Regardless of weather conditions, patios are excellent places to enjoy evening coffee or host dinner parties. However, to truly enjoy time on the patio all year round, you need a reliable patio heater.
Patio heaters are employed by hotels, homeowners, garden centers, clubs, and bar owners to ensure guests are comfortable in their outdoor spaces during the chillier months.
Here, we’ll take a look at four categories of heaters various customers are looking for in 2024, as well as the global market size for such products and why they’re worth stocking.
Table of Contents.
Global market size for patio heaters
4 popular patio heater categories
What customers look for when choosing patio heaters
Summary
Global market size for patio heaters
In 2023, the global market size for outdoor patio heaters was valued at USD 1.27 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% to USD 2.15 billion in 2032.
Researchers predict that the following factors will enhance demand for patio heaters:
- Restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments looking to heat outdoor areas
- Individual consumers wanting to soup up their patios for leisure and entertainment
- Unpredictable weather patterns and cooler temperatures in traditionally warmer regions
- Urbanization and limited outdoor space, prompting residents to utilize warm outdoor spaces
4 popular patio heater categories
The above data show a potential increase in demand for patio heaters globally, but what types should retailers stock to help boost sales?
1. Freestanding patio heaters
These versatile heating solutions are perfect for residential patios, restaurant terraces, and outdoor event spaces. Since these freestanding patio heaters are often tall, they radiate heat over a wide area.
While most use propane or natural gas as fuel, some customers may prefer electric-powered versions. Electric heaters are safer and environmentally friendly, although they may have a lower heat output than gas models.
Freestanding patio heaters have a heat output ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 British thermal units (BTUs). With this power, they can heat an area up to 20 feet in diameter.
Why customers love them:
- Most freestanding heaters have base wheels, making them easy to move around
- They have adjustable heat settings, enabling users to control their temperature and energy consumption
- They have automatic shut-off valves that activate if the heater is tipped over, making them safe
- Freestanding patio heaters are built from weather-resistant materials to withstand outdoor elements
2. Electric patio heaters
Restaurants, event organizers, homeowners, and campers love electric patio heaters for outdoor heating because of their convenience, safety, and eco-friendliness.
Infrared technology enhances these heaters’ efficiency as they warm people and objects directly instead of the air. They work well even in windy conditions, where other heaters may struggle.
Depending on your target market, you can stock lantern, tabletop, or wall-mounted electric heaters. Other designs include portable freestanding heaters for easy movement and ceiling electric heaters, which save floor space and provide discrete heating. They’re easy to operate and adjust and usually have a remote control feature.
Some electric patio heaters have LED lights with different modes and colors for party lovers. Their heating power ranges from 500W for tabletop heaters to 6,000W for patio lanterns.
3. Propane patio heaters
While electric patio heaters are eco-friendly, some buyers prefer propane patio heaters because they provide more heat. They produce between 30,000 and 50,000 BTUs per hour, making them ideal for large outdoor gatherings and commercial uses.
The sturdy base houses a 20-pound refillable fuel tank, while vertical posts and heat reflectors at the top ensure uniform warmth distribution over a wide area.
Customers also love propane patio heaters for their portability, adjustable heat settings, quick ignition, and automatic shut-off valves for safety. There are also many different designs to choose from depending on your customers’ preferences.
4. Natural gas patio heaters
Natural gas is an excellent energy source for commercial and residential outdoor patios. With a heat output ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs, they easily heat large outdoor areas.
Their continuous fuel supply eliminates the need to refill a tank. In addition, wall or ceiling-mounted models are great for users who want to save floor space and provide targeted heat.
Others may prefer freestanding natural gas patio heaters connected to a gas line. These models ensure a constant and reliable fuel supply and reduce the need for frequent maintenance and refueling, thus saving on long-term costs.
Finally, innovative technology, such as radiative energy directed to a silver hood, helps to generate enough heat even in open locations.
What customers look for when choosing patio heaters
As a retailer, knowing what customers look for in a product is key to sales. When it comes to patio heaters, here are the main features customers will consider:
Heat output
Heat output measured in BTUs for gas and watts for electricity is the heat energy a heater produces. It affects the heater’s ability to warm an outdoor space.
Stock patio heaters with adequate heat output will make the space comfortable in cooler weather. Customers with larger spaces or in cooler weather will likely consider heaters with an output of 40,000 BTUs, while those with smaller spaces would prefer heaters with 20,000 BTUs or less.
Fuel type
Fuel type (propane, gas, or electric) influences the heater’s performance, convenience, cost, and suitability for various settings.
Propane proponents prefer these heaters because of their portability and ease of installation.
Meanwhile, natural gas patio heaters provide a continuous and reliable fuel supply, are cost-effective, and have a high heat output.
Finally, some prefer electric patio heaters because they’re safe for enclosed outdoor spaces, convenient, and do not require fuel storage or replacement.
Safety features
Choose patio heaters with advanced safety features like automatic shut-off valves, tilt-over protection, and flame failure devices. These features protect against fire outbreaks or accidents should the heater fall.
Portability
Portability is another key feature, allowing users to switch locations as needed. Therefore, they should be light, compact, and have mobility enhancements.
Durability and weather resistance
Patio or outdoor heaters may also need to tackle harsh weather elements. Hence, many customers prefer stainless steel and aluminum because of their durability and resistance to outdoor elements. The ideal heater will be able to withstand wind, rain, and other weather conditions.
Summary
As we move into 2024 and beyond, people continue to seek out patio heaters to create warm and inviting outdoor spaces. Examining trends and understanding diverse customer needs in this area will help you to grow revenues.
So, whether your customers are homeowners looking to extend the usability of outdoor living spaces, restaurant owners aiming to provide comfort to diners, or event organizers who need to provide guests with a warm place to congregate, there are plenty of markets looking for specific types of patio heaters.
No matter what type of patio heater you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it among the thousands of options on Alibaba.com.
