Table Top Garden and Patio heaters

A table top patio heater is a scaled down version of a standard patio heater and it is designed to sit conveniently on a patio table or other small item of garden furniture.

Normally these heaters are between 27 inches (700mm) and 52 inches (1.3 metres) in height and the burner (or halogen element) and reflector is smaller than the larger free-standing heaters.

Many table top garden heaters also offer the added functionality of a switch-on switch-off light, typically positioned a few inches below the heat source. This can even be used as an attractive independent feature on warm evenings when there is no need for artificial heating.

Features to look for

Most gas powered table top heaters have snap-on gas connectors, anti-tilt safety cut-offs and a safety guard fitted around the burner. Any table top heater lacking these accessories should be viewed with additional caution.

Be aware that although the actual heater will be small, compact and will readily stand on a table, it is necessary for a gas cylinder or bottle to supply the heater. This usually sits under the table.

Table top heater style

There are many table top heaters from which to choose and they range from the small squat like heaters to the taller and more elegant heaters. Colors and finishes also vary enabling color coding and synchronisation with other pieces of patio furniture.

You can also buy garden heaters that project through a central hole in a patio table and these heaters can be used as stand-alone garden heaters, or table heaters.

A further twist to patio table heat is the Bistro table garden heater. This is a small upturned barrel like heater with a flat top that doubles as a patio table providing warmth around the legs and body whilst offering a flat heated top surface.

For something different, patio table top heaters can be styled like traditinal domestic stand lamps with a reflector that mimics a lamp shade. These more ornate designs do have higher price tags, but they provide a novel touch of class and style.

These heaters can also provide up to 16,000 BTU’s of heat generation which is impressive for such a small unit.