No. 1. Stainless Steel Burner.
Not all stainless steel patio heaters have a stainless steel burner supplied as standard. Most domestic heaters will ship with a tin or chrome burner that is polished to look like stainless steel. Always ask the question, "Is the actual burner stainless steel or tin"? For more info see what makes stainless steel rust free.
No. 2. Latest Technology.
EU regulations changed in 2009 requiring improved energy efficiencies. The latest patio heaters will have the new updated technology factory fitted. Older patio heaters may still fit 15kw and 16kw burners to use up old stocks. Worth noting that Europe's largest patio heater spare parts supplier discontinued spares for 15kw and 16kw heaters in 2008.
NO. 3. Spares, Support & Back Up.
This is a service industry, to keep patio heaters working in tip top condition will require back up and support. Most traders do not keep any records of spares or hold service information. When the time comes to service the heater make sure you have access to a full list of spare parts and expert advice.
No.4. Full Sized Reflector.
Undersized reflectors is a big issue. There are patio heaters on the market with small burners paired with cut down reflectors and heaters with 15kw and 16kw burners paired with undersized reflectors. Always go for the optimum balance of a full sized normal reflector with the latest technology burner - paired together this will give maximum heat reflection without costing a fortune to run.
No. 5. Warranty.
Factory direct gives the best warranty, normally 2 years. Traders struggle to match. Some void warranty if close to costal areas which is a sure sign the patio heaters are made of tin!
No. 6. Matching Base.
A good looking patio heater will have a matching base and wheels. So if it's stainless steel the base will match. Cheaper alternatives fit plastic or painted tin bases to cut costs. These can look odd as the base and wheels age at a different rate to the rest of the heater.
No. 7. Safety Feature.
Most patio heaters now fit a tilt switch, some fit a flame failure device but few if any have triple safety feature, for best protection make sure it also has a thermal fuse. The latest and most advanced gas patio heaters will have all three as standard.
No. 8. Design & Construction.
Quality patio heaters will be designed for safety and strength. One area that many budget models miss is the tiny grommets that protect small fingers from harm. Check the base has rubber protective grommets, cheaper models leave these out as they are not a legal requirement but vital for the safety of little fingers.
No.9. Heritage.
Traders come and go in this market. Best to use a company that has continually developed its patio heaters than take a chance with a gas appliance.
No. 10. Pricing.
Surprisingly pricing is last, the rule with all gas appliances is never ever buy any gas appliance solely on price. That 'once in a lifetime' deal is a gas appliance that needs to be up to the job, safe for you and your family to use. Check mark all above first, pricing really is the last issue.
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