Outdoor heaters for summer cottages: types, features of work, tips for choosing

The summer season is an opportunity to spend free time outdoors, enjoying the silence and unity with nature, and in the evenings to gather in the gazebo with family and friends over a cup of tea or something stronger. But it gets chilly in autumn, especially at the end of the day. You can't sit outside for a long time, it's cold. And there is no point in hanging around in the house. With the same success, you can have an evening at home, on your favorite couch, in front of the TV. How to extend these "wonderful moments" until late autumn and not freeze? An outdoor heater will help solve this problem. The editorial staff of the Yanashla website offers an overview of the best outdoor heaters for 2020, based on customer reviews and expert opinion.

What is an outdoor heater for?

Imagine yourself in the shoes of a tourist who has decided to dine in a restaurant in one of the European capitals. Autumn. It is cool outside, but in the restaurant hall all the seats are taken. The waiter invites the tourist to dine on the open veranda. Next to the table is a structure reminiscent of an old street lamp, with a metal grill instead of a lamp. This device is crowned with a steel reflector.

The waiter seats the guest at a table and presses a button on the "lantern" counter. Tongues of flame break through the lattice of the "lamp". Within a minute, the guest at the table becomes warm and comfortable, despite the cool autumn evening. This works the same "lantern", which turned out to be a street gas heater. The guest is satisfied. The evening was a success.

If the owners of cafes and restaurants, which have open areas with tables for guests, have long been using such devices, then for most of our compatriots this is still exotic. Summer residents prefer to have parties around the fire. It’s romantic, you won’t say anything, but only the part of the body that is turned towards the fire is heated. And under the gas radiator, heat spreads within a radius of 3-6 meters, depending on the power of the device. With such a "lantern" you can extend the summer cottage season almost until the new year. And no problems with the Ministry of Emergencies.

Outdoor gas infrared heaters

Infrared gas heaters have recently become widespread for heating summer verandas of cafes and restaurants, terraces, etc. And also for giving. The use of gas in this case is explained by the economy. After all, such gas street heaters (Enders, NEOCLIMA, AESTO and other brands) are designed to create a comfortable temperature in fairly large areas, so they must have a significant power (usually 6-10 kW). The use of electricity in this case is not economically feasible. In addition, many questions arise from the point of view of safety when supplying electricity of such power to the heater.

Outdoor gas infrared heaters have gained great popularity due to their high technical characteristics, great reliability and beautiful design. As a radiating element, they use gas burners, which are heated by combustion gas coming from a cylinder located in the lower part of the heater. At the same time, the automation, which these devices are equipped with, also sometimes called "umbrellas", ensures complete combustion of the gas and closure of the inlet valve if the gas supply is interrupted for more than 1 second. Thus, these devices, providing warmth and comfort, are completely safe to use.

Limitations and features of street gas heaters

There are also small restrictions when using these heaters, which must be taken into account when purchasing.- the street gas heater works from a bottle with liquefied gas (the bottle is located at the bottom of the device), ignition is carried out from a piezoelectric element; as a rule, all models have automatic devices that shut off the gas supply if the burner flame goes out; - the height of the roof of your room should be at least 2.5 meters, since the standard height of the device is 2200 cm. - there must be access to oxygen, it is not recommended to put outdoor heaters in a completely closed room. - before buying (if it is a cafe or restaurant located in a shopping center), coordinate this decision with the owners.

It is recommended to use a 27 liter gas cylinder in an outdoor heater, do not forget the gas consumption is much higher than that of household appliances. All heaters are equipped with a gas regulator, a hose and two clamps.

Separately, I would like to draw your attention to outdoor heaters with an open flame, the so-called "pyramids" among the people. They are used for design solutions and attracting customers to a cafe or restaurant. The height is much lower than fungi, and they give much less heat, but at the same time they emit less combustion products. When choosing, I recommend paying attention to the Master Leto 5 brand, they are supplied in different textures (steel, gold, silver).

Here you will find out:

Did you know that heating can be created not only indoors, but also outdoors? This became possible after the advent of infrared outdoor heaters. They are used to heat gazebos, open terraces, semi-covered verandas and other areas.... What is a self-contained outdoor gas heater? We will talk about this as part of our review on heating outdoor open and semi-closed areas.

In this review, we will tell you:

• on the principle of operation of gas street heaters;
• about the types of outdoor heating equipment;
• on the choice of devices;
• about the most remarkable heaters on sale.

