Heating Effect in a Patio Heater
What are you going to use your patio heater for? Is it for the sake of warmth or is it just as much for the look and coziness? In the following, you can read about how the individual types of heat sources contribute heat to your terrace.
We have selected individual models from our range that describe the product's maximum heat output in kW. This measurement can be misleading if it is based solely on the table, as many factors affect the actual heat that the patio heater can produce.
Gas Heaters
Gas heaters for the terrace are known to emit a high heat output, and when you compare specifications with electrical appliances, you see a marked difference. Heat sources on gas can emit enormous amounts of heat, and models from, for example, Happy Cocooning emit up to 19 kW.
The challenge with these fireplaces, however, is that much of the heat is wasted, so to speak. The energy utilization is therefore not very large despite the high power. At the same time, gas is a fossil fuel, and therefore a lot of unnecessary CO2 is emitted.
On the other side are these models often considered the most stylish and cozy on the market. This is because they create a beautiful flame that really captivates you. In addition, they are easy to move around because the models come on wheels and do not require additional connection to power or a fixed supply.
Most gas patio heaters can be regulated in gas consumption and heat emission. Typically, the power in such models is 5-8 kW, but some open versions emit up to 15-20 kW.
The most common models in our range such as Muztag, Sunwood, Enders and Planika have a consumption of approx. 1 GBP per hour.
| Product | Heat Effect | Energy Efficiency | Cost (approx) | CO2 Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | High | Low | 1.10 - 1.40 €/h | Low |
| Electric - infrared | Medium | High | 0.15 €/h | Low |
| Electric - reflector | Medium | High | 0.40 - 0.60 €/h | Medium |
| Bioethanol tabletop fire | Low | Low | 0.90 - 1.10 €/h | Low |
Heating Effect in Selected Models
We have compared the stated kW per hour for several of our bestsellers. The various manufacturers have measured the kW power, which indicates how much heat the specified patio heater emits. In addition to this parameter, one must also keep in mind the energy utilization.
In the example, we have taken as our starting point four gas heaters and three electric patio heaters.
Gas Heaters
Electric Heaters
Heating Effect of Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters, like gas models, also have varying performances when it comes to heat output and energy efficiency. In general, the Danish Energy Agency divides the appliances into electric heaters with infrared heating and electric heaters with reflector heating.
Most electric patio heaters must be said to have a better energy efficiency than heaters on gas and bioethanol for that matter.
An electric patio heater typically costs between 0,20 - 0,40 GBP in consumption per hour. The small models can even be even cheaper in use. Infrared electric heaters have an energy utilization of up to 92%, which must be described as being one of the most energy- and environment-friendly solutions on the market.
Patio Heaters with Different Strengths
Patio heaters on gas generally have a significantly lower energy utilization than the electric alternatives. Therefore, much of the heat will be wasted as it just seeps up into the blue sky. This is especially true for the completely open models, such as the top score in the diagram, Cocoon Square.
The purpose of such patio heaters is often to a greater extent "hygge". It is therefore also called outdoor gas fireplaces because we want to gather around a table in an extremely comfortable way. There is no doubt that the flame will create heat, but it is more compared to an ordinary campfire, where much of the heat disappears in the open air.
This trend also applies to Elegance and Nova LED from Enders, where the energy utilization of such heaters can be said to be around 40-50% of gas heaters. Muztag Malaga and Sunwood Marina are closed with glass, and has small openings in it. This means that the glass is heated and much of the heat remains in the patio heater. Therefore, these retain heat better, and therefore emit a better amount of radiant heat.
In terms of energy utilization, the electric patio heaters will be far more efficient in their heating. The electric models typically have an energy utilization of 80-90%, which is significant in relation to consumption. Especially the infrared models, which do not heat the air but only what they hit.
Both Lugo from Sunred and Hortus patio heaters have a high energy utilization and can heat smaller areas. The advantage of these is, despite their lower heat emission, that they emit less CO2 and heat the body rather than the air. The Heatstrip's Elegance model exerts a sensible heat distribution, but it takes a little longer to get started than the infrared electric heaters, which heat from the first second. In return, Heatstrips products are praised to the skies for their design.
Heat Effect vs. Energy Utilization: Choose Based on Need
There are so many parameters that come into play when choosing a heat source for your patio. Should it really be for the sake of warmth, because of the coziness or a combination of both. In addition to that, the product design naturally also comes into play, so it is also important to find a manufacturer that produces exactly the style you like.
If you want very efficient heating at a low price in consumption, then an electric infrared patio heater will typically be the obvious choice.
If you are more into open flames and high heating power, while a more expensive consumption price does not worry you at all, then outdoor gas heaters are an ideal solution. It should be mentioned that there are models from all over the world with different heating effects. Moreover, not all models create a flame.
If your choice is primarily to create coziness outdoors, then an outdoor biofireplace or small gas heater may be a good choice. They give life and light on the terrace and contribute with a little cozy warmth, which can create joy and a cozy atmosphere in the garden or on your terrace.
Bio-ethanol Fireplace as a Heat Source Outdoors
It sounds smart and practical to bring a bio fireplace on the terrace for heating. However, it is minimal how much heat you will get out of the fireplace. Fireplaces or patio heaters on bioethanol are not suitable as a heating source - neither indoors nor outdoors. The heating power is minimal, and typically around 2 kW. It may sounds similar to an electric patio heater. The difference, however, is that energy utilization is very low. Therefore, the heat dissipates easily and for this reason, your heating of the outdoor area is minimal.
Bio fireplaces are perfect for outdoor use to create coziness and living flames on patio heaters. The breathtaking fire can really create a fireplace atmosphere that just creates the finishing touch on the late summer evenings.