Here's everything you need to know about the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater. In this review, we'll cover everything you need to know about this heater so that you can decide if it's the right option for you.
Providing excellent value for money, the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater makes a great contender for our round up of the best patio heaters.
The AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater is powered by a 20-pound liquid propane tank (sold separately). It produces up to 46,000 BTU of heat – each BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
According to AmazonBasics, the propane patio heater has an effective heating range of up to 324 square feet – on paper larger than the similar-spec Fire Sense Commercial Patio Heater – although manufacturer estimates vary significantly on this front, and performance will always depend on weather conditions.
AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater review: Price
Unsurprisingly, as an own-brand product, the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater is only available to purchase through Amazon, so there are no opportunities to shop around different online retailers.
The base unit is available in various finishes for $134.99. An upgrade to a more robust Stainless Steel model costs $169.99, or $179.99 for a Wicker version.
AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater review: Features
Heat source: Propane
Heat output: 46,000 BTU
Tank size: 20 pounds
Heating range: 324 square feet
Size: 89 x 33 x 18 inches
Weight: 40 pounds
Warranty: 1 year
Constructed from durable powder-coated steel, the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater comes in a range of colors to complement the rest of your patio furniture and outdoor décor – including Slate Gray, Bahama Blue, Hammered Black, Havana Bronze and Sable Brown.
Equipped with a Piezo electric ignition system, the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater lights at the push of a button, and can be controlled using a large variable-heat control knob. A wheel assembly comes included with the patio heater for ease of maneuvering around the patio.
AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater review: User Reviews
Amazon customers give the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater 4 out of 5 stars, drawn from a sample of 1,121 reviews – 58 per cent of which gave it 5 stars. Because there are so many reviews, there is considerably more detailed feedback than for similar units we have reviewed.
People are often pleasantly surprised and impressed by the patio heater's build quality, considering the price and the fact that it's an 'AmazonBasics' product. Most found it lights easily and gives out plenty of heat.
However several users however found the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater to be too tall for their needs, and chose to saw a length off the vertical pole to reduce the overall height of the heater. They found this made the heat output noticeably more effective when seated.
Others found the instructions a little confusing and pointed out incomplete or incorrect steps. Most users assembled the unit successfully within an hour, but some took up to two. A wrench is included, but several users found it inadequate and recommended using your own tools.
While the average rating is very positive (75 per cent 5 or 4 star), 13 per cent of users gave the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater 1 star. Several complained that when operated on maximum power, the powder coating on the metal around the burner on their unit has melted and peeled off.
A top tip shared by one user is to warm the protective blue film covering the reflector pieces with a hairdryer to make it easier to remove, as it can be time-consuming to do so otherwise.
Others noted that as it doesn't come with a cover as standard, although Amazon does sell one that matches as a bundle for an extra $32.99.
Should you buy the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater?
The AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater is a great value option if you need a powerful freestanding propane patio heater that doesn't break the bank. While some of the issues mentioned in the more negative reviews may be cause for concern, they are relatively rare, which suggests faulty individual units could be to blame. The vast majority of Amazon customers would recommend it, even compared to more expensive models.
If you're looking for a model with a similar spec list, the popular Fire Sense Commercial Patio Heater will be a good alternative. Alternatively, add some style to your garden with the Avenlur 42000 BTU Pyramid Patio Heater or one of the best fire pits.
