Q. Why do you not stock table patio heaters?
A. Table models produce about 7KW of heat, only just double that of electric quartz and therefore very low output. On very warm nights this is OK but when the temperature drops the output on table heater will not produce sufficient heat to heat a table which is what they are supposed to do. We do not wish to misled our customers so only produce heaters that are up to the job.
Q. Can a patio heater be painted?
A. The powder coated and hammered models can be painted. Local DIY store sell enamel paint or hammered paint. Just rub down the heater, take all loose material off and either paint or use a spray can. Only paint the heater from the burner neck downwards, never paint the burner or the reflector. Stainless steel should not require painting, if your stainless steel patio heater is showing signs of corrosion you may have a chrome or tin plated heater - please read what make stainless steel patio heater stainless?
Q. Can you leave them outside all the time?
A. In the spring, summer and autumn it’s no problem and they will come to no harm. For winter it’s best to move the heater under cover and bring out when during use. Stainless steel patio heaters are more durable than a powder coated and hammered models, for more info on stainless steel patio heaters see: why is a stainless steel patio heater "stainless"? We recommend a full length cover on powder coated and hammered models. Please note reflectors on a BFX770 patio heater is fitted with 3 wing nuts and BFX755 have 4 wing nuts to allow easy removal and avoid any possible storm damage when gale force winds are forecast.
Q. What happens if it's accidentally knocked over?
A. Our patio heaters are fitted with "belt & braces" triple safety devices, one is an auto tilt switch designed to shut the gas supply off at a 30° angle. Should you need to a replacement part our genuine spare parts department holds spares for heaters up to 10 years old. If a repair is needed see repair service.
Q. Why do some budget patio heaters have plastic bases?
A. There are a few patio heaters on the market with plastic or tin painted bases fitted to stainless steel heaters. Not sure why but guess it must be a cost saving measure. All our branded patio heaters are fitted with matching bases designed to look good and weather well.
Q. What other maintenance is required?
A. A Patio heater will benefit from a spray of lubricant on moving parts, wheels, gas valve knob and nuts/bolts. Left outside they weather very slowly, using a covers is a good way to help prevent powder coated and hammered models from fading in strong sunlight. Periodically check the LPG high pressure hose when changing the gas cylinder to see if there are any splits or cracks in the hose, for more info read LPG Hose.
Q. Why are 15KW and 16KW patio heaters sold?
A. Years ago before energy efficiency become the buzz word the trend in patio heaters was bigger equalled better. These older gas guzzlers are starting to disappear now to be replaced by the latest high energy patio heaters. Since the majority of 15kw and 16kw heaters still use tin or chrome burners see why use stainless steel, we have taken the decision to discontinue spare parts on 15kw and 16kw patio heaters and these are no longer supported. The problem with 15KW and 16KW heaters is they burned more fuel than they could harness. Very similar to driving a 3.5 litre car down a 30 mph road, you get there the same time as a 1.0 litre car but you'll use twice the amount of fuel getting there. In America they have some large outdoor events and you can find true 16KW patio heaters but unlike our UK tin heaters the American models have massive triple reflectors that are wider on each upward tier and are much taller. These USA heaters cost about $900 and of course LPG gas is less than half the price in USA to UK. Unfortunately American heaters are not legal in the UK and they operate on different LPG gas pressure to European standards. It's also worth noting that a UK 16KW patio heater would not match the heating area of a USA heater and will unfortunately cost much more to run.
Q. Can I take a patio heater aboard?
A. For EU zones our patio heaters are fully CE certified and will operate within legal requirement for all EU countries. For Germany you will need an adapter fitted to the burner to convert the gas pressure. You may need to buy a gas LPG regulator, most EU countries have their own type of LPG gas cylinders and can vary regionally. If you wish to take a patio heater outside the EU you will need to check with the LPG gas specification for the country. These vary but there are many that share the same LPG gas pressure to UK. Local knowledge will be needed.
Q. Are all patio heaters the same?
Just like TV's/Stereo there are high end specifications and low budget models with vast differences in quality, the cheap budget models may look very similar from a distance but will not perform the same. Many budget models cut costs by fitting chrome or tin plated burners to stainless steel patio heaters, see stainless steel page. If the specification states steel burner or is not mentioned it's best to avoid. All our domestic and commercial gas patio heaters are fitted with stainless steel burners and shipped with our triple safety features. We do not manufacture low quality patio heaters, we leave that to traders and cash & carry.
Q. What is a commercial patio heater?
A. Our BFX770 is the one you will see in pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK. These heaters are more robust, manufactured with higher grade components and engineered to take the heavy duty of commercial life - for more information visit what makes commercial grade?
Q. Do they need to be assembled?
A. The simple answer is yes, all patio heaters sold will need a small level of assembly. Courier companies are unable to transport heaters or any bulky items without protective packaging and a means of lifting the item. Our heaters are shipped in a carton measuring 170x90x90 (hwd), inside the carton you'll find English instructions, warranty details, assembly instructions and a spanner. To assemble allow 15 to 20 minutes, everything except the gas cylinder to operate is inside the box.
Q. Can a patio heater be disassembled for storage?
A. The easiest way to store patio heaters is to remove the reflector, this reduces the footprint to allow it to be stored in the corner of the garage. If you don't have the head height the burners can be removed and stored underneath where the gas cylinder is normally kept. Please note if using propane never store propane cylinder indoors.
Q. How safe is shopping on the web?
A. We use either RBS WorldPay, a recognised leader in encrypted codes for instant payment. Or we can accept payment via the phone or you can contact us by e-mail and we will advise on the safest way to send your details. The 3rd alternative is to send a cheque made payable to Urban Industry Limited making sure it’s crossed a/c payee.
Q. Which is the best selling models?
A. Stainless steel patio heater is still the most popular, partly due to current style but also it's the lazy gardeners choice with low maintenance and sleek looks. Because our stainless steel models are true stainless steel they are safe to leave outside all year around without harm of corrosion.
Consumer reviews on patio heaters are on Reviews and Consumer Feedback pages to read what customers have to say.
For more info, please see Patio Heater Question & Answers