The heater can be used indoors and outdoors. The device is able to create a comfortable microclimate in a small open area during the cool season. A person can rest in the fresh air in autumn or spring without the risk of catching a cold. Outdoor heaters for summer verandas are not yet very common, so you need to choose them taking into account their technical features.
Varieties of street heaters and the principle of operation
Heating devices can be floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted. According to the method of power supply, the device can be gas or electric.
Gas
A gas veranda heater in appearance resembles a mushroom on a thin high leg or a floor lamp. The product is based on a metal casing, inside which there is a fuel cylinder. The standard container volume is 27 liters. Propane or butane is used as fuel. A long pipe emerges from the cylinder upward, through which the gas flows to the burner. This component is surrounded by a grid that generates infrared waves.
At the top of the fixture there is a wide reflector that directs heat to the heating zone. The power of the product can be adjusted using the fuel supply control unit located at the burner inlet.
An interesting variant of the heater is the pyramid. Inside this model there is a glass tube in which fuel is burned. You can put such a heater in a gazebo, since it is not suitable for open areas due to its short range.
Electrical
The electric infrared device can be installed on a stand or mounted on a wall or ceiling. It works from a standard power supply. The main element of the design is a tube with a nichrome spiral, which provides soft heat and heats up to 900 degrees. It is made from glass, aluminum and ceramic. Glass options have a small resource of use.
A metal reflector is used to direct infrared rays to the desired area.
The choice of electrical models is wider. Such products are produced in the form of lampposts, table lamps, propellers.
On outdoor areas, terraces or gazebos, infrared equipment is more often used. A special reflector directs heat to a point. It heats objects in a small area. At the same time, the minimum amount of thermal energy is spent on air.
Advantages and disadvantages
These devices have their own advantages and disadvantages. Gas units have the following advantages:
- good appearance, which allows the use of devices in any interior;
- simplicity of design;
- autonomy of work (you only need to change the cylinder on time);
- mobility (some models are equipped with wheels for easy movement);
- no release of hazardous combustion products into the environment;
- noiselessness of work.
However, such devices have insufficiently high efficiency. They heat the human skin, drying it out. Long wave models are expensive. Gas appliances operate at an air temperature of at least +10 degrees. It is not recommended to install such a heater indoors.You will have to constantly monitor the level and availability of fuel.
Electrical appliances are lightweight, they quickly warm up the desired area. When connected correctly, the device is completely safe. It can be installed on open terraces and gazebos. The device is capable of operating at temperatures from -5 degrees. The only drawback is the dependence on the mains power supply.
Features of the choice of outdoor heaters
To choose the right outdoor heater, you need to take into account its power, the manufacturer, as well as fuel consumption and the need to move the product.
Heating radius
It is not recommended to use such equipment outdoors in winter if the temperature is below +5 degrees. The power of electric devices does not exceed 3 kW, therefore, the heating radius is no more than 3 m. They are more suitable for small gazebos or verandas. Gas appliances are capable of providing a heating radius of up to 6-10 m if the burner is at the top. Devices with a power of 13 kW can provide heat to an area of 23 square meters.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption depends on the power of the product. Since electrical appliances are not very powerful, they are considered to be economical. Gas equipment burns about 0.6-0.9 liters per hour.
The electric device will heat up as long as it is connected to the network, the gas model works as long as there is enough fuel in the cylinder. This time ranges from 14-30 hours.
Review of popular manufacturers
When choosing a device, the manufacturer is of great importance. Some of them should be considered.
Dolce vita
The brand has Italian roots. This model is characterized by grace, external beauty and perfect technology. The device runs on gas. It is effective and completely safe, as it is equipped with two passive protection systems. Flare type apparatus. Produced only in Italy using certified European components.
The product is mobile, it can be moved on a small cart that comes with the kit. Heating provides gentle yet powerful warmth. It doesn't take up much space. The device works autonomously from the mains. A fuel tank with a capacity of 24-27 liters is located in the lower part of the heater. Additional LED backlighting is present at the bottom of the device.
ChillChase
The specified model performs two functions: area heating and local lighting. Such a device is used in domestic conditions, on the terraces of cafes and bars. The heat is very soft. The device does not burn oxygen, air does not circulate during its operation.
Kroll
German heating equipment is made of stainless steel. It is capable of heating an area up to 6 m in diameter. The work will be effective even in strong winds or other atmospheric influences. The device is easy to install and move. It provides a comfortable atmosphere as it warms up the space up to +20 degrees.
The device operates on a standard 27 liter gas cylinder. The main fuel is propane. The power of the equipment is 5-12 kW. Equipped with piezo ignition. The heating power is infinitely adjustable.
Outdoor heaters are available in different models, and their assortment is wide. Gas or electric models can be selected depending on the operating conditions. All manufacturers guarantee the complete safety of heaters, but they must be used correctly - in accordance with the instructions. It is better to entrust the installation to specialists.
