Choosing the Best Outdoor Heater for Winter Camping and Patio Use

As winter deepens, outdoor heaters have evolved from a luxury to an essential appliance. For homeowners looking to extend their outdoor leisure time and campers seeking warmth in remote areas, choosing the right heater means striking a balance between performance, safety, and efficiency. As one of China's top three propane outdoor heater manufacturers, GB-WARM boasts 19 years of production and export experience, focusing on providing industrial-grade, environmentally friendly heating solutions and earning the trust of distributors across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. This guide will help you understand the market and highlight why GB-WARM propane heaters excel in bulk purchasing and end-user satisfaction.1)GB WARM catalogue .pdf

Winter's harshness necessitates outdoor gear capable of withstanding strong winds and blizzards. Outdoor heaters not only enhance comfort but also make outdoor spaces and adventure activities suitable year-round.

While the harsh winter forces most people to stay indoors, propane outdoor heaters can transform patios and backyards into comfortable extensions of your home. GB-WARM heaters maintain a stable temperature even in temperatures as low as -20°C, allowing families to host parties, enjoy morning coffee, or relax outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Our commercial-grade heaters cover areas of 20-40 square meters, ideal for restaurants, resorts, or large residential patios; while our compact camping heaters are perfect for private outdoor settings.

Winter camping requires equipment that can function properly in harsh environments. Unlike electric heaters that rely on power outlets or battery-powered models with limited battery life, GB-WARM's propane outdoor heater can operate independently, providing reliable heating for camping trips.

Patio/Backyard Use: 40,000-60,000 BTUs cover 20-40㎡ (ideal for restaurants or large decks)

Camping/Small Patios: 20,000-30,000 BTUs cover 15-25㎡ (compact yet powerful)

1.Independence: No reliance on power grids (critical for camping or rural areas)

2.Cost-Effectiveness: Propane costs 30-50% less to operate than electric heaters .

3.Consistency: Maintains output in extreme cold (unlike batteries that lose 50% capacity below -10℃ )

Durable and safe heaters are essential for winter. GB-WARM's propane heaters meet global safety standards, including:

• CE Certification: Mandatory for gas appliances in China and exported markets.

• IP54 Weather Resistance: Dust-tight and water-resistant for snow/rain exposure 

• Safety Features: Automatic tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and propane leak detectors 

While infrared heaters, electric heaters, and propane heaters each have their uses, propane heaters are the most versatile option for winter – especially suitable for bulk buyers seeking high-demand products.

Propane heaters are the gold standard for winter, offering the following advantages:

• Coverage: Up to 40㎡ (3x larger than infrared models)

• Cold Resistance: Operates reliably at -20℃ 

• Portability: No power cords (ideal for camping and temporary patios)

1. Freestanding Tower Heaters: 2.2m height for residential/commercial patios (exported to Germany, Spain, and the UK)

1. Portable Camping Heaters: Lightweight (5kg) with carry handle (top-selling in Chile and Mexico)

• Patios: Place heaters 1.8-2.2m above ground, 2-3m apart, and away from flammable materials (e.g., curtains, trees)

• Camping: Position heaters on level ground, 1m away from tents, and use windbreaks to reduce fuel consumption

1. Cleaning: Wipe the burner with a soft brush every 6 months; remove dust immediately.
   

2. Inspection: Check hoses for cracks and replace after 2 years .

3. Storage: Empty propane tanks, store in dry areas, and cover with GB-WARM’s weatherproof covers

• Patio Enclosures: Retain 40% more heat (increasing heater effectiveness in winds)

• Camping Tents: Four-season tents with insulation boost heater performance by 30%

For winter, propane outdoor heaters are the most reliable, efficient, and versatile option, making them a favorite among wholesalers and distributors. GB-WARM, a top-three manufacturer in China with 19 years of experience, ensures:

• Global compliance: Certified by CE, UKCA, ETL, BSCI, and KIWA in more than 20 export markets (Germany, France, USA, etc.).
  

• Innovation: Low-nitrogen burners, ECO mode, and IP54 weather resistance

• Scalability: Bulk production capacity (100,000+ units/month) with private labeling options

The best BTU output for a patio heater will depend on the size of the outdoor space you want to heat. As a general rule of thumb, a patio heater with a BTU rating of 40,000 to 50,000 is recommended for heating larger outdoor spaces, such as patios or decks. For smaller outdoor spaces such as a balcony or small patio, a patio heater with a BTU rating of 10,000 to 15,000 may be sufficient. It is important to select a patio heater with the appropriate BTU output for your outdoor space to ensure that it provides enough heat for your needs. Additionally, other factors such as fuel type, safety features, and design should also be considered when selecting a patio heater.

In general, natural gas heaters tend to be the cheapest way to heat your patio, followed by electric heaters, and then propane heaters.