Review: Hiland Propane Patio Heater
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Product Name: Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
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Price: $199.04
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Size of: 33.5 x 33.5 x 87 inches
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Power Source: propane
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Weight: 20 pounds
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Guarantee: One year limited warranty
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Manufacturer: AZ Patio Heaters LLC; company has a complete line of replacement parts and full service repair center
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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 protocols 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 Celsius, 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.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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The unit is relatively easy to assemble.
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It heats a relatively large area.
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It has a variable temperature control unit with a range from mildly warm to hot.
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The heater has an adjustable shelf.
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It has a pilot light feature which makes lighting the unit easier.
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Many customers were pleased with the color and craftsmanship.
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It’s reasonably priced.
Cons:
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Some customers complained of poor customer service, yet others were pleased with customer support.
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Complaints about the pilot light not lighting.
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Could not tell if the pilot was lit under certain lighting.
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Another complaint was that the wheels were too small and caused some unbalancing when trying to move the unit.
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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.
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