Recent studies proved that most people really prefer to eat and drink outdoors instead of indoors. Dining outside in the fresh air seems to be more enjoyable than being cooped up inside.



Of course weather can present a potential obstacle to your outdoor enjoyment, but there are steps that can be taken to negate these effects. What begins as a balmy day can suddenly turn quite chilly after the sun goes down, and unless you enjoy sitting outside in a parka and gloves, a better solution needs to be found.

Using a propane patio heater can extend the time that you and your guests are able to get together and enjoy the outdoors later into the cool evenings, and later into the fall season. There are several options available to choose from when searching for the best propane patio heater for your situation.

First you need to consider the type of heater you want. A permanent stationary propane heater with an underground gas line would be perfect if you live someplace that is almost always cold, like high up in the mountains or a very northern area.

A more convenient and common choice is a freestanding portable propane outdoor heater that can be placed on any level surface. Portable units are a good deal more flexible to utilize than permanently installed units and will most probably be a better alternative for you. Beyond the convenience factor, you will find that portable outdoor heaters generally are also comparatively inexpensive.

Step number two is to determine the level of heat production that is necessary to keep your area as warm as you would like it. Many outdoor propane patio heater sellers catalog their units based on the distance of the heating radius, expressed as a specific number of feet, since the heat spreads out from the heater in a circle.

You should determine where the most central point to place the heater would be and measure out from there the distance that you want to keep warm.

And third, you need to decide on the style of outdoor propane patio heater you prefer. Does a vibrantly colorful unit that becomes the hub of activity suit your fancy or do your tastes run more toward something neutral that will hardly be noticed?

Today's propane outdoor heaters are offered in numerous colors and designs. The choices range from colorful modern styles, fashionable earth-toned units and even an assortment of ones that can be concealed and are hard to notice.

Safety is really not much of an issue with propane patio heaters as long as you follow the instructions and warnings that come with them. Modern heaters now include automatic emergency shut-offs. Once the heat reaches the preset temperature, the unit will turn off, then restart later when the vicinity gets cooler.

When shopping for an outdoor propane patio heater consider the pros and cons of each of the following types of heater designs:

Freestanding outdoor heaters - wherever you need heat the most you can place one of these portable units. These heaters are capable of warming areas with a radius of up to 20-feet.

Tabletop outdoor heaters - one of these will keep all the guests at your patio table nice and toasty. They sit in the center of your outdoor table and are easily portable from one location to another.

Hanging or wall-mounted heaters - these can hang on a wall or from the ceiling to heat everyone below.

In-ground patio heaters - these are permanent installations that are connected to an underground gas line. One of their main benefits is that you don't have to refill any tanks.