Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater Review: Enjoy Warmth and Comfort in Your Outdoor Living Space
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Hi all, it’s Jenn in the Outside. As someone who loves spending time in their outdoor living space, I was on the lookout for a patio heater that would keep me cozy during chilly evenings hanging out on the patio. I purchased the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater in the color Havana Bronze, and I must say it has been a game-changer and has become an essential addition to my outdoor setup.
In this review, I will share with you my real-life experience with the Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater and give you the run-down on what I do and don’t love about this patio heater.
If you want to learn more about the different types of outdoor patio heaters before making your purchasing decision, check out my posts Stay Warm and Cozy with an Outdoor Patio Heater which will teach you about the key features of outdoor patio heaters and Heating Designs for Every Outdoor Space: Discover the Perfect Outdoor Patio Heater that will walk you through the different styles of outdoor patio heaters.
Product Specifications:
The Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater is a freestanding dome-top propane heater that is must-have for keeping you warm and comfortable on cool evenings.
Product Name: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
Typical Price: $149.99 (often discounted)
Heat Output: 46,000 BTUs
Fuel Type: Propane (20-pound propane tank not included)
Finish: Havana Bronze (also available in Slate Gray, Stainless Steel, and Bahama Blue)
Dimensions: 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)
Weight: 38 pounds
Purchased from: Amazon
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Key Features:
Impressive Heating Power: The 46,000 BTU output of this patio heater ensures efficient heat distribution over a wide area, making it perfect for patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces.
User-Friendly: With its built-in wheels, this heater can be moved and positioned wherever you need it. Most of the time, the integrated ignition system allows for quick and convenient start-up. (Read on to get my take on the ignition system.)
Safe and Reliable: The heater comes with a safety auto shut-off tilt valve that turns off the propane flow if the unit tilts or is knocked over accidentally, ensuring your peace of mind.
Durable: Designed for both commercial and residential use, this patio heater features a steel construction with a stylish powder coated finish (except stainless steel) that coordinates with outdoor furniture and decor.
Adjustable Heat Settings: The control knob allows you to adjust the heat output to your desired level, providing customized comfort for everyone enjoying your outdoor space.
My Review
I mostly love this outdoor propane patio heater and use it almost nightly. The things that stand out about this heater are:
- Excellent Heat Output: With 46,000 BTUs of heating power, this patio heater provides ample warmth, making it perfect for gatherings and parties even during chilly weather. I typically only need to have it on the lowest setting during spring and on chilly summer nights.
- Portable and Fairly Easy to Move: The built-in wheels allow you to move the heater around your outdoor space, allowing you to position it wherever you need it most.
- Sturdy and Durable: Crafted from durable steel, this patio heater is built to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting performance. For most of the year, my Amazon Basics Patio Heater is kept outside and uncovered in the intense sun of Colorado. It has not shown any signs of fading or rust. and it has survived 2 minor hail storms without damage.
- Wide Heating Range: The unit’s wide heat distribution ensures that everyone around the heater can feel its warmth, making it ideal for larger outdoor areas. See my recommendations, below, for an additional accessory to better direct the heat.
- Stylish Design: The slide-up cover completely hides the propane tank and the Havana Bronze finish nicely complements my patio furniture and décor.
- Price: This patio heater offers great value for its features and performance. Compared to other patio heaters in its class, it provides excellent functionality at a reasonable price point, making it a worthwhile investment.
Even though I love using this patio heater, the one major drawback I have encountered with this patio heater is that the ignition system can be somewhat unreliable. Occasionally, I have had to manually light the heater instead of relying on the push button igniter. While this is a minor inconvenience, it doesn’t significantly impact my overall experience with the heater.
Additional Insights
The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater does not come with a propane tank so you will need to purchase a standard 20-pound propane tank and refill it or do a propane exchange when you run out of gas.
To maximize the functionality of this patio heater, there are a couple of additional accessories worth considering. I purchased these items to not only enhance the performance of the patio heater but also contribute to a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
Heat Reflector Shield: A heat reflector shield can significantly improve the efficiency of your patio heater. The heat reflector shield can redirect and reflect the heat towards your desired area, preventing unnecessary heat loss and increasing the overall warmth of your outdoor space. It is particularly useful in breezy or open areas (like our uncovered patio) where heat dispersion can be a challenge. This shield easily clamps onto the dome of your patio heater without any additional tools needed. I added the Sweet Heat Trifold reflector to my patio heater and it really focuses the heat right over my favorite spot.
Base Gel Polymer: Due to their design, dome-top propane heaters may tip in windy conditions. The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater has a base designed to add water in order to provide a more stable and secure base. Since water expands when frozen, I prefer to use a gel polymer to help anchor the base. This base gel polymer absorbs up to 400 times its weight in water to create a firm and stable gel that is freeze-thaw durable and is easily dissolved using salt. One 16 ounce bottle of base gel is the equivalent to 8 bags of sand and has an effective shelf life of over 7 years. This product is also great for basketball hoops and umbrella stands!
Time to Get Warm & Cozy!
The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater has been a fantastic addition to my outdoor living space. Despite the occasional need for manual ignition, this patio heater offers reliable warmth and comfort. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to be warm and cozy in their outdoor living space.
Keep Warm!
Jenn in the Outside