Horizontal Heaters vs Mushroom Heaters — What’s Right for Your Patio?
If you own a multifamily property like an apartment or condo complex, or run a hospitality business like a restaurant, bar, club, hotel, or resort, keeping your outdoor spaces warm and comfortable is a must. Patios, pool decks, grilling areas, clubhouses, and restaurant patios can all benefit from reliable patio heating. When choosing the best heater for your patio, you’ll often come across two popular styles: horizontal heaters and mushroom heaters.
Both styles are designed for patios. Both keep people warm with safe infrared heat. But there are also important differences. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about horizontal heaters vs mushroom heaters so you can choose what works best for your property.
Why Patio Heating Matters
For apartment and condo owners, outdoor spaces are key amenities. Heated patios by the pool, community grilling stations, or cozy lounges near the clubhouse help residents enjoy their property year-round. Warm patios also make social gatherings more comfortable and inviting.
For hospitality businesses, patio heating can boost revenue. A warm patio lets you seat guests outside in cooler weather. Heated waiting areas keep customers comfortable while they wait for their car at the valet. Many restaurants and bars see higher profits when outdoor seating remains open longer into the season.
That’s why choosing the right patio heaters is so important. You want equipment that fits your layout, meets your needs, and keeps your customers and residents happy.
How Patio Heaters Work
Both horizontal heaters and mushroom heaters work by emitting safe infrared waves. These waves heat people and objects directly—not the air. This is why patio heaters perform well outdoors, even when breezy.
Both types of heaters use an infrared emitter that heats up when powered by:
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Electricity (some horizontal heaters)
They’re built for outdoor patios (not camping) and are used everywhere from restaurants to apartments and condos. There are some differences between the three types of fuel for patio heaters.
Similarities Between AEI’s Horizontal and Mushroom Heaters
- Infrared heat warms people, not the air.
- Fuel types: Both can use natural gas or propane; horizontal heaters also offer electric models.
- Outdoor durability: Built to work reliably throughout the day, seven days a week.
- Common applications: Apartments, condos, restaurants, hotels, bars, resorts.
- Commercial-grade: Designed for years of use.
Differences Between Horizontal and Mushroom Heaters
1. Shape and Design
- Mushroom Heaters: Tall, round-topped heaters with a distinctive "mushroom" hood that reflects heat downward.
- Horizontal Heaters: Boxy, rectangular units that project heat in one direction.
2. Heat Zones
- Mushroom Heaters: Emit heat 360 degrees around the unit. Best placed centrally.
- Horizontal Heaters: Project heat in a fan or arc toward the seating area. Mounted on walls, ceilings, or poles.
3. Fuel Types
- Mushroom Heaters: Natural gas or propane. Some have electric starters.
- Horizontal Heaters: Natural gas, propane, or electric. Some have electric starters.
4. Portability
- Mushroom Heaters: Propane models are portable—perfect for temporary setups. Natural gas versions are fixed.
- Horizontal Heaters: Always fixed in place. Require professional installation.
5. Mounting Options
- Mushroom Heaters:
- Pole-mounted in a hole or base plate.
- Portable propane models with tank onboard.
- Overhead-mounted.
- Horizontal Heaters:
- Wall-mounted.
- Ceiling-mounted.
- Flush-mounted in architecture.
- Hung from eaves or poles.
6. Brands We Carry
- Mushroom Heaters:
- Patio Comfort (Natural Gas or Liquid Propane)
- Sunglo (Natural Gas or Liquid Propane)
- Horizontal Heaters:
- SunStar (Natural Gas or Liquid Propane)
- Sunpak (Natural Gas or Liquid Propane)
- Infratech (Electric)
Choosing What’s Right for Your Property
For Apartments and Condos:
- Communal patios: Horizontal heaters mounted to walls or ceilings keep walkways clear.
- Grilling stations: Either style can work; horizontal heaters often preferred.
- Clubhouses: Electric horizontal heaters (Infratech) are great when gas lines aren’t available.
- Poolside patios: Combination of both, depending on layout.
For Restaurants and Hospitality Businesses:
- Restaurant patios: A mix of mushroom heaters (propane) and horizontal heaters (overhead comfort) works well.
- Valet areas: Portable mushroom heaters make it easy to warm small zones.
- Outdoor lounges and bars: Horizontal heaters work great when mounted overhead.
- Waiting areas: Mushroom heaters provide quick, portable warmth.
Mushroom and Horizontal Heaters at a Glance
| Feature | Mushroom Heaters | Horizontal Heaters |
|---|---|---|
| Heating direction: | 360 degrees | Directed fan or arc |
| Fuel types for heaters: | Natural gas, propane | Natural gas, propane, electric |
| Portability: | Yes (propane models) | No (fixed install) |
| Mounting options for heaters: | Freestanding with a base, pole mounted in-ground, or suspended overhead | Overhead from ceiling, walls, or eaves, flush mounted, pole mounted |
| Best for: | Central patio spots, temporary use | Perimeter heating, overhead use |
| Brand examples: | Patio Comfort, Sunglo | SunStar, Sunpak, Infratech |
Picking the Right Patio Heater
Both horizontal patio heaters and mushroom patio heaters are excellent choices, depending on your needs. Think about:
- Patio layout
- Mounting options
- Fuel availability
- Portability needs
- Installation budget
If you’re unsure which type of heater is best for your space, contact AEI Corporation. We’ve helped thousands of apartment owners and hospitality businesses choose the perfect patio heaters to fit their spaces.
Our trusted brands—Patio Comfort, Sunglo, SunStar, Sunpak, and Infratech—have been keeping patios warm for decades.
Ready to warm up your patio? We’re here to help!
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