How to choose a gas heater for a summer house: choosing a device for outdoor heating

How can it be nice to spend an evening at the dacha? Sit on your own veranda or terrace, look at the fire and stars.Gas appliances suitable for heating and lighting outdoor areas will help you create an atmosphere of comfort on a cool autumn evening.

We will tell you how to choose a gas heater for your dacha, what characteristics of the device you need to know to make an intelligent purchase. We have described in detail the operating principle and discussed their advantages and disadvantages. To help future buyers, leading manufacturers in the segment are listed.

Gas heaters for outdoor use

A gas heater is a device that emits, in addition to heat waves directed at a specific item or object, also light waves. The long-wave device heats everything that comes within its range. It does not waste thermal energy to heat the air mass, which creates reasonable preconditions for its use in the open air.

An undeniable advantage of gas heaters is their autonomy. It is mobile and does not require connection to centralized power networks. Can be used for forcing seedlings in the cool season, to maintain a comfortable temperature in winter glazed gardens.

Depending on the power of the gas burner, the radius of the comfortable zone can be from 2 to 5 meters. The variety of models and exquisite shapes of gas outdoor heaters will add zest to the appearance of your dacha. And the gentle warmth and fresh air will not leave anyone indifferent.

When choosing an outdoor gas heater, you need to pay attention to price and fuel consumption

Operating principle of an outdoor heater

The design of an outdoor heater consists of a base, a gas line and a burner. To give good stability, the base is made quite massive, and a gas cylinder is mounted in it. The gas then rises through gas pipes hidden in the heater rack.

At the very top there is a gas burner with a reflector. When gas burns, infrared radiation is produced, which heats objects, but not the air. A gas outdoor heater in the comfort zone increases the temperature by 10 degrees.

The cap is made of a material that reflects heat and light well.Therefore, the cozy place is not only warmed, but also illuminated. Before the invention of the light bulb, cities were lit by gas.

The burner is ignited, as a rule, due to the built-in piezoelectric element. The vast majority of models have power adjustment. The devices are completely autonomous and do not need to be connected to the mains.

Most models are more than two meters high. When installing, the distances recommended by the manufacturer from the walls and ceiling must be observed.

Characteristic advantages and disadvantages

The advantages and disadvantages of an outdoor heater are determined by its design features and heating method. Among the advantages:

• excellent design;
• simple design;
• electronic independence;
• mobility.

A gas heater is the most economical and practical compared to heaters using other types of fuel. In addition, the combustion of gas produces almost no harmful substances or odors.

However, due to the specific nature of the application, outdoor heaters are forced to be produced with somewhat excess power. According to the manufacturers, 92% of the energy they generate is directed directly to heating objects in the field of operation of the device, and 8% is spent on air.

There are several disadvantages:

• not the highest efficiency;
• relatively high gas consumption;
• high price, justified by the use of materials resistant to atmospheric negativity.

It is recommended to use outdoor heaters at ambient temperatures of +5..+10 degrees. They are not suitable for indoor use.

Safe operation of gas equipment

Before you start using a gas appliance, read a few simple rules:

1. Before turning on the gas equipment, check the condition of the rubber hoses.
2. Observe the recommended distances from the ceiling and walls.
3. Do not store gas cylinders in the house.
4. Do not operate gas appliances near open flames.
5. If lighting with a match, light the match first and then turn on the gas supply.
6. If you are leaving, turn off the gas cylinder valves.
7. Before use, carefully read the instructions for the device.

The outdoor gas heater is designed for mass buyers and does not require special maintenance.

Depending on the design gas cylinder, necessary for work, can be located in the lower part of the device or in a utility box separated from the housing. Compliance with simple rules guarantees long and reliable operation of simple equipment.

Please note: the gas cylinder must undergo periodic verification.

Criteria for choosing an outdoor heater

In order not to get lost in the variety of models, there are several tips for choosing:

• To heat a space of 25-30 m², a power of 12 kW is required. Based on this, the power of the device is calculated.
• It is desirable to have a smooth change in power, and not just a minimum and maximum.
• Availability of automatic emergency shutdown, for example, in case of a fall.
• The case material is preferably stainless steel.
• Ensuring the ability to operate on liquefied gas and natural gas.

