Hampton Bay 47000 Btu Marston Gas Patio Heater Review
The research
- Who this is for
- How we picked and tested
- Our pick: AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-SSxxx
- Too neat: AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTxx
- The best of the electric outdoor patio heaters
- The competition
- Environmental considerations
- Footnotes
Who this is for
Outdoor patio heaters have historically been more than popular in the Sun Belt, throughout the American Due south and Southwest. "When information technology gets to exist in the 60s, everybody's breaking out their patio heaters," Bo McMillen, executive vice president of AZ Patio Heaters, told u.s.a. over the phone.
Simply the coronavirus pandemic changed all of that, leading to a surge in need for outdoor patio heaters in less-temperate regions, where it's not always warm plenty to engage in well-ventilated outdoor activity. It'due south chosen social distancing, non so-common cold distancing.
How nosotros picked and tested
Outdoor patio heaters come in many shapes and forms, from wall-mounted infrared rut lamps to permanently installed fire pits that run on the same natural-gas line as your stove. Seeking something versatile and ready for immediate use, we limited our search to more than-portable options, which typically rely on one of 2 heat sources: electric or propane.
Electrical patio heaters are pretty much the same as your standard indoor space heater; they even tend to produce about the same ability, maxing out at one,500 watts, or the equivalent of about 5,100 British thermal units (BTUs). The energy they produce is infrared, which means it works like direct sunlight and is absorbed straight into your peel and clothes, instead of the air effectually yous. As you lot practice with your boilerplate indoor space heater, you simply plug 'em into an outlet and flip 'em on, and y'all should be adept to become.
However, electrical patio heaters nowadays considerations beyond the standard indoor heater safety practices. AZ Patio Heaters's McMillen recommends an Ingress Protection Code (IPC) rating of 55 or higher, which means the unit of measurement should be protected from the ingress of grit and calorie-free water sprays. Nosotros did observe a few decent-looking models that were rated IP 44 (safe from splashing water and solid objects larger than 1 millimeter, such every bit wires, slender screws, and big ants).1 Annihilation rated lower than that—including any of our indoor-space-heater picks (none of which are IP-rated)—is an accident waiting to happen.
Propane patio heaters tend to put out more oestrus than electric heaters—about 8 times as many BTUs on average. This radiant heat does more to warm the ambient air, instead of heating yous direct. As the name suggests, this type of heater requires a propane tank. The tank yous probably take under a grill volition do fine, though you might desire to invest in an actress tank. Propane heaters are usually fabricated of aluminum or a like lightweight metallic, and they're oftentimes pretty weather-resistant in winter temperatures. If you look at the safe data sheet (PDF) of a tank manufacturer like Worthington Industries, for example, nigh of the warnings focus on excessive rut. Anecdotally, though, nosotros found reports indicating that colder atmospheric condition can cause some pressure problems for a propane tank, making information technology appear as if it has less fuel than it actually does.
Unlike electric heaters, however, propane heaters require a chip of maintenance. You should clean them at to the lowest degree once a yr (before you lot put them away for storage at the end of the flavour), to remove any carbon buildup or other blockages in the burner or airplane pilot area due to bugs, dirt, and debris. Because these heaters create actual fire, some of the parts may eventually offset to wearable out. "Your emitter screen up top is substantially called-for, and so cooling, and then burning, and then cooling. Over time that volition deteriorate," explained McMillen. "If you can't replace that, so the heater is useless after a few years." Some companies (including AZ Patio Heaters) sell replacement parts in case anything does go incorrect; if y'all buy an off-brand heater, however, you might have trouble finding parts that fit. Although this kind of maintenance may sound daunting, it ways that a good propane heater will prove more resilient over time. (If annihilation breaks on an electric heater, the whole affair is pretty much shot.)
Nosotros specifically looked for models of either heat source that were conditions-resistant and offered some kind of condom characteristic, such as a tip-over switch, a thermocouple, or overheat protection. From there, nosotros divided our search into boosted categories: smaller heaters (for tabletop or personal use) and large models with a wider coverage surface area (mostly mushroom-top and pyramid-tower heaters, like those yous see at restaurants, plus some heat lamps). We read owner reviews and other recommendations across multiple sites, keeping track of BTUs and wattage, likewise as the claimed coverage area. We dismissed anything with less than 1,500 watts or 40,000 BTUs of power (10,000 BTUs for tabletop models) or with a heating area that wouldn't allow people to comply with social-distancing guidelines.
At showtime, we didn't limit our search to whatever specific price range, but we somewhen establish that well-nigh outdoor patio heaters tended to cost around $100 for a tabletop model and in the $150 to $300 range for a larger ane that covers at least 100 square feet. We paid attention to warranty information during our enquiry, too, but we didn't notice any models that were guaranteed for more a yr. And finally, we factored in aesthetics, just to brand sure our readers would have options that fit their specific patios and lifestyles.
