Propane heater question
 

I'm hosting the family Thanksgiving celebration in my backyard this year. It's supposed to be 65* outside at 3PM thi turkey day. However, I want to have a back up plan. Too many people to have inside in case it gets nasty cold outside so I need a way to provide warmth without burning anyone including a hole in my wallet. What would you suggest?

I thought of those tall patio heater units that Costco is selling for a reasonable price. It'll provide heat for up to 16' diameter area. Problem with that is storage. The thing is about 8' tall and about 3' around so I simply don't have the room to store it indoors afterwards. Is there a shorter unit but not a table top jobber? What about those radiant heat heaters that mount on top of a 20 lb propane tank? Are they safe?

I should've posted this question last week. Now I'm panicking with just three days left before the big day. Expecting about 50 people.

Do you intend to heat your garage or the patio area outside?

The backyard deck is where the party will be held. No enclosure except the pergola above.

Check with rental places... you can rent them here. Work great.

What about family sweatshirts???

I found them at the local Harbor Freight for $45 each. I'm talking about the ones that mount on the propane tank. So cheap, might as well buy than rent. I'm sure I'll use it again and again. Just want to make sure they're safe.

lol

They all know how cold it can get at my place so some come prepared. They'll still complain though and would want to come inside, sit on the couch and take in the game on the big screen. Can't have everybody on the couch.

They are cheap to rent.

I also have a tank-top unit, but to be honest, I sit near it for fear of a kid or guest bumping in to it.

The tank top units are a "need to be directly in front of" heating unit. If you aren't right in front of it, you won't even notice it's there. I have 2 of the big patio heaters and despite the 16' heat radius, I've found that 6' is about the max. Granted, I tend to always have a breeze where I am, so I'm sure the impacts the performance as well. I just store mine outside. You can buy little covers that wrap around the head unit to keep the wind and rain out when not in use.

That's what I was afraid of with those tank top units. Not sure what I'm going to do now.

Get the big tall ones that you see at restaruants and be done with it. The tall ones at Costo that hooks up to a BBQ size propane works great. I have one that lives outside all year long. It gets cold here in Los Angeles belive it or not. My back yard is wide open into the canyon. I also have the little ones that hooks up to a little camping size propane tank as a gift. Absolute worthless.

At wife's restaurant they've tried the freestanding ones on their patio....gives heat in a 8'radius but really not cost effective. They were going thru a tank of propane per unit per night.

What we found that gave off the best heat for the cost and everybody enjoys is a fire pit. Picked up a couple of these and a cord of wood and everybody seems to enjoy them. About 40" diameter and they give off a good amount of heat. They were about $80/each at Sam's. Of course everybody smell like they have been camping but who cares?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1259033331.jpg

ho2w bad could the weather get, reqlistically, where are you. maybe a tent with roll up sides?

I have used both the 8' tall patio style heaters and also propane fired heaters like this one

Mr. Heater Portable Propane Forced Air Heater — 75,000 - 125,000 BTU, Model# MH125FAV | Heaters | Northern Tool + Equipment

If you are standing next to the tall heater, perfect, but if further than 4-5 feet not so good. I like the propane forced air for heating large spaces.

rent them...those directional ones that mount on a tank are great for camping,,,but not so good for a backyard party.