After reading the presented material, you will receive as much information as possible about street heaters operating on liquefied or mains gas.

Types of heaters

All outdoor heaters can be considered infrared emitters, regardless of their design and type of fuel. They differ in design, spatial position and energy source.

Interesting! Infrared radiation does not heat the air, but an object in its area of ​​action, be it a wall, furniture or a person. And already the air heats up from the object. Therefore, the warmth will be felt even if the breeze is walking on the veranda.

Of all the possible types of energy, gas or electricity are most often used for street heaters. Heat emitters are, respectively, divided into electric and gas. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Electrical

Emitters of this type are lighter, more compact, more powerful. Can be used outdoors and in confined spaces. Halogen lamps, ceramic and carbon infrared emitters are used as heat sources in electric radiators. In terms of spatial position, they can be floor, wall and ceiling.

Interesting! Some floor standing models are equipped with presence detectors. It is enough for a person to be in the area of ​​his action and the device automatically turns on, and vice versa. Not bad energy savings.

By the price of the energy carrier, it is difficult to judge which device is more profitable. It all depends on the intensity of its use. The disadvantage of electrical devices can be considered their attachment to the electrical network and the need to use wires, cables, carriers and extension cords. In terms of mobility, they are inferior to their gas counterparts.

Gas

Thermal energy in this type of apparatus is generated by burning fuel, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is a mixture of propane and butane. LPG cylinders can be of different capacities.Cylinders of 27 liters are used more often.

The devices have a solid weight, from 15 to 25 kg (without a cylinder), and a height of at least 2000 mm. Balloon devices are more mobile and economical compared to electric ones. They can be installed anywhere in the suburban area, and they are bought for infrequent use.

By the shape of the structure, there are floor and pyramidal models.

Floor lamps

These products got their name for the external similarity with home floor lamps. The structure includes:

• curbstone;
• rack;
• burner or lamp (if it is an electrical appliance);
• reflector.

The cabinet contains a compartment for a standard cylinder that holds 27 liters of liquefied gas. On the curbstone, there is a stand that ends with a burner. A reflector covers it from above. A rubber hose is passed from the burner through the stand, which is put on the cylinder reducer fitting and is fixed with a metal clamp. In the upper part of the rack, under the burner, there is a piezoelement button for igniting a torch and a gas supply regulator.

The devices are massive, from 15 to 20 kg. To easily cope with the movement of such a load, transport rollers are fixed at the base of the pedestal. It is enough to tilt the "lantern" so that the rollers touch the floor, and roll it to any place convenient for installation.

Pyramidal

They got the name from their form. They can be triangular and quadrangular, depending on the geometry of the base. Unlike "floor lamps", in devices of this type, the gas is burned in a quartz glass flask. In order to protect the user from accidentally touching the hot flask, the designers enclose it with a mesh of stainless steel bars, which is very difficult to heat not only with a torch from a burner, but even with the flame of an oxy-fuel torch. The protective stainless steel grill makes the device so safe that children can fiddle around it. Burns are simply impossible.

The piezo ignition and the power control handle are located in the cabinet, in the same place where the cylinder is installed. The weight of the "pyramid" can reach 40 kg. So the transport rollers are quite useful here. In addition to heating the space, these devices illuminate the resting place well. Advanced models are equipped with electronic controls and remote controls.

Important! Floor and pyramidal gas heaters are not intended for heating enclosed spaces. If someone still wants to purchase such a thing for a garage, shed or summer cottage, they will have to take care of serious ventilation of the room.

The principle of operation of the heater

A gas heater is a mobile heating device. It does not need to be connected to electricity and gas supply systems, the fuel supply is stored in a special gas cylinder.

Note: A gas heater gives off heat not by heating the air, but by infrared radiation.

With this approach, thermal energy is used as efficiently as possible. Immediately after turning on the heater, without waiting for the entire room to warm up, a local warm zone is created near the infrared heater. The radiation from such heaters allows you to effectively warm even outdoors, for example, in gazebos, on verandas or in tents. They can be floor-standing, table-top, wall-mounted.

The principle of operation of a gas heater

A great advantage of a gas heater is its simplicity of design. A gas burner is housed in a metal or ceramic housing. Together with it are located the valve system and the burner flame control device. This is an almost exhaustive set of elements.