In order to determine how well these different heaters worked, we followed a similar methodology to the one we use to test space heaters every year. We set up each individual heater on a 100-square-foot walled-in cement patio, with one Lascar data logger placed 3 feet abroad and another placed half dozen feet abroad. We ran each heater for an hour, and the data loggers measured changes in temperature and humidity every five minutes. As with our normal space-heater tests, we focused our results on the overall changes in temperature; it's difficult to command the outdoors and isolate every possible variable. We used an infrared thermometer gun to measure the casing, to see how hot information technology got to the bear on after an hr. To see how long each heater retained heat, we allow the data loggers continue measuring for some other hour after the heaters turned off.
While running these objective tests, we also sabbatum outside with the patio heaters operating, taking subjective notes nigh how warm they made us feel, what user interface features made one model or another easier to assemble and use, and what it was similar to live with them overall.
Our choice: AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-SSxxx
Our selection
If you're simply looking for sheer heat output, get the AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-SSxxx. This tall, mushroom-way propane heater (so named because, well, look at it) is easy to get together. And it cranks out a whopping 48,000 BTUs of rut, which is more than enough to continue a few people warmed from a distance. Information technology too has a user-friendly table attachment for your drinks or cards (although you probably shouldn't lean on information technology), every bit well every bit a pair of wheels and three ballast ports, so you tin can secure it to the footing or a deck. And if information technology does start to tip over, the Hiland will automatically shut off if it gets as well far.
Only the HLDS01-SSxxx'south all-time perk, which sets it apart from other mushroom-style patio heaters, is that it'southward widely available online and in stores. Some other bully characteristic is that the company provides fantastic customer service, including replacement parts; if yous want a heater that lasts, and yous desire to exist sure you're using information technology safely, this is absolutely invaluable. We reached out to customer service as function of our testing, and the help the representatives provided was friendly, efficient, and clear. The Lowe's-exclusive Garden Treasures NCZH-G-KMZMSS and Home Depot–sectional Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Patio Heater are both nearly identical to the Hiland, but nosotros think seeking out the Hiland model is worth it for the better service.
The Hiland's aluminum construction feels slightly more sturdy than that of other mushroom-mode heaters nosotros tested. This heater seems stable plenty that it won't accident over in the wind and low-cal enough that it'south not as well difficult to movement, even when your propane tank is weighing down the base. And the burner screen was more resistant to charring than the one on the otherwise-similar Garden Treasures heater, which turned solid blackness from soot within xxx minutes of testing (although it was, remarkably, all the same intact after all of our tests). The Hiland'south toughness is comforting, even if you lot'll somewhen demand to supersede its burner screen; again, this is where AZ Patio Heaters'south client service comes in handy.
Unlike similar mushroom-style heaters, the HLDS01-SSxxx comes in a variety of finishes, and then y'all tin find something that fits your home. (Nosotros personally found the stainless steel finish on the Garden Treasures model to be a little glaring in the sunlight.) The Hiland too uses a slightly dissimilar ignition mechanism, which distinguishes the "airplane pilot" or "light" setting (when you're actually opening up the gas line) and marks information technology more clearly than on other models we tested. Though this does add a small extra footstep to the ignition process, information technology requires yous to accept more intention when you're starting a propane fire and prevents you from accidentally leaving the gas line open.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
A mushroom-mode heater's flame is contained within the burner at the top, and the mushroom "chapeau" serves to deflect the oestrus downwards. Of form, estrus rises, and in our testing we've noticed this can result in some uneven heating. Fortunately, this model generates 48,000 BTUs of rut, and then you lot're still getting a lot of oestrus overall; if y'all're practicing social distancing, anybody should be comfy (though some could be overwhelmed).
Unlike electric heaters, propane heaters are designed to estrus the air around you, instead of heating you direct. That ambience warmth can concluding longer than infrared estrus, but it also means y'all're competing confronting and mixing with the outside air.
Too great: AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTxx
Besides neat
The pyramid-manner AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTxx is a more attractive alternative to our mushroom-style top pick, without sacrificing that propane heating ability. At 40,000 BTUs, the HLDS01-GTxx is non quite every bit hot every bit the HLDS01-SSxxx. But in our tests, we institute the HLDS01-GTxx to be the most enjoyable outdoor heater to sit near (as opposed to continuing), with a more than-compatible warmth overall. This is probably helped by the fact that the flame shoots upward from the heart, evenly distributing the heat outward, instead of pumping it out at the top and so trying to deflect information technology downwards. Of course, we may be biased by the mesmerizing pleasance of watching a flame flicker in a drinking glass tube.
