Extending Your Outdoor Season with Patio Heaters

As fall rolls in and temperatures start to drop, outdoor dining can become less appealing to many customers. This might mean packing in your patio seating early; despite warmer days, the evenings just get too cold. However, with the right patio heater, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps your customers comfortable and your outdoor space bustling. 

In this guide, we'll explore why patio heaters are a must-have addition to your restaurant. These products can easily extend your outdoor season, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for your guests. Let’s get started:

Why a Patio Heater?

Picture this: a crisp autumn evening, the stars above, and the gentle glow of patio heaters enveloping your outdoor dining area. Patio heaters are more than just outdoor accessories; they are an investment in your restaurant's success. Here are some reasons why you should consider investing in these appliances:

• Extended Outdoor Season: Patio heaters allow you to extend your outdoor dining season well into the fall and even early winter, maximizing your restaurant's revenue potential.
• Comfort for Patrons: Customers will appreciate the cozy, warm atmosphere, making their dining experience enjoyable even when the weather turns chilly.
• Versatile Design: Patio heaters come in various styles and sizes to complement your restaurant's needs, from wall-mounted options to stand-alone and even heaters built into tables.
• Energy Efficiency: Many patio heaters are designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on operational costs.
• Increased Capacity: By utilizing your outdoor space effectively, you can accommodate more diners, increasing your restaurant's overall capacity.

Now that we've highlighted the importance of patio heaters, let's delve deeper into the different types available.

Types of Patio Heaters

Patio heaters come in three main types: propane, electric, and natural gas. Each type has its advantages, and the choice largely depends on your restaurant's specific needs and preferences.

Propane

Highly portable and easy to set up, these heaters offer a consistent heat source and are a popular choice for restaurants with limited outdoor space.

Electric

Electric heaters are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and require minimal maintenance. They are a great option for smaller spaces and can be mounted on walls or ceilings for unobtrusive heating.

Natural Gas

If you have a fixed outdoor seating area, natural gas heaters can be a convenient choice. They offer a continuous heat supply and are often connected to your restaurant's gas line.

How Patio Heaters Work

Patio heaters are ingenious devices designed to create warmth and comfort in outdoor spaces, allowing people to enjoy alfresco dining and socialize even when the temperature drops. The mechanics behind these heaters are quite straightforward:

• Radiant Heat: Most patio heaters use radiant heat to warm the surroundings. They emit infrared radiation in the form of invisible waves that travel through the air and heat objects and people in their path. This is similar to how the sun warms us on a sunny day.
• Convection Heat: Some patio heaters, especially electric models, generate convection heat. In this case, the heater warms the air around it. As the warm air rises, it creates a convection current, circulating heat throughout the area. While convection heaters can be effective, they may be less so in windy outdoor environments.

Selecting the Right Size Patio Heater

The key to effective outdoor heating is selecting the right size patio heater. To do this, you'll need to calculate the required British Thermal Units (BTU) based on your patio's size and temperature conditions. Don't worry; it's not as complicated as it sounds! We'll walk you through the process to ensure your patrons stay comfortably warm.

1. Measure Your Patio's Dimensions: To begin, you'll need to measure your patio's length and width in feet. This measurement will give you the total square footage of your outdoor space.
2. Determine the Temperature Difference: Next, you'll need to consider the desired temperature increase you want to achieve. The greater the temperature difference between the outdoor ambient temperature and your desired comfort level, the higher the BTU requirement. For most outdoor dining scenarios, aiming for a 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (five degrees Celsius) temperature increase is a good starting point.
3. Calculate the Total BTU Requirement: Now, you can calculate the total BTU requirement using the following formula:
1. Total BTU = Square Footage × Temperature Increase (in °F) × 20
1. Square Footage: This is the total area of your patio in square feet, which you obtained in Step 1.
2. Temperature Increase (in °F): This is the difference between your desired comfort temperature and the expected outdoor temperature. 
3. 20 (Constant): The constant 20 represents the recommended BTU per square foot needed to achieve a 20-30°F temperature increase.

Example Calculation:

Patio Size: 10 feet by 20 feet (200 square feet)

Desired Temperature Increase: 20°F

Total BTU = 200 sq. ft. × 20°F × 20 (constant) = 80,000 BTU

In this example, you would need a patio heater with a total BTU output of 80,000 to maintain a 20°F temperature increase in a 200-square-foot patio area.

Patio Heater Safety

Safety is paramount when using patio heaters in restaurants' outdoor spaces. Here are some factors to consider:

• Proper placement is crucial, with clearance from flammable materials and a stable, level surface to prevent tipping.
• Adequate ventilation is essential, as patio heaters should only be used outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
• Adhere to proper maintenance tasks by regularly checking for propane tank leaks and following proper natural gas line procedures.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for ignition and shutdown, and ensure pilot lights function.
• Maintain a safe distance between the heater and customers. 
• Clean the heater regularly to reduce wear and tear and improve efficiency. 

In addition to the above considerations, always keep fire extinguishers on hand, train staff in safety protocols, and monitor weather conditions for severe weather when using your patio heaters in your outdoor dining area.

Finding the Right Patio Heater

Patio heaters are the secret ingredient to extending your restaurant's outdoor dining season, enhancing customer comfort, and increasing revenue. At Zanduco, we want to help you create a warm and inviting outdoor space that keeps patrons coming back for more. Our selection of patio heaters includes various models and BTU capacities to suit any exterior dining space. Need a hand selecting the right option for your patio? Contact us; we’re happy to help!