Best Natural Gas Patio Heater for Outdoor Spaces

Choosing the right natural gas patio heater depends on coverage area, BTU output, ignition type, installation needs, and safety features. Below is a quick comparison of five well-regarded models to help you match heater performance to your outdoor space.

Product	BTU	Key Feature	Best For
Fire Sense Stainless Steel Patio Heater	45,000	Electronic ignition, stainless steel	Residential patios needing strong output
Golden Flame XL-Series Natural Gas Heater	45,000	Wide reflector, pilotless burner, tilt sensor	Large patios and commercial outdoor seating
Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500	39,800	Radiant infrared, sleek design, wind resistant	Design-forward spaces needing direct radiant heat
Mr. Heater Vent Free Radiant 20,000 BTU	20,000	Vent-free infrared, low-oxygen shut-off	Smaller covered patios, enclosed porches
SUNPAK Natural Gas Infrared Heater	(Model Coverage) ~Radiant unit	Designed for 7.5–9.5 ft mounting height	Mounted applications with moderate coverage

Fire Sense 45,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater

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The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Natural Gas Patio Heater delivers 45,000 BTU output and is built from heavy-duty stainless steel for durability. It features an electronic ignition system for quick start-up and a tip-over protection system for safety. The design includes durable stainless burners and a double mantle heating grid to spread heat effectively. The unit ships with a connection line and a heavy-duty mounting plate for more permanent setups. This model suits residential patios that need high output and a corrosion-resistant finish.

Golden Flame XL-Series 45,000 BTU Heater

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This Golden Flame XL-Series heater offers 45,000 BTU with a wide aluminum reflector and stainless steel burners to heat up to a roughly 15-foot diameter. It uses a rapid spark electronic ignition and a pilotless burner design with variable heat control for easy adjustment. Safety features include an automatic tilt sensor that shuts off the burner and a base reservoir for adding sand or weight to resist wind. The unit is intended for residential and commercial patios where broad coverage and stability are priorities.

Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Infrared

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The Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 uses radiant infrared technology to deliver nearly 39,800 BTU of focused heat. Its brushed stainless steel and tinted ceramic glass create a contemporary look suitable for upscale outdoor dining areas. Radiant heating warms people and surfaces quickly without needing to overheat air, and the unit offers wind resistance up to 12 mph for more consistent performance in breezy conditions. The design-forward build suits patios where aesthetics and targeted warmth are essential.

Mr. Heater Vent Free Radiant 20,000 BTU

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The Mr. Heater Vent Free Radiant model is a 20,000 BTU unit that uses multiple burner tiles to provide infrared, sun-like warmth. As a vent-free heater it is designed for indoor-rated environments such as enclosed porches, sunrooms, garages, and small patios with proper ventilation. Built-in safety features include an automatic low-oxygen shut-off system to stop gas flow if oxygen levels fall. This model is suitable where wall-mount radiant heat is needed and venting is undesired or impractical.

SUNPAK Natural Gas Infrared Patio Heater

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The SUNPAK natural gas infrared heater is optimized for 7.5 to 9.5 ft mounting heights and is intended to cover approximately a 10 ft x 10 ft area when installed per guidelines. Infrared mounting delivers targeted warmth to people and objects rather than heating large volumes of air. This model is commonly used for mounted patio heating where a compact, directional radiant source is preferred. Installation height and placement are key to achieving expected coverage.

Buying Guide For Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Selecting the right natural gas patio heater requires evaluating several technical and practical factors. Below are the key considerations and comparison perspectives to inform your purchase.

1. BTU Output And Coverage

BTU (British Thermal Units) indicates heat output. Higher BTU models (35,000–45,000 BTU) are suitable for larger open patios, while lower-BTU units (10,000–25,000 BTU) fit smaller or semi-enclosed areas. Match BTU to seating area and ceiling height for effective comfort.

2. Heat Type: Radiant vs Convection

Radiant heaters (infrared) warm people and objects directly and are efficient for outdoor use. Convection units heat air and can be less effective outdoors due to air movement. For windy or open patios, radiant infrared is typically more effective.

3. Ignition And Controls

Options include electronic ignition, piezo, and pilotless rapid-spark systems. Electronic and rapid-spark ignitions offer fast, reliable starts. Look for variable heat controls or knobs for adjustable comfort levels.

4. Installation Type And Mounting Height

Free-standing tower heaters offer portability and do not require wall or ceiling mounting. Wall- or ceiling-mounted infrared units save floor space but require correct mounting heights and clearances. Confirm clearances and local codes before installation.

5. Safety Features

Important safety elements include tip-over shutoff, automatic tilt sensors, low-oxygen shut-off (ODS) for vent-free units, and stable weighted bases for freestanding models. For commercial or high-traffic areas, heavier-duty bases or anchoring may be necessary.

6. Fuel Connection And Supply

Natural gas heaters require a permanent gas line or a conversion kit where allowed. Confirm inlet fitting types, hose or connection lines included, and whether professional gas-line installation is required. Vent-free models have different ventilation considerations than vented units.

7. Durability And Materials

Stainless steel and aluminum reflectors resist corrosion in outdoor conditions. Look for heavy-duty burners, protective grilles, and weather-resistant finishes if the unit will remain outdoors year-round.

8. Coverage Patterns And Reflectors

Wide reflectors increase radial coverage; targeted reflectors focus heat forward. Consider the seating layout—center-mounted umbrella or table arrangements benefit from wide reflectors, while wall-mounted units suit linear seating.

9. Wind And Weather Performance

Wind reduces perceived warmth. Choose units with higher BTU, focused infrared output, or wind-resistant design features if your location is breezy. Weighted bases and tilt sensors improve performance and safety in variable conditions.

10. Maintenance And Serviceability

Inspect burner ports, ignition components, and ensure easy access to replaceable parts. Stainless components reduce long-term maintenance. Check brand support and availability of replacement parts for longevity.

Comparison Perspectives

• High Output, Broad Coverage: 45,000 BTU freestanding units (Fire Sense, Golden Flame) deliver broad warmth for open areas.
• Design & Targeted Warmth: Bromic’s radiant infrared provides focused, quick warmth with aesthetic finishes for premium outdoor dining.
• Mounted & Space-Saving: SUNPAK and vent-free wall units work where floor space is limited and controlled mounting can be used.
• Enclosed Or Semi-Enclosed Areas: Vent-free units (Mr. Heater) are suitable for covered porches or cabins but require adherence to ventilation and safety rules.

Practical Tips Before Buying

• Measure your patio area and estimate required BTU based on open vs enclosed configuration.
• Check local codes and gas-line requirements; some installations require licensed professionals.
• Plan for anchor or weighted-base solutions if the heater will remain outside in windy conditions.
• Prioritize safety features for commercial settings or high-traffic patios.
• Consider radiant infrared for faster perceived warmth and better wind performance.