If patio season seems too short to you, don’t hesitate to extend it with an electric or propane patio heater or an ethanol fireplace. One of the main benefits of the patio heater is that you can enjoy your evenings outside for longer.
Installed under your custom awning or on your patio, this heating device is perfect for spending comfortable moments outside in good company. Even the cool autumn breeze will go unnoticed with the right outdoor heating system. No more breaking out your mittens, scarves, and fleece blankets.
Warning! Buying a patio heater isn’t a purchase that you should make lightly. Before rushing off to Costco or another big box store, there are a few important elements to consider, such as the size of your patio, the space you want to heat, and the type of device that interests you. You have to find the right model; otherwise, your investment might not completely satisfy you.
To help you out, our patio layout specialists share their sound advice with you. Here is our comprehensive guide to outdoor heating systems. Put an end to the debate over electric vs. propane patio heaters by discovering all the advantages and disadvantages of these heating devices. Our specialists are proud to help Quebecers equip their patios with the appliances that suit them.
Electric vs propane patio heater?
This is a question that many patio owners ask themselves. There is also the solution of the ethanol fireplace, which we will explore later in our outdoor heating guide. Unfortunately, the answer to this question ‘electric vs propane patio heater’ is not as simple as it seems, because your choice of appliance depends on several factors.
The patio heater is an incredibly practical device. Whether it’s to extend patio season or to stay comfortable late into the evening, this is a must-have for your patio.
Now, let’s discover our complete comparison between the different outdoor heating systems.
Electric outdoor heating
If you are wondering what to choose between an electric or propane patio heater, our specialists strongly recommend electric. There are many reasons that lead us to make this choice. Let’s discover them now.
The advantages of an electric patio heater
Electric patio heaters are safe, reliable, and easy to maintain. Unlike gas-powered devices, they don’t emit any unpleasant odours or chemicals. Their soft orangey light also gives a warm atmosphere to your patio, which lets you enjoy your outdoor space until October.
We recommend Infratech patio heaters, which are radiant outdoor heating systems. These devices are silent and highly effective at heating a given area. Infratech appliances are also available in multiple sizes, formats, colours, and power levels. They add a touch of modernity to your patio while increasing your comfort level outside.
Another advantage of the electric patio heater over propane is that it does more than heat the air on your patio, but the objects. A breeze therefore won’t be enough to make you lose your heat and comfort. Installed in the ceiling, it optimally diffuses the heat on your patio.
Here are some other advantages that put an end to the electric vs. propane patio heater debate:
- Ideal for all types of patios, with or without awnings or roofs;
- Takes up very little space, which makes it perfect for small patios;
- Can easily be embedded in a roof;
- Minimal maintenance, since the electricity consumed comes from Hydro-Québec;
- Safe, because it is installed up high, out of reach of children or pets.
Disadvantages of opting for the electric option
The only disadvantage lies in the heating area, which is more limited with the electric model. However, for a residential patio, it is more than sufficient. You will also need to call on an electrician if the installation proves to be complex. Otherwise, it will simply be a matter of replacing the bulbs, which have an impressive lifespan.
When you compare the electric patio heater to the propane, however, this isn’t really a problem. The propane gas or ethanol tanks need to be replaced much more often than the bulbs.
At Groupe Bellon Prestige, we understand that each patio is unique. Don’t hesitate to contact our specialists to determine the best electric outdoor heater model for your patio. We will definitely find a model that is perfectly suited to your tastes and your patio!
Electric vs propane (gas) patio heater: the propane or ethanol device
Now that we’ve examined the case of the electric patio heater, here is what the propane and ethanol systems offer in comparison.
The advantages of propane to heat your patio
One of the main advantages of propane heaters lies in their design. They come in several original shapes and designs, which lets you modernize your space while heating it. They usually take on popular shapes such as lamps and aluminum tables, or they can be made from carbon.
Their simple and minimalist design fits in easily with any type of decor, and the heated area is quite large, but vulnerable to the wind. If you have a very large patio, the propane device is beneficial.
In addition, propane appliances are sometimes equipped with wheels, which allows you to move them as you see fit and according to your needs.
Disadvantage of gas for your patio
Unfortunately, besides its aesthetic side and its mobility, propane heating isn’t the best option. The first reason is that it emits unpleasant gas odours. It therefore can’t be used in covered spaces—an important element to consider. In windy weather, you will therefore have to leave the curtains of your patio awning open to avoid toxic fumes. The wind also moves your heat around… it’s quite annoying!
That’s not all. When we compare the electric patio heater to the propane model, the latter is:
- More expensive to maintain (replacing the tanks);
- Heavy (difficult to move even with wheels);
- Noisy;
- Hard to install;
- Increases the risk of drying out the canvas, making it more fragile to cuts and tears;
- Completely loses its effectiveness as soon as the wind picks up.
In the debate over electric vs. propane patio heaters, there’s no question; the electric outdoor heating system wins hands-down.
Electric vs. propane patio heater: the third option—the ethanol fireplace
In addition to electric and propane patio heaters, there is a third option: the ethanol fireplace. The latter is quite popular due to its aesthetics and its original styles. However, like its cousin the propane heater, it is smelly, expensive, and absolutely useless when it’s windy.
You are therefore paying for a beautiful piece of art that won’t warm you up that much. In addition, unlike the propane patio heater, you won’t be able to move it easily.
In addition, you will have to take additional precautions to use this type of patio heater. We therefore don’t recommend using the ethanol fireplace at all. In case of wind, your choice is limited to going back inside the house or putting up with toxic fumes. Not very appealing for those who want to enjoy their patio.
Contact Groupe Bellon Prestige to get the best patio heater for your patio
Groupe Bellon Prestige has over 125 years of experience in patio and terrace layout. Trust our team to equip your patio with the best outdoor heating systems. Whether it’s an electric or propane patio heater, we have the ideal solution to extend your patio season at home.
If you have any questions about Infratech electric heating appliances, contact us. A member of Groupe Bellon Prestige will be pleased to take the time to answer all your questions.
