HilandTop pickOne of the most powerful propane patio heaters we tested is also among the easiest to find, with good safety features and customer support that set it apart from similar competitors.If you’re simply looking for sheer heat output, get the AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-W-xx, also sold as the Hiland HLDS01-W-xx. This propane heater is easy to assemble and cranks out enough heat to warm a 10- to 15-foot circle on your patio for more than eight hours on a single tank of gas. The built-in heat deflector helps retain the warmth and redirect it downwards towards you and your company. It also has a convenient table attachment for your drinks or cards (although you probably shouldn’t lean on it too hard). But what really makes the AZ/Hiland model stand out are the smaller details — including the fact that it’s widely available and that the company actually provides reliable customer service.The HLDS01-xx is one of the most powerful patio heaters we’ve tested. With a whopping 48,000 Btu of heat, this model provides more bang for your buck (metaphorically speaking) than other propane-based systems, and more than nine times the heating prowess of your average electric patio heater. There are some propane models that claim to crank out a little more heat, but most people won’t notice the difference unless you plan on running it at full blast all the time.It comes with a variety of safety features, too, including an improved ignition system. The AZ/Hiland model comes with an automatic tip-over shutdown switch, as well as a pair of wheels and three anchor ports, so you can secure it to the ground or a deck. The ignition mechanism also distinguishes between the “pilot” and “light” settings (when you’re actually opening up the gas line) and marks it more clearly than on other models we tested — making the overall experience feel much, much safer.The HLDS01-xx is sturdier and more durable than other top-heavy propane heaters we tested. This heater seems stable enough that it won’t blow over in the wind and light enough that it’s not too difficult to move, even when your propane tank is weighing down the base. And the burner screen was more resistant to charring than the ones from other, cheaper brands — some of which turned solid black from soot after less than 30 minutes of use. You will still have to replace the burner screen eventually though. And speaking of …What really sets this heater apart is the reliable customer service from AZ Patio Heaters. Not only is the HLDS01-xx widely available online and in stores, but the company also provides fantastic customer service — which includes the inevitable replacement parts you’ll need as time goes by. In fact, we reached out to customer service as part of our testing, and the help the representatives provided was friendly, efficient, and clear. If you want a heater that lasts — and you want to be sure you’re using it safely — this is absolutely invaluable.Flaws but not dealbreakersThe heat reflector shield only does so much to push the warmth downwards. This is an issue with any mushroom-style heater — the burner is located near the top of the unit, and heat naturally rises, so there are limits to how much the circular metal shield can deflect the heat toward you and your friends. In our testing, we’ve noticed this can result in some uneven heating. Fortunately, this model generates 48,000 Btu of heat, so you’re still getting a lot of heat overall; you just might need to cuddle a little more closely with your friends.Unlike electric heaters, propane heaters are designed to heat the air around you, instead of heating you directly. That ambient warmth can last longer than infrared heat, but it also means you’re competing against and mixing with the outside air — which is ultimately a losing battle, especially on a windy day.While propane is environmentally friendlier than other fossil fuels, it’s still derived from petroleum and natural gas extraction. To be fair, propane has a lower carbon content than gasoline or diesel fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as a higher heat content — which means you need to burn less propane in order to achieve the same heating output. The Environmental Protection Agency has long considered it a clean alternative to gasoline, diesel, coal, and other similar fuels, too. In fact, if your local energy grid relies largely on nonrenewable sources, a propane heater could potentially have lower carbon emissions than an electric one. But it is still technically a fossil fuel.You’ll need to keep refilling your propane tank, too. Your patio heater should be able to last about 8 to 10 hours on a single tank, depending on how high you crank it. That should be enough to get you through a week of routine use even if you turn it on a bit every day, and fortunately propane is stable if it sits idle for longer. Fuel errands are a flaw common to any propane heater, to be fair, and this one seems as efficient on fuel use as others its size.The HLDS01-xx also requires a little more routine maintenance than an electric heater. That’s just what happens when you’re repeatedly blasting anything with lots of fire. A good cover can help prolong your heater’s life against the elements, but you’ll still need to deal with the carbon buildup over time.
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