Finding the best commercial outdoor heaters for your business can be tough, but this is a great problem to have. You want your guests to be comfortable so they can relax, hang out and spend more time (and money) at your business. Finding the right heaters can feel complicated because there are lots of choices, but we’re here to break down some of the things you might consider.

From freestanding heaters to sleek, wall-mounted units, commercial outdoor heaters offer a variety of solutions to extend the usability of your outdoor space. By reading through this guide, you will get a better idea of which features and styles make sense for your situation and business.

Types of Commercial Outdoor Heaters

Commercial outdoor heaters generally fall into two main categories: freestanding and overhead. This refers to how the heaters are installed.

Freestanding Commercial Patio Heaters

These portable mushroom-style units are great because you can move them around your outdoor space as needed, allowing you to use only the heaters you need. Portable units like the AZ Patio Heaters Propane Patio Heater, which we consider the best overall for the category, are fueled by liquid propane tanks.

Freestanding heaters are an easy and practical way to heat large outdoor areas. Many units have safety features built into them. For instance, some freestanding commercial outdoor heaters have a dial that allows you to control the heat output.

They’ll also have an anti-tilt feature. In the event a heater tilts, it switches off automatically. This is crucial to consider when looking for a heater to use in high-traffic spaces, but be sure to double-check for this feature.

Another top-rated freestanding heater for restaurants, the Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater, uses a tall propane design and has a lot of great features, which is why we rated it as best splurge. Although this heater can be pricier than others in its class, we found that the 48,000 BTUs it produces are well worth it.

That’s because with an output this high, your outdoor space is bound to feel comfortable and warm no matter what Mother Nature brings.

Overhead Commercial Patio Heaters

Overhead heaters make great permanent solutions. You can mount these directly to the ceiling or a wall. Many restaurant owners find that a series of smaller units helps distribute the heat more evenly.

There are different kinds of fuel to choose from. If your setup includes natural gas lines, then gas patio heaters could be an excellent option for larger patios and spaces. But like any decision when it comes to choosing commercial outdoor heaters, it really boils down to how your business’s patio is set up.

Most commercial outdoor heaters come with control options. Freestanding models typically come with dial-style knobs or buttons you can push, usually mounted on the units themselves. Some overhead commercial outdoor heaters are equipped with remote controls so you can make adjustments as needed.

Others might have switches to adjust their settings – it just depends on the model. As a bonus, a wall-mounted design frees up some of that precious patio real estate, letting you dedicate that space for extra tables, furniture, and even people.

Types of Fuel for Commercial Patio Heaters

Each type of heater uses its own type of fuel, so consider these options: natural gas, propane, and electric. Natural gas heaters tend to be very efficient. Electricity is another common option and it’s usually pretty readily available.

Natural Gas

A natural gas heater may be a good choice, especially if your patio already uses a natural gas line. Because natural gas heaters require less refueling and have powerful outputs, a gas model like the Calcana High Output Patio Heater might be a good investment for your restaurant, bar, or commercial property.

Just keep in mind that gas units can cost more money up front and they might have additional safety clearance requirements you’ll have to comply with. They cannot be used indoors due to the emission of gasses unless your unit has special safety certifications, so it’s crucial to ensure you have an adequately sized patio.

Propane

Just like natural gas heaters, propane models tend to produce powerful outputs of heat, making them great solutions to heat large outdoor patios. It’s very similar to what people use in BBQ grills. The difference with these heaters is that their heat output is aimed in one general direction versus radiating out from a grill’s cooking surface.

If your layout does not accommodate natural gas lines, you could easily get around that with portable liquid propane units. One thing to consider though, propane units do need to be refueled. This might involve swapping tanks every once in a while or even bringing in a truck to refill them, all depending on how many units your space uses.

Electric

One of the benefits of electric patio heaters is their convenience. In most cases, these commercial outdoor heaters don’t take up a lot of room. These heaters tend to work great when placed closer to people, emitting intense directional heat without making loud noises or putting off lots of light.

Wall-mounted electric units work great and free up more room in your patio space. Another bonus is their quietness. Electric patio heaters offer a nice aesthetic since they typically have sleek, modern designs that easily fit in with all sorts of restaurant décor and patios.

