AEI Corporation

Outdoor patio spaces have become an essential part of both multifamily communities and hospitality businesses. Whether it is an apartment complex with shared patios or a waterfront restaurant with an ocean view, these outdoor areas are valuable gathering places. But if you are located near the coast or in a humid region, one challenge often stands in your way: salt and moisture.

This is where marine-grade stainless steel heaters step in. In this blog, we will explain what “marine-grade” means, why it matters, who needs it, and how horizontal patio heaters built with grade 316 stainless steel protect your investment while keeping guests comfortable.

What Is Marine-Grade Stainless Steel?

The phrase “marine-grade” is often used when talking about outdoor appliances, grills, or heaters designed for coastal regions. But what does it actually mean?

Marine-grade stainless steel refers to grade 316 stainless steel. While similar to the widely used grade 304 stainless steel, 316 includes molybdenum in its alloy mixture. This small addition makes a big difference.

• 304 stainless steel is corrosion resistant and durable, but it struggles in environments with high salt exposure.
• 316 stainless steel takes that resistance to the next level. The molybdenum increases the steel’s resistance to salt-based corrosion, making it the clear choice for patio heaters installed in areas near the ocean.

That is why 316 is commonly called marine-grade. 316 stainless steel is specifically designed to handle salt spray, salty air, and other harsh coastal conditions that can quickly wear down ordinary stainless steel.

Why Do Patio Heaters Experience More Corrosion In Coastal Climates?

The answer is salt aerosols. Which are microscopic particles of salt water that are sprayed into the air when waves crash against the shore. These microscopic droplets can travel surprisingly far inland when carried by the wind, a few dozen miles in most cases, although salt aerosols have been found documented being blown over 50 miles inland.

Once these salty aerosols settle on your outdoor equipment:

1. The water evaporates, but the salt stays behind.
2. Over time, salt builds up on the surface of your heater.
3. Chloride ions from the salt will react chemically with stainless steel, disrupting the corrosion resistant layer that normally protects stainless steel.
4. Stainless steel begins to corrode much faster than it would in a non-coastal environment.

The closer you are to the ocean, the greater the exposure. But even properties located miles inland can still feel the effects of salt in the air. That means coastal cities, bayside communities, and beachfront resorts all need to take corrosion seriously.

Who Needs Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Heaters?

If your property is located in a coastal or humid environment, choosing patio heaters made from marine-grade stainless steel is not just a recommendation. It is a necessity.

Hospitality Businesses

Restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, and resorts all rely on outdoor seating to create atmosphere and increase revenue. A warm and inviting patio can double your available space for customers. But if your heaters break down after just one season due to corrosion, that investment quickly disappears.

Multifamily Properties

Apartments, condominiums, and other multifamily properties often feature communal patio areas. These shared spaces are highly valued by residents, but they need to be designed with durability in mind. Marine-grade heaters ensure residents stay comfortable year-round while reducing replacement costs for property owners.

Why Choose Horizontal Heaters?

Now that we have covered why marine-grade stainless steel is important, let’s talk about heater style.

Horizontal patio heaters are a popular choice for both multifamily and hospitality applications. Unlike traditional mushroom heaters that stand upright, horizontal heaters are mounted overhead. This style brings several benefits:

• Space-saving design: By mounting heaters on walls or ceilings, you keep floor space open for tables, chairs, or foot traffic.
• Infrared heating: Horizontal heaters (and mushroom heaters) produce infrared heat, which warms people directly rather than heating the surrounding air. This makes them more effective in windy conditions.
• Even coverage: Mounted placement allows for consistent coverage across patios, dining areas, or common spaces.
• Durability: With fewer moving parts and less exposure to bumping or tipping, horizontal models typically last longer.

When combined with marine-grade 316 stainless steel, a horizontal heater becomes one of the best long-term investments for outdoor spaces in coastal environments.

Spotlight: SunStar Marine-Grade Horizontal Patio Heaters

One of the most reliable options for marine-grade heating is SunStar Patio Heaters. SunStar is known for its durable construction, innovative features, and reliable performance in commercial and multifamily settings.

Here are the features that set SunStar’s marine-grade heaters apart:

316 Stainless Steel Construction

SunStar offers their most popular patio heater model with the option to be made with marine-grade 316 stainless steel. This makes them ideal for coastal patios exposed to salty air or moisture.

Fuel Options: Natural Gas and Propane

SunStar offers both natural gas horizontal heaters and propane horizontal heaters. This flexibility allows you to choose the right fuel source for your property’s infrastructure.

Infrared Heating Technology

By producing infrared heat, SunStar heaters keep guests comfortable even when coastal breezes pick up. Rather than heating the air, infrared waves warm people and objects directly.

