Outdoor patio heaters let you enjoy your deck or patio year-round in most locations, helping you to get the most value and enjoyment possible out of your outdoor living areas. If you’re going to carve out your own special nook in the backyard, you might as well enjoy it the entire year, and not just in the spring and summer.

Some of the options may be overwhelming when it comes to outdoor patio heaters, so let’s just focus on a few key areas, as far as what to look for when you’re ready to buy.

Automatic shut-off switches: Be sure that any patio heater you buy has an automatic shut-off switch which will turn the heater off in the event it is tipped over.

Electric starter: Most patio heaters you buy today will come with electric starters, which are definitely the way to go for homeowners.

Sizes: Outdoor patio heaters come in a variety of sizes, from small table-top models to very large free-standing units. If you just need a bit of warmth for slightly chilly evenings, a table-top model is fine; if you’re planning on keeping lots of people warm on freezing nights, the bigger the heater, the better.

Patio heaters come in a variety of styles and materials, so be sure to shop around for exactly what fits the decorative style of your patio. While your local garden store or retailer may not have a huge line of patio heaters available, many Internet stores offer a wide range of decorative options.