An electric option is the Hanover 800-Watt Electric Patio Heater, which is rated very highly. The downsides, however, are that electricity can be expensive. It might even cost more than natural gas in some areas. You’ll also need at least one outlet to make electric heaters work for you.

Features to Look for When Choosing Commercial Outdoor Heaters

As we mentioned earlier, each unit type comes with features you might consider. Now we will dig into these features and see why they’re important.

Material & Corrosion Resistance

Think about your local weather and its effect on materials like metal, wood, and plastic. If your business is by the ocean, you know firsthand about the toll saltwater and salty air can have on patio heaters. Corrosion resistance can make a huge difference for the long-term usability of any material used outdoors.

Aluminum patio heaters, stainless steel units and those with specialized weather coatings can stand up to the elements, helping you protect your initial investment in them. The good thing is that lots of top patio heater brands use marine-grade metals or coatings.

Heat Output and Coverage

A patio heater’s BTU output refers to its heat output, or how many British thermal units it produces per hour. Patio heater ratings can range from 10,000 BTU up to 50,000 BTUs. In most cases, the bigger the unit, the larger its BTU rating will be.

Another factor that affects heat output is wind. If you plan on heating a covered patio space, a heater’s ability to withstand wind might not matter as much. Although, it’s still something to think about if you’re placing a tall freestanding heater too close to a drafty doorway.

If you are choosing one of the best commercial outdoor heaters to heat a wide-open patio that’s not covered or sheltered from a strong breeze, choosing a powerful model might not solve your problem completely, but at least you’ll be pointed in the right direction.

Take, for instance, the Frontgate Patio Heater. At 48,000 BTUs, it’s powerful enough to offer a decent-sized patio all the comfort it needs, even during mild and short winters in the southern U.S. “In your best scenario, you might change the feeling of the outside temperature from five to 10 degrees,” says Eric Kahn, founder of Alfresco Heating. This fact goes to show just how helpful a properly chosen model can be.

Coverage area refers to how many square feet your heater will actually warm up. Because factors like mounting height, model size and the presence of a reflecting wall can all affect the warmth of a unit, it’s important to choose a model that accommodates the needs of your patio’s specific layout.

You will also want to consider how well each unit resists wind if your area is prone to breezes. When a warm heater throws a directional infrared blast of warmth straight onto the backs of guests, you might be better off if the wind has nowhere to push that warmth too quickly.

That’s why in locations known for constant winds like Chicago or Denver, patio owners have to take extra precautions. Sometimes multiple smaller units make better sense than a few super high-BTU models, but we’re here to show you that those decisions don’t have to be a hassle.

Mounting

Wall-mounted heaters save precious space, making them a viable choice for high-traffic areas or areas with smaller square footage. Some electric units even come as “flush-mounted,” meaning they’ll recess into a cutout within the wall itself.

For the purposes of this guide, we’re considering both recessed and flush-mounted as belonging to the “overhead” type of heater because the end result is basically the same.

Safety Features

Safety always matters, whether you choose a portable freestanding model, wall-mounted units, electric, or even propane patio heaters. That’s why you will need to look at these different features before deciding. Many modern units are equipped with auto shut offs in case they tip over.

Other units might use extra grill guards. Many portable units even come with wheels for mobility.

Controls and Heat Control Options

With so many options available to adjust a heater’s output, you are sure to find exactly what you want: remote control, single buttons, manual dials, wall-mounted panels, even integrations to modern home assistants. With so much to choose from it can feel intimidating to even start thinking about where to begin.

That’s why we decided to break it down even further by telling you about why this decision even matters. If all you’re concerned with is turning a heater off and on, a wall-mounted switch or simple handheld remote makes plenty of sense. It all really comes down to convenience. Having full control over each heater’s intensity and temperature is another thing you may consider.

What happens when guests sitting close to a wall-mounted electric heater suddenly get too warm? How about when you have a large propane freestanding unit set to “high” on a mild but not-quite-chilly night? For a lot of restauranteurs, a simple switch that’s mounted in a far-away office just won’t cut it. That’s why you have the option to take control of your situation.