When choosing a gas heating device, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the reflector in order to determine the coverage area of ​​the device. It would be nice if the heater had economical gas consumption.

If you need to heat a large area, it is better to buy two heaters.This way you will achieve a more even heat distribution. With one but powerful heater installed in the center of the heated area, the temperature may be uncomfortably high.

Overview of the main manufacturers

Brief information on manufacturers and produced lines of heaters will help you better decide on a large assortment of models.

#1. Trademark Master Summer

Russian outdoor gas heaters are produced under this brand. Production began in 2003. The model range consists of two traditional types: “mushroom” and “pyramid”. The line includes 8 colors for the “mushroom” and 4 different colors for the “pyramid”. All heaters come with a three-year warranty.

The mushroom-type outdoor heater can be made of stainless steel or painted

Main characteristics:

• power 5-13 kW;
• heating diameter 9m;
• gas consumption 0.45-0.87 kg/h;
• stabilization platform for filling with sand.

All models are equipped with piezo ignition, transport wheels and emergency automatic shutdown.

The body of the pyramid-shaped gas heater is made of steel. Inside it is a flask made of heat-resistant glass, held by steel bars

Main characteristics of the device in the form of a pyramid:

• power 8kW;
• heating diameter 6m;
• gas consumption 0.45-0.87 kg/h;
• quartz glass flask.

Illumination is achieved by a flame 1 meter high. It is possible to smoothly adjust the power. Piezo ignition is used for starting.

#2. Patriot brand

The Patriot brand was founded in 1973 in the USA. Among the huge list of garden equipment and power tools, there are models of outdoor infrared heaters.

Patriot gas heaters are equipped with overheating protection and devices that turn off the device if accidentally dropped or tipped over.

Main characteristics of the models:

• power 6-15 kW;
• heating diameter 9m;
• gas consumption 0.45-0.87 kg/h;
• Stainless steel models available.

The models are equipped with piezo ignition and are equipped with a smooth power control device. Casters are included for easy movement.

#3. Brand Kroll

The German heating equipment manufacturer Kroll was founded in 1980. Thanks to 100% production automation, all innovative developments are almost instantly introduced into production.

Kroll outdoor gas heaters with a wide umbrella heat areas of 28 m². The height of the device can vary from 2.3 m to 1.6 m

Main characteristics of the model:

• power 6.5-10 kW;
• heating diameter 6m;
• gas consumption 0.51-0.78 kg/h;
• made of stainless steel.

The model is equipped with a piezoelectric element for safe ignition. There is a built-in safety unit and smooth adjustment of the burner power.

#4. Enders brand

Founded in 1883. The German company Enders specializes in the production of equipment for outdoor recreation. The company produces a wide range of outdoor gas heaters.

Due to the ability to rotate the emitting modules of the device, you can significantly increase the operating area of ​​the device

Main characteristics of the model with rotating emitters:

• power 2 burners, 2 kW each;
• gas consumption 2 at 0.145 kg/h;
• heating distance 4.5 m;
• material of manufacture: stainless steel or painted steel.

The model is equipped with a piezoelectric element and an automatic safety unit. Combustion power adjustment is not provided.

Heaters with a stainless steel body are the most suitable option for atmospheric negativity.

Main characteristics of the models:

• power 4-14 kW;
• heating diameter 10m;
• gas consumption 1.019 kg/h;
• Material: polished stainless steel.

The model allows for smooth power adjustment and has piezo ignition. Built-in automatic safety unit.

The “column” heater is only 1.15 m high, but due to the adjustable reflector it effectively distributes infrared radiation

Main characteristics of the model:

• power 3-6 kW;
• heating distance 5m;
• gas consumption 0.437 kg/h;
• Material of manufacture: polished stainless steel.

The relatively small power is compensated by a patented thermal energy distribution system. The model is equipped with piezo ignition and an automatic safety unit.

The model is a “pyramid” with a light source up to 1 meter. The reflector, made of stainless steel, will last for many years without the slightest damage.

Main characteristics:

• power 4.9 kW;
• maximum gas consumption 0.34 kg/h;
• Material: painted steel.

The device allows for smooth regulation of flame power and height. Built-in piezoelectric element and automatic safety unit. The body is equipped with wheels.

#5. Brand Nortec

The Chinese group of companies under the Nortec brand began its sales in 2005. One of the company's directions is the production of outdoor heaters.

