This article does a good job of outlining different kinds of patio heaters out there, so you can decide which is best for your area. Basically, you must decide between an electric or propane heater, and depending on the size of your outdoor area, whether you would like a tabletop, wall mounted, or free-standing size. Patio heaters allow you to enjoy your outdoor area longer than a few months out of the year.

But, this article also brought up a unique point of patio heaters being an appealing appliance for those cigarette or cigar connoisseurs. More cities and states are moving toward legislation which bans smoking in public areas and places where food is served. That means to light up a cigarette, you must enjoy it outside. If you live in the Midwest, it’s hard to enjoy it when it’s 10 degrees outside. And so, if you’re a restaurant owner with a patio or outdoor area for smokers, you may want to consider installing a patio heater. It will make the outdoors a little less frigid for your customers, and it will make you stand out as a restaurant to them. It’s good PR as a business owner, and patio heaters are very affordable.

A patio heater might be nice for the home as well. A friend of mine isn’t allowed to smoke in the house, so on poker nights, he and his friends set up in the garage, playing cards and smoking cigars. During the winter, poker ends early because the garage isn’t insulated. But, a small, electric tabletop patio heater could warm things up.

A patio heater could do a lot to ease discomfort during the winter and make the outdoors more bearable. And they’re fairly inexpensive as well!