Best Restaurant Patio Heater Options for Outdoor Dining

Choosing the right patio heater for restaurants requires balancing heat output, reliability, safety certifications, and installation style. Below is a quick summary table of the five selected heaters included in this guide to help you compare key specs at a glance.

Product	Type	Heat Output / Wattage	Weather Rating	Mounting
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared	Electric Carbon Infrared	900 / 1200 / 1500W	IP55 (Indoor/Outdoor)	Plug-In, Portable
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Heater	Propane Gas Tower	46,000 BTU	Not Specified	Freestanding With Wheels
PowerScale Infrared Heater 1500W	Electric Wall-Mounted Infrared	1500W	IP65	Wall-Mounted
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater With Round Table	Propane Gas Tower With Table	50,000 BTU	ETL Certified (Outdoor Use)	Freestanding With Wheels
ThermoMate Portable Tower Infrared 1500W	Electric Tower Infrared	1500W	IP55	Freestanding Portable

Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

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The DR-238 Carbon Infrared is designed for both indoor and outdoor use with an IP55 rating, making it suited for covered patios and open-air restaurant seating. It delivers three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) and uses carbon infrared elements for fast, odorless heat. The unit is plug-and-play on standard 120V circuits and includes remote control for convenience.

Key practical considerations: the IP55 rating indicates dust and water resistance for outdoor environments but not full immersion. Multiple power levels help manage energy use and heat intensity, and the instant infrared heat reduces warm-up time compared with convection units. Mounting options and placement relative to seating will determine effective coverage.

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater With Wheels

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This tower-style propane heater provides a high heat output of 46,000 BTU, intended for commercial and residential patios. It features a one-touch ignition and wheels for mobility, allowing staff to reposition the unit as seating patterns change. The adjustable control knob helps modulate flame intensity.

Operational factors: gas heaters like this model produce radiant heat suitable for larger open dining areas where electrical infrastructure may be limited. They require safe propane storage, adherence to local codes, and regular checks on connections and regulators. Wind and open-air conditions will affect effective coverage, so placement near sheltered areas or using multiple units may be necessary.

PowerScale Infrared Heater 1500W Wall-Mounted Heater

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The PowerScale 1500W is a wall-mounted infrared electric heater with an IP65 rating, which offers enhanced protection against dust and water jets. It includes features for commercial use such as a 24-hour timer, 9 heat levels, and memory function. ETL certification and built-in safety features like overheating and tip-over protection are specified.

Installation and control considerations: wall-mounted heaters free floor space and provide directed radiant warmth for specific seating zones. The wide range of heat settings and timer functions support energy management in shift-based operations. Ensure the mounting surface and clearance meet manufacturer specs and local codes for commercial installations.

EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater With Round Table Design

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The EAST OAK model emphasizes high output with 50,000 BTU and a double-layer stainless steel burner for durability. Its integrated round table design is intended to add functionality to outdoor seating, while two wheels facilitate repositioning. The manufacturer highlights an extended service life and ETL certification for safety compliance in outdoor settings.

Deployment factors: high-BTU propane towers cover broad areas and are appropriate for open restaurant patios needing substantial radiant heat. The table surface can be useful for guest convenience but requires careful placement for service access and propane cylinder housing. Regular maintenance of the burner mesh and regulator is essential for consistent performance.

ThermoMate Outdoor Indoor Electric Patio Heater 1500W Portable Tower

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The ThermoMate tower heater offers 1500W infrared output with IP55 rating, fast warm-up within seconds, and safety features including tip-over and overheat protection. It includes a remote and 24-hour timer for schedule control. The unit uses carbon fiber heating elements to minimize glare while delivering radiant warmth.

Operational notes: portable electric towers are useful for flexible seating arrangements and require only standard electrical supply. They are quieter than gas units and do not emit combustion byproducts. For commercial use, confirm circuit capacity and consider multiple towers to create even coverage across larger patios.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Restaurant Patio Heater

Selecting the right patio heater for a restaurant depends on several interrelated factors. Below are key considerations to evaluate, presented from multiple comparison perspectives to help with an evidence-based selection.

1. Fuel Type: Electric Infrared vs. Propane Gas

• Electric Infrared (1500W carbon or ceramic): Instant heat, odorless, low maintenance, safe for enclosed or semi-enclosed areas when rated for indoor/outdoor use. Requires adequate electrical supply and may have lower area coverage per unit than high-BTU gas.
• Propane Gas (40,000–50,000 BTU+): High heat output and broad coverage suitable for large open patios. Requires propane cylinders, ventilation, adherence to local fire codes, and more maintenance checks for fittings and burners.

2. Heat Output And Coverage

Match heater capacity to patio layout:

• BTU Models (40,000–50,000 BTU): Typically cover larger radii suitable for open-air commercial patios.
• 1500W Electric Units: Provide directional radiant heat effective for smaller zones or clustered seating; use multiple units to scale coverage.
• Consider partitioning outdoor dining into heating zones and placing units where wind exposure is lowest for best efficiency.

3. Weather Rating And Durability

Look for IP ratings (IP24, IP55, IP65) and ETL/CE certifications. Higher IP numbers indicate better protection against dust and water jets, important for year-round outdoor use and coastal environments. Stainless steel burners and corrosion-resistant housings improve longevity in commercial settings.

4. Installation Style And Space Constraints

• Wall-Mounted Heaters: Save floor space, offer directed heat, and reduce trip hazards. Require sturdy mounting surfaces and professional installation in some jurisdictions.
• Freestanding Towers: Easy to move and ideal for flexible seating layouts. Propane towers need secure cylinder housing; electric towers require safe cord routing and adequate circuits.
• Table-Integrated Units: Combine functionality with heat but consider service access and potential obstruction for staff.

5. Safety Features And Certifications

• Essential safety features: tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, flame failure device for gas models, and ground-fault protection or ETL listing for electric units.
• Commercial operations should verify product listings against local fire code requirements and insurance stipulations prior to deployment.

6. Energy Use And Operating Costs

Compare running costs based on fuel type and usage patterns. Electric heaters are simpler to budget for when power rates are known; propane cost varies with cylinder consumption. Use timers, low-power modes, and targeted heating to reduce operating expenses.

7. Noise, Emissions, And Guest Experience

Electric infrared heaters are generally quieter and emit no combustion byproducts, improving guest comfort in partially enclosed patios. Gas heaters produce a characteristic flame and minimal noise from gas flow; they can enhance ambiance but need ventilation.

8. Mobility, Maintenance, And Serviceability

• Wheeled units or portable towers enable staff to adapt heating to seating changes; wall-mounted units reduce obstruction but are static.
• Routine maintenance: clean reflectors and elements on infrared units, inspect burners and regulators on gas units, and test safety cutoffs regularly.

9. Multiple-Unit Deployment And Layout Planning

Large patios often require a mix of heater types. Use higher-BTU gas towers as central sources and electric infrared units to address wind-prone corners, covered walkways, or specific table clusters. Create a layout plan mapping heater locations, electrical circuits, and gas cylinder placement to ensure even warmth and safety compliance.

10. Regulatory And Insurance Considerations

Confirm local building codes, fire department guidance, and insurance requirements, especially for permanent installations and use of propane on outdoor dining patios. Documentation of ETL/UL/CSA listings will support compliance checks.