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A patio heater has a lot of responsibility when it comes to keeping everyone comfortable and happy, especially during harsh winters.
With so much stock put into this one patio accessory, choosing a brand like Fire Sense that has a stellar reputation is a smart move to make.
Are Fire Sense patio heaters any good?
Fire Sense heaters come with all of the modern features you’d expect in a patio model, including auto shut off anti-tilt function, pilotless burner system, and electric ignition.
Their heaters range from small tabletop models to standing devices designed for commercial use, and everything in between.
Choosing a patio heater is no easy feat with the sheer range of brands and products to consider, but with a reputable brand like Fire Sense, it’s made simpler.
We’re going to find out the best and worst of this heater manufacturer and how they stack up against the competition in price, features, safety, and warmth, so you’ll have everything you need to make a decision.
The Fire Sense Brand
Fire Sense is one of the first names that comes to mind when people think about heaters, whether it’s a patio heater, electric fireplace, or fire pit for the backyard.
The company was established in 1998 and they made their mark on the industry by becoming a leading designer of clay chimineas in the US.
Today, Fire Sense has a huge focus on outdoor spaces like patios and verandahs and creating products that make them more enjoyable and comfortable.
The brand is considered mid-range in price and quality, so they’re accessible to more customers, and have higher ends goods that appeal to premium users as well.
Top Features of Fire Sense Patio Heaters
Fire Sense has a wide array of heaters and related products available, and each of them has qualities to brag about.
There are some things that the brand is known for though, including the following features:
- A unique burner system that doesn’t rely on a pilot to start. This means, even in windy weather like the kind experienced on the average patio, your heater will stay on and the flame won’t blow out.
- The ‘Rapid-Spark’ electronic ignition system that Fire Sense installs on all of their heaters. This means you can start the heater with a single push of a button so even if you’ve never done it before, it’ll be a breeze.
- All sizes of heaters ranging from smaller tabletop and wall-mounted models all the way up to 10 feet + standing heaters. There’s something for every space and they cover both commercial and residential applications as well.
- A massive selection of spare parts, replacement parts, and accessories. You can find a cover for your patio heater or a new burner, and they’re all made with the same quality and care as the rest of the Fire Sense range. As a popular brand, many other universal accessories are designed to work with their stuff as well.
- A one year limited warranty on the entire range from Fire Sense. They offer customers a chance to get an additional year of coverage when they write a review about their recent purchase, which takes less than a minute to do.
Pros and Cons of Fire Sense
To find out whether a Fire Sense heater is truly the right fit for your patio, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons this brand has.
Check out what’s good and bad about Fire Sense to get a clearer picture.
Pros
- The entire range from Fire Sense is made with quality materials and craftsmanship and they have held onto their solid reputation for over 20 years.
- There’s no shortage of heaters to choose from with different materials, fuel sources, sizes, shapes, and radiuses on offer.
- Fire Sense ensures their products are easy to use and they implement safety and functionality features that guarantee it.
Cons
- The one year limited warranty is okay for some of the cheaper products, but when you’re spending hundreds of dollars on a heater, having a little more coverage would give people more peace of mind.
- Many of the taller heats are too tall to fit under a standard patio, so you’ll probably have to keep it on the grass next to your patio to use it safely.
- There are no adjustments to be made on the range from Fire Sense. This means you’re stuck with it at the height it comes and won’t be able to customize it for use somewhere else.
Overall Performance and Features
Each heater in the Fire Sense range has something unique to offer, and some users won’t require a larger commercial model while others will want the best they have.
When it comes to general performance though, Fire Sense delivers, and you can expect them to match BTUs and the heating radius of their similarly priced competitors closely.
The additional features are what make Fire Sense a great brand, and the fact that you can choose just about any finish, style, or size you want.
Their heaters can be wood burning, gas-powered, and electric, so no matter your preference, you’ll find one that suits.
When it comes to looks, there are a lot of options as well. You’ll find popular materials including stainless steel, bronze, and copper for the base and finish, as well as natural options like walnut.
You can match a Fire Sense heater to just about any décor or piece of furniture on your patio, and with ease.
Fire Sense Safety
Using a patio heater comes with all sorts of safety risks, but the modern heater brands of today do their best to mitigate them.
Fire Sense is one such company, with a range of features installed that make your heater safer and easier to use, including:
- The heat source sits on top of the heater and reflects heat downwards so there are no hot parts within the arm’s reach of children and pets.
- An automatic off switch will be activated if the heater tips over or tilts to a specific degree, just in case.
- There are a number of holes in the base of the heater where you can thread a cable or cord through and anchor it to something. This prevents the heater from tipping over, especially in windy weather.
- Some larger models come with a water box situated in the base of the heater that can be removed and filled with water. This gives more weight to the base and prevents tipping over as well.
The Best Patios for a Fire Sense Heater
There’s no limit to who can enjoy a Fire Sense heater because their range is so expansive.
However, depending on your setup and the number of people enjoying the warmth, there might be a specific type that’s better suited:
- Tabletop heater: These have just enough warmth to heat the people sitting at the table and aren’t designed to cover the entire patio.
- Standing heater: A standing patio heater is ideal for larger spaces and they range up to commercial sizes.
- Electric fireplace: These are wall-mounted and feature a display simulation of a fireplace while providing heat at the same time. This looks great in a more upscale setting and can be used indoors as well.
- Fire pit: For a cozier experience, a fire pit can be placed in the center of your entertaining space to give off a more natural heat.
How Do They Compare to the Competition?
Fire Sense sits mid-range when it comes to price and quality, so they’re a good fit no matter what end of the scale you’re on.
They have a massive selection to choose from and are generally affordable, which is how they’ve managed to keep their solid reputation.
However, some things are lacking, like a shorter warranty period and no adjustability available for their standing models.
For a heater that features these, you’ll need to move up to the next price bracket, but some people will be happy to pay the premium to get them.
Fire Sense has managed to keep its reputation and although there have been many other brands attempting to come onto the market, they’re still a trusted name.
If you want something reliable and with a huge selection, Fire Sense is one of the better options out there.
Fire Sense for A Cozy Enclosure
If you usually head indoors for winter because the temperatures are too low on your patio, the simple addition of a Fire Sense patio heater could put an end to that.
Their huge range, variety of sizes, and finishes to suit any décor make it easy to find one that’ll turn your once-cold patio into a cozy little nook.
Related Questions
A patio heater can make outdoor entertaining enjoyable during winter, but with so many specs, sizes, and features to choose from, it can be hard to know what’s what.
To help you on your quest for the perfect patio heater, we’ve answered some FAQs that’ll give you the lowdown.
How Much Clearance is Needed for a Patio Heater?
To operate safely and reduce the risk of fire, a patio heater needs a specific amount of clearance both above it and to either side.
The specific clearance recommendation will come from the manufacturer, but generally, there should be at least three feet above the unit and two feet on either side of it.
How Do You Size a Patio Heater?
To choose the right size patio heater, measure how many square feet your patio or outdoor space is and how much of that area you need to feel the warmth.
Most heaters come with a set radius that they cover, including tabletop and standing models, so you’ll want this to match the desired zone on your patio.
Can You Use a Tabletop Patio Heater on Glass?
Most tabletop heaters are designed so that their base stays cool, which means you can safely place it on a glass tabletop.
However, you should check the specific safety guidelines in the owner’s manual that came with your patio heater, just in case this practice isn’t recommended.
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