Cooler weather shouldn’t mean that you need to close your patio. A commercial patio heater is ideal for extending the outdoor dining season at your restaurant or bar. Picking the right heater for your patio can be confusing though. That’s why we wrote this guide on buying the perfect patio heater for your business. Whether you’re looking for a free-standing, mounted, or pit patio heater–Central has a variety of commercial-grate patio heaters to suit your needs.
Types of Commercial Outdoor Patio Heaters
Pyramid
Pyramid-style heaters are an attractive solution for heating your patio. These heaters feature a tall flame that adds ambiance as it warms up the surrounding area. These aesthetically pleasing patio heaters are perfect for smaller outdoor spaces. And since these commercial patio heaters run on propane tanks, it’s easy to find fuel.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Flame adds ambiance
- Sturdy
- Easily to replace fuel
- Average of 175 sq. ft. heating area
Considerations:
- Needs ample ventilation
Best for: Outdoor event spaces, restaurant and bar patios
Mushroom
This type of commercial propane patio heater is designed with a base that contains the fuel and a mushroom-shaped top that provides a circle of warmth. These units are conveniently self-contained for safety. In general, mushroom-style heaters are easy to transport and run on propane tanks, making them versatile enough for most patios.
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to store
- Average 20 ft. radius of heat
- Easy to change fuel
- Adjustable heat output
Considerations
- Needs ample ventilation; can’t use with low roofs or indoors
Best for: Restaurant and bar patios
Fire Bowls
Fire bowl heaters are designed for small groups of people to gather around for warmth. These outdoor patio heaters feature a square base and a top area for cozy flames. Many fire bowls can be covered with an included top and converted into a table for dining or placing drinks. This type of heater often uses liquid propane gas for fuel. Consider a fire bowl for lounge seating in your restaurant, bar, or hotel.
Pros
- Cozy ambiance
- Encourages gathering
- Compact
- Doubles as functional furniture
Considerations
- Typically seats four or less people
- Smaller area of heat distribution
Best for: Restaurant, bar, or hotel patios
Mounted
Mounted heaters are ideal for patios without the floor space necessary for large heaters. These compact heaters mount to external walls to distribute heat from above. Mounted units can be used to heat large areas while only taking up a small amount of space.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Large heat area (average 150 to 200 sq. ft.)
Considerations
- May need a heat deflector for mounting near walls/ceilings
- Typically needs gas or electric connection for power source
- Requires installation
Best for: Bar, restaurant, hotel, or event center patios
Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater Resources
Safety is the most important consideration when buying and installing an outdoor patio heater. Be sure to read the owner’s manual, as well as any other included documentation for key safety features. Commercial patio heaters are not designed for indoor use. Check out our Outdoor Patio Heaters and Coolers section to browse Central’s inventory of commercial-grade patio heaters.
Create the Perfect Patio Space
When building a better patio, the right outdoor furniture, temperature-control systems, and shading are all important to consider. Read more on how to create the best patio space possible for your guests.
Kelsey Moriarty is a Content Specialist at Central Restaurant Products. Her focus at Central is in the Food Prep and Furniture areas. Kelsey’s background is in technology and marketing with particular experience in SEO and E-Commerce. She enjoys helping customers make better decisions as well as working on her copywriting skills!
