Commercial Patio Heaters for Cafes, Bars, & Restaurants: 2025 Buying Guide

Outdoor spaces have become the heartbeat of hospitality. 

From intimate sidewalk tables to rooftop lounges with skyline views, today's guests want to eat, drink, and linger outdoors no matter the season.

But as the temperature drops, so does foot traffic. Unless, of course, you give them a reason to stay.

That’s where commercial patio heaters come in.

Whatever your setup—be it a laid-back café, an upbeat bar, or a full-on restaurant—a patio heater helps people stay longer, even on cooler nights. And that means steady business year-round.

What is a Commercial Patio Heater?

A commercial patio heater is a professionally built heating unit designed to extend the usability of outdoor hospitality spaces by providing targeted warmth in cooler conditions. 

Unlike residential heaters, commercial units are built to handle continuous use, larger coverage areas, and unpredictable weather.

Think of them as atmosphere-setters with benefits: they enhance comfort, retain guests longer, and help you make the most out of every square meter—even when the mercury drops.

From standing gas towers to sleek electric wall mounts, today’s options are more powerful, efficient, and stylish than ever. 

But choosing the right one? That’s where things can get a little...heated.

So let’s break it down. 

5 Common Types of Commercial Patio Heaters (And When to Use Each One)

Good heat is important, but so is the overall flow and feel of your space.  These five patio heater types each bring something different to the table. Let’s figure out when to use which.

1. Freestanding Gas Heaters

Best for: Restaurants with flexible table arrangements or large open spaces.

You know the look: a tall, tower-style heater with a wide base and a mushroom-shaped reflector. These propane or butane-powered units are hospitality workhorses, offering solid heat distribution with no wiring required.

They’re great for venues that need to rearrange seating or create pop-up layouts. Just wheel them where you need them, hook up the gas, and you’re good to go.

You might choose this if:

• You need a quick heating solution with minimal installation.

• You rearrange your outdoor seating regularly.

• You're running outdoor events or seasonal setups.

Keep in mind: Gas heaters require regular refuelling and safe storage for gas cylinders. Some of them also emit CO2, so they're best in open-air spaces with good ventilation.

2. Mounted Electric Heaters (Wall or Ceiling)

Best for: Semi-enclosed terraces, balconies, or tight sidewalk cafés.

Mounted electric infrared heaters are sleek, efficient, and easy to operate. Mount them on walls, ceilings, or under pergolas, and they’ll radiate warmth downward like sunlight on a winter morning.

You might choose this if:

• You want a clutter-free setup.

• You have access to a reliable power source.

• You operate late into the night and want zero noise or emissions.

Keep in mind: Installation may require a certified electrician, especially if hardwiring into your structure.

3. Hanging or Pendant Heaters

Best for: Overhead coverage in fixed structures like gazebos, awnings, or covered porches or restaurants..

Hanging or pendant heaters are a stylish choice for upscale dining patios or courtyard bars with built-in overhead features. They offer ambient warmth and often double as statement lighting pieces.

You might choose this if:

• Your space has overhead beams or infrastructure to hang fixtures.

• You want to combine heat + light.

• You’re looking for something discreet but effective.

Keep in mind: These usually need to be hardwired and carefully positioned to avoid heat loss in breezy areas.

4. Tabletop Heaters

Best for: Small café settings or intimate dining setups.

These mini versions of freestanding heaters sit right in the middle of a table and offer gentle warmth for 2–4 people. They're ideal for romantic sidewalk tables or compact courtyards.

Photo Credit: Argos

You might choose this if:

• You have minimal space to work with.

• You want to add heat without sacrificing floor area.

• You’re aiming for a cozy, up-close guest experience.

Keep in mind: These aren’t built for heavy use or large spaces. Consider them mood-enhancers, not full-blown heating solutions.

5. Built-In Radiant Heaters

Best for: High-end restaurants, rooftop lounges, or commercial spaces undergoing full outdoor renovations.

These are top-tier heating systems integrated into the architecture—often flush-mounted into ceilings, pergolas, or facades. Radiant heat means warmth without visible glow or noise.

You might choose this if:

• You're building or redesigning your patio from scratch.

• You want clean lines and no visible equipment.

• You operate a luxury venue with consistent outdoor foot traffic.

Keep in mind: This is the most expensive and permanent option. But if your venue runs outdoor service 300+ days a year, the ROI justifies it.

