AEI Corporation

If you own a restaurant, hotel, apartment building, or condo property, having a warm and welcoming outdoor space can mean the difference between an empty patio and one that’s always buzzing. Patio heaters are a smart investment for any business that wants to keep guests comfortable year-round.

But shopping for outdoor patio heaters isn’t just about picking the first one that looks good. With so many heater models, fuel types, and mounting styles available, how do you choose the best one?

We’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 features you should always look for when choosing patio heaters for your business or property.

1. Fuel Type – Choose What Works Best for Your Space

One of the first—and most important—decisions you'll make is choosing the fuel type. Not all outdoor spaces are set up the same way, so flexibility is key.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric horizontal heaters are a popular choice for covered patios or enclosed areas because they don’t produce open flames. They must be installed by a licensed electrician, and they require access to your building’s electrical system. These are a great option for permanent installations, especially in restaurant and residential settings. Our electric patio heaters are all horizontal heaters.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

These heaters hook directly into your property’s gas line. You’ll need a contractor to handle the install, but once they’re in place, natural gas patio heaters offer consistent heat and lower fuel costs over time. They’re great for long-term use in fixed locations. Available for horizontal and mushroom heaters.

Propane Patio Heaters

Portable and powerful, propane mushroom heaters are a go-to for spaces where electrical outlets or gas lines aren’t available. These heaters carry their own fuel tanks, so they can be moved around or stored away when not in use. This makes them especially handy for event spaces, party rentals, or patios with changing layouts. We make both horizontal and mushroom heaters to run on propane, although only propane mushroom heaters can be portable.

Pro Tip: Want to learn more about the differences? Check out our full comparison blog on electric vs. natural gas vs. propane patio heaters.

2. High-Quality Infrared Emitters – Look for the Best Heat Technology

Not all patio heaters give off the same kind of heat. The most efficient and comfortable option? Infrared heat.

Here’s what to look for based on heater type:

• Electric Horizontal Heaters – Go with models that use quartz elements to produce heat. Quartz can withstand over 1800°F and resists cracking from temperature changes. It also emits clean, consistent infrared heat, which warms people—not just the air around them.
• Natural Gas and Propane Horizontal Heaters – Look for units with ceramic burner systems. Ceramic is ultra-durable, handles high heat with ease, and distributes warmth evenly across your patio.
• Natural Gas and Propane Mushroom Heaters – Make sure they have a stainless steel emitter grid. Stainless steel resists rust and heat damage, keeping your mushroom heater working (and looking good) for years.

3. Durable Materials – For Long-Lasting Outdoor Use

Outdoor patio heaters live outside. That means they need to stand up to the weather, whether it’s cold winters, salty air, or summer storms.

The best heaters are made from:

• Stainless steel – Corrosion-resistant, long-lasting, and great-looking
• Aluminized steel – Or cast-aluminum is also corrosion-resistant, reliable, and durable with strong resistance to high heat

Avoid cheap, painted steel or plastic parts—they won’t last long in outdoor environments and may need frequent replacement.

If you want a painted heater to match your aesthetic, it should use a high-quality outdoor painting process, like powder-coated painted heaters. Or choose a heater that can color-match your heaters to your patio’s design.

4. Made in the USA – Trust the Quality

When it comes to outdoor appliances like patio heaters, U.S.-made products are known for better quality control, better customer service, and more reliable support. Many overseas heaters cut corners on materials, safety features, or warranties.

With a U.S.-made heater, you’re getting:

• Stronger components
• Easier access to OEM heater replacement parts
• Higher quality engineering

And when you work with AEI, you're supporting American manufacturing while investing in heaters that are built to last. These brands we carry proudly make their heaters in the United States: Infratech, SunStar, and Sunpak 

5. Warranties – Protect Your Investment

Not all warranties are created equal. Some heater brands offer a short bare-bones warranty on certain parts only. Our heater brands back their products for multiple years or even a lifetime on specific components.

When shopping for outdoor patio heaters, look for:

• Multi-year warranties on major parts
• Lifetime warranties on structural components (like burner housings or frames)
• Clear documentation on what’s covered

A good warranty is a sign of a heater that’s built to last, and a company that stands behind its products.

