Outdoor Gear – Page 13 – Fun In The Yard

There are a lot of different patio heaters on the market today, but which is the best patio heater for wind? The answer to the question is one that is specially designed to heat your patio in all kinds of weather. The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Patio Heater is the best overall patio heater to withstand wind because it comes with a weighted base for added stability and it has a tip-over auto shut off protection system just in case there are gusts of winds that are too strong. Finding the right patio heater can be difficult because there are so many, but not all are made to perform at their best in windy conditions. If you're not a heater specialist, and most of us aren't, then you will need to know what special features to look for in your search for the best patio heater for wind. We're here to share the details about the heaters that are designed to function properly regardless of the weather. You'll learn what to look for and which features will be the most useful. We've prepared a convenient guide that will give you all the information you need to find the right patio heater for your situation, along with reviews of the top-rated patio heaters for wind. Complete Patio Heater Buying Guide To Withstand Wind Patios are ideal for gathering places to entertain friends and family. Even during the warm months, the weather can change and bring in chilly temperatures and wind. A Patio heater can help to throw off the chill and enhance everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors, but some models are better suited to negating the effects of wind. How To Pick Patio Heater For Windy Areas Windy conditions can cause some heaters to lose their efficiency, or even create unsafe conditions for you or your guests. If you're not familiar with the differences between standard patio heaters and wind-resistant styles, you're in the right place. Here we look at the different brands and styles of windproof patio heaters along with the special features and the benefits they provide you Safety Safety is the top priority when using an outdoor patio heater for wind. As a consumer, it's up to you to make sure that the unit you buy is approved by a third-party evaluator. This can be found in the specifications of the product. Choose a location that is out of the way of guests. Every patio heater requires some degree of clearance. Find a spot that will ensure that the heat goes in the right direction without interfering with the flow of foot traffic. Freestanding or portable units should be placed in a safe location that is not near combustible materials or near where children will play. If you mount the unit permanently, make sure it's in a place that is out of the way, ideally, high enough so guests won't bump into it accidentally. Features The best brands of patio heaters for wind make consumer safety a top priority. These are made with built-in safety features to lessen the chance of accidental injuries. The most useful features include those that contain flames inside the unit. If you like the look of flames, some come with tempered glass that you can see through. Other safety features include an anti-tilt mechanism that may either be a weighted base or a wider base to give it stability. Some units have a shut-off switch that automatically turns off the heat if the heater tips over. If you're using a propane heater, go with a unit that has a thermocouple. This is a device that shuts off the heat if there is a flame failure, so you don't have a gas leak. Some propane units are made to turn off if high winds extinguish the flames. Look for a CSA safety rating before you buy a patio heater for wind. This is the seal of approval that means the model has been thoroughly tested by an evaluator that is not a member of the company that makes it. This guarantees that the heater meets strict safety standards and it is considered to be safe for use by a third-party evaluator not influenced by the manufacturer. Budget Most of the time you get what you pay for. Budget heaters are not as likely to put out as much heat. This means that they are not as likely to be the best performers in the wind. Power Source There are four main types of patio heaters that each require different power sources. These include wood powered pits, natural gas, propane, and electric. Each has requirements that come with pros and cons. Fire pits require wood or other burnable fuel sources. They produce an open flame. Electric patio heaters depend on an electrical outlet or extension cord. Natural gas requires a subscription to a natural gas source with plumbed in gas supplies. Propane-powered units depend upon cylinders of propane which can be bought at most sporting goods or home supply retailers. The best type for resisting wind is an electric patio heater because of the built-in safety features. Range It's important to learn about the range of the heater you are considering. This tells you how far the heat expands outward from the unit. For example, some heaters reach up to 16 feet in range while others are only good for a few feet. Heat Output Each heater has its own heat output. Wind can diminish the amount of heat that actually reaches you and it can divert it in another direction. There is little that you can do about this. In general, the higher the output, the more heat that will reach you even when the wind is blowing. Propane