10 Features to Look For When Shopping for Mushroom Heaters
10 Features to Look For When Shopping for Mushroom Heaters
If you own a restaurant, bar, hotel, resort, or multifamily property with a patio, you already know how important it is to keep guests comfortable when the temperature drops. A cozy outdoor space means customers linger longer, residents use the amenities more often, and patios stay busy year-round.
One of the best ways to keep outdoor areas warm is with mushroom heaters. These iconic patio heaters are tall, round-topped units that radiate heat in all directions. But not all mushroom heaters are created equal. If you’re shopping for new patio heaters, you’ll want to make sure you choose a model that delivers real performance, reliability, and value.
Below are the 10 key features to look for when shopping for mushroom heaters, plus an overview of why Sunglo is considered the gold standard in the industry.
1. Does It Keep You Warm?
The most important question: will the heater actually keep people warm and comfortable on your patio spaces?
A good mushroom heater should deliver at least 40,000 BTUs per hour and heat an area of at least 10x10 feet. For larger patios, you’ll often need multiple heaters to fully cover the space. This makes BTU output and coverage area essential starting points when comparing options.
2. Corrosion Resistance
Outdoor heaters need to handle rain, humidity, and constant exposure to the elements. Look for heaters made of stainless steel or those with a durable powder-coated paint finish. These materials resist rust and corrosion, ensuring your investment lasts for years.
3. Natural Gas and Propane Options
Your property’s needs may vary depending on the patio layout and fuel availability. That’s why it’s smart to choose a manufacturer that offers both propane mushroom heaters and natural gas mushroom heaters.
- Natural gas heaters connect directly to a property’s gas line, eliminating the need to swap tanks, but they cannot be easily repositioned.
- Propane mushroom heaters offer portability and flexibility, powered by replaceable propane tanks, that are usually hidden in their base.
Having mushroom heaters with both fuel options available gives you flexibility when designing or expanding your heating setup.
4. Built-In Safety Shutoff
Safety should never be optional. Quality mushroom heaters should include automatic shutoff mechanisms that shuts off the supply of fuel, if the heater is knocked over for any reason. This feature helps protect your guests, staff, and property.
5. Multiple Control Options
Different patios and staff preferences call for different control systems. Some operators prefer battery-operated ignition systems, while others like the simplicity of manual ignition. Higher-end models may also offer timers or ON/OFF switches for added convenience.
The key is flexibility. Look for a brand that provides multiple heater control options to choose from.
6. Variety of Mounting Options
Not every patio has the same setup. That’s why it helps to have choices when it comes to mounting your patio heaters. Depending on your property, you may need:
- Freestanding bases with or without floor brackets
- In-ground mounts for a permanent installation
- Suspended overhead mounts that save floor space
- Portable wheeled bases (propane heaters only) for maximum flexibility
The right mounting option makes your heating solution fit seamlessly into your space.
7. Availability of OEM Replacement Parts
This might be the single most important factor that many buyers overlook. A mushroom heater is only as reliable as the parts support behind it.
Look for a manufacturer that sells OEM replacement parts for their heaters. Whether your heater is still under warranty or not, you want to be able to order genuine mushroom heater parts quickly if something breaks. This avoids costly downtime during your busiest seasons.
8. A Robust Warranty
Heaters are an investment, and you want a company that stands behind its products. A solid warranty shows confidence in quality and gives you peace of mind.
9. An Experienced Manufacturer
Experience matters. A manufacturer with decades of history has already proven their durability and reliability. When shopping for mushroom heaters, look for a company that has been in the business long enough to refine their designs and build products made to last.
10. Proudly Made in the USA
When products are made in the USA, you know they’ve been built under strict quality standards. Plus, it means you’ll have easier access to support, parts, and service if you ever need them.
Why Sunglo Mushroom Heaters Stand Out
When it comes to mushroom heaters, Sunglo checks every box. Here’s why Sunglo has been trusted for decades in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and multifamily patios across the country.
