The best patio heaters for restaurants

In the competitive world of hospitality, extending the dining season and maximizing seating capacity is crucial for success. Your outdoor terrace is a valuable asset, and a high-quality patio heating solution is the key to unlocking its full revenue potential, even on chilly evenings.

At GB-WARM, we specialize in providing exceptional outdoor heating for commercial environments. As a Top 3 Chinese manufacturer in the patio heater industry, with 19 years of expertise in production and export, we are renowned for our innovation and strong customer reputation across the globe, from Germany and the UK to Russia, Chile, and Mexico.

While there are various heating options, our focus remains on the proven performance, flexibility, and powerful warmth of the propane patio heater, the go-to choice for restaurants worldwide.1)GB WARM catalogue .pdf

Why Add Patio Heaters to Restaurant Terraces?

The reasons for investing in commercial-grade patio heaters are simple, yet powerful:

• Extend the Season & Increase Revenue: By making your terrace comfortable year-round, you effectively increase your restaurant's seating capacity, directly boosting your potential sales and return on investment.

• Enhance Customer Experience: Warm, inviting outdoor seating creates a desirable ambiance that patrons love. Happy, comfortable customers stay longer, spend more, and are more likely to return.

• Flexibility and Speed: Patio heaters, especially portable propane models, allow you to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions or dynamic seating arrangements.

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Different Patio Heaters for Restaurants

When considering heating your restaurant's outdoor space, you generally have three primary options:

Propane Patio Heaters

Propane heaters are the industry standard for restaurant patios, offering unmatched portability and high heat output. They run on standard propane (LP) tanks, making them entirely self-contained and free from electrical cords or fixed gas lines.

• GB-WARM Advantage: Our propane units are engineered for commercial-grade durability and superior heating efficiency, ensuring reliable performance night after night. They are designed for easy tank access and quick refueling, minimizing disruption to your service.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Natural gas heaters offer a lower operating cost and never require refueling since they are connected to a dedicated gas line. However, they require fixed, professional installation, making them permanent and eliminating portability. This makes them less flexible for changing layouts.

Electric Infrared Patio Heaters

Electric heaters are often wall or ceiling-mounted, offering a clean, silent, and maintenance-light option. While they are great for covered or enclosed spaces, their heat output can be less powerful and more localized than propane or gas, and they require a readily available, high-capacity electrical supply. They also lose their functionality during a power outage.

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Comparing Patio Heaters: Why Propane is the GB-WARM Choice

For the bustling, dynamic environment of a restaurant patio, propane heaters—specifically our high-quality GB-WARM models—offer the optimal balance of features.

Feature	GB-WARM Propane Heaters	Natural Gas Heaters	Electric Infrared Heaters
Heat Output (BTU)	High & Immediate	High & Immediate	Moderate & Targeted
Portability / Flexibility	Excellent (Fully Portable)	None (Fixed Installation)	Wall/Ceiling Mounted (Fixed)
Installation	Minimal (Ready-to-Use)	Complex (Requires Gas Line)	Moderate (Requires Wiring)
Initial Purchase Cost	Low to Moderate	High (Including installation)	Low to Moderate
Operating Costs	Moderate (Fuel Tank Swaps)	Low (Utility Gas)	Moderate to High (Electricity)
Aesthetics	Wide range (Classic to Pyramid)	Sleek, discreet (Mounted)	Very discreet (Mounted)

Efficiency

Propane offers immediate, powerful radiant heat, warming people and objects directly, rather than just the surrounding air, which can quickly dissipate in an open area. A single 20lb propane tank can typically run a standard heater for up to 10 hours, providing sustained warmth throughout your busiest dinner service.

Aesthetics

Outdoor heaters are an integral part of your patio design. GB-WARM offers a variety of styles to complement any restaurant décor:

• Classic "Mushroom" Style: Provides a wide, 360-degree heat coverage, perfect for central placement.

• Pyramid Flame Heaters: Offers a striking, visible flame that adds an unparalleled ambiance and visual appeal—a major draw for customers.

Security

Safety is paramount in a commercial setting. All GB-WARM propane heaters are built with commercial-grade safety features:

• Anti-Tilt Automatic Shut-Off: Instantly cuts the gas supply if the unit is knocked over.

• Sturdy, Weighted Bases: Ensures maximum stability on level restaurant surfaces.

Note on Safety: Always ensure proper clearance from combustible materials (like umbrellas, awnings, and walls) and store propane cylinders securely outdoors, away from main walkways and exits, as per local fire regulations.

Dimensions and Clearances

Propane heaters require specific clearances above and to the sides. Typically, you need 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) of overhead clearance and adequate side clearance from walls and curtains. The standard freestanding model is designed for commercial use, offering powerful heat from a secure, stable, and easily movable column.

Cost

Purchase Cost

GB-WARM offers highly competitive pricing due to our position as a Top 3 manufacturer with extensive export experience. Propane heaters generally have a lower initial cost than fully installed natural gas systems. Our commitment to innovation ensures you receive a high-performance, durable unit that minimizes the need for early replacement.

Operating Costs

While the hourly fuel cost for propane can sometimes be higher than natural gas or electric, the zero installation cost, high-BTU heat output, and total flexibility often make propane the most cost-effective solution overall for a high-traffic, adaptable restaurant patio.

Installation

This is where propane's advantage lies. The GB-WARM device is extremely easy to assemble: a few parts, simple steps, connecting the gas cylinder, and then ignition. This not only saves you significant upfront costs but also allows you to use the heater immediately.

Maintenance

Maintenance is very simple: just clean the glass tubes regularly and replace or refill the propane tank. Our durable, high-quality components, honed through 19 years of expertise, are designed to meet the demanding requirements of commercial applications.

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Conclusion: Which is the Best Patio Heater for Restaurants?

For the vast majority of restaurant terraces, the Propane Patio Heater is the superior choice.

It offers the high heat output necessary to keep guests genuinely warm, the portability to adapt to any seating plan or event, and a fast, low-cost setup that allows you to start serving customers outside immediately.

When you choose GB-WARM, you are partnering with an industry leader. We don't just sell heaters; we provide reliable, high-performance heating solutions trusted by businesses across Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

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GET A FREE ESTIMATE

Ready to elevate your restaurant's outdoor dining experience with the power and flexibility of GB-WARM propane patio heaters?

As a TOP 3 China manufacturer with 19 years of global experience, we can provide a customized, high-quality solution that meets your specific commercial needs and budget.

[Link to our website:https://www.beellen.com/]