The burner in the body is not an efficient heater. It heats the air, which simply rises to the ceiling, ineffectively heating the surrounding area. To turn the burner into a heater, infrared emitters are used: metal pipes, reflectors, perforated sheets, mesh. Ceramic heaters use ceramic panels.

Criteria for choosing an outdoor heater

To make the right choice, you should consider the technical characteristics and some features of the operation of the devices of interest to us.

Heater power

The thermal power of devices operating on bottled gas ranges from 10 to 15 kW. More often, there is a variant with a maximum parameter of 13 kW. It is worth noting that even the most powerful gas unit will create a comfortable temperature around itself within a radius of 4 to 6 meters, provided that the outside air temperature is at least + 10 ° C. At zero degrees, you will only be warm near the lantern. If the size of the open area is large, or gatherings are planned at zero temperature, you should consider buying several devices.

The electric emitter is more efficient. It will warm the object even at + 5 ° C. But even one of them will not be enough at lower temperatures and large areas. The power consumption of electrical appliances ranges from 2.0 to 3 kW.

Body material

Preference should be given to stainless steel products. There are devices made of conventional steel grades with a high-quality anti-corrosion coating (painting). They are cheaper. But after a year or two, the best color can also peel off. This will not happen with stainless steel.

To protect the structure from atmospheric precipitation, manufacturers, for a fee, offer waterproof covers for their models.

Safe operation

Wiring and circuit breakers (machines) must be designed for the total power consumption of several electrical appliances. Any competent seller in an electrical goods store will assist in the selection of the wire cross-section and the correct choice of machines.

Gas heaters must be equipped with gas control and tilt sensors. In case of accidental overturning of the device, the sensor sends a signal to the control unit and the gas supply valve will close. Some manufacturers equip their products with sensors to monitor the level of carbon dioxide. In an open area, this gas is not dangerous. Such sensors are installed in order to obtain an international certificate, as confirmation of the environmental friendliness of the device. After all, CO2 is a greenhouse gas.

In terms of safety of use, gas appliances are inferior to their electrical counterparts. Therefore, for constant heating, it is better to install an infrared electric emitter in a closed room. Gas appliances provide heat by burning fuel, with the formation of combustion products, which must be removed from the room into the atmosphere. When installing any gas-consuming equipment in an enclosed space, the user is obliged to ensure adequate ventilation. Otherwise, the owner will not receive permission to operate it.

What else to pay attention to

When choosing between floor lamps and pyramids, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the pyramids, in addition to heating the site, illuminate it very well.

In addition, observing living tongues of flame in a glass flask of a pyramidal apparatus adds a feeling of comfort and peace, comparable to contemplating a fire or fireplace.

Floor lamps form around themselves a cone of thermal radiation of a larger area than pyramidal installations.

The heater can become a decoration of the suburban area. Manufacturers pay great attention to design. Often they use non-standard materials that emphasize the individuality of their models.

It is worth paying attention to the type of fuel of gas emitters, indicated in the product description. It is more correct to choose devices that run on propane and butane. There are devices that work only on one, a certain type of gas. This is not the best option.

The best efficiency for electric IR emitters. They are efficient, small-sized, and can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted and floor-mounted. The latter are similar to gas appliances of the floor type, but without a pedestal. They need a bigger site.It is easier for wall radiators to find a spot on a veranda where there is at least one wall. Ceiling devices are more suitable for the gazebo.

How to choose a gas heater

A gas heater for home use must first and foremost be safe. Make sure the model you choose has features such as automatic roll-over or tilt shut-off. It is also imperative that the heater has a flame sensor that cuts off the gas supply if the burner has gone out.

It is worth choosing a placement option (fastening) that is convenient in your situation. It can be either wall-mounted or other types of heater. See for yourself.

Gas heater safety

The choice of a specific model of a gas convector is influenced by the intended use. For closed rooms, be sure to choose models equipped with a carbon dioxide concentration sensor. Combustion in a closed room inevitably leads to burnout of oxygen and an increase in the content of carbon dioxide. With a small volume of the room and poor ventilation, this can become hazardous to the health and life of those present. The sensor will be able to extinguish the burner before the carbon dioxide content reaches a critical value.

It is not worth saving when choosing a gas heater for your home.