Nortec gas heaters for cottages and cafes have a high heating speed. Reaches the required temperature extremely quickly

Main characteristics:

• power 6-12W;
• gas consumption 0.6-0.98 kg/h;
• heating diameter 8 m;
• uses Russian 27l cylinders.

The model is equipped with piezo ignition. For ease of movement, the base is equipped with a wheelbase.

Main characteristics:

• power 6-12 kW;
• gas consumption 0.6-0.98 kg/h;
• heating diameter 8m;
• uses Russian 27l cylinders.

Power adjustment has three stages. Equipped with pyroignition. Case material: stainless steel.

#6. Brand Neoclima

Neoclima is a trademark of a Chinese manufacturer of climate control equipment. Year of foundation: 2000. There are authorized service centers in the CIS countries.

The body of the outdoor heater can be made of stainless steel or powder-coated metal that can withstand natural adversities

Main characteristics of models with a mushroom-shaped umbrella:

• power 5-13 kW;
• gas consumption 0.4-0.87 kg/h;
• heating diameter 9m;
• uses Russian 27l cylinders.

The model is equipped with automatic safety and a device for adjusting power. Ignition is carried out by a piezoelectric element.

Main characteristics of pyramidal modifications:

• power 5-13 kW;
• gas consumption 0.35-0.85 kg/h;
• heating diameter 5m;
• uses Russian 27l cylinders.

The body of this model is made of painted metal. There is power adjustment. The device is equipped with emergency automatics and piezo ignition.

The body is made from high-quality stainless steel or powder-coated steel alloy and is virtually rust-resistant. However, steel products do not have too many fans. For adherents of a stylishly designed exterior, they produce devices with an additional wooden case

Leading manufacturers are not represented in the review.Their products are similar in operating principle, but differ in technical characteristics and equipment.

An alternative in the field of infrared heaters

Streets examined in detail infrared heaters best suited for outdoor use. At the same time, due to their narrow specialization, they are ineffective in other areas of application.

For heating well-ventilated verandas and terraces, the following are suitable:

• catalytic heaters;
• ceramic heaters;
• heat guns.

This type of heater has less power and, as a rule, has a wheelbase. They are not so effective for heating outdoors, but they are convenient and versatile. Infrared ceramic gas heaters can be used for heating indoor residential premises and workshops, but require mandatory ventilation.

About, harm or benefit we get using infrared heating devices, which is discussed in detail in the article we recommend.

Catalytic heating devices

In catalytic gas heaters, there is no open combustion of gas. Due to a chemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst, the gas is oxidized with the release of thermal energy. During flameless combustion, the temperature does not rise above 500 degrees. Catalytic gas heaters belong to the infrared category.

Inside the body of the catalytic heater there is a porous material coated with catalyst spray or powder. Typically the porous material is fiberglass wool. And platinum is most often used as a catalyst.

Recently, catalytic heaters with a different type of catalyst have appeared, which has significantly reduced the cost.

Due to the large area of ​​the catalyst, gas or gasoline vapors are effectively oxidized as a result of a chemical reaction. At the same time, oxygen consumption is minimal. Catalytic gas heaters can be used in enclosed spaces and do not require well-functioning forced ventilation.

Very often, catalytic heaters can operate not only on gas, but also on other types of fuel

The advantages and disadvantages of catalytic heaters are determined by the cost and type of catalyst.

Advantages:

• easy to carry;
• do not require ventilation;
• the gas cylinder is mounted inside the unit;
• can operate on different types of fuel (gas, gasoline);
• very high efficiency.

Catalytic heaters are the safest type of gas equipment with a low temperature of the radiating element.The popularity of these devices is due to their economical fuel consumption and long-lasting operation.

However, they have the following disadvantages:

• high price determined by the cost of the catalyst;
• limited resource, about 2500 hours.

Catalytic gas heaters have a simple design and low weight. Most models do not require connection to power sources.

When choosing a catalytic gas heater, it is necessary to calculate the cubic capacity of the heated room. The most powerful modifications can heat up to 100 cubic meters and have a power of about 5 kW. Gas consumption in this case is up to 300 g. at one o'clock.

On average, catalytic heaters are designed for an area of ​​about 20 m² and consume 130-150 g/h of fuel. This is one of the most economical types of gas heaters.

