Trendy restaurants and taverns are not the only places one may find an outdoor patio heater these days. Given their improved performance, safety, and affordability, homeowners are increasingly looking to patio heaters as a viable alternative for heating their patio, deck or porch.

Radiating heat in a circular fashion and increasing the temperature of a 10′ by 20′ area by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit is the primary function of an outdoor patio heater. Although this will not cause Spring flowers to bloom in the dead of winter, it is just enough to bring family and friends together outdoors no matter what the time of year.

An outdoor patio heater is designed simply to generate heat and direct it to a small area outdoors where people have gathered. This is accomplished by positioning a gas burner or electric heating element on top of a standard. The burner or heating element generates heat against a perforated metal screen, which then radiates the heat in a circular pattern. A reflector at the top of the unit keeps the heat from escaping upwardly and directs it to the area around the heater.

Aluminum, copper, chrome, nickel and stainless steel are some of the durable and fashionable finishes that may be featured. Some patio heaters display striking colors and textures, not to mention various shapes and sizes. Some look like floor lamps, others like table lamps or street lights. Still others are six-sided, square, round or have triple domes or bullet bases.

Rest assured, outdoor patio heaters are safe to use. Of course, it is not recommended that you use any patio heater not equipped with basic safety features, such as safety tilt switches and emergency shut-off valves, that are in good operating condition. In addition, technology has greatly helped ensure the safe use and storage of the different fuels used with patio heaters. Ultimately, however, no assurance can replace common sense. For example, all the safety features in the world will not mean much to the person operating a patio heater close to gasoline and other flammable or combustible liquids, materials or vapors. Likewise, the safest electric heater is not safe if it is used in a rain storm.

Three different fuel sources allow even more choice in meeting your preferences. Electric patio heaters must be plugged into grounded outlets, so they are not as portable as other types. However, they are easy and convenient to operate, as well as environmentally safe.

Propane patio heaters require connection to a propane tank. For many, this allows the portability they desire, since the heater can be placed just about anywhere. Propane also is odorless, cost-effective, and friendly to the environment.

Natural gas is the third main type of fuel source for patio heaters and has its own advantages. It too is odorless and relatively safe for the environment. It tends to be less expensive than electricity and other fuels, and it does not require tank refills. It does require installation of fixed gas lines, so it too is restricted in terms of its portability.

Whatever patio heater size, style or fuel type works best for you, what you will enjoy most is the added dimension to your outdoor experience. You not only will enhance the look and ambiance of your patio, deck or porch, but, more importantly, the relationships of those that come together there.

Chris Basher is a recognized authority on outdoor patio heaters , gas and wood burning fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and related backyard products. For additional free information regarding patio heaters and related products, along with special discounts on a variety of these products, check out his online specialty store at FirePitNow.com.