Vs Electric Patio heaters come in both propane powered models and electric. Each offers distinct advantages over the other, but both have their drawbacks. Our comparison of the differences will help you to decide which is better for your situation. Propane gas heaters are usually portable heaters that can be easily moved from one location to another. Most models are the freestanding type. This makes them both convenient and versatile. If you like to rearrange your patio furniture and layout from time to time, then it's best to have a portable unit that isn't a permanent fixture. There are several brands and styles of patio heaters that are made to be wind resistant. On the downside, most propane patio heaters require a larger area of your patio for clearance. This cuts down on the amount of space that you have to use for mingling. Propane Gas Patio heaters only have one or two heat level settings and they cannot be recessed to be out of the way when you're entertaining. In general, they are less wind-resistant than many of the electric models. Electric patio heaters that are wind-resistant offer the greatest wind resistance. This makes them a superior choice over most propane heaters. The benefits of electric heaters are that they don't require as much clearance room. There are models available that can be flush mounted and they can even be placed in recessed areas to give you more space for entertaining without worry about clearance or guests getting burned. Some electric models come with multiple level settings for controlling the heat, so you have a larger range of temperature choices. The biggest downside to electric patio heaters is that they are more expensive to operate than propane heaters. You must also have an electrical outlet nearby or run extension cords from a power source. Most are not portable like the propane models of wind-resistant patio heaters. BTU We recommend that the unit you choose offers a minimum of 39,000 BTUs to withstand the wind. This will easily heat an area of up to 200 square feet with a 16-foot reach on all sides. If you have a smaller area to heat, you can use a smaller unit. This will give you an idea about the size of the unit that you need for heating patio spaces in wind. Top 13 Best Patio Heaters For Windy Areas You're becoming an expert on the benefits of wind-resistant patio heaters, but if you've never shopped for one before, there are so many different brands and models that it can be a daunting task. Therefore, we've chosen the top 13 patio heaters for wind to review. Our review goes hand in hand with the guide to give you options with the best brands and the most highly recommended models. We explain what makes the heater good along with useful features and their benefits. To make the best choice, you need the important facts that we discuss in our guide. We go into all the details to provide you with complete information to help you decide which is the best choice for your situation. You will find everything you need to know to make an educated choice. 1. Fire Sense Stainless Steel Infrared Patio Heater - Best Overall The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Infrared Patio Heater model on Amazon is our choice for the best overall patio heater for the wind. We like the fact that it comes with a weighted base for added stability and a tip-over auto shut off protection system. This unit can be used indoors or outdoors which makes it more versatile. It's ruggedly constructed with a stainless-steel frame and aluminum for weatherproofing. This heater generates 1500 watts of power to produce plenty of heat for a small to a medium outdoor area. It runs on the household electric current through an outlet and it doesn't require hardwiring. This heater comes with remote control for conveniently turning it on and off. It has two heat settings so you can choose between 750 watts on the low setting or 1500 watts on the high setting. It's ideal for anyone who likes to extend their outdoor patio season in comfort. What I like: The heater head tilts so you can direct the heat to certain areas It's easy to assemble and set up It's reasonably priced Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 2. Hiland Portable Tabletop Heater - Best Budget Our choice for the best budget patio heater for windy areas is the Hiland Portable Tabletop on Amazon. This is a smaller heater that is priced at about $80. It provides 11,000 BTU which covers an area of roughly 75 to 100 feet. This is ideal for small patio areas and 4 to 5 persons. It takes the chill off of early spring or fall evenings to extend the outdoor season. It's portable and can be easily moved This is a safe heater that has a wide base and it's secured firmly with a 20 lb propane tank that gives it stability. It also comes with a windscreen to prevent the wind from interfering with the operation. What I like: It can be taken with you anywhere you go It's easy to use The hammered silver finish is attractive What I don't like: This heater doesn't heat a very large area This is one of the least expensive heaters that provide safe heat for your patio even in the wind. We like the price if you're on a budget and it's a useful heater for small patios. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 3. Lava Heat Italia - Runner Up Our choice for the best runner up natural gas patio heater for wind is the Lava Heat Italia on Amazon. This unit is moderately priced and it offers a host of useful features. It runs on clean natural gas and is easy to operate This is ideal for anyone who has a natural gas connection piped into their home or business. The unit is just 6 feet tall, but the output is 36,000 BTUs for ample heating with distribution in a radius of 6 feet on all sides. It's safe for use in the wind with a protective steel grill that stays cool to the touch thanks to the tempered glass tube. It's attractive and provides a nice view of the flame. What I like: Easy to assemble and set up Beautiful decorative piece that is relaxing to look at Good heat output What I don't like: The material is not rust-resistant so extra care is needed Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 4. Hiland 1500DI Electric Patio Heater - Cheapest The Hiland 1500DI Electric Patio Heater on Amazon is the cheapest patio heater for windy areas, but it also does a good job of heating small areas. It offers 1500 watts of variable heat with 3 different power settings. This is ideal for anyone who is on a budget who wants to extend the outdoor patio season into cooler weather. It's an attractive unit that is freestanding and easy to move. You can use it anywhere you have access to an electrical outlet. What I like: It's easy to set up You can adjust the tilt of the heads to direct the heat to certain spots It is reasonably priced What I don't like: The heat control doesn't work as well as advertised We chose this heater because it works well for heating small areas even when the wind is blowing. It offers a choice of 3 heat settings. Although some users had trouble with this feature, most were pleased with it. It's a freestanding heater that runs on electric heat and it comes with a stable stand for safety. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 5. Garden Sun Floor Standing Natural Gas Powered Outdoor Patio Heater The Garden Sun Floor Standing Natural Gas Powered Outdoor Patio Heater on Amazon is our choice for the best in its category for wind. This heater is durable and weather resistant with stainless steel construction. It pushes an impressive 41,000 BTU for heating an area over 200 square feet. This is a moderately priced unit. It is ideal for families who want to extend the outdoor time even into colder months. It comes with a no-tip operation along with a safety shutoff if the flame goes out or if the unit does tip. This heater has been CSA approved for safety. It comes with mounting hardware to guard against accidental tips and spills. What we like most is the attractive stainless-steel finish that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The high-quality material helps to prevent rusting and corrosion. This heater can withstand moderate winds. What I like: High heat output It covers a wide range of space It's attractive and functional What I don't like: Installation to the natural gas line takes time and effort This is one of the top-rated natural gas patio heaters for wind. It puts out a lot of heat, it's nice to look at and it's packed with features that make it safe and durable. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 6. Golden Flame True Commercial Model The Best Golden Flame Patio Heater for wind is the Golden Flame True Commercial Model on Amazon. This unit is moderately priced, and it is ideal for commercial use by bars and restaurants, or for homeowners who entertain frequently in their backyards. This is an attractive 3-sided pyramid style patios heater that features a quartz tube that allows spectators to not only enjoy the heat but also to enjoy the ambiance created by the flames. They're protected from the wind by the quartz tube but are still visible. This is a portable heater that comes with wheels and a handle for easily moving it from one place to another. It provides ample heat for a 200 square feet area with a heat radius of up to 16 feet in all directions with 41,000 BTU of propane gas power. What I like: Ideal for making a comfortable and enjoyable environment The grate is not too hot to touch even at full flame Very decorative What I don't like: The propane runs out in 2 hours so a bigger tank would improve this heater This is the best Golden Flame Patio Heater because it does the job in style. We love the aesthetics of the dancing flame, but it's also safe because of the reinforced glass quartz covering. It's not hot to the touch and it does put out a fair amount of heat. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 7. Bromic Heating Smart-Heat Platinum 500 The Bromic Heating Smart-Heat Platinum 500 on Amazon is our top choice for the best commercial patio heater for wind because it features wind resistance up to 12 miles per hour. It offers radiant infrared heat that provides direct heat for a radius of up to 16 feet in distance from its mounting location This is ideal for commercial use for restaurants or for homeowners who entertain regularly on their patio. This extends the outdoors season for residential and restaurant or bar owners for greater enjoyment of patio areas with greater comfort, even when the wind is blowing. Key benefits of this product are delivered by the special mounting features that allow you to place the unit overhead in a secure location. This gets it out of the way of guests and patrons. It operates at 39,800 BTU which is suitable for heating up to 200 square feet of outdoor space. Mount brackets turn to 25 degrees to direct heat in specific spots. What I like: Heats immediately with no wait time It works with smart-systems so you can use multiple units at once with remote control A high-quality heater that works well in a light wind What I don't like: Requires natural gas plumbing, subscription for power & an electrical outlet for the igniter Pricey This is the ideal patio heater for wind for business owners with patio guest areas. It's a reliable heat source if there is a natural gas connection on the property. It's easy to mount and adjust for a wide coverage of space and this unit can be combined with others for seamless outdoor patio heating. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 8. Ener-G+ The Ener-G+ on Amazon is our choice for best electric patio heater for wind because it offers an instant and steady heat source with weatherproof features that make it safe for use in windy conditions. This is ideal for anyone who wants to extend their patio season. It's most often used in gazebos, porches, pergolas, or any other place that has an area to hang it from. It is hung from any secure beam or structure for safe and efficient heating. This keeps it well out of the way of guests. This heater is IPx4 certified for being weatherproof. It is safe for outdoor or indoor use whether there is wind or rain. You can leave it out in the elements because of the powder-coated finish that makes it exceptionally durable and resistant to wind, rain, heat, and cold. This unit provides a choice of 2 heat settings of 750 or 1500 watts with oscillating heat that spreads throughout the area. It's reasonably priced and has a pull cord power switch makes it easier to reach for convenience. What I like: Radiant heat is safer for small areas Great heater for outdoor pets Easy to hang for installation Affordable and convenient What I don't like: Not enough direct heat for some users We chose this as the best electric patio heater for wind because of its convenience and safety. While some users complain that it doesn't put out enough heat, others were happy because it heats the entire area without making any one area too hot. It oscillates and raises the temperature in the area, not dramatically, but noticeably and safely. It's ideal for heating smaller areas and with the affordable price you can purchase two if you must heat a larger space. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 9. Tacklife Patio Heater The Tacklife Patio Heater on Amazon is our pick for the best propane patio heater for wind. We like the auto shut-off feature that makes it safe in all kinds of wind environments. This is ideal for anyone who needs the convenience of a portable propane heater or homeowners who do not have access to electrical or natural gas power supplies. It can easily be moved thanks to the wheels that make it easy to move around. This is a durable heater that is made of stainless-steel material. It can hold up under adverse weather conditions and it is rated for safety with ETL Certification. This unit is easy to assemble for reliable and convenient heating. It generates 47,000 BTU that reaches out 16 feet in all directions. What I like: This unit puts out a lot of heat It's easy to put together Well-built and reliable What I don't like: The base could be wider for greater stability, but this isn't a problem for most This unit is the best propane patio heater for wind because it comes with a built-in automatic shut-off feature if the flame goes out or if it is tipped. It is reasonably priced, and it offers convenience and portability with a broad heating range. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 10. Star Patio Electric Patio Heater The Star Patio Electric Patio Heater on Amazon is a tabletop patio heater that is the best choice for wind. We like the small size of this heater that makes it an excellent choice for placement on a tabletop to create a warmer and more enjoyable environment when it's chilly outside. This is ideal for anyone who wants to extend the patio season but who doesn't have a lot of space available in their patio area. It's portable so it can be moved anywhere that there is an electrical outlet for power. This unit is safe, and it is friendly to the environment. It doesn't produce chemicals, odors or fumes like some other units. It offers a quiet operation mode, so it won't interfere with your fun or enjoyment of music in the back yard. It's ideal for warming an area of up to 12 square feet and it is safe to touch. It comes with an auto shut off feature in case it tips over. This is ideal for wind because of its infrared heating system. The wind hardly affects the operation of this unit. It is IP44 certified for being weather resistant. What I like: The heater is easy to set up It's great for heating small areas of the patio and perfect for gatherings around tables in cool weather This is an attractive patio heater with a hammered bronze finish What I don't like: It only has one heat setting This is an affordable outdoor patio heater for wind at a reasonable price. It has a strong resistance to all kinds of weather. It's our top choice for tabletop heating because of its multiple safety features and the 1500 watts of heat it generates. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 11. Donyer Power Heater The Donyer Power Heater on Amazon is the best hanging patio heater for wind because of its safety and convenience. It mounts securely to a ceiling or beam which keeps it out of the way of guests or family. This reduces the chances of accidental injuries. This heater can be used indoors or outdoors as long as there is an electrical outlet nearby. It's ideal for families with pets or small children because of its safety features. It heats through halogen heating pipes that heat quickly for instant heat. When installed at the proper height, it keeps the danger of burns out of reach. This unit has two heating modes which are 600 watts for the low setting and a high heat setting of 1500 watts. It heats up to 65 square feet of space for greater outdoor comfort in chilly weather. It is wind resistant and IP24 certified for safety. What I like: The heater is easy to put up and easy to take down It gives off a pleasant orange light for atmosphere It supplies a good amount of heat and it's easy to use the controls What I don't like: This unit is heavy and it needs a strong hook or zip ties for weaker areas We chose this high-quality patio heater as the top pick for hanging patio heaters for wind because of its high safety rating. It's ideal for people with small children or animals because the hanging feature keeps it out of reach. It puts out a lot of heat for greater comfort in colder weather. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 12. Giantex Outdoor Propane Heater The best patio heater for wind that comes in a floor standing model is the Giantex Outdoor Propane Heater on Amazon. We like the aesthetics of the flame that is enclosed in a quartz glass tube for protection from the wind because it's a lovely focal point that enhances the beauty of the patio with heating efficiency. This is the ideal choice for anyone who likes to entertain on the patio and who wants the convenience of a portable unit that can easily be moved from one location to another. It is equipped with wheels that makes it easy to move. This is a durable patio heater that is made of stainless-steel construction. It's made in a pyramid shape that is highly attractive and the flames have a dancing appearance. It's moderately priced. It can be used for residential or commercial use with 41,000 BTU that easily heats up to 200 square feet of space. The heater comes with a 20 lb LP gas tank that gives the base stability to prevent tipping. If the unit does tip over, it has an auto shut off tilt valve to prevent accidental injuries. It also shuts off if the pilot light goes out for any reason. What I like: It's easy to set up This heater is a nice addition to upscale decor The unit is easy to move around because of the wheels and the handle. It's convenient What I don't like: Some of these units were difficult to light (the pilot) This is one of the best-constructed patio heaters on the market today. It's made of stainless steel and it's resistant to wind, rust, and corrosion. It can be left outdoors for extended periods of time. We like the quartz tube that protects the flame from wind interruption because it lets you enjoy the ambiance of natural light. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon 13. Fire Sense Indoor/Outdoor Wall Mounted The best-infrared patio heater for wind is the Fire Sense Indoor/Outdoor Wall Mounted on Amazon. It comes with all the hardware that you need to safely mount it to an existing wall to keep it out of reach of small children and pets. This eliminates the possibility of accidental injuries, upping the safety rating. This is ideal for homeowners who have pets, children, or who frequently entertain multiple guests on the patio. It extends the outdoor season by taking the edge off of chilly days and nights. This unit is an excellent value for the benefits and features that it offers. It's rugged and durable for outdoor use with stainless steel construction. It also provides a 9-foot range of heat that is not affected by the wind. It is enhanced with a weatherproof lightweight aluminum body over the stainless steel and it is energy efficient. What I like: The heater runs silently so you don't hear it It's a solid heater that puts out a lot of warmth The style of mounting keeps it above you for better heat distribution What I don't like: This heater must be wired into a dedicated circuit so it's not portable. This is our choice for the best-infrared patio heater for wind because of its weatherproof design. It's durable and dependable as well as being reasonably priced. The only drawback is that it must be hardwired in and if you're not an electrician, you will need to hire one to install it. Check Price and Reviews On Amazon Helpful Tips To Choose The Best Patio Heater For Wind Choose the right BTU or wattage output for the size of the areaGo with a reliable brandChoose the style that fits your situation the best Final Thoughts The best patio heater for wind is the one that most closely meets your requirements for space, power, and power resources, and the one that also suits your individual preferences. It's important to consider the amount of room you have to figure out the best size. If you don't already have a natural gas hookup, you may want to consider an electric or propane style. People with pets and kids may benefit from the added safety of a mounted or hanging patio heater, or one that is cool to the touch. The best patio heater for wind is the one that fits in with your lifestyle and gives you the amount of heating that enhances your enjoyment of your patio area.