That last detail is a pretty absurd selling signal in itself. Sometimes referred to as "glass tube" models, pyramid heaters like the HLDS01-GTxx contain their fire within a drinking glass tube in the center of their angled structure. If safe is your top business concern, this is probably a better choice than the elevation-heavy ignition cages on the mushroom-top models. The glass tube does a much ameliorate job of restraining the flame, and the decorative metal grille around it prevents y'all from touching it. Whereas mushroom-top heaters tin can feel like fireballs mounted on a stick, the pyramid heaters only feel prissy, and they don't become much hotter than that. Yous may however have to clean some occasional carbon buildup, but at to the lowest degree the drinking glass won't burn and article of clothing out, like the metallic screens on mushroom-top models.
At xl,000 BTUs, the Hiland heater really maxes out at a slightly lower heat point than its 42,000-BTU Hampton Bay analogue. Simply a few dainty details fix the Hiland HSDS01-GTHG apart. First in that location's the company'southward incredibly helpful customer service department. Also, the Hiland pyramid heater has a round air vent on three of its four sides (compared with the slotted ventilation on the Hampton Bay). It's a modest detail, but information technology allows you lot to more easily come across inside, where the propane tank sits. And it could come up in handy if you lot need to turn the gas off rapidly, or if you need to cheque on anything for whatsoever reason. Like the Hiland mushroom-height heater, the HLDS01-GTxx too has a more than conspicuously marked ignition mechanism than other models we tested. Though this Hiland model might accept a few more seconds to spark up than the Hampton Bay model, it'due south also a lot safer. (This is especially important if you have children since they can more easily reach the buttons on pyramid-style heaters.)
Like all pyramid-style heaters, the Highland HLDS01-GTxx relies on propane, which means it comes with the same caveats as its mushroom-topped cousin. For better or worse, information technology volition rut the air around you instead of effulgent infrared heat straight at your skin. This produces a more ambient sense of warmth that lasts longer; at the same time, this means it has to argue with the remainder of the cool air around you. Technically that may audio inefficient, only y'all likely won't find, either in the moment or in the price. But this is one of several environmental factors that readers should consider before investing in any outdoor propane heating.
The best of the electric outdoor patio heaters
Electric patio heaters have much lower heat outputs than their propane counterparts, maxing out at around v,100 BTUs (i,500 watts). But they also produce infrared heat, which beams warm waves directly at your skin (or whatever else stands in their way), so the heat often feels more immediate and satisfying. We considered more a dozen different models, and we tested near half of those. They were all pretty similar; fifty-fifty if you lot buy an off-brand model, it may very well have come from the aforementioned manufacturing institute every bit a name-brand model. Because of this widespread similarity (combined with ongoing availability bug due to both popularity and supply chain issues), nosotros generally recommend getting whichever electrical patio heater is currently in stock. But if you could accept your selection, there were iii models in particular that stood out to us: the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland ZHQ1537 adjustable heat lamp, the mushroom-top-similar EnerG+ HEA-21821SH-T, and the vertically oriented Westinghouse WES31-15110. All of these remain inconsistently available as of spring 2022.
The AZ Patio Heaters Hiland ZHQ1537 electric patio heater is big, which means the infrared heat blasts cover a lot of horizontal space. This model also comes with numerous mounting options—you can attach it to your wall or mountain information technology on a pole, which includes several detachable sections to brand it even college. And if it gets too high, don't worry—it also comes with a remote control. We initially had a little trouble figuring out the tilted head, and so nosotros couldn't aim the heat where nosotros wanted it to go. But in one case again, AZ Patio Heaters's brilliant customer service came in handy. With an IP rating of 55, the ZHQ1537 is besides the most weather-resistant electric patio heater we tested (as long as the 2nd digit, which refers to waterproofing, is at least a four, then you should be fine). Plus, this model has a pair of built-in lights that you can use for your patio, fifty-fifty without the heat turned on (although the heating mechanism emits its own light too).
The EnerG+ HEA-21821SH-T is kind of like the electric version of a mushroom-top propane heater. Information technology's rated at a weather-resistant IP 44, but instead of a horizontally oriented console, it has a canopy-similar meridian that helps direct the infrared downward. The outward-radiating estrus doesn't travel very far from the centre of these models, and then you might find yourself awkwardly huddling around the adjustable pole. Still, it can be a comforting outdoor option for a small group of people, particularly if you lot're all seated around it to maintain your social distancing. EnerG+ also makes the HEA-21288LED, which is almost identical to the HEA-21821SH-T but mounted on a chandelier chain instead of a pole, making it easier to gather around.
We also similar the Westinghouse WES31-15110, which directs its heat blast vertically rather than horizontally. Instead of being pole- or wall-mounted, this model rests on the ground and stands a little over 4 feet loftier—which means if you're sitting downwardly, information technology should be able to warm you from head to toe. This makes it feel like there'south a lot more heat reaching a lot more than people at a greater distance (even though that's probably non technically true). Different the other electric patio heaters we tested, the Westinghouse is rated only IP 24, which ways someone could feasibly stick their fingers inside and seriously hurt themselves (but it should hold up against basic rain). Nosotros left one exterior over an unabridged New England wintertime, and it still works fine. (Information technology was also practiced for melting snow and evaporating backlog h2o from the patio.)
