Outdoor Heating in AZ — Patio Heaters, Radiant Panels, and Fire Tables Compared
AZ winters are real — November to March, evening temps drop to 40s. Here's how to keep your patio usable, with the system that actually fits.
Mushroom propane heaters
Cheapest ($200–$600). Heats a 6–8 ft radius. Run on 20-lb propane tank (8–10 hrs per tank). Fine for a small patio, ugly aesthetic, requires tank storage. Skip for permanent installs.
Pyramid / tower heaters
Visual centerpiece, glass tube of flame. $400–$1,200. Heats 8–10 ft radius. Best when you want fire as ambiance, not just heat.
Wall/ceiling-mounted infrared
Electric (240V) or natural gas. Directional heat — warms people, not air. Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat is the benchmark. $800–$2,500 per unit. Best for permanent patio installs and outdoor kitchens. Quiet, efficient, no flame.
Fire tables and pits
Heat is secondary — these are social/visual. Will take the chill off within 6 ft. Best as the centerpiece of seating, with infrared overhead for actual heat.
What we install
For permanent patio use: 2–3 ceiling-mounted Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat (gas) controlled from one switch. Adds $5K–$10K to a project but converts a patio from 7-month-use to 12-month-use.
