Hampton Bay Patio Heater

Summer nights are meant for relaxing outdoors and soaking in the long, warm evenings. But once those temperatures start to dip after sunset, your patio can quickly become downright chilly. A Hampton Bay patio heater is the perfect solution to extend your time outdoors and keep your patio warm and welcoming late into the evening.

With a wide range of fuel types, BTU outputs, and designs available, finding the right Hampton Bay patio heater for your space may feel overwhelming at first. But this comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find your ideal patio heating solution.

How Do Hampton Bay Patio Heaters Work?

Hampton Bay patio heaters work by burning propane or natural gas to produce infrared waves that gently warm people, objects, and the surrounding air. The column of heat radiates out from the top of the unit, heating a wide area so you and your guests can stay warm.

Patio heaters need to be powerful enough to sufficiently heat the space, but also safe and easy to operate. Hampton Bay models use piezo ignition systems for reliable and simple start-ups with the push of a button. Built-in safety valves automatically turn off the gas if the flame goes out. Durable materials stand up to weather and ensure years of enjoyable use.

With the right patio heater, you can comfortably extend your outdoor living season and enjoy balmy evenings on the patio even when temperatures dip down.

What Are the Main Types of Hampton Bay Patio Heaters?

Hampton Bay offers patio heaters in a few different designs to match your style and heating needs:

Free Standing Units

Freestanding patio heaters are the most popular style. These vertical column heaters stand on their own and provide a circular radius of warmth. The long heating column allows the warmth to reach up to a 20-foot diameter.

Freestanding units work well for heating large seating areas and come in hammered bronze, stainless steel, or mosaic tile finishes. They’re easy to move and adjust as needed.

Mountable Wall Units

Wall-mounted patio heaters attach directly onto walls or ceilings to direct warmth exactly where you need it most. This more low-profile design is ideal for smaller patios, balconies, or porches.

Wall-mounted units take up less floor space and create a more concentrated stream of heat. Hampton Bay’s wall-mount heaters rotate to allow you to angle the heat wherever you desire.

Tabletop Units

Tabletop patio heaters sit directly on a table, counter, or railing. Compact and lightweight, these portable heaters are quick and easy to move around your deck or patio to deliver targeted warmth right to your guests.

Tabletop units are less powerful than full-sized heaters, but provide an affordable and flexible heating option for small gatherings. They typically provide warmth in a 5-foot diameter.

What Fuel Source Should I Choose for My Hampton Bay Patio Heater?

Hampton Bay patio heaters run on either propane or natural gas. Each fuel type has its own pros and cons:

Propane

• Most common fuel option
• Portable – easily movable around the patio
• Runs off of replaceable propane tanks
• Provides radiant heat even if power is out

Natural Gas

• Connects directly to your home’s gas line for unlimited fuel
• Does not need refilling – more convenient
• Often more expensive to initially install
• Won’t work in a power outage unless you have a backup generator

For most homes, a propane patio heater is the simplest choice requiring little setup. But for very frequent use, a natural gas heater may be worth the added installation cost.

How Much Area Can a Hampton Bay Patio Heater Cover?

The amount of area a Hampton Bay patio heater can comfortably heat comes down to its BTU output. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and indicates the heat energy produced:

• Small tabletop heaters: Around 10,000 BTUs. Heats approximately 5 feet.
• Mid-size patio heaters: From 25,000 – 45,000 BTUs. Heats a 10 – 15 foot diameter.
• Large heaters: Up to 50,000 BTUs. Can heat a 15 – 20 foot diameter.

Consider the size of your patio and where you’ll be sitting in relation to the heater. Taller, more powerful freestanding units are ideal for heating large gathering areas. Smaller wall-mount or tabletop heaters are better suited to patios under 15 feet wide.

What Design and Style Should I Choose?

Beyond performance, you’ll want to pick a Hampton Bay patio heater with an appearance to match your outdoor space. Hampton Bay offers several design options:

• Stainless steel: A sleek and modern look. Provides durability for outdoor use.
• Hammered bronze: Has an antique hammered copper finish. Matches classic or rustic decor.
• Mosaic tile: Available in styles like Mediterranean-inspired tile patterns. Adds artistic flair.
• Black or white finishes: Clean and understated looks.

Consider not just color, but the shape and silhouette of the heater as well. Lean and vertical units take up less space and provide a towering stream of heat. Bulkier dome-shaped heaters have a more commanding presence.

Choose whichever style best fits your patio’s design sensibilities – safety and heat output are similar across models. An electric ignition system and wheelbase for mobility should be standard.

What Safety Features Do Hampton Bay Patio Heaters Have?

• Auto shut-off valve: Automatically stops gas flow if the flame goes out, preventing gas leaks.
• Tip-over safety shutoff: Gas supply cuts off if the unit tilts more than 15 degrees.
• Emergency cutoff switch: Allows you to quickly stop the gas supply in case of emergency.
• Cool touch exterior: Mesh screening prevents contact with hot surfaces.
• Wheeled base: Allows easy repositioning and lessens risk of tipping.
• Durable materials: Stainless steel or powder coated finishes resist weather damage.

Always make sure your heater has proper clearance from overhead covers, walls, and furniture to prevent fire risks. Never leave the unit unattended when in use.

