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For many, the transition from summer to fall poses a time of excitement, one that hints at the promise of the holidays and parties and spending time in the company of people who don’t live with you. But the usual anticipation for cooler weather to arrive has been overshadowed this year by a sense of anxiety. While outdoor spaces continue to be one of the safest ways to interact with others, they start to lose their appeal when the mercury drops.
But before you resign yourself to complete reclusion in the colder months ahead, there’s a relatively easy solution for those lucky enough to have some semblance of an outdoor space: the patio heater. You’ve most likely encountered them at restaurants or outdoor bars, allowing customers to enjoy their dining experience en plein air while managing to stay warm and toasty.
Even if your outdoor space doesn’t amount to much, there’s a range of heaters on the market fit for various spaces, whether you have an expansive patio or just a patch of grass you call a backyard. So fear not, your socially distanced gatherings can continue even when there’s a chill in the air — all you need to do is choose from one of the nine outdoor heaters below. Just hurry, as they’ve already proven to be in high demand.
Garden Treasures 48000-BTU Stainless Steel Floorstanding Liquid Propane Patio Heater
This unit heats up to 200 sq. ft., making it ideal for entertaining larger crowds (of course, that’s still not recommended now even if everyone is outside). The stainless steel design will keep the heater from sticking out too much or looking out of place, and the heater even features a small tabletop for holding drinks.
Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 44-Inch 2000W Single Element 240V Electric Infrared Patio Heater
Maybe you want an outdoor heater that’s a little more permanent and slightly more conspicuous than the freestanding kind. Although a wall-mounted heater like Bromic Heating’s Electric Infrared Patio Heater will require the help of an electrician for installation, once it’s installed, you’re hardly likely to notice it’s even there, all while reaping the benefits of its warmth. Plus, come the next fall and winter, you won’t have to go through the arduous process of dragging out some cumbersome heater.
Suncrown Pyramid Flame 40,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
There’s no reason you have to sacrifice style for function when it comes to your outdoor heater, as evidenced by Suncrown’s Pyramid Flame Propane Patio Heater. The heater features an anti-tilt automatic shut-off mechanism, meaning that in the event the heater tilts to 45 degrees, all gas flow will shut down, and you can rest easy.
Mr. Heater Buddy Heater
While not the most aesthetically pleasing option of the bunch, if you have no outdoor space whatsoever, Mr. Heater’s Buddy Heater is ideal for a trip to the park or even just hanging out on the stoop, thanks in large part to its portability — it’s powered by a standard camping-grill propane cylinder.
Solana Patio Heater
For those that want a heater capable of blending in seamlessly with the rest of their outdoor decor, stick Solana’s sleek and minimalist Patio Heater (which resembles a lamp more than anything) outside and your guests won’t even know the difference.
Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heater
If you’ve been keeping your bubble close during the pandemic and intend to do the same during the colder months, Star Patio’s outdoor electric heater lends itself well to smaller, more intimate gatherings. Place it at the center of your patio table and allow it to provide just the right amount of warmth to you and your closest friends.
Solo Stove Bonfire
We’ve already waxed poetic about our love for the Solo Stove, but if you still haven’t managed to pick one up for yourself, there’s no better time than fall. In addition to being extremely easy to use and smokeless (meaning no more mesquite-drenched clothes) the Solo Stove is chic, with each of its iterations wrapped up in a minimal steel cylinder thats fit in with a myriad of aesthetics.
FLIKR Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace
Another option for those of us who don’t have an outdoor space to call our own, FLIKR’s petite personal fireplace is perfect for those enjoying the company of one or two others. All the fireplace requires in terms of fuel is isopropyl alcohol, with five ounces equivalent to 50 hours of burn time. And when you’re finished with your outdoor gathering, bring the fireplace inside to keep the ambiance (and warmth) going.
Weathering Steel Pular Chiminea
Maybe you’re in the market for an outdoor source of warmth that’s even more conspicuous than the rest. If that’s the case, might we suggest a chiminea, like this one made from weathering steel. For those unfamiliar with a chiminea, it’s essentially a freestanding front-loading fireplace with a vertical chimney. This brutalist-esque piece of steel features a heat-resistant alloy that develops a rust-like finish the longer it stands outside. Stick this bad boy in your backyard and it’s bound to become a point of conversation.
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