Review: Hiland Propane Patio Heater
- Product Name: Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
- Price: $199.04
- Size of: 33.5 x 33.5 x 87 inches
- Power Source: propane
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Guarantee: One year limited warranty
- Manufacturer: AZ Patio Heaters LLC; company has a complete line of replacement parts and full service repair center
- My Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Overview
The days are cooling and the nights are getting a bit frosty. For those of us who love staying outside, you may be feeling a little melancholy about the changing seasons. But don’t despair. You can still enjoy the beauty of nature either night or day by purchasing a good propane patio heater. Following is a review of the Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater and things to consider when purchasing this type of heater.
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Product Information
This propane heater is 33.5 x 33.5 x 87 inches tall. It can be used on decks and patios. Some people use them on screened porches. It was tested by consumers with a laser thermometer at the height line of an 8 foot ceiling and showed no substantial heating at this point. However the instructions say you should maintain 2 feet of clearance above the unit.
In addition to the heat issue on a porch, you have to remember that propane produces carbon monoxide. The heater must be placed in a well ventilated area to protect people from this harmful odorless gas. Also, keep it away from flammable objects like trees and bushes, as well as fabric and furniture.
Specifications of the Hiland Propane Patio Heater:
- comes with a 33 inch aluminum shield
- made of steel
- adjustable table
- easy to assemble
- variable temperature control
- uses a 20 pound propane tank not included
- is coated with a 2 tone hammered bronze powder and stainless steel finish
- easy access door design
- anti-tilt and thermocouple safety devices
- has wheels for easy mobility
- weight bladder included for stability
- burner cover included
- is CSA approved
In order to have CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approval, a product must be tested and certified following standard test protocals conducted in labs across North America. It is equivalent to UL ratings, CEC (Canadian Electric Code), and NEC (National Electric Code) ratings. All of these organizations belong to the NRTL, Nationally Recognized Test Laboratories, just in case you were interested!
Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater Benefits
According to customers, the heat output is good. The variable temperature control enables you to adjust the amount of heat you need, producing mild heat to intense heat.
Having 48,000 BTUs means it will warm up patio spaces up to 200 sq. ft. The tank should last up to 10 hours given good weather conditions. See below.
The heat extends about 5 feet laterally.
Many customers say it was easy to put together. The parts are well labeled and packaged so you cannot mix things up.
What Are BTUs?
According to Essential Home and Garden, “BTU stands for British Thermal Units and is a measurement of thermal energy. It was first used in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most common units of classification in heating/cooling appliances. One BTU is the energy needed to heat or cool one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit at sea level.”
In other words, a BTU is a measurement of heat.
So given this information, you can determine how quickly an area will heat up by knowing the amount of BTUs the appliance uses. Typically an outdoor heater can produce between 30,000 and 50,000 BTUs per hour. The higher the number, the quicker the heater will warm up the area.
Also, the higher the number of BTUs, or the BTU rating, the larger the heating radius. For instance, if your unit produces 40,000 BTUs per hour, it will heat an area approximately 20 feet in diameter.
A typical 40,000 BTU unit will burn for about 20 hours before exhausting the supply of propane in the tank.
Outdoor Conditions
Outdoor conditions also affect the heating ability of your heater. If it is windy, or the temperature gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, 4.4 degrees Celcius, its effectiveness will diminish. Optimum conditions would be very low humidity with relatively low winds. Temperatures around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, 12.7 to 18.3 degrees Celsius, are ideal.
Product Support
The Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater comes with a limited one year warranty.
The company has a complete line of replacement parts and a full service repair center.
Customer support and manuals are accessible on the website listed below.
https://azpatioheaters.com/Support-Manuals.html
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The unit is relatively easy to assemble.
- It heats a relatively large area.
- It has a variable temperature control unit with a range from mildly warm to hot.
- The heater has an adjustable shelf.
- It has a pilot light feature which makes lighting the unit easier.
- Many customers were pleased with the color and craftsmanship.
- It’s reasonably priced.
