The Best Heaters for Every Restaurant Patio

When it comes to enhancing a restaurant patio, few upgrades can match the impact of effective patio heating solutions. Not only do these heaters provide additional seating capacity, but they also ensure guest comfort and extend the usable hours of your outdoor space throughout the cooler months. For hotels, vacation properties, and apartment complexes, patio heaters serve as a valuable selling point for their outdoor amenities. They’re equally beneficial for social areas like golf clubs and marinas, creating inviting spaces for people to gather and enjoy their meals and drinks.

So, which type of patio heater is right for your establishment? There are plenty of options available, ranging from elegant mushroom-style heaters to sleek, wall-mounted units. Some heaters run on liquid propane (LP), while others operate on natural gas (NG) or electricity. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and setup. Below are some key considerations to help you select the ideal heater for your patio.

Finding the Perfect Fit

To create a welcoming atmosphere for your patrons, you’ll want to evaluate patio heaters based on their fuel source, mounting style, design, and finish.

Fuel Source

Gas-powered heaters typically use either natural gas or liquid propane. Liquid propane heaters are portable and rely on tanks similar to those used for backyard grills. These tanks are widely available, making them easy to replace whenever needed. Whether your patio is close to your building or tucked away in a remote corner, LP heaters can be installed almost anywhere.

Natural gas heaters, on the other hand, connect directly to your building’s existing gas supply. Once installed, they provide continuous heat without the hassle of refilling tanks. However, they require access to a nearby natural gas line, which isn’t always feasible depending on your location.

Electric heaters are another excellent option. Some models plug into standard outlets, while others are hardwired into your building’s electrical system. Electric heaters are convenient and eliminate concerns about fuel supply altogether.

Mounting Options

Many patio heaters stand on poles placed directly on the floor. These free-standing units can be distributed across your patio to ensure consistent warmth for all your guests. LP heaters are highly portable and can be easily moved around or stored when not in use. NG units are more stationary due to their connection to a gas line.

If you're short on floor space, consider overhead or wall-mounted heaters. These models are less intrusive and can blend seamlessly into your decor.

Design and Style

When most people hear "patio heater," they picture the iconic mushroom-shaped units that dominate so many outdoor dining areas. These heaters get their name from their umbrella-like top, which reflects heat downward, ensuring maximum comfort for diners. Ceiling-mounted mushroom heaters combine the classic design with added convenience, eliminating the need for floor space.

Box heaters are another popular choice. Installed on walls, these rectangular units are discreet and take up minimal space. While they may not cover as large an area as floor-standing heaters, they’re ideal for smaller patios or indoor spaces.

Finishes

Patio heaters are crafted from materials like stainless steel, cast aluminum, or a mix of both. Stainless steel heaters often retain their natural sheen, but many heaters come with various coatings to suit different aesthetics. A sleek black finish is particularly trendy, offering a modern vibe that appeals to many venue operators. Others prefer the timeless elegance of brass or brushed metal finishes.

Top Five Heater Brands

AEI Corporation offers a diverse range of patio heaters from several leading manufacturers. Their product lineup includes both freestanding mushroom heaters and wall-mounted box units, with options for LP, NG, and electric power.

One standout feature of the best patio heaters is their use of infrared technology. Unlike traditional heaters that warm the surrounding air, infrared heaters directly heat objects like chairs, tables, and people. This makes them incredibly efficient, providing instant warmth without the need for lengthy preheating periods. As a result, infrared heaters ensure immediate guest comfort as soon as they’re turned on.

• Patio Comfort, a brand renowned for over 45 years, specializes in premium heaters designed to create a "circle of warmth." Their mushroom heaters are available in both NG and LP versions. LP models are portable, and some NG units even come with a 12-foot hose for added flexibility. Their collection features stylish designs with finishes like stainless steel, jet-silver, and antique bronze powder coating.
• Infratech offers electric box heaters that integrate seamlessly into your property's aesthetic. Their extensive lineup includes single-element and dual-element heaters in both stainless steel and black finishes. These low-profile heaters are over 90% energy-efficient and can be used indoors or outdoors, making them versatile for multiple applications.
• Sunstar produces mountable heaters compatible with both LP and NG systems. Many models come with adjustable mounting kits allowing angles between 15 and 60 degrees, while others have fixed horizontal installations. These heaters deliver 24,000 to 35,000 BTUs of power with a three-position switch and optional remote control. Available finishes include black high-temperature silicone powder coat and marine-grade stainless steel.
• Sunpak offers wall-mounted box heaters powered by NG or LP. Their single-stage models range from 25,000 to 34,000 BTUs, while two-stage heaters provide greater flexibility. Ceiling mounts are also an option. Sunpak heaters are made in the USA by Infrared Dynamics and come in black or stainless steel finishes.
• Sunglo, a pioneer in the patio heater industry since the 1960s, remains a top choice for restaurants and resorts. Their mushroom heaters are available in both LP and NG variants. Four primary models cater to varying heating requirements, including permanent mounts, portable units, and models with manual, semi-automatic, and automatic ignition. Sunglo also offers a suspended heater for covered outdoor spaces.

A Welcoming Outdoor Space

Outdoor dining and social gatherings remain perennially popular, and businesses that prioritize comfort and ambiance will thrive. High-quality infrared patio heaters are a must-have for extending your patio season and attracting more guests. With a wide array of styles, fuel types, and mounting options, there’s a heater solution tailored to every venue. Browse our extensive selection to craft an outdoor space where customers will want to stay longer.