Top manufacturers

It is better to buy any home appliances from well-known manufacturers. The popularity of their models is due to the high quality of the materials and assemblies used, innovative engineering solutions, and a variety of functionality. We suggest you get to know some of them better:

1. Jiangsu Gardensun Furnace Co. Ltd, China. Produces popular Gardensun outdoor heaters.
2. Aesto. Inexpensive outdoor emitters made in China.
3. Jax Jogh. Australian company. Its products are popular in our market.
4. Hugett Floor, Belgium. Specializes in the production of electric infrared emitters.
5. Star Progetti, Italy. Produces famous models: Heliosa, Dolce Vita, etc.
6. Ballu Industrial Group. International group of companies. Manufacturer of high quality household and industrial climate control equipment.
7. Master Leto. Russian manufacturer of infrared gas devices. The budget devices of his production enjoy well-deserved popularity in our country and abroad.
8. Enders Colsman AG. Germany. The company was founded at the end of the 19th century. Specialization - equipment for outdoor cooking.

All of these manufacturers offer products in various price ranges. It is up to you which company to buy the device. Hear tips and tricks from experienced users, advice from specialty store sellers. Collect as much information as possible about your chosen model, find out how much it costs and make the right decision.

Gas heaters for tent

• The traditional way of heating during the hike is making a fire. However, it will be difficult to make a fire in winter, and in rainy weather only very skilled tourists can do it. Well, it is impossible to make a fire inside the tent, effectively heating it. The use of mesh heaters complete with a kerosene stove is quite dangerous and has a low efficiency.
• The best solution is to use an ultra-compact ceramic tourist gas heater. Such a heater fits easily into a backpack. Compact convectors can be used in multi-person tents and outdoors. Some camping gas heaters can easily be transformed into a gas cooking stove, which has already been appreciated by lovers of hiking and outdoor recreation.

Tent heater

Rating of quality outdoor heaters

10 Aesto А-03

The review opens a model of the Chinese production Aesto A-03. Floor version. It consumes propane or butane as fuel in a standard 27-liter bottle, the supply of which will be enough for 3-4 cool evenings. Safe operation is ensured by a gas control sensor.When the device falls under the pressure of a strong wind, the tilt angle sensor is triggered, turning off the fuel supply when the critical roll is reached, equal to 45 °. The burner is located at the top of the "floor lamp" under the reflector, at a height of more than 2.0 m.

The control panel under the burner has a gas supply regulator and a piezoelement button for igniting the torch. Infrared radiation maintains a comfortable temperature within a radius of 4-5 meters. The device is not intended for heating enclosed spaces. Works great on verandas, gazebos and other outdoor areas. The average cost of the device is 9250 rubles.

Aesto A-03

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• safe operation;
• stylish design.

Disadvantages:

• small heating area.

9 Sundays PH01-SSB

Another Chinese-made device is the Sundays PH01-SSB. Unlike the previous device, this model, with almost the same thermal power, is capable of heating an open area within a radius of 6-7 meters from its axis. Otherwise, these two samples of thermal devices are very similar to each other. Floor lamp design with reflector above the burner. The control panel is equipped with a piezo ignition button and a gas flow regulator. The weight of the device without a cylinder is 16 kg. For ease of movement, there are transport rollers at the base of the pedestal. Safety equipment in the same composition: gas control sensors and the angle of inclination of the structure. The installation cost is 13,500 rubles.

Sundays PH01-SSB

Advantages:

• smooth power control;
• large heating area;
• stainless steel housing is not subject to corrosion.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

8 Ballu Vela Bogh-18

Floor lamp for heating open areas. Able to maintain a comfortable temperature on an area of ​​18 m2. Made of stainless steel. As part of the safety automation, in addition to the gas control and tilt sensors, there is a carbon dioxide (CO2) level analyzer. The height of the apparatus is 2.22 m, its weight is 15 kg (without the balloon). Warranty repairs are made within a calendar year. The manufacturer declares that his product is operational for five years.

Ballu Vela Bogh-18

Advantages:

• quality materials;
• stylish design;
• safe operation.

Disadvantages:

• small heating area.

7 Jax Jogh 13000-PG

Before us is a gas infrared emitter of the "pyramid" type of Australian design. A perfectly suitable device for the warm Australian climate.In our latitudes, it is able to create comfortable conditions for a friendly autumn party, on an area of ​​15 m2. The set of sensors for safety automation is standard: control of the inclination of the structure, gas control, CO2 level. The flame is formed in a quartz glass flask, closed, for safety reasons, by a stainless steel mesh fence. Jax Jogh 13000-PG consumes 1.0 kg of gas per hour. This is slightly more than the similar parameter of the previous samples. The height of the pyramid and its weight are, respectively, 227 cm and 24 kg. The average cost of the device is 19,593 rubles.

