One way to get a low cost patio heater is to buy one used.  You can look through your local newspaper ads, or look on reputable Internet auction websites.  When buying used, however, you have to take extra precautions to make sure that the patio heater that you buy is safe as well as effective.  When buying from someone in person, you can inspect the heater carefully and have the person run it for you for a while to see how well it works.  If buying from someone through an Internet auction website, you want to ask as many questions as possible about the heater, and you also want to ask for some kind of money-back guarantee in case you find that the heater does not live up to your expectations.  Also, be sure that the patio heater that you buy is energy efficient so you don’t end up paying more in the long run to use it.

Stainless Steel Patio Heater: When you are considering buying a patio heater, you have to keep in mind that your heater will most likely be situated in an area where it can be readily seen by anyone.  For this reason, you will usually want a heater that looks nice enough to complement the décor of your patio and the surrounding yard and garden.  A stainless steel patio heater can be a great choice when you are looking for a heater that does a good job and looks decorative at the same time.

One great thing about stainless steel is that with the proper care it can withstand the rigors of being out in the elements all year long without losing its luster.  When you have a stainless steel patio heater, you don’t have to worry as much about rust, and certainly not about cracks or breakage.  Though it is true that stainless steel can be tarnished or can even corrode, it takes a lot for that to happen, and if you pay just a minimum of attention to it periodically you can keep it looking new for many years. 

To keep your stainless steel patio heater clean, wash the stainless steel frame occasionally with warm soap and water (please be sure that the heater is unplugged and completely cool before you do this!)  If you notice a water spot starting to form on the stainless steel frame of your patio heater, rub the spot with a soft cloth dipped in a tiny bit of white vinegar, and this should take care of the problem.

Portable Patio Heater: People who have large patios and like to entertain on or use their patios all year round will often purchase a stationary or built-in patio heater.  When you live in an area where the climate is fairly mild even in the winter or you have a small patio, however, a portable patio heater may be a better option.  When you use a heater that is portable, you can use it in any area of your patio, or even move it from the back patio to the front patio or vice versa. 

When buying a portable patio heater, decide what size you need for the area you will be heating the most.  Portable heaters can be any size, from only about 6 inches by 6 inches to the longer but still light 4 to 6 foot pole heaters.  Though a portable heater can run using an electrical cord, most people prefer their portables to run on gas or even batteries to make them even more convenient. 

Since portable heaters are usually small, you want to make sure that your portable patio heater is as efficient as possible.  The convenience of having a portable heater doesn’t mean much if the heater doesn’t really do a decent job.  When shopping for a portable patio heater, ask a salesperson if he can actually turn some of the heaters on and give you a demonstration of how well they work.  Stand back from each heater in several directions to gauge how well of an area each one heats.  Though this adds a little more time to your shopping, it can save you having to return the heater later on if you find out that it doesn’t fit your needs.