Two-Stage Heat Output

With HIGH and LOW settings, you can adjust the heat level depending on weather conditions and crowd size. This saves energy while maximizing comfort.

Thoughtful Design

• Tinted high-temperature glass faceplate reduces glare while maintaining heat output.
• Optional heat shields allow SunStar heaters to be installed closer to potentially combustible materials, making it possible to safely install in tighter areas.
• Optional wireless remote controls make it easy to adjust heaters without having to physically use a wall switch.
• Mounting flexibility allows for fixed or angled installation, ensuring coverage for both small and large patio spaces.

In short, SunStar combines marine-grade construction with smart design, making it a trusted choice for properties in coastal areas.

Marine-Grade vs. Standard Stainless Steel Heaters

When deciding on patio heaters for your property, you may wonder if standard stainless steel is “good enough.” After all, many heaters are made with grade 304 stainless steel, which is already durable and corrosion resistant. But the difference becomes clear once you factor in coastal environments.

Standard Stainless Steel (304)

• Strong and corrosion resistant in normal conditions
• Performs well in dry climates or properties located inland
• Lower upfront cost than marine-grade units
• In coastal regions, salt deposits accelerate corrosion, leading to rust, discoloration, and reduced lifespan

Marine-Grade Stainless Steel (316)

• Designed specifically for high-salt environments
• Superior resistance to pitting, rust, and long-term wear
• Holds appearance and performance longer, even when exposed to salty air or sea spray
• Higher initial cost, but lower replacement and maintenance costs over time

Side-by-Side Comparison

The takeaway: If your property is inland heaters made with 304 stainless steel may be sufficient. But for coastal businesses and multifamily properties, investing in marine-grade horizontal heaters ensures your heaters will last longer, look better, and perform consistently year after year.

Protecting Your Investment

Installing patio heaters is not just about comfort. It is about protecting your long-term investment. Here is why choosing marine-grade horizontal heaters pays off:

• Longer lifespan: Heaters built with 316 stainless steel withstand salt, moisture, and humidity much longer than standard models.
• Lower maintenance costs: Reduced corrosion means fewer repairs, less downtime, and fewer replacements.
• Consistent guest experience: Residents and customers enjoy reliable warmth without interruptions.
• Better return on investment: Durable heaters keep your outdoor spaces usable year-round, generating revenue and improving property value.

Real-World Scenarios

To better understand how marine-grade heaters make a difference, let’s look at two examples:

A Beachfront Restaurant

Imagine a seafood restaurant located just a block from the ocean. During peak season, outdoor seating doubles the number of tables available. Without heaters, the restaurant loses revenue on chilly nights. With standard stainless steel heaters, corrosion eats away at the units after only a year. By switching to marine-grade horizontal heaters, the restaurant protects its investment and provides a warm, inviting experience for guests every season.

A Condo Complex on the Bay

A coastal condominium community offers residents a large shared patio with grilling stations and lounge seating. To encourage year-round use, the property installs horizontal heaters. If standard heaters are used, salty air quickly causes deterioration, frustrating residents and creating replacement costs for the HOA. By choosing SunStar marine-grade heaters, the community ensures long-lasting durability and happier residents.

Choosing the Right Fuel: Natural Gas vs. Propane

Both natural gas horizontal heaters and propane horizontal heaters are excellent options, but the right choice depends on your property’s setup.

• Natural Gas Heaters: Best for properties with natural gas lines already installed. They provide continuous fuel without the need for tank replacement.
• Propane Heaters: More flexible for properties without natural gas infrastructure. Tanks can be swapped out, making installation easier in some cases.

Both options are available in SunStar’s marine-grade models, so you can select the fuel type that works best for your needs.

Maintenance Tips for Coastal Environments

Even with marine-grade stainless steel, regular maintenance helps extend the life of your heaters.

• Rinse occasionally with fresh water to remove salt deposits.
• Check mounting brackets for tightness, especially in windy coastal conditions.
• Inspect heat shields and glass faceplates for wear.
• Schedule annual professional inspections to ensure peak performance.

With these simple steps, your heaters will continue to deliver comfort and reliability season after season.

The Bottom Line

For properties located in coastal or humid regions, marine-grade horizontal patio heaters are not optional. They are essential. By choosing heaters made with 316 stainless steel, you protect your investment from salt corrosion and ensure your residents, guests, and customers stay comfortable year-round.

SunStar’s marine-grade patio heaters combine durability, performance, and thoughtful design, making them a trusted solution for multifamily properties and hospitality businesses alike.

Are you ready to protect your outdoor investment and create a comfortable, inviting space for your guests or residents? Explore AEI Corporation’s full line of marine-grade patio heaters, including SunStar’s horizontal heaters, available in both natural gas and propane models.

Contact AEI Corporation today to learn more about the best marine-grade heating solutions for your property.

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