Top 5 Outdoor Settings for Commercial Patio Heaters

Every venue is different, and what works for a city-center café might flop at a beachfront cocktail bar. Your heating strategy should reflect your layout, clientele, and how your space breathes when the weather turns. 

Here’s a closer look at what works best, where:

1. Café Terraces & Sidewalk Spots

These spaces tend to be long and narrow, often regulated by city ordinances that limit what you can mount or place along the walkway. The goal is to add warmth without cluttering foot traffic. 

Opt for slim-profile wall-mounted electric heaters or discreet low-base freestanding units. Try pairing these with dimmable, warm-toned lighting or even heated seat cushions for smaller bistro setups. 

2. Bars with Courtyards or Beer Gardens

Courtyards are social by nature—people wander, mingle, form groups and split off. Here, you need flexibility. A mix of gas tower heaters around perimeter high-tops, and pendant heaters over lounge or smoking zones, helps create warm hubs. 

But if you reall want to nail the vibe, use zoning. Think of heat as part of the ambiance design. One area could be cozy and dim for date night; another more open and upbeat for group hangs.

3. Restaurants with Covered Patios

These are semi-enclosed spaces, often with retractable roofs or permanent awnings. It’s the sweet spot for hardwired ceiling or flush-mounted radiant heaters. Some restaurateurs also add integrated lighting or smart sensors that adjust heat based on ambient temperature. 

You can also look for modular electric units with zone control—you can dial in comfort precisely during lunch rush or quiet evenings without wasting energy.

4. Pop-Up Markets & Seasonal Installations

Setup today, gone tomorrow. That means portability is king. 

Lightweight freestanding gas heaters or plug-in electric towers do the job well. 

Choose models with built-in wheels, durable construction, and quick-ignite functions. 

Pro Tip: Offer heated communal seating areas—it not only keeps people warm, it encourages lingering and boosts vendor sales across the board.

5. Rooftop Venues & High-Wind Areas

The view might be priceless, but rooftop winds are unforgiving. 

You’ll want wind-rated, directional electric heaters—preferably mounted securely to structural walls or anchored into furniture. Avoid gas mushrooms here: too much heat loss and risk of tip-over. 

For added comfort, use screens, pergolas, or tall planters as natural windbreaks. Some upscale bars also combine radiant heating with built-in fire features for a dual aesthetic and practical punch.

8 Benefits of Investing in Commercial Patio Heating

1. Year-Round Revenue

Extend your seating season by months, and turn “slow” nights into high-earning ones. 

Cold snaps no longer mean empty tables—your patio keeps serving even when the temperature dips. 

2. Longer Guest Stays

Guests stay longer when they’re warm. 

More comfort usually means more courses, more drinks, and better table turnover rates. A bit of heat turns a quick coffee into a second round of wine. 

Ambience and comfort, indeed,  heavily influence duration of stay and spend.

3. Stronger Visual Appeal

Patio heaters pull double duty—they warm the space and help define the overall aesthetic.

People are starting to treat heaters like furniture—something that blend seamlessly into luxury design schemes. 

They can even elevate your space visually, doubling as sleek architectural features. 

4. Flexible Seating Zones

Heat can be used like a highlighter. Use it to define soft seating, standing cocktail spots, or dining areas.

This helps shape guest flow naturally and keeps the space feeling organised. 

5. Improved Staff Efficiency

A reliable heating setup means less furniture moving, fewer heat complaints, and more focused service.

No one has to play musical chairs chasing a patch of sun. Efficient patio design directly improves service logistics.

6. Happier Guests = Better Reviews

Nobody remembers the soup if their hands were freezing. Warm guests leave warm reviews. And when they feel taken care of, they're more likely to come back—and tell others. 

Comfort-driven reviews correlate strongly with positive ratings.

7. Extended Brand Visibility

A buzzing, heated patio draws attention, especially at night. It becomes a scene. 

And that scene gets posted. Social shares, tagged photos, and word-of-mouth all follow.

Experience-centric venues drive stronger user-generated content.

8. Solid ROI

The cost of a commercial heater is small compared to the ongoing revenue it enables. 

Even one or two extra tables per night can cover the investment within weeks. It’s one of the most low-effort, high-impact upgrades you can make. 

9 Things to Consider When Buying a Commercial Patio Heater

1. Fuel Source 

Gas is mobile but needs storage space. 

Electric is cleaner, ideal for mounted setups, and better for emissions-sensitive zones. 

Think about how often you’ll need to move your heaters, how easily you can store and refill propane, or if your venue is located in a city where electric-only outdoor equipment is the rule, not the exception.