6. Aesthetic Options – Style Matters Too

Your patio heaters shouldn’t just work well—they should look good too. Whether you’re running a busy restaurant, a high-end hotel, or managing luxury condos, your outdoor spaces are part of your brand.

Look for heaters with:

• Multiple color or finish options
• Decorative faceplates
• Customizable styles to match your décor

Want to go even further? Infratech heaters can even be color-matched to your building or theme.

Explore the Infratech Motif Collection for designer-inspired heater faceplates that blend right into your space.

7. OEM Replacement Parts and Long-Term Support

Things happen. Even the best patio heaters may need a new igniter, emitter grid, or control switch at some point. That’s why it’s essential to choose a heater brand that offers OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) heater replacement parts.

Why OEM matters:

• The parts are made to fit and function perfectly with your specific heater
• You maintain safety and performance standards
• You extend the life of your investment

AEI stocks OEM replacement parts for all its heaters (Sunpak to Sunglo to Infratech) and will continue to do so for years to come. You don’t want to be stuck hunting for a discontinued part online.

8. Safety Features – Keep Guests and Property Protected

Safety should never be an afterthought. Outdoor patio heaters deal with high heat, gas, and electricity; so built-in safety mechanisms are essential.

Look for heaters that include:

• Tip-over shutoff (especially for mushroom heaters)
• Overheat protection
• Auto shutoff systems in case of malfunction
• Secure mounting or base design to prevent movement

Especially in public or shared spaces, safety features not only protect your guests, they can also help you stay compliant with fire codes or local regulations.

9. Flexible Mounting Options – One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Every outdoor space is different. You may have a covered patio on one end and an open rooftop on the other. That’s why a variety of mounting styles is so important.

Mounting options for your heaters to consider:

• Wall-mounted heaters – Horizontal heaters only, great for patio spaces next to a building
• Ceiling mounts – Horizontal and mushroom heaters can be installed overhead, ideal for covered patios
• Flush mounts – Inratech’s horizontal heaters can be installed with a flush-mount frame kit. Which allows the heater to be mounted inset to your ceiling, hiding the bulk of the heater for a discreet and modern look, perfect for upscale spaces
• Freestanding heaters – Mushroom heaters offer the flexibility to stand the heater on the floor, although floor brackets are available for additional support in high-traffic areas
• Pole-mount and post-mount options – For open patios or gardens

Choosing a brand with multiple mounting options means you can create the perfect heating setup without compromising on design or coverage.

Need ideas? Take advantage of AEI’s free revenue boost estimate calculator, and their complimentary heat map for your patio space to visualize your future patio!

10. Control Options – From Simple to Smart

Whether you’re managing one patio heater or a dozen across different areas, having the right heater control systems makes your life easier.

Simple control options:

• On/off switches
• Remote controls
• Basic knobs or dials
• Duplex switches (for high/low settings)

Advanced control options:

• Zoned heating control
• Scheduled timers
• Universal control panels
• Smart buttons and smart switches (control your heaters from an app on your mobile device)
• Smart home integrations (via Wi-Fi or bluetooth to 3rd-party smart home systems)

Look for brands that offer flexible control upgrades, so you can choose what works best for your team and your property.

Bonus: Documentation Makes Life Easier

This one’s often overlooked—but it makes a big difference.

Make sure the heater manufacturer provides clear, accessible documentation, including:

• User manuals
• Technical spec sheets
• Installation diagrams
• Product cutout dimensions

AEI hosts all their heaters’ product documentation right on their product pages (about halfway down the example page included). Contractors and property managers can get what they need—when they need it. No more guessing or digging through file folders.

Final Thoughts – Where to Start Your Search

From fuel type and mounting style to durability and design, there are a lot of features that matter when you’re choosing patio heaters for your business or property. Taking the time to get it right up front can mean fewer headaches later, and more comfort for your guests all year long.

If you’re ready to start exploring high-quality outdoor patio heaters, AEI Corporation is here to help. We carry top brands like Infratech, Sunglo, Sunpak, and Patio Comfort, all backed by expert support, OEM parts, and detailed product documentation.

Start your search today at AEICorporation.com.

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