| As of November 2009, thirty-five states in the | | | | Choosing Between Various Patio Heater Options |
| U.S. have enacted statewide bans on smoking in | | | | When researching the various commercial patio |
| most, if not all, enclosed public places, including | | | | heaters on the market, one of the most |
| restaurants and, in many cases, bars. During the | | | | important considerations is the heater's power, |
| summer, smokers can sit outside on patios, | | | | which is rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The |
| decks, or in gardens. But when the weather turns | | | | average heater rates at about 45,000 BTUs, |
| cold, many smokers may prefer to stay home | | | | enough to make a 20 foot heat circle. Keep in |
| rather than dine out, which can seriously hurt the | | | | mind the size of your outdoor eating and |
| restaurant business. In response to this problem, | | | | gathering space; this will determine if more than |
| more and more owners and managers in the | | | | one patio heater would be needed to keep your |
| restaurant industry are investing in outdoor patio | | | | customers comfortable during their meal. |
| heaters. By using patio heaters, restaurants and | | | | Another factor to consider is style. The heater |
| bars can attract more customers, including | | | | should fit with the general style of your business, |
| customers who smoke, and prevent drops in their | | | | whether traditional or modern. Some models, for |
| revenues during the colder seasons. | | | | example, are reminiscent of a classic iron lamp |
| Patio Heater Fuel Types | | | | post and bring a traditional elegance to the |
| Three fuel types are available to power patio | | | | environment. Other models offer a more sleek, |
| heaters: natural gas, propane, and electricity. For | | | | modern, even futuristic appearance. |
| restaurants, natural gas might be the best option | | | | A Couple of Tips |
| because the heater hooks up to the gas lines and | | | | If you plan on moving the heater, purchasing a |
| never needs refueling. Natural gas heaters cannot | | | | model with wheels is recommended. The wheels |
| be moved, however. If you plan to move the | | | | are often hidden, so they will not negatively |
| heater, for catering or other purposes, propane | | | | affect the appearance of the heater. |
| heaters may be the ideal option. Propane patio | | | | A outdoor gathering area that is too windy can |
| heaters run on tanks and can be set up in about | | | | adversely affect the patio heater's performance. |
| 10 minutes. | | | | This problem can be solved rather easily, though, |
| Patio Heater Safety Features | | | | by using screens, shades, or other wind breakers. |
| Of course, safety is a significant consideration for | | | | An Asset to Restaurants |
| businesses. Many patio heaters are built with this | | | | Patio heaters have no doubt proven their value to |
| concern in mind, so they come with excellent | | | | restaurants and bars. Fortunately, as their |
| safety features. One important feature is an | | | | popularity has increased in recent years, they |
| automatic emergency shut off. If the heater is | | | | have grown much more affordable. So it is now |
| turned over, or even hit too hard, it automatically | | | | easier than ever to use patio heaters to help your |
| turns off. Another common feature is a piezo | | | | business maintain old patrons and gain new ones. |
| electric starter, which does not require a pilot light. | | | | |