Jax Jogh 13000-PG

Advantages:

• quality materials and assembly;
• stylish design;
• good evening lighting.

Disadvantages:

• increased gas consumption.

6 Heliosa 55 2000W

Electric infrared emitter of the Italian company Star Progetti. It is used for heating closed rooms with an area of ​​20 to 40 m2. On open terraces and verandas it gives a feeling of comfort and warmth on an area of ​​16 m2. Wall-mounted and floor-mounted with a special stand. Powered by 220 V. Heliosa 55 2000W has proven itself in small cafes, boutiques, greenhouses, open areas. The average cost of the device is 20,005 rubles.

Heliosa 55 2000W

Advantages:

• small size and weight;
• the ability to use indoors and outdoors;
• large heating area;
• stylish design.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

5 Hugett Floor-R

Electric IR emitter of a floor type. It is widely used indoors and outdoors. Terraces, verandas, patios of restaurants equipped with it, gather guests until late autumn. In addition to heat, it perfectly illuminates everything around, replacing several stationary lamps. The metal shade reflects the heat of the 3.0 kW halogen lamp, directing it directly to guests and objects. The height of the rack can be changed, creating a heating cone at your discretion. The low center of gravity of the device prevents it from falling. The lamp can work continuously for 5000 hours.

Hugett Floor-

Advantages:

• ease;
• stability;
• stylish design;
• safe operation.

Disadvantages:

• significant electricity consumption.

4 Master Leto ML-5 Bronze

Street heating gas unit of the Russian manufacturer. The design is a four-sided pyramid. The gas burns in a quartz glass flask, heating objects within a radius of 2.5 - 3 meters. If the veranda or gazebo is protected with glass or foil from at least three sides, the radius of propagation of thermal radiation will double.At the base of the pyramid there is a curbstone for installing a 27 liter cylinder. Transport rollers are provided to move the structure. A set of safety devices is standard for this type of equipment: gas control and tilt angle sensor. Electric ignition is performed by pressing the button of the piezoelectric element. The average cost of the unit is 25,950 rubles. According to buyers, this is a good value for money. For the indicated amount, the user receives a heater with a lamp function and a design element for the garden plot.

Master Leto ML-5 Bronze

Advantages:

• reliability;
• durability;
• stylish design;
• safe operation.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

3 Gardensun Heather Pyramid Black

The products of the Chinese company Jiangsu Gardensun Furnace Co. Ltd, represented in the review by Gardensun Heather Pyramid Black. A pyramidal device that organically combines the functions of an outdoor heater, a lamp and decoration of a suburban area. The main purpose is to maintain a comfortable temperature on the terrace or veranda, within a radius of 4-5 meters. With the onset of dusk, the flames behind the tempered glass of the pyramid illuminate the platform with vibrating flames.

The constructions are made of stainless steel. Operational safety is ensured by sensors of gas control and the angle of inclination of the structure. The stainless steel bar protects the user from accidentally touching the hot glass. Transport rollers are provided for moving along the deck. Piezoelectric ignition. Power adjustment is carried out manually by turning the throttle handle in the indicated direction. The purchase will cost 24,990 rubles. This is the average price.

Gardensun Heather Pyramid Black

Advantages:

• stylish design;
• safe operation;
• advantages of a luminaire and a heat wave emitter in one housing.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• small heating area.

2 Ballu Bogh-15E

Another model from the international holding Ballu Industrial Group is the Ballu Bogh-15E. Street heater of pyramidal design. The set of functions is usual for pyramidal-type devices: it shines, warms and decorates the site. Creates a feeling of coziness and comfort within a radius of three meters on an open veranda, and twice as much if the room is fenced with glass or film on three sides. If a gazebo or covered terrace is chosen as the place of the party, the distance from the top of the device to the ceiling should be at least 400mm, for safety reasons. The set of sensors is standard: gas control and tilt angle control. The device is heavy, but this drawback is leveled by the transport wheels.Electronic control, from a remote control, is duplicated by a manual panel with a handle for regulating the gas supply and a piezo ignition button. The average cost is 46,978 rubles.

Ballu Bogh-15E

Advantages:

• stylish design;
• strength and reliability;
• safe operation;
• electronic control.

Disadvantages:

• high price.