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Winter is coming. You know what must be done. That’s right, get those fires roaring and spike that cider because back porch living might be even better when the temperatures drop. Some people hunker down all winter and subject themselves to cabin fever, and those people are doing it wrong. We have warm clothes, we have drinks that warm our insides, and grills work just fine in the snow, thank you very much. The last piece of this puzzle is a heat lamp to melt the frost right off of that patio and give you a comfy place to kick back and relax. These heaters are safe, generate plenty of heat, and can extend your back porch living into an all-season arrangement.
There are so many styles of heat lamps to choose from that we’re willing to be there’s something that checks all your boxes. If you’re on a tight budget or only need to heat a small area like a garage or sunroom, you can score a heat lamp for as little as $65. If you want to go toe-to-toe with winter, add a few commercial heat lamps to your patio and melt a warm oasis into the snow. There are even options on this list with enough power to crank out 48,000 BTU of heat. That’s enough for outdoor restaurants and event venues, so it’ll be plenty for your wintertime festivities.
I’ve always believed that people who hate the cold are probably victims of improper clothing (and maybe a peppermint schnapps deficiency). The cooler seasons offer some of the best views, and there’s no reason to lock yourself inside for months at a time. Dress in layers, pour yourself a steamy drink, and crank up the heat lamp so you can enjoy your backyard year-round. You’re paying for it all year, so you might as well enjoy it.
Dyna-Glo HeatAround 360
Pelonis ceramic space heater
Hampton Bay patio heater
Hiland pyramid patio heater
Briza electric patio heater
Dr. Infrared heater
Types of heat lamps
The main factor that distinguishes heat lamps from one another is the amount of heat they’re capable of producing. The electric output is measured in wattage, and propane output is measured in British thermal units. One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Pounds of water seems like an odd choice, but there you have it. Plug-in electric units are simple and easy to use, but not the most powerful. If you want the most heat possible and don’t mind refilling canisters, propane is the fuel for you.
Key features of heat lamps
- Size: The first difference you’ll notice when shopping for heat lamps is size. The smallest units can be wall-mounted and provide heat to a small area, while larger units are free-standing and can warm a sizeable outdoor area like a porch or patio.
- Fuel: Heat lamps use either electricity or propane, and both have their merits. Electricity is quick and easy, but propane creates more heat.
- Heat rating: The more heat a lamp produces, the better it will perform in cold temperatures and large spaces. Compare electric units by looking at their wattage, and propane units by looking at their BTU rating. One watt is equal to 3.41 BTU.
- Intended use: Before clicking that “buy now” button, make sure your selection fits your needs. Every heat lamp has its time and place, but you don’t want to get caught in the cold or spend more money than you have to. Consider things like the space you want to heat, the fuel you want to use, and the amount of money you’re willing to spend.
Benefits of heat lamps
Heat lamps are a great way to get more enjoyment from the outdoors. Adding a little warmth to a small area can make a big difference, and these heaters really do a number on the winter blues. Their simplicity and ease of use is also a major selling point. Installation is almost nonexistent, and you can roll most of them out of sight when they aren’t needed. Some are small enough to be used in a garage or shed, so you can take advantage of indoor and outdoor versatility. Cost is also a big factor. Compared to building a heated, enclosed sunroom, these are extremely economical.
Heat lamp pricing
Entry-level heating units can cost as little as $65. These are compact heaters designed for places like the garage, workshop, or sunroom. They work great but don’t expect a huge amount of heat from them. Prices go as high as $600, and that will land you a professional-grade heat lamp as you’d find at an outdoor restaurant. These premium options are very powerful and use the best materials available. In between, there are plenty of options for different uses and budgets.