For ease of movement, large, heavy models are equipped with a wheelbase that greatly facilitates towing over various distances

Heating the interior space of a country house is excellent carbon heater. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the design principles of carbon fiber devices, as well as the positive and negative aspects of their use.

Ceramic gas heaters

Thermal radiation from an open flame is used for heating. They burn a lot of oxygen, so ventilation is required in the room after use. Ceramic gas heaters are classified as infrared heaters.

Gas from the cylinder enters the nozzle where combustion occurs. Due to the high combustion temperature, about 800 degrees, a large amount of infrared radiation is emitted.

To increase the efficiency of the device, a ceramic panel is used. This panel is heat-resistant and retains heat for a long time, gradually heating surrounding objects. Advantages and disadvantages are determined by the presence of an open flame. High oxygen consumption.

Advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• low price;
• high power;
• high heating rate.

Due to the high power, fans are often added to the design of ceramic heaters. This addition allows for greater efficiency and faster heating.

Ceramic heaters have the following disadvantages:

• mandatory ventilation or good ventilation;
• unsafe due to open flame;
• increased fuel consumption.

The efficiency of ceramic heaters is lower compared to their catalytic counterparts. The high combustion temperature allows the use of a fan for more efficient and faster heating.

The most powerful models for domestic use have a power of about 6 kW.Without the use of an additional fan, they can heat up to 60 m² of living space. Due to increased gas consumption, they are equipped with cylinders of 6 and 12 liters.

At the same time, there are low-power heaters - camping options. The simple design and unpretentiousness allow this type of heaters to be used for a variety of purposes. They are the most versatile of all varieties.

It is necessary to remember the high temperature of the radiating surface. The heater must not be placed closer than 2 meters to objects.

Thermal gas guns

Heat gas guns are capable of heating a significant volume of a room in literally a matter of minutes. Gas guns refer to devices with forced convection. These are direct heating devices.

Using a piezoelectric element, the gas burner is ignited, and the fan behind creates a powerful air flow. The temperature of the air coming from the gun is 300-400 degrees. Productivity depends on the burner power and the volume of blown air. The kit may include a temperature sensor for automatic on/off.

Although there is no soot or odor when gas is burned, carbon monoxide is formed in the combustion products. For this reason, it is necessary to ventilate the room every half hour. The advantages and disadvantages are associated with high power, which usually has no adjustments.

Advantages:

• high mobility;
• simplicity of design;
• not large weight and geometric dimensions;
• very high heating rate;
• not a high price.

The gas torch burns inside the pipe and is reliably isolated from surrounding objects. However, it is necessary to take into account the high temperature of the exhaust air and the heating of the pipe itself.

The use of gas guns has its disadvantages:

• connection to the electrical network is required;
• constant ventilation;
• noise;
• even in automatic mode, human control is required;
• high fuel consumption;
• no ability to regulate power.

Efficiency as a residential heater is reduced due to the need for constant ventilation.

The main technical characteristic of a gas heat gun is the volume of heated air per hour. Typical parameters for a household gas gun – 320 m³ at one o'clock. In this case, gas consumption is about 700g/hour. Not the largest units have a power of 50 kW and are capable of heating 900 m in an hour³.

The area of ​​application of heat guns is the rapid heating of mainly production workshops and construction sites. Well suited for garages, semi-open verandas, rooms with good ventilation. When choosing a gas gun, pay attention to the presence of automation and security systems.

Gas guns have a high gas consumption; a gas cylinder is not included in the delivery package.

Heat gas guns are often used to increase the temperature to speed up the curing of concrete monolithic foundations and similar structures, to dry the plaster and adhere the finish to the base.

Low-power small models are trusted to heat private garages, dachas, and country houses. Selection rules and types of heat guns This is the article we recommend.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Due to their bulky size, street lights are supplied disassembled. See assembly instructions:

Video demonstrating the operation of the automatic gas gun:

A small catalytic heater can work all night:

In general, gas heaters are highly reliable and safe. The vast majority of models are capable of working offline. Using gas as fuel, they are very economical and environmentally friendly devices.

Tell us about how you chose a gas heater for your summer cottage. Please comment on the information we offer, ask questions, and share useful information. You can leave a comment in the block form below.