What type of patio heater, gas or electric?

[spezza123]

I am in the market for a patio heater and would like some advice.  The area I need to heat up is about 3m by 3m.  Until today I was going for a gas heater until I came across the Algarve infrared electric patio heater.  Are electric heaters better than gas?  I like the idea of the electric as it takes no space and is wall mounted.  It is also cheaper to run.  Anyone have any experience with the algarve or similar products.  Would like to hear from you.  Thanks Mike

[Sequin]

Wear a jumper! Patio heaters are a complete waste of energy - you heat the air which immediately rises to be replaced by cold air, which you heat and it then rises to be replaced by ... more cold air!

[spezza123]

Thanks but these electric radiant heaters heat the person rather than the air from what I understand. 

[jupiter 9]

Ive got a gas heater and it certainly works and the gas is a lot cheaper to run.Sequin have you never sat in a beer garden under a patio heater,They are really warm.

[j2buttonsw]

Are you sure electricity is cheaper than gas? Also gas would be more portable.

[spezza123]

appaantly so.  Gas comes in at �1 per hour and elec about 15p or something an hour.  That don't sound right I know.  Portability not an issue when your garden is 20ft square

[Philtaz]

Have you thought about a chiminea?  I've bought one recently and have to say they are so much more pleasing on the eye and add a bit more character.  They are also cheap to fuel and should be ideal for the size of patio you describe.

I considered gas heater's but they all look monstrous to my eye.

[VINNY100_2]

Ive had a chiminea for a couple of years now and they are magic,Watching the flames shoot up and the wood crackling and they can get really hot.Sitting round one at night with a few beers  Magic!!