- Powerful heating: Every heater delivers at least 40,000 BTUs per hour (with some models reaching 50,000 BTUs). Coverage areas range from 10x10 feet up to 12x12 feet.
- Durability: Made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel and high-grade materials, built to withstand daily use in outdoor commercial settings.
- Natural gas and propane heaters: All of Sunglo’s heaters have both propane and natural gas versions available.
- Safety: Equipped with reliable automatic 100% safety shutoff mechanisms.
- Controls: Models offer multiple control systems, including manual, battery-operated, timers, and ON/OFF switches.
- Mounting flexibility: Choose from freestanding, in-ground, suspended overhead, or portable with wheel kits.
- OEM replacement parts: Sunglo offers an easy-to-use parts store, making it simple to order replacements whenever you need them.
- Warranty support: Backed by strong manufacturer warranties.
- Proven experience: Sunglo has been handcrafting heaters in the USA for decades.
- Built for commercial use: Designed for busy restaurants and patios where heaters are in use every single day.
A Quick Look: Natural Gas vs. Propane Mushroom Heaters
Both natural gas and propane mushroom heaters have unique advantages.
| Feature | Natural Gas Mushroom Heater | Propane Mushroom Heater |
| Fuel Source | Connected directly to property’s gas line | Powered by refillable propane tanks |
| Portability | Fixed installation only | Portable (wheel kits available), or fixed installation |
| Mounting Options | Freestanding, in-ground, or suspended | Freestanding, suspended, or portable |
Why Infrared Heating Matters
Sunglo mushroom heaters use infrared heating technology, which warms people and objects directly instead of just heating the air. That means the heat isn’t lost to wind and breezes. This is what makes infrared heaters the perfect solution for outdoor patios, where traditional heaters often struggle.
The Bottom Line
When you’re shopping for mushroom heaters, make sure you look for models that combine heating power, durability, safety, and flexibility. Don’t forget the importance of OEM replacement parts, a strong warranty, and a proven manufacturer.
Sunglo delivers all of these features, making them the best choice for hospitality businesses and multifamily properties that want dependable patio heating.
Ready to find the perfect mushroom heater for your patio? Reach out to AEI to learn more about Sunglo mushroom heaters and explore installation options for your space.
FAQs About Mushroom Heaters
How long do mushroom heaters last?
With proper care and maintenance, a quality mushroom heater like a Sunglo can last 10 years or more. Regular cleaning and timely replacement of worn parts extend the lifespan even further.
Are mushroom heaters safe indoors?
No. Infrared mushroom heaters are designed for outdoor use only. They need open air for proper ventilation. If your patio space is partially enclosed, you need to ensure adequate air flow isn’t interrupted.
How often do propane tanks need to be replaced?
That depends on usage, but most standard propane tanks last for 8–10 hours of continuous heating. For busy restaurants or resorts, it’s best to keep extra tanks on-site for quick swaps.
Do natural gas mushroom heaters cost less to run than propane?
Yes. Natural gas heaters usually have lower operating costs because refilling propane tanks can be an additional cost on top of the fuel itself.
Can mushroom heaters be used in windy areas?
Yes, because they use infrared heating technology. Unlike traditional heaters that only warm the air, infrared heaters warm people and objects directly, so their heat is less affected by a light breeze. However, mushroom heaters are not recommended for very windy conditions, since strong gusts can blow out the flame or make the heater unstable. For best results and safety, place mushroom heaters in areas that are somewhat shielded from heavy winds.
What’s the difference between commercial and residential mushroom heaters?
Commercial mushroom heaters are built with heavier-duty materials, higher BTU outputs, and stronger safety features. They’re designed for constant daily use, making them perfect for restaurants, hotels, and multifamily patios.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to upgrade your patio heating or need help finding the right mushroom heater for your property, we’d love to hear from you. Contact AEI today by filling out the form below, and one of our team members will get back to you with expert support and solutions tailored to your needs.
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