If you need to purchase a patio heater, there are many choices to pick from that come with varying shapes; sizes and fuel sources, there are even patio heaters that are radiant heat systems that will warm just the people, not the air (hence more environmentally friendly), for greater and better comfort. Because there are a lot of different heaters to choose from and each model has a different feature to offer there will be some decisions that have to be made:

1. The initial decision you need to make when you are choosing patio heaters is to make up your mind whether you want a patio heater that is fixed or not. If you already have a gas grill hook up, then a permanent heater would be peanuts to install, and a good decision. So, if this scenario applies to you, then natural gas patio heaters are just right for the job. If you are not interested to have a permanent heater, then look for one that runs off canned fuels as it makes it simple to put where you need the warmth.

2. The next step is to decide just how large an area you want to heat. You will want to choose a heater that has the ability to warm the area that you need. The amount of space around the heater that you need to have heated will be dependant on how large your patio is, and how many guests you usually entertain on it. The normal range that is needed by most folk being a 20-foot circle around the heating unit. You should know what the heat range of the patio heater you intend to purchase as the biggest and more expensive units do not always mean that it provides the most heating radius minus of course commercial patio heaters.

3. After that it is equally important to check the safety features of the outdoor heater you wish to purchase. Make doubly sure the patio heater you choose is carefully engineered for safety and meets all the standard safety requirements so that you can comfortably have people of all ages and intelligence without worrying yourself. Be on the lookout for designs that have features like safety tilt switches, sealed burners, flame controls, electronic ignitions and emergency cut-off valves which are a hallmark of a well engineered heater. The safer the heater, the better the purchase is a wise saying that should be adhered to. As a patio heater will get hot as that is its function you should always make sure that there is a fire extinguisher and first aid kit handy nearby.

4. The next item on your list to consider when choosing a patio heater is what fuel will be most suitable for you. For example while a kerosene heater may seem like the best option when you think of the cost of one, if it is hard or expensive for you to buy kerosene, then you won't be using the heater much. It might just become a white elephant. So choose right, if you are not getting a permanent patio heater that hooks directly into a fuel line, then it might be wise to choose a heater that uses a canned fuel that is the most economical and available in your area. The normal choices are basically kerosene, butane or propane as well as natural gas. A few heaters are powered by solid fuel or electricity/batteries but these are seldom seen.

5. After that take a step back and take a good look at the heating unit, you want to make sure the unit acts as an infrared heater, look for elements that are crafted of good grade aluminum, this tells us that the reflectors will direct the radiating heat down and out. It all boils down to making sure that the heating element is sufficient and sends the heat where it is most needed, and where it will be put to the best use.

6. Finally you should look for a heater that offers you the aesthetics that pleases your eyes, regardless of the material used be it cast iron, aluminum, etc. why settle for an out of fashion clunky heater, when you can shop around some and find an attractive patio heater that caters to both your needs and budget.