The Best Heaters for Every Restaurant Patio

There's no denying the impact patio heaters can have on a restaurant. They provide additional seating, enhance customer comfort, and extend the hours and seasons during which patrons can linger and savor their meals and drinks. Patio heaters are also a desirable feature for resorts, vacation properties, and outdoor communal areas in condos and apartments. They serve as a key attraction at golf clubs, marinas, and pretty much any outdoor venue where people gather to enjoy food and fellowship.

So, which type of patio heater is ideal for your space? The options are diverse: there are stylish mushroom heaters and more discreetly mounted ones. Heaters can operate on liquid propane (LP), natural gas (NG), or electricity. The best choice will vary depending on the restaurateur's needs. Below are some considerations to help you select the right patio heater to boost warmth and business for your outdoor space.

Finding the Perfect Fit

When selecting a patio heater to delight your restaurant guests and optimize your outdoor area, evaluate the options based on fuel source, mounting style, design, and finish.

Fuel Source

Gas heaters typically run on either natural gas or liquid propane. Propane heaters work similarly to backyard barbecue grills, using refillable tanks. These tanks are readily available, and once empty, you simply swap them out. Whether your patio is close to or far from your building, propane heaters can provide warmth without constraints.

Natural gas heaters, on the other hand, utilize the same gas that powers home furnaces and water heaters. A gas line must be extended to the desired location for the heater, and when needed, you simply turn a valve. While this requires proximity to a natural gas line, it eliminates concerns about running out of fuel and needing to replace tanks.

Electric heaters are another option, either plugging into standard AC outlets or being hardwired into the building's electrical system.

Mounting Options

Some heaters stand on poles placed on the ground. These can be distributed across your patio to ensure warmth reaches every corner. Portable LP heaters can be moved around or stored when not in use. NG heaters are more fixed due to the necessity of gas lines.

If floor space is limited, overhead or wall-mounted heaters may be preferable. Wall-mounted box heaters are less intrusive and save space.

Design and Style

Mention patio heaters, and most people picture the iconic mushroom-shaped heaters commonly found in bustling eateries. These heaters owe their name to the "mushroom cap" perched atop the unit, which not only enhances aesthetics but also reflects heat downward, maximizing its effectiveness. Ceiling-mounted mushroom heaters enclose the heater and cap within a frame.

Box heaters, designed for wall mounting, are typically rectangular and blend seamlessly into the environment. However, they may not generate sufficient heat for larger areas.

Finishes

Patio heaters are crafted from stainless steel, cast aluminum, or a mix of both. Stainless steel heaters often retain their natural, appealing finish, but some heaters come coated. A sleek black finish is trendy, providing a modern vibe many venues prefer. Alternatively, the classic brass finish remains a popular choice.

Top Five Trusted Brands

AEI Corporation offers a wide range of heaters from five prominent manufacturers. Their product lineup includes both standing mushroom models and mounted box units, available in LP, NG, and electric variants.

One standout feature of the best patio heaters is their use of infrared technology. This warmth mimics the sun's rays, directly heating objects—tables, chairs, and people—rather than wasting energy warming the air. Infrared heaters provide instant comfort upon activation, making diners feel cozy right away.

• Patio Comfort, established over 45 years ago, excels in creating heaters with exceptional design and materials. Known for generating a "circle of heat," their mushroom heaters come in both natural gas and liquid propane models. LP models are portable, while some NG heaters offer portability via a 12-foot hose. Their product line features various designs, with finishes ranging from stainless steel to jet-silver and antique bronze powder coatings.
• Infratech specializes in electric box heaters. Their extensive collection includes single-element and dual-element heaters in stainless steel and black finishes. These unobtrusive, low-profile heaters match any outdoor setting, boasting over 90% energy efficiency and suitability for indoor use.
• Sunstar produces mountable heaters compatible with LP or NG. Many models include adjustable mounting kits for angles between 15 and 60 degrees, while others have fixed kits for horizontal installation. These are two-stage heaters ranging from 24,000 to 35,000 BTUs, featuring a three-position switch. Remote control is optional. Sunstar models are available in black high-temperature silicone powder-coated paint or marine-grade stainless steel.
• Sunpak offers wall-mounted box heaters that run on natural gas or propane. Available in single-stage models of 25,000 and 34,000 BTUs, as well as two-stage heaters, these can be mounted on ceilings or walls. Finishes include black and stainless steel. Since 1966, Sunpak heaters have been manufactured in the U.S. by Infrared Dynamics.
• Sunglo, a pioneer in patio heaters since the 1960s, remains the industry leader. Their mushroom heaters are available in both LP and NG versions. Four core models cater to diverse outdoor spaces, offering permanent mounts, portable units, and ignition options ranging from manual to automatic. Sunglo also provides suspended heaters suitable for covered patios.

A Welcoming Outdoor Space

Outdoor gatherings and al fresco dining remain perennially popular, and venues that offer ample opportunities for such experiences will thrive. High-quality infrared patio heaters are the ultimate amenity to draw guests later into the evening and throughout the cooler months. With numerous configurations, styles, and fuel options, there’s a heater suited for every restaurant and resort. Explore our diverse selection of outdoor heaters to create a patio where everyone wants to stay longer.