Weather and IP Ratings

IP ratings tell you how well your chosen heater can stand up to water and dust. IP Ratings are a useful standard to have in your arsenal as you search for the best commercial outdoor heaters. This is especially important if your local weather or climate tends toward dusty conditions or rain. Lots of units have specialized coatings and metalwork that allow them to last through years of normal use.

Choosing the Best Commercial Outdoor Heaters for Your Needs

Lots of businesses rely on outdoor seating areas. Keeping your patrons warm on chilly nights is sure to help you boost revenue and attract customers. Here are some factors you might think about before making a choice.

Size and Layout

Bigger areas need bigger heat outputs and this means a higher BTU rating. Wall-mounted electric heaters with built-in fans make sense for an indoor-outdoor bar situation where tall ceilings make a tall freestanding heater a risky choice for safety reasons.

Lots of those wall-mounted models won’t make much noise. This gives you the best of both worlds – sleek styling and ample heat. In that situation, several strategically placed models can do wonders for helping you get more usability out of a covered indoor-outdoor dining area with high ceilings.

Tabletop models are great if you are seeking something portable for placing on tabletops. There are some great ones that come with wind-blocking safety shields. Think about the smaller tables of a beer garden or the intimacy of tables set closely in rows.

Smaller models can help you turn those colder fall evenings into profitable extra seating you otherwise wouldn’t be able to use. These compact areas usually wouldn’t have the room for big freestanding heaters. It’s important to remember, each area you plan on heating might demand different solutions.

It also really depends on your space, especially when it comes to placement. Even freestanding propane patio heaters with tank storage enclosures can start taking up way too much valuable room when crammed together. For areas like those, electric makes the most sense.

Environment

Does your business exist in a desert, mountain, or coastal environment? A desert patio in Palm Springs might have unique challenges that a Boston beer garden wouldn’t have. Dry conditions could call for models that use propane since windy conditions are a major issue when it comes to these kinds of commercial outdoor heaters.

Take it from an expert. “Make sure that it’s being used in an open area,” Kahn says.

There are some high-altitude locales in places like Colorado that see wildly changing conditions – blazing hot days that transition quickly to breezy sub-freezing temperatures overnight. In those kinds of scenarios, it really pays to have control over how much heat your patio heaters produce.

Finding a good balance that takes BTU outputs into account, as well as model style, can mean a big difference between turning otherwise dead space into warm outdoor revenue. Sometimes it can be as easy as moving some tables around or switching out chairs.

Other situations call for wall-mounted directional models like those made by brands like SereneLife. It all comes down to carefully matching the solution with the needs of each seating area you’d like to keep usable.

Aesthetics

Matching your restaurant’s design with the aesthetics of patio heater styles can matter a lot. Tall freestanding pyramid-shaped models work well for some locations. Some freestanding models even double as tables.

A contemporary outdoor bar space in an area known for mild winters could easily choose from sleek models. There are lots of modern commercial heater models with black paint or even hammered metalwork. But what about smaller units? Even tabletop heaters can offer great aesthetics.

Lots of modern electric tabletop models have sleek modern-looking chrome and aluminum details, making them stylish companions for outdoor events, intimate tables, and close-knit patios that just need a few additional BTU’s for guests who don’t want to carry bulky coats, hats, and mittens.

Wall-mounted styles offer great looks because the wiring can be easily concealed within the walls themselves. Other businesses have no choice but to showcase that wiring. If your location falls into that second group, don’t fret – use creative hanging planters or accent lighting fixtures to give the eyes somewhere better to look.

When choosing commercial outdoor heaters, remember that great looks matter a lot when those looks blend seamlessly into your layout’s existing décor.

Cost and Budget

Just like deciding between wall-mounted units, tabletop heaters, and even pyramid models, finding the best commercial outdoor heaters comes down to budget and initial costs. It also means taking installation into account. Natural gas might cost more initially to set up if you don’t already have an existing line to tap into.

Electric units typically come at lower up-front costs. Propane involves refueling, and those tanks and deliveries all come at a cost, especially in the busy months of fall and even mild winter.

