A 2024 survey by Toast found that 54% of restaurant patrons prefer locations with outdoor seating, and 70% are willing to wait to sit outside. As such a popular option, an outdoor seating area offers significant revenue potential—until the weather turns cold. Imagine the number of customers you could serve with comfortable, year-round outdoor dining. Commercial patio heaters can transform an outdoor dining space from a seasonal liability into a 12-month revenue generator.
With more than 25 years of experience innovating commercial comfort solutions, Big Ass Fans has helped thousands of businesses earn more profit out of their outdoor business space. Here’s what you need to know about commercial patio heaters and their impact on your bottom line.
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How Commercial Patio Heating Has Improved
Outdoor venue heating has evolved significantly in recent decades, driven by technological innovations and an increasing demand for comfortable yet energy-efficient outdoor spaces. In the past, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses with open-air seating had to rely on inefficient, polluting methods such as open fires, space heaters, and propane torches—all prone to safety hazards and high operating costs.
The introduction of infrared heaters revolutionized commercial outdoor heating. These devices emit radiant heat that warms objects and people directly instead of warming the air. As they provide safe, targeted warmth, they also use less energy. Advancements in electric heater technology have made them more powerful and efficient, making them a viable and affordable option for commercial outdoor spaces.
Smart technology has further improved these benefits with easily programmable remote controls, automation, and energy optimization. The evolution of commercial outdoor heating represents a shift towards more efficient, safe, and comfortable solutions that meet the growing demand for inviting outdoor spaces.
Types of Commercial Patio Heaters
The best commercial outdoor heating option for you will depend on the size and layout of your space, your budget, and the local climate. The most common choices for patio seating include the following three heaters.
Electric Infrared Heaters
Electric infrared heaters are highly efficient and don’t require any fuel. They operate silently, are easy to install, and can be mounted up and safely out of the way in crowded spaces. Many establishments will need to install multiple units to cover the required area.
Gas-Powered Infrared Heaters
Powerful and highly energy-efficient, gas-powered infrared heaters are most often used in large spaces, both indoors and covered outdoors. They need gas lines and proper ventilation and typically require professional installation.
Free-Standing Propane Heaters
Free-standing propane heaters provide instant heat to the immediate surrounding area. They are popular for their portability and easy setup but are typically best for events or temporary use due to their position on valuable floor space. They require propane tank refills, can be less efficient than electric or gas-powered heaters, and may emit fumes.
Commercial Outdoor Heater Selection Guide
To help you determine the type, wattage, and number of commercial patio heaters you will need for your outdoor area, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure Total Outdoor Square Footage
Measure the total square footage of your outdoor seating area using this simple formula: length x width = square footage.
Electric models come in varying wattage capacities; the higher the capacity, the larger the area it can heat. Big Ass Fans electric infrared models come in 1500W, 3000W, and 6000W sizes for heat distribution up to 160 square feet (15 square meters).
Step 2: Identify Exposed Vs. Protected Areas
Areas directly exposed to the elements (wind, rain, or snow) may require more powerful heaters or additional protection. Covered areas like patios or pergolas may need fewer or less powerful heaters.
Step 3: Note Ceiling Heights and Obstacles
Higher ceilings demand more powerful heaters to heat the space below. Obstacles like trees, umbrellas, or awnings can affect heat distribution and may need additional heaters or strategic positioning.
Step 4: Consider Existing Ventilation
Assess if your outdoor space has any existing ventilation systems that may impact heating needs. The natural airflow in your space will not affect the effectiveness of the heat distribution.
Step 5: Map Seating Patterns
Are any specific tables used more often than others? If so, you can use the zone heating method to determine when and where warmth is most needed and operate those heaters accordingly.
Step 6: Evaluate Your Budget
Determine your budget for outdoor heating solutions to help narrow down your options. Consider calculating the energy costs you will likely spend over time to establish an ongoing budget for using your heaters.
You can also contact our experienced comfort professionals at Big Ass Fans for expert guidance on outdoor heating solutions.
The Obsidian Electric Heater From Big Ass Fans
As the industry’s leading manufacturer of HVLS (high-volume, low-speed) fans and other airflow solutions, Big Ass Fans is an innovator in commercial comfort solutions. Our Obsidian electric heater is a powerful and efficient unit with many features that make it ideal for outdoor business space.
- The Obsidian’s advanced heating technology delivers consistent and powerful heat with 80% radiant heating efficiency (80% of the energy consumed by the heater is directly converted into radiant heat).
- Three models are available with 1500W, 3000W, and 6000W capacity (the higher the wattage, the higher the heat output).
- Its durable construction—and IP65 rating—withstands the elements to provide long-lasting performance.
- Its quiet operation allows customers to enjoy a peaceful outdoor dining space without the noise of traditional heaters.
- The heating element is guaranteed to last up to 8,000 hours.
- The Obsidian is easy to install, with adjustable brackets for mounting options on the wall or ceiling.
Visit our online store today to explore the Obsidian electric heater and other solutions for year-round comfort.