2. Coverage Area

Think in zones, not just square footage. 

Where do people actually sit or stand? Design heat around human behaviour. 

A single large heater might not warm a corner where couples like to sit, while two smaller units can cover the same area more effectively with less waste.

3. Wind Exposure

If you’re in a coastal town or rooftop space, radiant heat trumps convection. 

Look for wind-rated hardware. Wind doesn’t just blow hair around—it can render standard mushroom heaters ineffective by carrying the warm air away before it lands. 

Go radiant, or consider adding transparent wind barriers to control the environment.

4. Mounting & Portability

Are you running seasonal events or permanent installations? Plan for flexibility and stability.

 If your setup shifts for brunches, DJs, or pop-ups, freestanding units on wheels make life easier. 

But if you have a fixed layout, wall-mounted options can provide warmth without taking up a single square foot.

5. Aesthetic Fit

Your heater should complement your tables, not compete with them. 

Match colours, shapes, and finishes. A brushed steel heater might sing in a modern industrial bar, while a black matte unit might disappear neatly under a pergola. 

Think of them like furniture—they should blend in or elevate the vibe, not distract.

6. Maintenance Needs

Gas heaters need refills and safety checks. 

Electric units are often lower maintenance but watch out for dust buildup. Choose models with accessible parts, simple ignitions, and good customer support. 

And don’t underestimate the value of ease when troubleshooting mid-shift on a Saturday night.

7. Energy Efficiency

Go for timers, smart thermostats, or zone control systems. Don’t pay to heat empty tables. 

The best systems today allow staff to adjust temperatures by area, schedule auto shut-off times, or pair with motion sensors.

8. Local Regulations

Cities often have restrictions on open flames or propane. Always check with local building and fire codes.

Some councils even offer grants for eco-friendly electric units, while others ban gas altogether. 

A quick call to your local authority might save you thousands—and a headache later.

9. Budget & Lifespan

Avoid false economies. Spend once on a solid, weatherproof heater instead of replacing flimsy ones every season. 

Look for corrosion-resistant finishes, strong warranty coverage, and brand credibility.

Investing a little more upfront often means fewer breakdowns, better performance, and happier guests in the long run.

Our Trusted Commercial Patio Heater Brands (2025 Picks)

Here are a few names consistently trusted by cafés, restaurants & design pros alike—and ones we've personally worked with for a couple of years now. 

From first-hand experience, we can confidently say that the quality, reliability, and long-term performance of their patio heaters are top tier. 

1. Bromic Heating

When it comes to elevating outdoor spaces with style and comfort, Bromic Heating sets the standard. Known for their sleek designs and precision-engineered performance, Bromic offers a premium range of outdoor heaters tailored for both residential patios and high-end commercial venues. 

From powerful marine-grade electric models to portable gas heaters that bring warmth exactly where it’s needed, Bromic blends innovation, aesthetics, and durability into every product—so your outdoor moments never have to end when the sun goes down.

2. RADtec

Rooted in Dallas and trusted across North America since 2015, RADtec delivers thoughtfully designed heating solutions that balance form, function, and simplicity. Whether you're warming a modern rooftop terrace or a cozy backyard, our low-profile infrared heaters blend seamlessly into your space while delivering powerful, lasting warmth. 

With a strong focus on customer needs and a commitment to quality, RADtec is here to help you heat smarter—indoors or out, now and for years to come.

3. GlammFire

Renowned for their luxurious fireplaces that blend Portuguese craftsmanship with cutting-edge design, GlammFire is more than just a fire feature brand—they’re specialists in creating captivating outdoor experiences. 

While their iconic bioethanol fire pits have earned global recognition, GlammFire also offers a curated range of premium patio heaters designed to elevate open-air living with the same level of style, precision, and performance. Whether indoors or out, GlammFire turns heat into an art form.

Why Patio Heating Is a Smart Investment for Outdoor Spaces

Comfort keeps people outside longer—and patio heaters are one of the simplest ways to deliver it.

The right heating setup does more than take the chill off. It extends service hours, boosts table turnover, and turns shoulder seasons into revenue opportunities. Whether you're running a café, rooftop bar, or event space, a well-heated patio keeps guests relaxed, seated, and spending.

Good layout matters. Focus heat on the places where people actually gather—lounges, queues, conversation zones—not just dining tables.

Because in the end, heating isn’t just about temperature.

It’s about creating a space worth staying in.