of safety features to look out for when selecting an outdoor heating solution for your restaurant. 1. Anti-Tip Over Protection One of the most well-known safety features in outdoor heat lamps comes in the form of anti-tip over protection.- Tip-over Protection: The Appliance shuts off automatically if tipped over to prevent fire and burn hazard. Good to have this feature pre-installed – if you have ever seen a house fire newspaper article, most often it is due to a heating device falling over. The worst thing is that typically no one is around when it happens, so by the time the fire department responds, or almost everyone is all on the news. Well, if I have this heater I should be all right.
- Overheat Protection: Overheat Protection is used to stop the heater from overheating itself and melting or burning your house down. You may not like tempers to rise, but if you are looking for a reliable product that won't burn your house down, you need this feature. In terms of safety, you certainly wouldn't want to risk it. Flame-Resistant Base: A heaters base that will not combust if it comes into contact with combustibles is a great feature that will give you a little more piece of mind if your heater is placed somewhere near combustibles.
- CSA or ETL Certification: This means it has been tested for safety. We love this since it’s generally impossible to tell just from looking at a heater whether it meets safety standards or not. A tested heater means some company put some effort into safety, which will give people confidence that they are not going to die.
