Are you looking for a stainless-steel patio heater for the upcoming heating season? Would you only consider the very top of the game? Well then, you’ve come to the right place.
Here I will be talking about the 5 top stainless-steel patio heaters of the season. I will be discussing their heat output, gas consumption, ease of use, mobility, and overall looks. You will know which one to choose based on your preferences, style and design vision, budget, and overall score. You should definitely never settle when it comes to a matter like outdoor heating.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Patio Heater 101
Things to Know Before Buying a Heater
Stainless steel patio heaters can either be electric or gas-powered heat-generating devices. A stainless steel gas heater is a novelty in dealing with heating in the colder months, especially because it allows you to extend the use of your outdoor spaces well throughout the year. Some models may even be used indoors.
How Is the Heat Measured?
The heat output of gas patio heaters is measured in BTUs or British thermal units. It is the amount of energy which is required to raise the temperature of one pound (lbs.) of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. The metric system equivalent of the BTU is the calorie (kcal).
Important Information for Users
The things you should definitely know about are: how user-friendly the model is, how much gas it consumes, how safe is it for use, how easily can it be assembled, and other such questions. The model should be straight-forward to operate, it should never endanger you or your loved ones, and you should be able to easily assemble it yourself.
Should You Take Looks into Consideration?
I personally believe you should always take aesthetics into consideration. In this day and age, especially in the US, there is a plethora of choices to make when it comes to consumer goods. If this is of great importance to you, perhaps you will look at this list differently knowing that your stainless steel patio heater has to look a certain way.
Final Food for Thought
Is it going to break often due to its poor quality, making you have to purchase additional spare parts? Is the fuel going to last long enough, or are you going to have to spend a small fortune on the gas all the time? At the end of the day, it all comes down to cost. Is something you buy going to be worth the money you paid.
Top 5 Stainless Steel Patio Heater Models
Stainless-Steel Gas Patio Heater
Fire Sense 46000 BTU Commercial Propane Patio Heater
The biggest reason I chose this Fire Sense stainless steel patio heater is the many possibilities for customization and design choices. This 46,000 BTU model comes in dozens of finishes, like mocha, black, aqua blue, copper, etc., the most popular, and my personal favorite, being hammer tone bronze.
Power and Ease of Use
Its design and looks aren’t the only reason this guy is on my list. At 46,000 BTUs this is one of the strongest propane patio heaters on the market. Its ease of use is made possible by a simple push-to-start piezoelectric system. You can rest assured you and your loved ones will stay safe due to its tip-over shut-off system.
Convenience and Features
It is convenient to use. It runs on a regular, standard 20-pound propane tank, which will last you around 10 hours or so. Its wheel-kit (incl. in the assembly) will make it super easy for you to move it around. Users also reported this model is really simple to put together.
Affordability and User Reviews
It is one of the less pricey tall patio heaters currently on the market. Not only that but reading user reports, I have come to the conclusion that the tank of propane will last you around a couple of weeks before the need to purchase a new one.
Some Final Words
This is my personal favorite Fire Sense stainless steel patio heater. I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars, just like most Amazon users that bought it, used it, and loved it. I actually have an entire article on Fire Sense outdoor patio heaters, featuring some other models, as well, I think you should check it out.
- Many design choices
- 46,000 BTUs
- User-friendly
- Great reviews
Stainless Steel Pyramid Patio Heater
Hiland Portable Stainless Steel Patio Heater
This glass-tube, a pyramid patio heater is another crowd favorite this season. A bit different than the 1st model in this review, this 40,000 BTU, 4-sided pyramid heater also comes in several customization options. You can choose from the finishes bronze, stainless-steel (silver), and black.
Power and Ease of Use
This stainless steel pyramid heater provides 40,000 BTUs of heat in every direction, and it is sure to catch the attention of your guests due to its peculiar design and mesmerizing, tall flame. It starts up at the push of a button, and in case of being knocked down, features an automatic tilt-off switch.
Convenience and Features
It also requires a standard 20-pound propane tank, lasting about 8 to 10 hours, a bit less than the previous model. It is portable since it can be easily wheeled around. It is quick and easy to put together and the directions are very clear.
Affordability and User Reviews
It is even more affordable than the previous heater, some users even reported buying several. They last a good while, several-year-old models start up just fine, but it takes them a bit longer to get warm. Some components may rust a bit, but that does not take away from the looks of this model.
Some Final Words
I give this one 4.5 out of 5 stars, as some users have said it does not provide high heat from afar, but that it is still a great heater that looks even better. You should read my full article on Hiland heaters (AZ Patio Heaters).
