Emerging research suggests that eating outdoors is more popular than dining inside. People prefer to enjoy their meals outside where they can inhale the fresh air and take in the view.

The most impending difficulty with outdoor dining is undesirable weather that could turn what began as a wonderful experience into a nightmare. Thankfully though, there are things you can do to improve the situation. Very effective answers to this problem are available that will warm those cool days and nights and keep everyone comfortable

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.

But it is much more likely that a more suitable and universal alternative, like an easily transportable freestanding outdoor propane patio heater, would be the better choice. Portable propane heaters generally make more sense than the solidly affixed heaters since they can be moved to any level area where additional heat is needed at the time. The flexibility and convenience of a portable unit is further enhanced with its comparatively inexpensive cost.

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 will want to pick a central spot in the space you want to heat and then measure the number of feet from that spot to the edge of the area you want to keep warm to determine the heating radius you need.

Third, you should consider what style of patio heater would work best for you. Do you want something that stands out and draws attention to itself with its own unique look or would you prefer something unobtrusive that almost blends in with your other furnishings?

Outdoor propane patio heaters that are currently available in an abundant choice of styles and colors. Selections range from high-fashion shapes and colors to subdued hues and minimalist designs.

You don't need to be concerned about safety with today's modern outdoor propane heaters. Just follow the directions and heed the warnings that come with the heater. Today's propane heaters come with shut-off switches that operate automatically. The unit turns off when the preset temperature is reached, and then restarts after the area cools down.

Some of the more common styles of patio heaters you may like to familiarize yourself with are:

Freestanding patio heaters - these heaters are portable and can be moved to the exact spot where you need extra heat the most. Their heat can project out as far as 20 feet.

Table-top heaters - these sit on top of your patio table and can easily be moved from one place to another. They will keep everyone at your dining table warm.

Hanging or wall mounted outdoor heaters - as the name implies these heaters can be mounted on a wall or hung from above to radiate heat downward.

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.