How to Match Outdoor Heaters to Your Patio Décor

Choosing the ideal infrared patio heater to enhance the comfort and ambiance of your outdoor space can be somewhat challenging. This is primarily due to the wide range of options available today. Once upon a time, the mushroom portable patio heater was the only choice. While this style remains iconic, leading companies like AEI have expanded on the classic design to cater to diverse décor preferences.

Matching an infrared patio heater to your personal décor requires thorough research to make an informed decision. However, the good news is that you can extend the usability of your outdoor area and enhance its style with the right heater. It might be beneficial to review this outdoor heater overview and think about how to effectively integrate an infrared patio heater into your space.

Different Shapes of Outdoor Heaters

When picking an infrared patio heater that fits seamlessly into your outdoor environment, it's logical to begin with the basics. From a design standpoint, you'll be deciding between a mushroom-style or a box heater.

Sit back and take a look at your outdoor patio, deck, or veranda. Imagine placing a classic mushroom-style portable patio heater there. Now, envision the same space with an infrared patio heater hanging above, providing cozy warmth. Your natural inclination toward one or the other could say something about your personal style. However, it's crucial to understand the facts about mushroom and box heaters to make a wise choice.

Facts About Mushroom Heaters

This style of portable patio heater is the most popular. It offers great flexibility and can be easily moved to meet varying heating needs. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a heater.

• Mushroom heaters provide 360-degree infrared heat
• They can be centrally placed
• This style is the most recognizable in North America
• Mushroom heaters can use either liquid propane or natural gas

Box heaters are also excellent options but differ significantly in appearance and feel within an outdoor setting.

Facts About Box Heaters

In contrast to the iconic mushroom style, box heaters are permanently fixed rectangular models. A fuel source powers a ceramic or quartz rod that emits infrared heat similar to mushroom models. However, they serve different aesthetic purposes. Here are some important facts about box heaters.

• Box heaters deliver infrared heat in a wide arc
• They can be securely mounted on ceilings and walls
• Box heaters work best when positioned overhead or pointing inward from walls
• Box heaters are less noticeable and commonly used in commercial settings

The rectangular design and the ability to mount box heaters overhead or on walls give homeowners and hospitality business decision-makers 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.

Options for Fuel Sources

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 meet energy-efficient standards, your fuel choice may come down more to convenience and aesthetics than cost-saving considerations.

Natural Gas Ceiling Heaters

When choosing natural gas, it's important to note that these units must be permanently fixed. Although many homes and businesses use existing fuel lines for overhead natural gas heaters, these units can also be installed horizontally or vertically on walls. Permanently fixed mushroom heaters, such as AEI’s Patio Comfort models, can also be connected to natural gas.

Electric Infrared Patio Heaters

The industry-leading Infratech unit has been a game-changer for those without access to natural gas lines or wanting to avoid 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 typically located in the base and are not fixed. This allows people to rearrange their outdoor space and move heaters to suit 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 emit 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 raises the question of what type of mounting best suits your style.

Mounting Options for Patio Heaters

By now, you're likely sitting or standing in your valuable open-air space considering fuel sources and whether to go with a mushroom or box heater. Thanks to advancements in the industry, mounting options may add a layer of complexity to integrating warmth into your space.

• Suspended Heaters: Today’s overhead natural gas heaters are no longer confined to the box style. AEI has designed 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 may be secured horizontally or vertically. It’s also worth noting that some of the latest electric infrared patio heaters can be mounted flush with walls and ceilings for a sleeker look. Electric models have been especially convenient when integrating infrared heaters into existing décor.
• Pole Mounting: The iconic mushroom heater is permanently secured if it runs on natural gas. The typical mounting for mushroom heaters is pole-mounted. Outdoor spaces can incorporate appropriately spaced poles that deliver infrared comfort.
• Portable Patio Heaters: Because 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 great, allowing you to move your heater around as needed to adapt to any situation.

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

Matching Heater Finishes to Your Décor

The technological advancements in infrared and mounting options have opened up more possibilities for homeowners and business owners alike. 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 comes in stainless steel, bronze, and a variety of decorative finishes. This has allowed ordinary people to highlight their infrared patio heaters instead of trying to hide them. Box heaters also provide enhanced décor benefits with finishes including black, bronze, and steel fascia styles. This means you can either emphasize 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 will be useful, and you soon enjoy the warmth, comfort, and style you deserve.