Cons:
- Some customers complained of poor customer service, yet others were pleased with customer support.
- Complaints about the pilot light not lighting.
- Could not tell if the pilot was lit under certain lighting.
- Another complaint was that the wheels were too small and caused some unbalancing when trying to move the unit.
- The unit came in a damaged box and was dented.
Conclusion – Final Thoughts
As is typical with things ordered on line, some come perfectly packaged with fabulous instructions and with all the parts. But then there were orders that came with damaged parts, missing parts, and/or insufficient manuals.
After reading and researching this product, I have concluded that I would take a chance and purchase it. Yes, some people had issues, but the majority of the customers were satisfied with the product.
I liked the variable temperature feature, the easily accessible area in which to place the propane tank, and that the CSA certification indicated with respect to protecting against young children (or adults) getting burned or knocking over the unit.
It also has wheels to make moving it much easier.
Rating
I give this product a 4.5 out of 5 because of all the pros I have listed above.
I hope you enjoyed reading this review. If you’d like some ideas on decorating your outside oasis for the fall, read my post, Fall Outdoor Decorating Ideas.
If you wish to review the Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater a little more and/or purchase the item, click here.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Hiland Propane Patio Heater, please leave them below.
8 thoughts on “Review Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater”
We have been looking for outside heaters; when we stumbled upon your website and learned something like BTU’s. These are what and how your heater heats so fast.
Sure glad that we got a chance to read on the device we will get; winter is here where we live and need high BTUs.
This website is what we have been needing, and now that we have found the perfect heater, now we understand how to work it as well. You rate this a 4.5, and we do trust your judgment and will give this another go.
Cheers,
Mathew&Deloris
I thought this review would be interesting to some. It’s getting cold where I live too and have been thinking about an outdoor heater. Let me know how you make out if you decide to purchase this heater. Also, share with others if you’d like!
Thanks for the comment!
Nina
Hi, this is the first time I’ve heard of Hiland Propane Patio Heater and I’m thrilled! I am one of those who would like it to be summer or at least spring all year round. The arrival of winter awakens melancholy just because I can’t stay outside for long. I’m used to chilling in my garden and as the colder weather approaches, it won’t be possible for me anymore. That’s why I was thrilled with this device. The opportunity to warm up in my garden for most of the winter is fantastic! As you said, it is normal that some products ordered online have certain damages, but this is negligible. The price is very affordable and I will consider the possibility of ordering for Montenegro. Is shipping worldwide?
Thank you so much.
Danijela
I’m glad you liked my post! Amazon does not have free shipping to Montenegro. They ship through Pošta Crne Gore, your national postal service. I am not sure how much you would pay. It will depend on the size and weight of the box. You can try ordering it and if it’s too much including shipping and handling, just do not submit the order.
I hope everything goes well if you decide to purchase the heater. Let me know how you make out.
Thanks for the comment.
Nina
Hi Nina, this is really a one stop review on the Propane Patio Heater.
Though I don’t live in a very cold area, you get the odd evenings that you need a heater.
This heater adds to the style of the patio as well as the benefit to make it cosy.
Thank you for all the info!
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. It gets cold where I live so this heater would come in very handy. If you know of someone who lives in a colder environment and is looking for an outdoor heater, please pass it on.
Thanks for the comment.
Nina
Hi Nina,
Thanks for the recommendation. I often see this kind of heater in fancy restaurants, but I didn’t know we could purchase it to decorate our patio. When we have dinner with close friends on cold winter nights, it must be an excellent way to get warm and enjoy the outdoor views.
Although it has some drawbacks, I still think it’s a good bargain and suitable for those who live in high latitudes and enjoy having dinner at the patio. 🙂
Matt
These patio heaters became very popular because of Covid and social distancing. I think they’re a great way to stay warm and safe at the same time. It sounds like you have a patio with a view. What better way to enjoy it in the winter than outside under the heat of a toasty heater.
Thanks for the comment. Please pass the post along to others whom you think may be interested.