How to Match Outdoor Heaters to Your Patio Décor

Choosing the perfect infrared patio heater to enhance the comfort and ambiance of your outdoor space can sometimes feel a bit challenging. This is largely due to the wide range of options available today. Not too long ago, the mushroom portable patio heater was practically the only choice. While that classic style still holds its charm, leading companies like AEI have expanded on the traditional design to cater to unique décor preferences.

Selecting an infrared patio heater that complements your personal style requires some research to make an informed decision. However, doing so can significantly extend the usability of your outdoor area and elevate its aesthetic appeal. Taking the time to review this guide on outdoor heaters might help you find the best way to incorporate an infrared patio heater into your setup.

Two Distinct Styles of Outdoor Heaters

When deciding on an infrared patio heater that fits seamlessly into your outdoor environment, it's wise to start with the fundamentals. From a design standpoint, you'll need to choose between a mushroom-style or a box heater.

As you sit in your outdoor patio, deck, or veranda, take a moment to observe the current space and décor. Picture a classic mushroom-style portable patio heater in your mind. Now, visualize the space with an infrared heater hanging overhead, providing cozy warmth. Your preference for one style over the other can reveal a lot about your personal taste. However, it's equally important to understand the practical differences between mushroom and box heaters to make an informed choice.

Facts About Mushroom Heaters

This type of portable patio heater is the most popular. It offers great mobility and can be easily moved to suit your warming needs. Here are some key points to consider when choosing a heater:

• Mushroom heaters emit 360-degree infrared heat
• They can be placed centrally
• They are the most recognizable style in North America
• They can operate on liquid propane or natural gas

Box heaters are also excellent options but have a distinct look and feel in an outdoor setting.

Facts About Box Heaters

Unlike the iconic mushroom style, box heaters are rectangular and permanently fixed. They use a fuel source to activate a ceramic or quartz rod that emits infrared heat similar to mushroom models. However, they serve different style purposes. Here are important details about box heaters:

• Box heaters provide infrared heat in a wide arc
• They can be securely mounted to ceilings and walls
• They are most effective when positioned overhead or pointing inward from walls
• Box heaters are less noticeable and often used in commercial settings

The rectangular design and ability to mount box heaters overhead or on walls give homeowners and hospitality business owners the option of keeping floor space open. However, your choice between a mushroom or box-style infrared patio heater will also depend on your fuel source.

Fuel Source Options for Infrared Patio Heaters

When it comes to selecting a fuel source, there are no wrong choices. Infrared patio heaters can run on liquid propane (LP), natural gas, or electricity. Since industry leaders like AEI units meet energy-efficient standards, your choice of fuel may come down to convenience and aesthetics rather than cost-effectiveness.

Natural Gas Ceiling Heaters

When opting for natural gas, it's crucial to understand that these units must be permanently fixed. While many homes and businesses use existing fuel lines for an overhead natural gas heater, these units can also be installed horizontally or vertically on walls. Permanent mushroom heaters, such as AEI's Patio Comfort models, can also connect to natural gas.

Electric Infrared Patio Heaters

The industry-leading Infratech unit has been a game-changer for those without an existing natural gas line or who prefer not to deal with LP tanks. These energy-efficient products are easy to install and deliver the same infrared comfort as their LP or natural gas counterparts. In terms of décor, homeowners and hospitality businesses can blend them in similarly to lighting fixtures.

LP Infrared Patio Heaters

The ability to move a portable patio heater offers unique advantages. The LP tanks in mushroom heaters are usually located in the base and are not fixed. This allows people to rearrange their outdoor space and move heaters according to guest numbers and party themes. This energy source is most commonly used when your décor is likely to change.

Each fuel source powers the unit to release infrared heat that warms objects within its radius. Fixed units can be equipped with shutoff timers and convenient wall-mounted switches. The concept of convenience also raises the question of what type of mounting best suits your style.

Mounting Options for Patio Heaters

By this point, you're likely standing in your valuable open-air space thinking about fuel sources and whether to go with a mushroom or box heater. Thanks to advancements in the industry, mounting options could add a new layer to how you integrate warming comfort. This information might provide fresh insights into cleverly incorporating an infrared patio heater into your space.

• Suspended Heaters: Modern overhead natural gas heaters are no longer confined to the box style. AEI has introduced an iconic mushroom line that can be suspended overhead, just like box-shaped heaters.
• Wall-Mounted Heaters: These units can use NG or electricity as their fuel source and can be mounted horizontally or vertically. It's worth noting that some of the latest electric infrared patio heaters can be mounted flush with walls and ceilings for a sleeker appearance. Electric models have been particularly convenient when blending infrared heaters into existing décor.
• Pole Mounting: The iconic mushroom heaters are permanently secured if they run on natural gas. The typical mounting for mushroom heaters is pole-mounted. Outdoor spaces can include appropriately spaced poles that deliver infrared comfort.
• Portable Patio Heaters: Since mushroom heaters running on liquid propane use self-contained fuel tanks, they can be portable with wheels attached to their base. The level of flexibility is impressive, allowing you to move your heater as needed to adapt to any situation.

No matter which option you choose, each mounting type requires a secure structure. When installing gas or electric lines to any unit, it's essential to have a licensed professional handle the modest installation.

Matching the Infrared Patio Heater Finish to Your Décor

Technological advancements in infrared heaters and mounting options have opened up more possibilities for homeowners and businesses. However, perhaps the most significant improvements in terms of style and décor are the enhancements to heater finishes.

Today's mushroom heater is no longer restricted to silver aluminum. The Patio Comfort line features finishes such as stainless steel, bronze, and various decorative styles. This has enabled ordinary people to highlight their infrared patio heaters rather than try to hide them. Box heaters also offer enhanced décor benefits with finishes including black, bronze, and steel fascia styles. This means you can either accentuate your infrared heating system or make it nearly invisible.

Matching an outdoor heater to your décor requires more information than it did decades ago. That's because you now have numerous possibilities that didn't exist before. Hopefully, these facts about outdoor patio heaters prove helpful, and you soon enjoy the warmth, comfort, and style you deserve.