How Difficult Is It to Assemble and Install a Hampton Bay Patio Heater?

One of the appeals of Hampton Bay patio heaters is that they arrive ready for quick and hassle-free assembly and installation. Here is the process:

1. Unbox all included parts and hardware. Inventory to ensure no pieces are damaged or missing.
2. Attach the base by securing it with provided hardware. Many bases will come pre-assembled.
3. Connect the vertical heating column pole to the base using the fasteners.
4. Attach the heating head assembly and the fuel tank housing to the top of the pole, tightening securely.
5. Add stabilizer weights or stands if included. This provides sturdiness.
6. For propane models, insert tank and check that hose fittings are tight.
7. Perform test run by turning on ignition and monitoring flame height.

That’s all there is to it! No complex tools or skills are needed – just follow the instructions and your heater will be up and running within 30 minutes, ready to start warming your patio.

How Do I Operate and Maintain My Hampton Bay Patio Heater?

Operating a Hampton Bay patio heater is very simple. Just follow this easy process whenever you use it:

• Wheel it into position on your patio. Make sure it has adequate overhead and side clearance.
• For propane models, check that the tank is filled. Replace tank if empty.
• Turn on propane tank valve if using propane fuel.
• Press the ignition button. You should hear a clicking sound as the piezo igniter creates a spark.
• Turn the control knob to activate gas flow. Flame should ignite within a few seconds.
• Adjust heat output by turning the control knob to the desired intensity. Monitor the flame.
• Turn off gas valve and tank completely when finished using the heater.

For maintenance, periodically inspect hoses and fittings for leaks or cracks requiring replacement. Wipe down exterior surfaces gently with soap and water as needed – avoid abrasive cleaners. Perform occasional test runs to check functionality. Properly stored when not in use, your Hampton Bay heater will provide years of reliable service.

How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Hampton Bay Patio Heater?

Propane tank runtime depends on:

• Tank size – common sizes are 20lb (standard) and 40lb (large)
• Burner output setting – lower output uses less fuel
• Outside temperature – more heat needed in colder weather

With average use on a standard 20lb tank, you can expect 10 – 20 hours of operation from a Hampton Bay patio heater. Using a larger tank or lowering the heat output extends this runtime. Turn off the heater when not needed to conserve fuel.

Always keep backup propane tanks on hand. When your tank runs out, turn off the heater and let it cool entirely before replacing the empty tank to avoid any flame flares.

How Does the Cost of Hampton Bay Patio Heaters Compare to Other Brands?

Hampton Bay heaters provide an excellent balance of features, power, and value:

• Less expensive than premium brands like Blaze or Fire Sense.
• Similar pricing to Homecrest or AZ Patio heaters.
• Often $200 – $500 for propane-powered freestanding heaters.
• Wall-mounted or tabletop models cost less, around $100 – $300.
• Replacement propane tanks cost $20 – $40 and last 10-20 hours.

While not the cheapest available, Hampton Bay heaters offer reliable quality and performance that exceeds lower-end models. Hampton Bay is also widely available from retailers like Home Depot, making it easy to purchase and replace parts. Overall, Hampton Bay patio heaters provide excellent bang for your buck.

What Are the Key Benefits and Drawbacks of Hampton Bay Patio Heaters?

Benefits

• Wide range of styles and fuel options
• Easy to assemble and install out of the box
• Push button ignition for simple start-up
• Durable stainless steel or powder coated finishes
• Automatically shuts off gas if tilted or flame goes out
• Wheeled bases make them easy to reposition
• 5-year warranty provides peace of mind
• Replacement parts readily available from retailers

Potential Drawbacks

• Large freestanding units take up more space
• Propane requires occasionally replacing tanks
• Maximum heat output lags behind more expensive brands
• Wall-mount units have a narrower heating path
• Premium styles cost more than competitors

Can Hampton Bay Patio Heaters Be Used Indoors?

Hampton Bay patio heaters are designed for outdoor use only and should never be used inside your home or garage. Combustion produces carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Always keep your patio heater in well-ventilated areas.

Indoor use also poses a serious burn and fire hazard if the unit were to be tipped over or touched. The intense heat and exposed flames can quickly ignite furniture, fabrics, and other combustibles.

If you need indoor heating, consider a Hampton Bay electric fireplace, infrared heater, or ceramic space heater. These provide safer indoor warming without a live flame.

Finding the Best Hampton Bay Patio Heater for Your Needs

The range of options Hampton Bay offers means there is a patio heater out there for everyone’s needs and budget. Keep these tips in mind as you search for your perfect model:

• Measure your patio size and layout to determine the right heat coverage.
• Pick propane-powered units for affordability and portability.
• Freestanding heaters work best for their wide heat radius.
• Choose finish colors and designs to coordinate with your existing furniture.
• Look for key safety features – auto shut-off valves, tip-over switches, cool-touch surfaces.
• Consider upgrade options like LED lights or wheeled bases for convenience.
• Check that replacement propane tanks are readily available in your area.

With Hampton Bay’s quality construction and smart designs combined with this buying guide’s insights, you are sure to find the ideal patio heater to extend your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Stay cozy all season long with the right heat solution for your home.