The summer season is an opportunity to spend your free time in the fresh air, enjoying the silence and unity with nature, and in the evenings gather in the gazebo with family and friends over a cup of tea or something stronger. But in the fall it gets a little cold, especially at the end of the day. You can’t sit in the fresh air for long, it’s cold. There's no point in hanging around the house. You can just as easily spend the evening at home, on your favorite sofa, in front of the TV. How to extend these “wonderful moments” until late autumn and not freeze? An outdoor heater will help solve this problem. The editors of the Yanashla website offer a review of the best outdoor heaters for 2021, compiled based on customer reviews and expert opinion.
Why do you need an outdoor heater?
Imagine yourself in the shoes of a tourist who decides to have lunch in a restaurant in one of the European capitals. Autumn. It's cool outside, but all the seats in the restaurant are occupied. The waiter invites the tourist to have lunch on the open veranda. Next to the table stands a structure reminiscent of an antique street lamp, with a metal grill instead of a lamp. This device is crowned with a steel reflector.
The waiter seats the guest at a table and presses a button on the “lantern” stand. Tongues of flame break through the grille of the “lamp”. Within a minute, the guest at the table feels warm and cozy, despite the coolness of the autumn evening. This is the same “lantern” that turns out to be an outdoor gas heater. The guest is happy. The evening was a success.
While owners of cafes and restaurants that have open areas with tables for guests have been using such devices for a long time, for most of our compatriots this is still exotic. Summer residents prefer to have parties around the fire. It’s romantic, to say the least, but only the part of the body turned towards the fire is warming up. And under the gas emitter, heat spreads over a radius of 3-6 meters, depending on the power of the device. With such a “lantern” you can extend the summer season almost until the new year. And no problems with the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Outdoor heater - main design features
To create the required temperature at the installation site, the outdoor heater must have a thermal power of at least 6-12 kW. The most popular (based on an analysis of customer reviews) are gas and electric infrared heaters, the prices of which are almost equal.
- An electric outdoor heater is equipped with a spiral emitter or halogen lamps. Quartz heating elements are used mainly for outdoor areas, while metal and ceramic ones can also be installed indoors.
Even inexpensive models are economical, but you should remember that all electric outdoor heaters need to be connected to the network. The increased humidity typical of autumn creates some risk of electric shock. Therefore, installation must be trusted to a specialist.
- Gas heaters are most often produced in the form of lamp posts or outdoor fireplaces with live fire in a special flask. The units operate from liquefied bottled gas, the supply of which is installed inside the structure.
Types of heaters
All outdoor heaters can be considered infrared emitters, regardless of their design and type of fuel. They differ in design, spatial position and energy source.
Interesting! Infrared radiation does not heat the air, but the object in its area of action, be it a wall, furniture or a person. And the air is already heated from the object. Therefore, the warmth will be felt even if there is a breeze blowing across the veranda.
Of all the possible types of energy, gas or electricity are most often used for outdoor heaters. Heat emitters, accordingly, are divided into electric and gas. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Electrical
Emitters of this type are lighter, more compact, and more powerful. Can be used in open areas and indoors. Halogen lamps, ceramic and carbon IR emitters are used as heat sources in electric emitters. Depending on their spatial position, they can be floor, wall and ceiling.
Interesting! Some floor-standing models are equipped with presence sensors. It is enough for a person to be in the range of its action and the device automatically turns on, and vice versa. Good energy savings.
Based on the price of energy, it is difficult to judge which device is more profitable. It all depends on the intensity of its use. The disadvantage of electrical devices can be considered their attachment to the electrical network and the need to use wires, cables, carriers and extension cords. In terms of mobility, they are inferior to their gas counterparts.
Gas
Thermal energy in devices of this type is generated by burning fuel, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is a mixture of propane and butane. LPG cylinders can be of different capacities. Cylinders of 27 liters are most often used.
