Propane gas is a mobile fuel and doesn’t require special plumbing or installation, making propane patio heaters a versatile and convenient way to heat your outdoor space.
They have the same instant heat output as natural gas heaters and can be made permanent if a gas line is installed by a licensed professional.
Free-standing propane patio heaters bring functionality & style to any outdoor space!
The power for a gas patio heater is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTU’s for short. BTU’s tell you how much heat a gas appliance will provide (the higher the BTU’s, the higher the heat output).
Propane provides an average of 2,500 BTU’s per standard cubic foot, making it a very efficient fuel source.
A typical full-size propane patio heater will output 40,000 BTU's and will distribute heat to an area up to 20' in diameter (314 sq ft).
The exact heating range and output will depend on the design of the patio heater, the wind conditions, and the temperature outside.
Propane patio heaters are the most expensive to use, compared to natural gas and electric styles.
The cost of propane gas is measured in price per gallon. The average portable propane patio heater houses a 20lb propane tank or about 4.7 gallons of fuel.
A 20lb propane tank can last up to 10 hours and costs between $15 - $20 to fill up, making the average cost per hour between $1.5 - $2. A typical 40,000 BTU patio heater will cost about $1.70 per hour to use.
A 20 lb propane tank holds approximately 430,000 BTUs of liquid propane. If a heater has a BTU capacity of 40,000 BTUs per hour, the propane tank will last approximately 10.75 hours (430,000 / 40,000 = 10.75).
There are two main types of ignitions for gas patio heaters - manual ignitions and automatic ignitions.
Manual ignitions use a control knob to control the flow of gas to the patio heaters. Some manual ignitions have a push button that creates a spark to light the gas, while others have a pilot light that needs to be lit manually.
Mounted heaters use automatic ignition systems that will ignite your heater with the simple flip of a switch or press of a button!
Automatic ignitions use electricity to control and ignite the gas flow to the patio heaters. The patio heaters can be controlled with an on/off switch or with a hand-held remote control.
Both ignition types have built-in safety systems that are designed to shut off the gas flow to the patio heaters if the flame goes out and can’t be relit.
Before installing propane patio heaters, always consult the owner’s manual to find out the recommended clearance to combustibles (things that catch fire) to determine the proper location for the heaters.
Always maintain these clearances and only use gas patio heaters in an open outdoor space with plenty of air flow.
For the safest options, look for patio heaters that are UL approved and CSA certified. These approvals ensure each heater has undergone rigorous testing to verify that they are a reliable and safe heating appliance.
Before using your propane patio heater, read the installation manual thoroughly, so you know how to set it up and use it properly.
When you’re finished using your patio heater, always turn the control knob off, disconnect the propane tank, and store the heater upright in a sheltered area away from the elements.
Always keep heaters out of reach of children and never leave your patio heaters on unattended.
Take care when handling a propane tank to avoid damaging the valves. Follow the manufacturer instructions when filling, transporting, installing, and using a propane tank.
Always inspect all connections and hoses, before each use. Never overfill a propane tank with fuel.
Propane tanks should be stored upright. Keep them outside, in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area.
Propane tanks stow neatly away in the base of free-standing patio heaters. Always store spare propane tanks a safe distance from heaters that are in use.
Spare propane tanks should be kept a minimum of 20 feet away from any patio heaters that are in use. This will ensure that the spare tanks don’t come into contact with the patio heater’s intense heat, preventing a fire or explosion from happening.
The molecules in propane slow down as its temperature decreases, so when it gets colder outside, the pressure in your propane tank may drop.
To maintain optimal performance of your propane tank, make sure it’s equipped with a pressure regulator, keep the tank full, and store it away from snow and ice.
Propane gas is odorless on its own, so a distinct smell is added to it to help you identify its presence. The scent is very strong and unpleasant, similar to rotten eggs.
If you smell propane gas, you may have a gas leak. Always refer to the owner’s manual for help detecting and repairing a leak.
A qualified service technician must determine your propane system is completely leak-free before you use any propane-fueled appliances.
If you find the source of the leak, make sure the gas is turned off and disconnected from the heater, before attempting to fix it.
Always follow the manufacturer requirements for testing, repairing, and servicing the heater. A licensed professional must repair your heaters. Do not attempt to do it yourself.
To repair the leak, gas lines, hoses, fittings, and/or connections may need to be replaced. Once all leaks have been repaired, the patio heater will be ready for use.
Gas patio heaters are easy to clean and maintain. To keep your heater fully functional, inspect all connections before each use to make sure they are clean and in proper working order.
Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your patio heaters. You can prevent this and extend the life of your portable patio heaters by storing them in a garage, shed, or barn when they’re not in use.
Protect your patio heater with a durable, weather-resistant cover to extend its life & keep it safe from critters & inclement weather.
Covers are also available for portable patio heaters and are recommended to prevent small insects and spiders from nesting in the heaters. Make sure your patio heaters have completely cooled before covering or storing them.
Before cleaning your patio heater, make sure the gas is turned off and fully disconnected. Never disassemble the heater and only clean the outside surface.
Follow the cleaning guidelines provided in the owner’s manual. The manual will tell you how often to clean the heater, along with acceptable products and cleaning techniques to use.
Head over to our Patio Heater Buying Guide to learn even more about patio heaters!
Check out our Patio Heater FAQ Page for answers to the most commonly asked questions about patio heaters.
Read all about electric patio heaters to find the best heater for your space!