The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Restaurant Patio Heater

Introduction

As outdoor dining becomes increasingly popular, providing a comfortable and warm environment on your restaurant patio is essential. A well-chosen patio heater can extend your dining season, attract more customers, and improve their overall experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of restaurant patio heaters, the different types available, and key considerations to help you choose the best heater for your establishment.

 

Benefits of Restaurant Patio Heaters

1. Extended Dining Season:
   • Patio heaters allow you to keep your outdoor seating area open during cooler months, maximizing your revenue potential.
2. Enhanced Comfort:
   • By providing a warm and inviting atmosphere, patio heaters ensure that your guests remain comfortable, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.
3. Increased Seating Capacity:
   • With a heated patio, you can accommodate more guests, especially during peak times, without worrying about the weather.
4. Improved Ambiance:
   • Many patio heaters come with stylish designs that add to the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, creating a cozy and attractive environment.

 

Types of Restaurant Patio Heaters

• Infrared Patio Heaters:
  • Infrared heaters use radiant heat to warm objects and people directly, rather than heating the air. This results in more efficient and consistent warmth, making them an excellent choice for outdoor dining areas.
  • Low Intensity Infrared Heaters (Gas Fired):
    • Use emitter tubes heated by propane or natural gas.
    • Provide gentle, evenly distributed heat.
    • Ideal for total area heating on restaurant patios.
  • High Intensity Infrared Heaters (Gas Fired):
    • Use a ceramic surface heated to high temperatures.
    • Provide focused, intense heat.
    • Ideal for spot heating in high air change environments.
• Electric Patio Heaters:
• • Electric heaters are powered by electricity and can be plugged into standard outlets. They are energy-efficient, easy to install, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

 

Key Considerations When Choosing a Restaurant Patio Heater

1. Heating Capacity:
   • Consider the size of your patio and the number of guests you need to accommodate. Choose a heater with the appropriate BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating to ensure adequate warmth.
2. Fuel Type:
   • Decide whether natural gas, propane, or electric heaters are the best fit for your establishment. Each has its own advantages and limitations, so consider factors such as fuel availability, installation costs, and operational convenience.
3. Mounting Options:
   • Patio heaters come in various mounting options, including freestanding, wall-mounted, and ceiling-mounted models. Choose the option that best suits your patio layout and space constraints.
4. Safety Features:
   • Look for heaters with built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off, tip-over protection, and cool-to-touch surfaces to ensure the safety of your guests and staff.
5. Design and Aesthetics:
   • Select a heater that complements the style and décor of your outdoor space. Many heaters come with decorative elements that enhance the visual appeal of your patio.
6. Weather Resistance:
   • Ensure that the heater you choose is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including wind and rain. Look for models with durable construction and weather-resistant materials.

 

Top Recommendations for Restaurant Patio Heaters

1. DST Series Gas-Fired Low-Intensity Infrared Patio Heater:
   • This top-of-the-line heater features a modern design, two-stage technology, and a smart LED self-diagnostic light. It is available in natural gas and propane options, making it versatile and efficient for various patio sizes.
2. DSRF Series Gas-Fired Low-Intensity Infrared Patio Heater:
   • The DSRF Series is designed for outdoor commercial and residential applications. It features a totally enclosed control housing, operational indicator lights, and a polished aluminum reflector for optimal heat distribution.
3. DSCS Series High-Intensity Infrared Patio Heater:
   • With a wind- and rain-protected design, this heater offers reliable direct-spark ignition and even heat distribution. It is available in both single and two-stage options, suitable for outdoor dining areas.
4. ELX Series Electric Infrared Patio Heater:
   • The ELX Series offers a variety of configurable options including housing color, length, voltage, wattage, and element type. Available in stainless steel or black powder-coated finishes, these heaters are ideal for creating a stylish and comfortable outdoor dining environment.
5. ELD Series Electric Infrared Patio Heater:
   • The ELD Series features dual lamp, medium wave electric infrared heaters. These heaters are available in several voltages and can be customized in various ways to fit a wide range of applications. They are perfect for maintaining a warm and inviting patio space.

Conclusion

Choosing the right restaurant patio heater can significantly enhance your outdoor dining experience and attract more customers. By considering factors such as heating capacity, fuel type, mounting options, safety features, and design, you can select the best heater for your establishment.

Give us a call, email, or fill out our Project Details form so we can start working on a radiant heat solution for your project!

Phone: (888) 501-0252

Email: sales@glradiant.com

Website: www.GLRadiant.com

Also feel free to check out Detroit Radiant Products for more information on our product!