There’s no doubt that Canadians are spending more time outdoors, in their own backyards – or wishing they could. Perhaps because we have so many cold, snowy winter months, many of us want to make the most of the nicer weather. The challenge is that sunnier days aren’t always accompanied by warmer temperatures. And evenings can be cool at any time of the year, in many parts of Canada. All of which drives us to add patio heaters and outdoor fireplaces to our outdoor spaces.
There’s a wide range of outdoor products to suit various types of outdoors spaces. What works on a front porch is different from what works on a back patio or an enclosed gazebo. For that reason, we’re looking at all of the electric patio heater and electric outdoor fireplace options, and comparing their pros and cons. We’ve got expert tips on what works where, when it comes to outdoor heating.
Advantages of Electric Infrared Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters use infrared heat lamps to warm up nearby objects, much like the sun’s rays. If you are sitting in the path of the lamp’s rays, you will feel warmth. There is no blower, just radiant heat and light. If there’s a breeze, the rays are not interrupted; you will still feel their warmth.
Less Expensive — Generally speaking, a residential electric patio heater will be less expensive than an electric outdoor fireplace. There may be larger, more industrial patio heaters that cost more than an outdoor electric fireplace, but these aren’t usually the ones you will add to your home.
Flexible Heat Output – There are different sizes of electric patio heaters, with different quantities and sizes of bulbs. This means that there is a wide range of heating output available, to suit spaces of various sizes.
Less Space Required – Electric patio heaters may be mounted on a wall, on a ceiling or on a stand. Because the heating element is meant to be out of reach of the people below, electric patio heaters are mounted above any furnishings, so they don’t take up valuable space where you need it most. When space is tight, as on a small porch, patio or balcony, having the heater out of the way is a bonus.
Unobtrusive –Patio heaters are also more compact than outdoor fireplaces, and therefore less obtrusive.
No Construction – An electric patio heater doesn’t require any construction. Just hang it up and connect the power. There’s even a portable electric patio heater from Napoleon that doesn’t even require mounting. It may be rolled into position anywhere that you have power, and set up on the spot.
Advantages of Electric Outdoor Fireplaces
Ambiance – While an electric patio heater is convenient, it is not very interesting to look at. An electric outdoor fireplace instantly adds ambiance to your space, with flickering flames and possibly even crackling sounds. It draws people in and makes them want to stay a while.
Focal Point – An outdoor fireplace becomes a focal point around which you can build a sitting area. In larger outdoor spaces or a cabana, where there are walls, the fireplace also adds a sense of drama to the space.
Design Flexibility – There is a huge range of outdoor fireplace styles and sizes. Whether you prefer a more traditional square fireplace with logs, or a modern linear fireplace with rocks, there are multiple options available. There are also multi-sided electric outdoor fireplaces, so that you can have glass on 3 sides, like a bay window, or on 2 sides, like an L. Depths of electric outdoor fireplaces range from 4 inches to 15 inches, and widths from 26 inches to 100 inches. Most of these electric fireplaces are meant to be built into a wall, but there are a few models that could hang on the wall surface.
Heat Distribution – Because electric outdoor fireplaces have blowers that automatically activate when the heaters are on, the heat is circulated into the space around the fireplace. Indoors, an electric fireplace can warm up a space of 400 to 800 square feet. Outdoors, the heating range will depend on external factors like wind and air temperature. Regardless, the heat that you feel depends less on your proximity to the fireplace.
Heat Control – Electric outdoor fireplaces, like all electric fires, have thermostat control. That means that you can set the temperature that you would like to maintain, and the fireplace heater will work to keep you at that temperature. When the desired temperature is reached, the heater will turn off. This makes electric outdoor fireplaces more efficient than their gas counterparts.
Flames without heat – All outdoor electric fireplaces have integrated heaters. However, you can enjoy the flames with or without the heater. Unlike a gas fireplace, where the heat comes from the flames, an electric outdoor fireplace has flames that are separate from the heater. That means you can enjoy flames only, when the weather is hot, or flames and heat when the weather turns cooler.
Summary: Electric Patio Heaters vs Electric Outdoor Fireplaces
If you are looking for an unobtrusive, inexpensive heat source for cooler weather, a patio heater is the way to go. If you prefer an ambient feature that creates an inviting focal point in addition to heat, an outdoor fireplace is the answer.