The competition
Though we generally preferred the Hiland propane heaters from AZ Patio Heaters over other brands, they're all pretty like. If y'all can't discover ane of our recommendations in stock, the Lowe's-sectional Garden Treasures NCZH-G-KMZMSS mushroom-top heater and the Domicile Depot–sectional Hampton Bay GSH-A-PC pyramid heater are ultimately fine (albeit slightly more than shoddy) alternatives
At that place were several other propane heater models that we hoped to look at, including the Dyna-Glo DGPH202SS mushroom-top heater and the Dyna-Glo DGPH402SS quartz pyramid heater, merely because of stock issues, their availability was likewise unreliable for us to test them. We likewise considered the pricey Nova Patio Heater and even pricier Lightfire Patio Heater, neither of which appeared to offer any additional features that could perchance justify their cost (although we do take to admit they expect squeamish).
We tested several tabletop electrical heaters equally well, such as the Star Patio STP1566-BT and the Westinghouse WES31-1566. Simply between their lower heat outputs and the space they take upward on the table, we call back you're ameliorate off only buying a larger propane heater or an electric heater and placing it nearby. They definitely got hot, but the umbrella shape of their lamps meant all that heat was directed downwardly (similar to the mushroom-style propane heaters in a higher place). This could be corking for keeping food warm with one or ii other people; merely it'due south not and then great for social distancing since y'all may have to lean in to share the rut.
The propane-fueled tabletop models we tested from AZ Patio Heaters and Hampton Bay both crave one-pound propane canisters, which nosotros learned the hard mode were nearly incommunicable to notice inside the unabridged greater Boston surface area. Paradoxically, this included Home Depots, where the Hampton Bay models are exclusively sold. That deterrent alone is enough for united states to dismiss these. (We did try to employ an adapter hose to connect these heaters to our standard 20-pound propane tank, but they wouldn't stay lit. Peradventure this was because of a pressure difference between the tank types; mayhap at that place was another problem. The fact that we couldn't diagnose information technology added to our frustration.)
EnerG+ likewise makes an electric heated bistro table, the EnerG+ HEA-1575J67L, which certainly looks neat but was besides difficult to compare with any other model we were testing (we couldn't discover it in stock, either).
Environmental considerations
On the face of it, something seems inherently contradictory well-nigh artificially warming the air outside when our unabridged planet is already warming at an unnatural and unprecedented rate, generally considering of human meddling. The French government went then far equally to ban outdoor patio heaters at restaurants in 2021, citing concerns over carbon emissions.two
Equally we've mentioned, propane heaters are by far the more than powerful choice for outdoor heating—a little goes a very long way. Propane too has a lower carbon content than gasoline or diesel fuel, according to the Department of Energy; it has a higher estrus content compared with natural gas, so you need to burn less propane in guild to achieve the aforementioned BTU output. The Ecology Protection Bureau considers propane a clean alternative to gasoline, diesel, coal, and other similar fuels.
Nevertheless, propane is produced as a natural by-product of petroleum refining and natural-gas extraction. Though it might exist one of the least-worst options when it comes to called-for fuel, it'due south non necessarily good for the planet, either. Simply in the grand scheme of things, it's not terrible, peculiarly if you already drive a gas-powered car.
Every bit to whether propane heaters are more than environmentally friendly than electric patio heaters, that largely depends on where y'all live. Propane oestrus is much, much hotter than electric infrared heat; case in betoken, the models nosotros tested put out about eight times every bit many BTUs as their electric counterparts. This ways you need less free energy to produce the same result. So if your electric heater ends up using more energy, and your local energy grid relies largely on nonrenewable sources, your total carbon output might not exist that much meliorate than if you'd used a propane heater. As of 2022, there is a federal push to electrify the entire US power grid with 100% make clean free energy past 2035. Assuming that goal both remains in place, and stays on track, and so electric heating will ultimately be the improve manner to go; of course, whatever heater you buy right now likely isn't going to final you lot for more than a decade anyway.
Ultimately, the way yous balance your outdoor-heating decisions and sustainability is up to you and your specific situation. New York City, for example, has discouraged the apply of propane heaters at restaurants; with a 70% to 80% renewable energy filigree already in place, information technology makes sense the city would desire to incentivize electric heating options. If you're not pumping heat out all night, every night, nevertheless, the occasional nail of propane heat for cursory outdoor socializing won't add that much to your overall carbon footprint. It's certainly preferable to idling in a heated auto, both from a ventilation and an energy perspective.
Footnotes
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-patio-heaters/
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