What is the highest BTU for a patio heater?
A misplaced question. British thermal units are a standard size for heat energy, and outdoor heaters can produce between 10,000 and a scorching 80,000 BTUs. Most are somewhere around 40,000. But according to Stephen Levy of specialist Heat Outdoors, that's all completely irrelevant when the heat is blown away by the wind – see above.
How many square meters does a patio heater cover?
“About eight square meters, assuming a high-quality 2 kW shortwave heater,” says Levy. That is approximately equivalent to a garden table and the garden chairs surrounding it.
By the way, 2kW refers to the electricity a heater uses, and not the heat it emits: more kiloWatts does not necessarily mean more heat, especially if the heater has a poorly made reflector or cheap lamps.
To heat a larger space, it is usually better to use more than one heater. With low-glow and gas heaters, shelter from the wind is by far the most important factor. Speaking of which…
How effective are gas patio heaters?
“While electrical is focused, like shining a torch,” says Levy, “gas stoves, wood stoves and fire pits radiate heat 360 degrees all around, so you're only ever in a small portion of the heat it gives off, and about 40 degrees. percent of that will go straight up anyway. But it will keep you warm if you sit right next to it, or in a well-sheltered area.
“The advantages are of course that it looks nice and is portable. You don't have to worry about any cords, you just stick it where you want it and light it.”
Take the costs into account. A standard 13kg can of caloric gas costs about £90 new or £50 to refill and lasts about 13 hours. Currently this is approximately 10 times the operating costs of an electric patio heater.
How can you distinguish a good patio heater from a bad one?
“Build quality is the most important thing: you want it to last,” says Levy. “The lamp and reflector must be well made. Unfortunately, most stores won't let them turn it on for testing, but if you see an umbrella heater that is very bright, like white light, it is probably cheaply made and won't last long.
“Patio heaters can also blow over, so look for something sturdy. And pay attention to the IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection. It is supplied as two numbers, for example IP34 or IP65. The first number refers to the dust resistance, the second number to the water resistance. If the second number is 3 or lower, it is not suitable for outdoor use. If it is 4, it means it is splash proof. 5 means you could soak it with a garden hose and it would be completely safe.”
What is the difference between infrared and halogen heaters?
Halogen is used in the most intense lamps, which emit short-wave infrared. Shortwave warms you even with a breeze, while mediumwave and longwave infrared lamps are only effective in sheltered areas.
What is the highest BTU for a patio heater?
Most are somewhere around 40,000 BTU, but that's irrelevant if the heat is blown away. That is why shortwave infrared is often more practical.
How many square meters does a patio heater cover?
About eight square meters, approximately equal to a garden table and the chairs around it.
How effective are gas patio heaters?
Fine in an enclosed space, but otherwise most heat is lost and gas is an expensive option.
Are patio heaters waterproof?
The IP rating, required by law, tells you how safe it is (for example IP65). If the last number is a 4, it is showerproof. If it is 5, it is rainproof. If it is 6, it can withstand an explosion from a hose, and if it is 7, it can be briefly immersed. We do not recommend submerging patio heaters.