Do some research about your business’s local gas company’s rates. Electricity costs vary too, depending on what city your business is in. But just know that even if one heater might initially be much cheaper to set up and purchase than another, sometimes that “deal” is actually not even a deal.

There are also other ongoing costs like replacement light bulbs for electric patio heaters as well as other wear-and-tear that naturally comes from long-term outdoor use. Be sure to weigh these aspects and get a big picture view of the numbers. Taking a close look at all the facts will give you peace of mind that your money is being used for the best commercial outdoor heaters that help improve your bottom line, not detract from it.

Patio Comfort 41,500 BTU Natural Gas Infrared Permanent Post-Mount Patio Heater

This Patio Comfort heater puts out an impressive 41,500 BTUs of heat. It is a permanent post-mount patio heater that runs on natural gas.  It also uses infrared technology for heating. This is a great option if you need a powerful heater to warm up a large outdoor space. This heater is perfect for commercial settings but also works well for residential use. 

Let’s go over some of the pros and cons:

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Provides a heating radius of up to 9 feet
• Easy to assemble

While this heater has a lot of advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to consider:

• It requires professional installation 
• It’s not as portable as some other models

But overall, the Patio Comfort 41,500 BTU Natural Gas Infrared Permanent Post-Mount Patio Heater is a great option if you need a powerful and efficient way to heat your patio.

Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 38,500 BTU Natural Gas Freestanding Patio Heater

This Bromic heater is a popular choice for good reason. This heater runs on natural gas. That means you will not have to worry about running out of propane. This model is freestanding. You can easily move it to a new location. This might be helpful if you rearrange your patio furniture. But it is still sturdy enough to withstand tough weather conditions. 

The Tungsten Smart-Heat also has a lot of cool features. It has a powerful 38,500 BTU output. This means it can heat a large area quickly and efficiently. It also has a sleek and stylish design. This heater will look great on any patio. This model is also available in a smaller size if you need something a bit smaller.

Infratech WD-Series 61 1/4-Inch 6000W Dual Element Electric Infrared Patio Heater – 240V

Alright, so maybe you want an electric heater. This Infratech model is a great choice for a commercial outdoor heater.  Many people like electric heaters because they don’t produce any emissions. Plus, they tend to be very quiet.  This is a great option if you’re concerned about noise levels. Electric heaters are very energy efficient, too. This is a good thing to consider when choosing an outdoor heater.

You can mount this heater on a wall or ceiling. This gives you a lot of flexibility when installing it.  It also features a dual element design that can provide heat coverage for a large area. But you will want to hire an electrician. They will make sure it is installed properly.

Bromic Heating Platinum Smart-Heat 22-Inch 23,700 BTU Natural Gas Patio Heater

This Bromic patio heater is a great choice if you want a top-of-the-line heater that uses natural gas.  It’s also great for smaller patios because it’s only 22 inches in diameter. But don’t let the small size fool you. This heater can still put out a lot of heat! It uses natural gas and has a heating capacity of 23,700 BTUs.  You can comfortably heat up to 100 square feet of space. This makes it perfect for small patios or decks. 

One of the best things about this heater is that it has a sleek and stylish design.  It looks great in any outdoor space.  It’s also made from high-quality materials that can stand up to the elements. This way you know your heater will last for years to come. This Bromic heater also comes with a variety of features that make it easy to use.  It has an easy-to-use control knob that lets you adjust the temperature to your liking.  It also has a tip-over safety switch that will automatically shut off the heater if it’s accidentally knocked over.

Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 56-Inch 6000W 240V Electric Patio Heater

Want a powerful heater that blends into your patio’s style? Check out the Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 56-Inch electric patio heater. This heater uses electricity. You don’t have to worry about gas lines. This makes installation a breeze. This heater is fantastic for commercial spaces. This is because it has a sleek design. But it still packs a punch with 6000W of power. This bad boy can heat large outdoor areas.

Conclusion

Selecting the best commercial outdoor heaters means taking into account several factors. These include initial costs, layout needs, space limitations, safety concerns, and even weather. But making these choices doesn’t need to feel intimidating or hard. By looking at this guide we’ve laid out, you’ll get closer to choosing the right units. After all, you want to enjoy those patios all year long.