(no subject)

[noahgibbs]

Does anybody here know a damn thing about patio heaters? We've been considering getting a stand-up one for the DHPs -- think of a back yard with plastic chairs, a big heater and rum drinks for a moment... Mmm....

I'm thinking stand-up and propane-burning, which would mean patio heaters pretty much like these. Anybody know enough about them to have an opinion other than "the cheap one seems a lot like the others, but it's cheap"? :-)

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I know that we have a ceiling mounted outdoor heater that's lasted for years, where I work. It's fed by PG&E natural gas. I haven't dealt with the stand-up ones, but apparently, the ceiling-mount heaters are durable and efficient.

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, over at the DH, we're in much better shape for backyard ground space than ceiling space. So a stand-up heater would make more sense for us. A compromise like table-mounted would be possible, but those seem to be generally smaller and less effective than the stand-up or ceiling-mounted.

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I wasn't suggesting a ceiling mounted model, just saying I have experience with that, not the standup. If the standups are anything like ours, they'll last a long time.

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

Yeah. The ones I've seen at restaurants are all very simple and sturdy, and should do quite well. I'm assuming that the ones I'm looking at are in roughly that category.

[toxgunn.livejournal.com]

Looks like the cheap one is painted steel for the most part, w/ just the catalyst bed being SS. The spendy ones are likely SS throughout and less likely to be a rust problem.

Wonder if one of the lawn and garden rags has done a comparison test?

backyard heating party

[http://users.livejournal.com/_duncan/]

With pricing in the $250 to $600 range it might make sense to rent one or two before committing to a purchase. With age unknown you won't get much info on durability but you will be exposed to its lighting quirks, maneuverability and effectiveness.

Re: backyard heating party

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

I suppose that's true. I have no idea where I'd try to rent one, though.

Re: backyard heating party

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

Just checked online and saw some places that'll do it. $70-$80 for a one-time rental of a stand-up heater, and that's not even one as good quality as the ones I've been looking at. Ouch!

Consumer Report sayeth...

[gizbot.livejournal.com]

that they looked at a couple heaters in 6/2003. It's a short review, they played with the Coleman Backhome (model #'s). They work, heat in a ten foot radius (4 for tabletop), work less well when it's 55 degrees or windy, run about 10 hours on 20 pound tank (30 hours for tabletop). Some models have wheels, which are helpful.

Re: Consumer Report sayeth...

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

That's not bad. Given Fremont's tendency to be windy and rainy it's not perfect, but that'd do okay. Did they suggest that, other than the wheels, there were any significant differences between different models?

Re: Consumer Report sayeth...

[gizbot.livejournal.com]

No other hints. It was a little mini-review that basically said "heaters work".

[tigman.livejournal.com]

One thing that I would take into consideration is the portability of those. I have this image in my head of fire-breathing a little too close to the propane heater.....

[plymouth.livejournal.com]

what's the harm? it's already on fire!

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

The ones I'm looking at weigh about eighty pounds. No problem at all for two people.

Might be a little harder to move when they're operating, though.

[gratteciella.livejournal.com]

Make sure you get one that's heavy enough on the base. I know I've almost knocked those over before; wouldn't want any of your guests to do the same.