The devices have a significant weight, from 15 to 25 kg (without a cylinder), and a height of at least 2000 mm. Cylinder devices are more mobile and economical compared to electric ones. They can be installed anywhere in a summer cottage, and they are purchased for infrequent use.
Based on the shape of the structure, a distinction is made between floor lamp and pyramidal models.
Floor lamps
These products received their name for their external similarity to home floor lamps. The structure includes:
- cabinet;
- rack;
- burner or lamp (if it is an electrical appliance);
- reflector.
The cabinet contains a hidden compartment for a standard cylinder holding 27 liters of liquefied gas. The cabinet has a stand that ends with a burner. A reflector covers it on top. A rubber hose is passed from the burner through the stand, which is put on the fitting of the cylinder reducer and secured with a metal clamp. At the top of the stand, under the burner, there is a piezoelectric element button for igniting the torch and a gas supply regulator.
The devices are massive, from 15 to 20 kg. To easily cope with the movement of such cargo, transport rollers are fixed at the base of the cabinet. It is enough to tilt the “lantern” so that the rollers touch the floor, and roll it to any place convenient for installation.
Pyramid
They got their name from their shape. They can be triangular or quadrangular, depending on the geometry of the base. Unlike “floor lamps”, in devices of this type the gas burns in a quartz glass flask. In order to protect the user from accidentally touching the hot flask, designers enclose it with a mesh of stainless steel rods, which is very difficult to heat not only with a torch from a burner, but even with the flame of an oxy-fuel torch. The stainless steel protective grille makes the device so safe that children can fiddle around with it. Burns are simply impossible.
The piezo ignition and the power control handle are located in the cabinet, in the same place where the cylinder is installed. The weight of the “pyramid” can reach 40 kg. So the transport rollers are a completely unnecessary detail here. In addition to heating the space, these devices provide good illumination of the resting place. Advanced models are equipped with electronic control and remote control.
Important! Floor lamp and pyramid gas heaters are not intended for heating enclosed spaces. If someone still wants to buy such a thing for a garage, shed or cottage, they will have to take care of serious ventilation of the room.
Criteria for choosing an outdoor heater
To make the right choice, we should consider the technical characteristics and some operating features of the devices we are interested in.
Heater power
The thermal power of devices operating on bottled gas ranges from 10-15 kW. The most common option is with a maximum parameter of 13 kW. It is worth noting that even the most powerful gas unit will create a comfortable temperature around itself within a radius of 4 to 6 meters, provided that the air temperature outside is at least +10°C. At zero degrees you will only be warm next to the lantern. If the outdoor area is large, or gatherings are planned at zero temperatures, you should think about purchasing several devices.
An electric emitter is more efficient. It will warm the object even at + 5°C. But it alone will not be enough at lower temperatures and large areas. The power consumption of electrical appliances ranges from 2.0 to 3 kW.
Housing material
Preference should be given to stainless steel products. There are devices made from conventional steel grades with high-quality anti-corrosion coating (painting). They are cheaper. But in a year or two, even the best color may peel off. This will not happen with stainless steel.
To protect the structure from precipitation, manufacturers, for an additional fee, offer waterproof covers for their models.
Safe Operation
Electrical wiring and circuit breakers (circuit breakers) must be designed for the total power consumption of several electrical appliances. Any competent salesperson in an electrical goods store will provide assistance in selecting the cross-section of wires and the correct choice of machines.
Gas heaters must be equipped with gas control and tilt sensors. If the device accidentally tips over, the sensor sends a signal to the control unit and the gas supply valve closes. Some manufacturers equip their products with carbon dioxide level monitoring sensors. In an open area, this gas does not pose a danger. Such sensors are installed to obtain an international certificate as confirmation of the environmental friendliness of the device. After all, CO2 is a greenhouse gas.
