Outdoor Heating

What outdoor heating products are available?

Canadians love spending time outdoors. Porches, patios and decks are a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. But how can you enjoy these spaces when the thermometer drops? Spring and fall can be iffy, and even summer nights can be cool. Having a drink while relaxing in a Muskoka chair loses its allure when you are shivering. The good news is there are many outdoor heating solutions that not only keep your outdoor space toasty warm when the temperatures drop, many of them will add to the ambiance as well.

Patio heaters

Patio heaters are designed specifically to provide warmth, extending the length of patio season. The primary options are propane patio heaters and electric patio heaters. Propane patio heaters provide the most heat output and connect to a standard 20lb propane tank (which is usually hidden in the base of the heater). You’ll often see these in use on restaurant patios.

Electric patio heaters (also known as infrared patio heaters) don’t have the same output as propane patio heaters, and they require an electrical outlet, but they have several advantages. There are no propane tanks to swap out, and these electric patio heaters are available in a wider range of form factors—including tabletop models, and hanging heaters. Because there is no combustion, they are safe for use in spaces with limited airflow. Many infrared patio heaters come with remote controls for easy operation.

Outdoor fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces are a combination between a portable outdoor heater and a fire pit. They are self-contained units that burn a fuel (propane or alcohol gel fuel) to provide realistic flame while giving off warmth for those sitting nearby.

Fire pits

For the ultimate campfire experience in an urban or suburban setting, consider a fire pit. A wide variety of fire pits are available, from self-contained fire bowls to cast stone models. Do-it-yourselfers can choose a steel fire ring and use it as the foundation to build their own fire pit using rock or stone.

Classic fire pits burn wood, but propane versions are also available if you don’t want to deal with smoke, storing wood and disposing of ash.

How do I know what outdoor heating product is best for my space?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an outdoor heater. Is the primary purpose to pump out heat? If so, a propane patio heater or an electric patio heater are probably the best choices. How much coverage and how much heat required will determine which you choose, and how many units would be ideal.

If you’re looking for a combination of ambiance and warmth, then outdoor fireplaces and fire pits should be at the top of your list. Which you choose will be a combination of style and design preference, budget, and the availability of wood and propane in your area.

Before making a purchasing decision, be sure to check local bylaws. Cities and homeowner associations may have rules about outdoor heating, especially when it comes to open flames. Also important are safety considerations about heater placement, including awareness about ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide, and potential burn hazards if flammable materials, children, or pets are too close.