The Sunglo brand is long-established in the US. The original product was designed in 1961 to cater to a particular demand in California for decorative yet practical gas-fired heaters.
Built to last, Sunglo heaters are available in four configurations: freestanding, portable, suspended, and self-contained. This particular model, the ceiling-mounted Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater, frees up patio space – provided you have a suitable roof covering overhead.
The Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater can generate a very impressive 50,000 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.
Its deep dish reflector is designed to create radiant heat, which warms people and objects rather than wasting energy on heating the surrounding air. Depending on wind conditions, Sunglo claims it can heat an area of up to 144 square feet.
To see what other models we think are worth your money, read our best patio heaters guide.
Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater review: Price
Boasting ornate craftsmanship, a timeless, stylish design and powerful heat output, the Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater is certainly at the expensive end of the patio heater range.
With manual ignition, the Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater costs $1,290 at Amazon. This rises to $1,458 with standing pilot, $1,551 with electronic ignition.
This puts the Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater in a different price bracket from most patio heaters, which will make it prohibitively expensive for some. It's commonly used in commercial premises, such as restaurants, spas and hotels, but is also a premium investment for discerning homeowners that should last many years.
Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater review: Features
Heat source: Natural gas
Heat output: 50,000 BTU
Heating range: 144 square feet
Size: 41 x 34.5 x 34.5 inches
Weight: 105 pounds
Warranty: 1 year (parts only)
The Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater features a wrought-iron frame, decorated with a classical scroll design and a powder-coat finish. A variety of colors are available, including silver, black, white, green and stainless steel.
A large, umbrella-like aluminum disc reflector maximises the heat output, emitting a dome of radiant heat up to 15 feet in diameter. The cylinder-shaped primary burner is aerated to minimize noise, and has a safety pilot system that shuts off the gas if the pilot light blows out.
The manual controls on the basic model mean that the Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater must be within easy reach, although if you need to mount it higher up, optional automatic control systems are also available for extra cost.
As the patio heater radiates heat in all directions, it's most effective when mounted centrally – above a patio table, for instance – although bear in mind that it needs a 24-inch clearance from combustibles in all directions around it.
Should you buy the Sunglo A244 patio heater?
As a domestic customer, your circumstances need to be just right for the Sunglo A244 Suspended Patio Heater to be the ideal choice for you. First of all, you need to be prepared to spend $1,200-$1,500 and have the unit professionally fitted. The cost is likely to put a lot of people off.
In a market where the fuel choices for patio heaters tend to be between a propane tank or an electrical socket, this heavy-duty unit needs to be piped into your house's natural gas supply, making it a much more permanent fixture for your patio.
Finally, in order to mount the Sunglo A244 above your patio, you do also need a suitable roof structure to fix it to, while meeting the minimum clearances.
Still not sure this is the model for you? We've got plenty more options including the Avenlur 42000 BTU Pyramid Patio Heater and the Fire Sense Commercial Patio Heater. Or heat up with one of the best fire pits instead.