In terms of safety of use, gas appliances are inferior to their electric counterparts. Therefore, for constant heating, it is better to install an infrared electric emitter in a closed room. Gas appliances provide heat by burning fuel, producing combustion products that must be removed from the room into the atmosphere. When installing any gas-consuming equipment in an enclosed space, the user is obliged to ensure sufficient ventilation. Otherwise, the owner will not receive permission to operate it.
What else to pay attention to
When choosing between floor lamps and pyramids, it is worth paying attention to the fact that, in addition to the function of heating the area, pyramids illuminate it very well.
In addition, observing the living flames in the glass flask of the pyramidal apparatus adds a feeling of comfort and peace, comparable to contemplating the flames of a fire or fireplace.
Floor lamps form a cone of thermal radiation around themselves of a larger area than pyramidal installations.
A heater can become a decoration for a summer cottage. Manufacturers pay great attention to design. Non-standard materials are often used to emphasize the individuality of their models.
It is worth paying attention to the type of fuel of gas emitters indicated in the product description. It is more correct to choose devices that run on propane and butane. There are devices that operate only on one specific type of gas. This is not a good option.
Electrical IR emitters have the best efficiency. They are efficient, small-sized, and can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or floor-mounted. The latter are similar to floor lamp-type gas appliances, but without a cabinet. They need a larger platform. It is easier for wall-mounted emitters to find a place on the veranda where there is at least one wall. Ceiling devices are more suitable for gazebos.
How to choose an outdoor gas heater for a summer residence: a brief educational program
The dacha is the main source of vitamins for city residents, so as soon as the snow melts, they “fly” to create greenhouses, greenhouses, and plant seedlings. The season ends again with snow, but in late autumn. And the most annoying thing is when the work invested is destroyed by unexpected frosts and sudden changes in spring temperatures. Previously, they tried to protect flowering trees with the help of fires, but today cunning owners have discovered that a gas heater for a dacha perfectly combats the cold. Of course, it was not invented specifically for heating seedlings or trees. Infrared devices were created for visitors to open cafes in order to keep them at the tables longer. The season of such establishments is short, and heaters made it possible to extend it, and therefore increase profits.
And only later did practical summer residents “take a look” at the outdoor gas heater, noticing how many problems can be solved on the site with the help of an infrared novelty.
The best manufacturers
It is better to buy any home appliances from well-known manufacturers. The popularity of their models is explained by the high quality of the materials and workmanship used, innovative engineering solutions, and diverse functionality. We invite you to take a closer look at some of them:
- Jiangsu Gardensun Furnace Co. Ltd, China. Manufactures popular models of Gardensun outdoor heaters.
- Aesto. Inexpensive outdoor emitters made in China.
- Jax Jogh. Australian company. Its products are popular in our market.
- Hugett Floor, Belgium. Specializes in the production of electric IR emitters.
- Star Progetti, Italy. Produces well-known models: Heliosa, Dolce Vita, etc.
- Ballu Industrial Group. International group of companies. Manufacturer of high-quality household and industrial climate control equipment.
- Master Summer. Russian manufacturer of infrared gas devices. Budget devices manufactured by him are deservedly popular in our country and abroad.
- Enders Colsman AG. Germany. The company was founded at the end of the 19th century. Specialization – equipment for outdoor cooking.
All of the listed manufacturers offer products in different price ranges. Which brand of device is better to buy is up to you to decide. Listen to the advice and recommendations of experienced users, consultations with sellers of specialized stores. Collect as much information as possible about the model you have chosen, find out how much it costs and make the right decision.
Rating of quality outdoor heaters
10 Aesto A-03
The review opens with a Chinese-made model Aesto A-03. Floor lamp option. It uses propane or butane as fuel in a standard 27-liter cylinder, the supply of which is enough for 3-4 cool evenings. Safe operation is ensured by a gas control sensor. When the device falls under the pressure of a strong wind, the tilt angle sensor is activated, cutting off the fuel supply when a critical roll of 45° is reached. The burner is located at the top point of the “floor lamp” under the reflector, at a height of more than 2.0 m.
