TechGearLab

The Rangland Outdoor Propane Heater impressed our testers with its high heat output and its quality design and build. Upon arrival, one tester unboxed and set up this model alone in 40 minutes, which was relatively quick. It has a large top reflector measuring a little over 32 inches across to direct heat in a large, even radius. We measured the max heat at the top at 960°F. When strong winds weren't present, we measured ambient heat well up to 8 feet away, the largest range of all models tested. Combined with its variable heat settings, this model creates a very cozy outdoor experience. Its durable steel construction has us convinced of its longevity, and a hammered finish resists dirt and smudges. In particular, this unit held up exceptionally well during high winds, ice, and snowstorms, continuing to heat with ease. It comes equipped with a tilt-safety override shutoff if the unit gets tipped over, a feature we think every heater should incorporate. The two wheels mounted to the base allow for easy mobility across relatively smooth and flat surfaces.
While we like the hammered finish on this model, we prefer the overall aesthetic of the pyramid heaters. The one thing to note with the Rangland is that you must follow the lighting instructions carefully, especially when connecting a new tank. It confused a few testers at first. There is a quick view hole that attaches with a small screw on the right side of the heated screen that allows you to see when the pilot has lit. This will save you a lot of trouble and makes for very easy and consistent lighting every time. We found this model to consistently provide a blast of heat on our test patios, with the ability to warm up several people at once, and we didn't feel worried about it surviving harsh winter weather. After testing many products, this outdoor patio heater is our top recommendation.

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amazon.com

The Avenlur Pyramid Patio Heater offers a very pleasing aesthetic compared to its mushroom-shaped counterparts. Enjoying an evening with good company in cold temperatures is not only about the heat but also the ambiance. At the center of this heater is a 4-foot tall ceramic glass tube. With a quick turn of the adjustment knob, you can raise a column of flames that delightfully dance behind the wire panels. Touting a heat output of 42,000 BTUs, we measured the max heat at the top near the reflector at approximately 753° Fahrenheit with an ambient temperature of 25° F. On the downside, we found that the warmth didn't radiate very well down and around the pyramid itself. The heating radius is approximately 4 feet when little wind is present. It features a safety auto-shutoff that automatically shuts down the heater if the unit is tilted or tipped over, which we really like.
The Avenlur Pyramid wasn't the easiest to assemble. It took one person a little over 2 hours to fully erect from start to finish. If maximum heat output is not at the top of your list and you prefer an outdoor heater with more ambiance than heat, this model makes for a winning combination of form with functionality.

walmart

Right out of the box, the Member's Mark Patio Heater impressed with easy to follow instructions. It took one person approximately 35 minutes to assemble, one of the fastest setup times of the mushroom-top and pyramid models. The sturdy wheels on the base make it easy to transport, too. This model doesn't have a tilt-safety override shutoff, but the base is weighted, giving some peace of mind on blustery days. We clocked the max heat directly at the heating coil at 913° F with an ambient outside temperature of 24° F, and as with all the mushroom-style heaters, the heat diminishes the further out you move from the unit. This model has an approximate 6-foot comfortable heat radius. The adjustable wrap-around table made this one of the most versatile and enjoyable to stand around. There's always a place to set down your drink or even play a game of cards. The table features a built-in LED light that gave a sense of ambiance in the darker hours, but we felt it might not hold up all that well with continued use.  
One qualm that we encountered while testing the Member's Mark Patio Heater was that the stainless steel doors that housed the propane tank are thin and sharp. While opening and closing the doors of the propane housing, we sustained a few small cuts from moving the tanks in and out. Additionally, while we enjoyed having the table, it doesn't take too long for drinks on the table to heat up under the heating element, which is fine for hot chocolate and snacks but not ideal for cold beverages. That said, we like that this model provides a useable, illuminated surface that the others lack. These added features, plus adequate heat for 1-4 people, make this model a worthy consideration that encourages guests to huddle around the heat source.

Right out of the box, the Member's Mark Patio Heater impressed with easy to follow instructions. It took one person approximately 35 minutes to assemble, one of the fastest setup times of the mushroom-top and pyramid models. The sturdy wheels on the base make it easy to transport, too. This model doesn't have a tilt-safety override shutoff, but the base is weighted, giving some peace of mind on blustery days. We clocked the max heat directly at the heating coil at 913° F with an ambient outside temperature of 24° F, and as with all the mushroom-style heaters, the heat diminishes the further out you move from the unit. This model has an approximate 6-foot comfortable heat radius. We loved the adjustable wrap-around table as a place to set down your drink or even play a game of cards. The table features a built-in LED light that gave a sense of ambiance in the darker hours, although we're not sure about the long-term durability factor of the light.  
One qualm that we encountered while testing the Member's Mark Patio Heater was that the stainless steel doors that housed the propane tank are thin and sharp. While opening and closing the doors of the propane housing, we sustained a few small cuts from moving the tanks in and out. Additionally, while we enjoyed having the table, it doesn't take too long for drinks on the table to heat up under the heating element, which is fine for hot chocolate and snacks but not ideal for cold beverages. That said, we like that this model provides a useable, illuminated surface that the others lack. These added features, plus adequate heat for 1-4 people, make this model a worthy consideration that encourages guests to huddle around the heat source.

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