- Good-looking
- 40,000 BTUs
- Customizable
Stainless Steel Commercial Patio Heater
GardenSun 41000 BTU Patio Heater
This Garden Sun stainless steel patio heater is both durable and attractive, I must say I’m a fan of Garden Sun products. Transform your chilly evening into a cozy one at the push of a button with this 41,000 BTU heater. It costs only a fraction of the price of some higher-end propane heaters.
Power and Ease of Use
It doesn’t require any power source, just use the dial-a-setting knob and push the button. A powerful 41k BTU source of heat powered by a 30-pound propane tank had never been safer, with the built-in safety shut-off valve for tip-over protection. It will stand against any kind of weather conditions.
Convenience and Features
The 30-pound BBQ propane tank only lasts around 8 hours tops, at full power that would be 4 hours for half the tank. It heats up a relatively big area. It is easy to assemble and also features a wheel kit. Being a tall heater that uses a large fuel tank it is not unusual it uses up a lot of gas.
Affordability and User Reviews
Yes, it does cost 1/3 of the price of some higher-end units, but it is not as affordable as it claims to be. Also, it fares worse in some areas, unlike the first 2 mentioned. It maybe won’t last as many seasons as the other models.
Some Final Words
This is a solid stainless steel propane patio heater, it heats well, it is simple to operate, it has a good price point, but perhaps you should read my article on the other Garden Sun models and get to know this one a bit more.
- 41,000 BTUs
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Stainless Steel Tabletop Patio Heater
Tabletop Fire Sense Stainless Steel Patio Heater
Another Fire Sense favorite of mine, this time, in the tabletop form! This little guy is just as attractive and stylish as its taller cousin, my favorite being the hammer tone bronze color, of course. It also comes in many different finishes, like stainless steel, black, etc.
Power and Ease of Use
This small unit gives out an impressive 10,000 BTUs of heat in quite a big radius around your table or piece of furniture. The one-step Piezoelectric ignition system will light your unit up at the push of a button. Despite its small size, it still features an automatic shut-off valve for added safety.
Convenience and Features
It is light, portable and convenient to use. It uses a 1-pound liquid propane tank and the full tank will last you around 3 hours. It is even easier to assemble this Fire Sense unit and even simpler to move it around, as it is light enough to carry.
Affordability and User Reviews
It is super affordable due to its size, but you should know that a full power heat will only last around 30 minutes and diminish after that. You will use up the full tank more often and therefore have to replace it more often, albeit at a lower price than a big tank.
Some Final Words
It is a cute little stainless steel patio heater, but it will mostly heat its immediate area, and won’t be quite effective if there is a strong wind outside or if it’s really cold, so it works best for a closed patio area. Unlike the 1st Fire Sense I reviewed, this one gets a 4 out of 5 stars, but I still believe it’s a great model.
- Portable
- Light-weights
- Affordable
- Great reviews
Stainless Steel Outdoor Heater
Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater
There is not much to say about this 87-inch stainless steel patio heater. It comes in a classic stainless-steel finish, no other colors to choose from. A minimalist choice, if you do not care much about the aesthetics of your outdoor area.
Power and Ease of Use
It is a 48,000 BTU heat source and requires a standard propane tank, which is not included in the purchase. Featuring an easy access door, adjustable table to use for snacks or drinks, and a safety anti-tilt shut-off switch. Start this unit up at the push of a button.
Convenience and Features
The 20-pound standard b-b-q tank only lasts around 8 hours at most, at full power that’s 4 hours for half the tank. It heats up a relatively big area. It is easy to assemble and also features a wheel kit. Being a tall heater that uses a large fuel tank it is not unusual it uses up a lot of gas.
Affordability and User Reviews
It is reasonably priced. But, the “reasonable” price point comes at some costs. It is not quite as impressive as the rest of the models. Users have reported seeing rust after just a few seasons of using this unit in all weather conditions.
Some Final Words
This is an alright stainless steel propane patio heater, it heats well, it is easy to use, it has an okay price point, but I still advise you to read the article I wrote on Hampton Bay heaters, as I really describe it in greater detail there.
- 48,000 BTUs
- Strong heat
In Conclusion: Final Verdict For The Best Stainless Patio Heater
I believe you can guess my favorite – the Fire Sense 46000 BTU commercial propane patio heater. It has all the components you need out of a patio heater: the power, the safety, and the looks, all for a great price.
The best way to learn more about this topic is to read my best outdoor heaters post if you aren’t sure about this brand. But, if you are looking for an outdoor heater and you aren’t sure about the fuel type, read my posts about outdoor electric heaters and outdoor infrared heaters and you will know which one suits your needs best.