The control panel under the burner has a gas supply regulator and a piezoelectric element button for igniting the torch. Infrared radiation maintains a comfortable temperature within a radius of 4-5 meters. The device is not intended for heating enclosed spaces. Works great on verandas, gazebos and other open areas. The average cost of the device is 9,250 rubles.
Aesto A-03
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- safe operation;
- stylish design.
Flaws:
- small heating area.
| Model name / brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Aesto A-03/ China | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Powered by a cylinder (not included in delivery). Heats an area of 22 m2. Power is adjustable from 5 to 13 kW. Manual control. Ignites by a piezoelectric element. Equipped with gas control and automatic shutdown when tipping over. The fuel reserve is enough for 30 hours of continuous operation. Supplied with reducer and hose. Construction height 220 cm. Weight 17 kg. | 9250 rubles |
9 Sundays PH01-SSB
Another Chinese-made device is Sundays PH01-SSB. Unlike the previous device, this model, with almost the same thermal power, is capable of heating an open area within a radius of 6-7 meters from its axis. Otherwise, these two samples of thermal devices are very similar to each other. Floor lamp type design with a reflector above the burner. The control panel is equipped with a piezo ignition button and a gas flow regulator. The weight of the device without a cylinder is 16 kg. For ease of movement, there are transport rollers at the base of the cabinet. The safety equipment is the same: gas control and tilt angle sensors. The cost of installation is 13,500 rubles.
Sundays PH01-SSB
Advantages:
- smooth power adjustment;
- large heating area;
- The stainless steel body is not subject to corrosion.
Flaws:
- not identified.
| Model name / brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Sundays PH01-SSB | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Powered by a cylinder (not included in delivery). Capable of heating an area of 63.5 m2. Power is adjustable from 5 to 12 kW. Manual control. Ignites by a piezoelectric element. Equipped with gas control and automatic shutdown when tipping over. Supplied with reducer and hose. Construction height 250 cm. Weight 16 kg. | 13500 rubles |
8 Ballu Vela Bogh-18
Floor lamp for heating outdoor areas. Capable of maintaining a comfortable temperature over an area of 18 m2. Made of stainless steel. The safety automation includes, in addition to gas control and tilt sensors, a carbon dioxide (CO2) level analyzer. The height of the device is 2.22 m, weight - 15 kg (without cylinder). Repairs under warranty are carried out within a calendar year. The manufacturer declares the performance of its product for five years.
Ballu Vela Bogh-18
Advantages:
- quality materials;
- stylish design;
- safe operation.
Flaws:
- small heating area.
| Model name / brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Ballu Vela Bogh-18 / China | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Powered by a gas cylinder (not included in delivery). Capable of heating an area of 18 sq.m. Power is adjustable from 5 to 13 kW. Manual control. Ignites by a piezoelectric element. Equipped with gas control and automatic shutdown when tipping over, monitoring the level of carbon dioxide formation. Supplied with reducer and hose. Construction height 220 cm. Weight 15 kg. | 14680 rubles |
7 Jax Jogh 13000-PG
Before us is a gas IR emitter of the “pyramid” type, developed in Australia. A perfectly suitable device for the warm Australian climate. In our latitudes it is able to create comfortable conditions for a friendly autumn party on an area of 15 m2. The set of automatic safety sensors is standard: structure tilt control, gas control, CO2 level. The flame is formed in a quartz glass flask, closed, for safety reasons, with a mesh fence made of stainless steel wire. Jax Jogh 13000-PG consumes 1.0 kg of gas per hour. This is slightly more than the same parameter of previous samples. The height of the pyramid and its weight are 227 cm and 24 kg, respectively. The average cost of the device is 19,593 rubles.
Jax Jogh 13000-PG
Advantages:
- high-quality materials and assembly;
- stylish design;
- good evening lighting.
