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Patio Heater Buying Guide — Gas, Electric, or Radiant for Your Outdoor Space?
Patio Heater Buying Guide
Gas vs electric vs radiant. Standing vs mounted. The real differences that matter when spending $1K–$5K on outdoor heating.
Three Heater Types — The Real Differences
Radiant Electric (Wall/Ceiling Mount)
Infrared heat that warms people and surfaces directly. No flame, no fuel tanks, just plug-and-play. Mounted on pavilion ceilings, pergola crossbeams, or wall brackets. 4,000–10,000 BTU output. Premium models (Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat) include remote control + dimming. Best for covered outdoor spaces and outdoor kitchens.
Radiant Gas (Wall/Ceiling Mount, Hard-Piped)
Same radiant principle, gas-powered. Higher BTU output than electric (up to 50,000 BTU). Requires NG or LP plumbing to the mount location. Premium brand: Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat. Best for serious heat output in larger spaces.
Standing Propane (Mushroom Style)
Free-standing tower with a 20 lb propane tank in the base. 40,000–46,000 BTU output but most of that heats the surrounding air — inefficient outside on a windy day. Cheap to buy, expensive to run, easy to knock over. Best for: occasional use or temporary setups.
BTU Sizing Guide
| Space | BTU Range |
|---|---|
| Single outdoor seating area (3–5 ft radius) | 4,000–10,000 BTU |
| Covered patio (10x10 ft) | 15,000–25,000 BTU |
| Large pergola (20x15 ft) | 35,000–60,000 BTU |
| Outdoor dining pavilion (30x20 ft) | 80,000+ BTU (multi-unit array) |
Ongoing Cost
Electric radiant: ~$0.30–$0.80/hour at typical residential rates.
Natural gas radiant: ~$0.50–$1.20/hour at typical residential rates.
Propane standing: $4–$8/hour (a 20 lb tank lasts 10–16 hours).
Over a 6-month patio season, propane standing heaters can cost 5–10x what a hard-piped NG or electric radiant unit costs.
How to Pick
Pick Electric Radiant
Covered patio with existing electrical, want plug-and-play, value design aesthetic. Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat is the category leader.
Pick Gas Radiant
Larger covered space, need max BTU output, have NG or LP plumbing access. Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat is the workhorse.
Pick Standing Propane
Renting, moving, or only heat your patio a few times a year. Don't expect aesthetics or efficiency.
Heater Spec Service
Free spec service. Tell us your patio size, coverage type, and electrical/gas setup and we'll size the right BTU package.
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