How to buy a Outdoor Propane Heater

One of the best things I have bought lately is an Outdoor Propane Heater. You know the kind, tall, stainless steel cylinder. These types of heaters, can warm a patio area quite nicely. They take the chill off the air. Here's what I have learned about these propane heaters.

• Make sure you buy a higher quality unit, or one that is highly rated. My first patio heater was somewhat on the cheaper side. Consequently, it did not last very long. The paint peeled off the base and the screen around the burners rusted very quickly. Fortunately, there are now newer models that have been improved upon.
• Have realistic expectations on the performance of your patio heater. An outdoor heater will heat a radius of about 15 feet. Don't expect it to warm your entire backyard!
• Watch out for spiders! During the off season insects will make their homes in your patio heater. You will not be able to light your heater. You will the waste a lot of time holding the pilot button and shivering, while your friends and wife laugh at you. Finally you will find your instruction manual and learn about spiders and how they are not patio heater friendly.
• Get a spare tank for your heater. The outdoor heater uses a 20lb. propane tank. Its a standard size used for grills. You will get about 10 hours use out of these tanks. Get a spare tank or use or barbecue grill tanks as an emergency spare.

Addtional considerations when purchasing a patio heater:

• Make sure you have an electric start, instead of the those clickers. A small battery is a better system to start these units.
• Some models come with a set of wheels to move them easier. Unusually once set, you will not be moving these babies around.
• Have adequate clearance around the unit. The out door heater is designed to used with a clearance of 36" on top and 24" on the sides depending on your particular model. Do not cram these heaters inside your garage, with combustible materials around!
• Some units are designed to run on natural gas. These models will save you the price of propane. You would not have to worry about running out of fuel. The disadvantage of this system is that you would be tethered to the gas line, a potential tripping hazard.
• Annual maintenance is required. Because of insects and spiders, chances are, you will be cleaning your unit in order to use it each year.
• These units will not function well below 40 degrees. Don't expect to be barbecuing in the winter.