Flaws:
- increased gas consumption.
| Model name/brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Jax Jogh-1300 PG / Australia | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Powered by a gas cylinder (not included in delivery). Capable of heating an area of 15 sq.m. Power is adjustable from 5 to 13 kW. Manual control. Ignites by a piezoelectric element. Equipped with gas control and automatic shutdown when tipping over, monitoring the level of carbon dioxide. Supplied with reducer and hose. The structure is 227 cm high. Weight is 24 kg. | 19593 rubles |
6 Heliosa 55 2000W
Electric infrared emitter from the Italian company Star Progetti. It is used for heating enclosed spaces with an area of 20 to 40 m2. On open terraces and verandas it gives a feeling of comfort and warmth on an area of 16 m2. It is mounted on the walls and installed on the floor, with a special stand. Powered by a 220 V network. Heliosa 55 2000 W has proven itself in small cafes, boutiques, greenhouses, and open areas. The average cost of the device is 20,215 rubles.
Heliosa 55 2000W
Advantages:
- small size and weight;
- Possibility of use indoors and outdoors;
- large heating area;
- stylish design.
Flaws:
- not identified.
| Model name/brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Heliosa 55 2000 W / Italy | Purpose - heating indoor and outdoor areas, patios, terraces. Type - electric infrared shortwave emitter. Powered by 220 V. Capable of heating an area of up to 40 sq.m. indoors and up to 16 sq.m. in an open area. Power 2.0 kW. dimensions 465x140x220mm. Weight 1.9 kg. Can be attached to the ceiling and wall. | 20190 rubles |
5 Hugett Floor-R
Electric IR emitter of floor lamp type. Widely used in indoor and outdoor areas. The terraces, verandas, and patios of restaurants equipped with it attract guests until late autumn. In addition to warmth, it perfectly illuminates everything around, replacing several stationary lamps. The metal lampshade reflects the heat of the 3.0 kW halogen lamp, directing it directly to guests and objects. The height of the stand can be changed, creating a heating cone at your discretion. The low center of gravity of the device prevents it from falling. The lamp can work continuously for 5000 hours.
Hugett Floor-
Advantages:
- ease;
- sustainability;
- stylish design;
- safe operation.
Flaws:
- significant energy consumption.
| Model name/brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Hugett Floor -R / Belgium | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Type - electric infrared emitter. Will create a comfortable temperature in an area of 10 sq.m. Simulates a street lamp, height 224 cm. Weight 14 kg. | 21400 rubles |
4 Master Leto ML-5 Bronze
Outdoor heating gas unit from a Russian manufacturer. The design is a tetrahedral pyramid. The gas burns in a quartz glass flask, heating objects within a radius of 2.5 - 3 meters. If the veranda or gazebo is fenced with glass or film on at least three sides, the radius of spread of thermal radiation will double. At the base of the pyramid there is a cabinet for installing a cylinder with a capacity of 27 liters. Transport rollers are provided to move the structure. The set of safety devices is standard for equipment of this type: gas control and tilt angle sensor. Electric ignition is performed by pressing the piezoelectric element button. The average cost of the unit is 25,950 rubles. According to buyers, this is good value for money. For the specified amount, the user receives a heater with a lamp function and a garden design element.
Master Leto ML-5 Bronze
Advantages:
- reliability;
- durability;
- stylish design;
- safe operation.
Flaws:
- not identified.
| Model name/brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Master Leto ML-5 Bronze/ Russia | Gas outdoor IR emitter of a pyramidal shape, 2.25 m high, weighing 25 kg. For ease of movement around the site, it is equipped with transport rollers. Fuel - liquefied gas in a cylinder (not included). Application: open terraces, verandas, outdoor cafes, patios. The combustion chamber is covered with quartz glass. Safe operation is ensured by a flame detection sensor and by turning off the burner when the unit overturns. The burner is ignited by pressing the piezoelectric igniter button. Comfortable temperature within a radius of 5 m. Heat adjustment ranging from 2 to 8 kW is done manually. | 25950 rubles |
3 Gardensun Heather Pyramid Black
Products of the Chinese company Jiangsu Gardensun Furnace Co. Ltd, is represented in the review by the Gardensun Heather Pyramid Black model. A pyramidal device that organically combines the functions of an outdoor heater, a lamp and decoration of a suburban area. The main purpose is to maintain a comfortable temperature on the terrace or veranda, within a radius of 4-5 meters. With the onset of dusk, the flames behind the tempered glass of the pyramid illuminate the site with oscillating tongues of living flame.
