Patio Heaters - a great idea so you can use your patio all year round...

Most of us simply don't use our patio in the wind, rain and cold months of winter. Buying a good quality patio heater solves this problem and can make your patio or veranda a cosy place to eat, drink, socialize and relax anytime. There are plenty of different types available including natural gas patio heaters, wood, coal, electric and propane.

The most commonly seen patio heaters are the large mushroom style ones. These are shaped like a mushroom to give off heat on all sides. They are popular outside bars for smokers in the winter, and other similar commercial uses. They can also be fitted in the center of a patio table to heat everyone around it. These will require new patio furniture though unless you find a small table top version. They give off an infrared glow and are usually gas powered. They can be powered by natural gas or propane.

There are various other options including electric patio heaters which are turned on with a switch. These are smaller and wall mounted and provide heat to a smaller, more directed area. This makes electric patio heaters more suitable for most people as they don't waste much heat and are easy to turn on. They will however require an electrician or installer to fit the units.

There is the option of coal or wood powered outdoor patio heaters but they are bulky and messy. The fuel needs to be kept close by and kept dry so that it can be burned well. For most people this will not be a practical patio heater. Propane or electric are far more convenient. If you prefer using fuel like wood or coal there are some really impressive designs available especially suited to those with a rustic patio design.

The best advice is to shop around both online and in home improvement stores. There are plenty of options, just choose whichever one fits your own needs. It is worth buying good patio furniture covers at the same time so that your chairs are clean and dry, and ready to use at any time.