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Outdoor dining and entertaining boomed during the pandemic. Many restaurants and hotels expanded their outdoor footprint to accommodate health and safety regulations…and to stay open for business. As restrictions eased, consumers continued to gravitate toward venues with outdoor seating. In addition, multifamily developers are upping their amenity game as well by providing outdoor spaces such as shared courtyards, pool decks, resort-style terraces, and rooftop decks.
For restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses, providing comfortable outdoor spaces also maximizes revenue. Outdoor amenities increase the usable footprint of a restaurant and boost the curb appeal of a building entrance. To help keep guests warm and increase dwell time, many business owners enhance their outdoor areas with propane patio heaters, which can raise the outdoor air temperature to comfortable levels, generally 60.5°F at a minimum. This allows these businesses to turn outdoor spaces into usable square footage for an additional 12 to 16 weeks of the year.
Propane Patio Heaters
Propane patio heaters offer a comfortable and environmentally friendly solution for businesses to make the most of their outdoor common areas when the weather turns chilly. By using propane-powered heaters, commercial business owners can work towards environmental and efficiency goals. Propane is a low-carbon energy source that emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid on average.
When building out a space, property owners should understand the options available and installation considerations to keep diners comfortable and the building safe.
Flexible and Scalable Propane Patio Heaters
The first infrared patio heater was developed in California over 50 years ago. Once a niche outdoor living amenity in this temperate region, commercial patio heating has taken off nationwide. Since then, the concept of outdoor heating has spread from warming up backyard patios to becoming a key element for the success of commercial outdoor venues such as:
● Resorts and hotels
● Restaurants and cafes
● Swimming pools and spa areas
● Country clubs
● Ski resorts
● Senior centers
● Botanical gardens
● Amusement parks
Propane systems are flexible and scalable, allowing businesses to quickly adapt their outdoor spaces for short- or long-term needs. Electric models, on the other hand, require electrical outlets and extension cords that reduce flexibility and pose a tripping hazard.
Types of Patio Heaters – Portable vs. Permanent
There are two common styles of propane patio heaters, each with their own benefits.
Portable Patio Heaters
Portable propane patio heaters are proven to increase the outdoor air temperature by up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit — and because they emit a circle of radiant heat up to 25 feet in diameter, one heater can warm up an entire small patio or deck with the flip of a switch. Portable patio heaters are easy to set up and are powered by a portable propane tank – one 20-pound propane tank can power a patio heater for up to 10 hours. Standing, pyramid, and cylinder-shaped are some of the style options available.
Permanent, Built-In Patio Heaters
A convenient and permanent solution is a remote-controlled, ceiling-mounted heater that warms the space to a comfortable temperature. With built-in patio heaters, customers can dine and relax under the radiant warmth and restaurants can maximize the use of seating areas during colder winter months. Proprietors can install numerous radiant infrared patio heaters, with the propane provider running the necessary connections. They don’t require portable cylinder changes, since they’re plumbed to permanent gas lines, and can be installed in zones that can be easily activated with a switch. Infrared patio heaters are more cost-effective to operate than electric and provide cozier radiant heat than electric heat. The infrared radiant heat that permanent heaters produce is more efficient and wind-resistant than portable heaters, which emit some convection heat that rises away from guests. Fixed-mount systems are out of the way on the ceiling, leaving more room for tables on the patio floor. Low-intensity infrared patio heaters are available that offer modulating controls allowing users to dial the heat up or down.
Another factor in the decision to use heaters for commercial applications is the availability of electricity. A 6,000-watt patio heater at 240 volts draws 25 amps, meaning six heaters would require 150 amps, which not many businesses have to spare. It is more practical, cost effective, and efficient to use propane heaters over electric options. While propane or gas units can sometimes cost more upfront, they’re usually much less expensive to operate, especially in areas with high electric rates, so the payback period is quick. Propane also serves as a go-to option when natural gas is not available and when portability is a priority.
Project Highlight
Dying Breed Brewing, located in Oakdale, CA, serves beer and entertainment in their 2,500 square foot brewery and taproom and an adjacent 7,500 square foot beer garden. The brewery has a large stage for performances, hosting various musical acts and national comedy shows. Founding Member Josh Malcom says, “These are all outdoor spaces. While part is covered, the comfort of our guests is paramount. If they aren’t comfortable, their experience suffers.”
To keep guests warm and comfortable, Dying Breed purchased 16 propane-powered portable patio heaters for use throughout the facility. The portability of these patio heaters allows the brewery to easily accommodate performer needs, as they often request specific heater arrangements. And, once the weather warms up, they can store the heaters away until it’s time to bring them out again as temperatures drop.
Malcom touts the flexibility and ease of portable propane patio heaters: “We could consider various permanent heating solutions, but they would require significant investment and could disrupt our operations. Instead, we prefer the flexibility of using portable propane outdoor heaters, as there are times when we need the space more than the heat. During certain seasons, we don’t require heating at all, and for special events, we can easily add more heaters as needed.”