The structures are made of stainless steel. Operational safety is ensured by gas control and tilt angle sensors. A guard made of stainless steel rods protects the user from accidentally touching the hot glass. Transport rollers are provided for moving along the flooring. Piezoelectric ignition. Power adjustment is carried out manually by turning the gas valve handle in the indicated direction. The purchase will cost 24,990 rubles. This is the average price.
Gardensun Heather Pyramid Black
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- safe operation;
- advantages of a lamp and a heat wave emitter in one housing.
Flaws:
- high price;
- small heating area.
| Model name/brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Gardensun Heater Piramid Black/China | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Powered by a gas cylinder (not included in delivery). Capable of heating an area of 25 sq.m. Power is adjustable in the range from 4 to 10 kW. Manual control. Ignites by a piezoelectric element. Equipped with gas control and automatic shutdown when tipping over. Supplied with reducer and gas hose. Construction height 225 cm. Weight 26 kg. | 24990 rubles |
2 Ballu Bogh-15E
Another model from the international holding Ballu Industrial Group is Ballu Bogh-15E. Outdoor heater of pyramidal design. The set of functions is usual for pyramid-type devices: it illuminates, warms and decorates the area. Creates a feeling of coziness and comfort within a radius of three meters on the open veranda, and twice as much if the room is fenced with glass or film on three sides. If the party venue is a gazebo or covered terrace, the distance from the top of the device to the ceiling should be at least 400mm, for safety reasons. The set of sensors is standard: gas control and tilt angle control. The device is heavy, but this drawback is mitigated by the transport wheels. Electronic control, from a remote control, is duplicated by a manual panel with a gas supply control handle and a piezo ignition button. The average cost is 46,978 rubles.
Ballu Bogh-15E
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- strength and reliability;
- safe operation;
- electronic control.
Flaws:
- high price.
| Model name/brand origin | Characteristics | average price |
| Ballu Bogh-15E/ International group of companies | Purpose - heating of open areas, patios, terraces. Fuel – LPG. IR emitter with electronic control (remote control available). For movement it is equipped with transport rollers. Capable of heating an area of 25 sq.m. Power is adjustable from 4 to 13 kW. Ignition of the torch from a piezoelectric element. The combustion chamber is surrounded by quartz glass. Equipped with gas control and automatic shutdown when tipping over. Supplied with reducer and hose. The structure is 241 cm high. Weight is 40 kg. | 46978 rubles |
What can be warmed with such a heater?
- Young trees if there is an unexpected frost at night.
- Seedlings in an unheated greenhouse or greenhouse, if spring warmth alternates with sub-zero night temperatures.
- Heat-loving crops that have a long ripening period, requiring warm weather until early September. But in our latitudes, already in August the nights become too cold, and watermelons, melons, and eggplants do not have time to ripen. Therefore, at night a portable gas heater is placed near the garden bed.
- Purchased ducklings, chicks, etc., if they are a couple of days old.
- Tiled path, porch, steps in winter, if they are icy. The heater will instantly melt the ice that can cause injuries. In addition, this method is more gentle on the coating than breaking the ice with a crowbar and cleaning with a shovel.
- A recreation area on the site, a veranda, a gazebo, if the owners wanted to sit with a friendly group in the fresh air, but the temperature is not happy.
The areas of use of a gas heater in the country are so extensive that every owner can add a couple more examples to this list.
