There has been a significant shift in the availability of patio heaters suitable for domestic usage. Residential orders, according to industry analysts, have now eclipsed business needs. The increased number of products available for household usage has resulted in advancements that improve the efficiency and lifetime of these heaters. The fasten-on reflector is one such gadget.

Do patio heater reflectors work?

Small diameter reflectors generally emit infrared heat to a smaller area circle and squander a lot of otherwise usable infrared heat.

Broader diameter reflectors disperse heat over a larger area and can heat more individuals in the vicinity of the heater.

They also guard against heat damage to exterior walls such as vinyl siding and plant foliage.

Because a reflector is simply a shiny sheet of metal reflecting heat, are they all created equal, or are there important factors to consider when selecting your add-on reflector?

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Reflector Shield?

You may wonder if a curving sheet of metal is truly worth your money, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity of design. Although a simple concept, the efficiency of these add-on reflectors makes them a must-have for your patio heater.

The major function and benefit of these reflectors are to divert the heat distribution of your patio heater. All high-quality patio heaters should include a built-in reflector above the heating drum to reflect heat downwards onto your outside space. This keeps the heat from just ascending and dissipating into the chilly outdoor air.

However, these circular reflectors direct the heat in a 360-degree circle. Because of safety considerations, your heater is unlikely to be put in the center of your patio, where it may be in the walkway or the midst of your seating area. Instead, it’s generally on one side of your deck, up against a wall, or exposed to your garden. If this is the case, and you are not seated in a circle around the heater, half of your heat is lost since it radiates to locations where no humans can warm up.

The Main Advantage of Using Add-on Patio Heater Reflectors

Fasten-on reflectors solve this problem by preventing heat from escaping out the back to locations where no one is present instead of directing all heat in a more focused direction. This reduces the heat circle from 360 degrees to a more narrow spread of 180 degrees. So instead of wasting half of the heat on your patio’s garden or vacant space, all of the heat is focused on your guests and the area you want warm.

With all the heat concentrated in one spot, you can reduce the amount of gas or propane pushed through the heater. In addition, because the reflector prevents heat from escaping through the rear of your heater, all of that extra warmth is concentrated in one location. This will likely be intense, and you and your visitors may become overheated.

As a result, you can reduce the power of your heater, which means you’ll use less gas because your heater won’t have to work as hard.

Using less gas is a huge benefit and a win for you, not only in terms of saving money but also in terms of reducing your environmental effect. The add-on reflector allows them to consume less gas/propane, making them better for the environment than a patio heater without one. Save gas, save money, and save the planet.

The first thing you’ll notice is that you can save money. For example, assume you can reduce the heat intensity of your patio heater to roughly 75% to radiate the full 100% heat output to the usable area. As a result, you gain approximately 3 hours of additional heat time per tank.

The Benefits of a Bolt-on Heater Reflector in Damage Prevention

Another benefit of these fasten-on reflectors is that they can shield your walls or trees from excessive heat. The continual heat from your patio heater may cause damage if placed too close to a wall or your garden greenery. Adding a reflector to your patio heater will divert heat away from these undesirable regions, protecting them from heat damage.

Some manufacturers of attach-on reflectors say they can help in high winds, although this is unlikely. In extremely windy conditions, most outside heaters become virtually worthless. Assume you point your reflector in the direction of a breeze, a little breeze, or even a draft. In that instance, it may help reduce the heat carried away by the wind.

In any case, it is not suggested to use your patio heater in extremely windy weather for safety reasons.

There is one brand of add-on patio heater reflector that works regardless of the wind situation outside. It is secured in place by a three-point system and adjustable for different heating requirements, which is a fantastic feature.

If you reside in a location with nighttime breezes, check out the Heat Director.

I think this reflector add-on kit might be useful in coastal towns. You may find it on Amazon.

A regular fasten-on reflector will not protect you against strong winds. It will likely start to swing or stretch up, allowing the wind to reach the heat and blast it away. It may even pose a problem because it will act as wind resistance, thus generating a sail. If your heater is not properly secured, the extra reflector will likely cause it to tip over.

What Factors Contribute to the Best Fasten On Reflector?

When choosing a fasten-on reflector for your patio heater, a few factors make for the greatest reflectors.

The heat pattern formed by the reflector is determined by its shape. Look for a reflector with a wider profile and progressive bends. To direct heat, the reflector should be bent in a half-moon form.

Aluminum is the ideal material for fasten-on reflectors. Aluminum is not only a weather-resistant and long-lasting metal but also highly reflective. The capacity to reflect light is the most important feature of a fasten-on reflector.

The primary heat source is infrared, which is more light than anything else. As a result, the infrared spectrum of light, like visible light, bounces off of polished surfaces. However, because it absorbs some of the heat, the surfaces may get hot.

The best add-on reflectors are also simple to secure to your heater and do not require complicated installation or changes.

What Kinds of Heaters Can Fit Aftermarket Reflectors?

Most reflectors come with clips or clamps to attach to your patio heater. They will fit and function best on any mushroom heater. A mushroom heater has a circular reflector with a wide brim, and any additional reflector can be easily attached. The majority of brands should be interchangeable.

Some manufacturers claim their reflectors are also appropriate for pyramid heaters with top plate reflectors. However, while adding the add-on reflector to your pyramid heater will be simple, it will be ineffective. This is because a pyramid heater’s heating column extends the entire height of the heater’s flame column.

When a reflector is placed at the top, just a little quantity of heat is reflected. However, at the same time, the heater’s bottom column’s heat is still lost.

Best Patio Heater Reflector Shields

There are a few reflector shields that stand out from the crowd. Sweet Heat’s reflector is at the top of the list. Despite being one of the more costly reflectors on the market, Sweet Heat’s outstanding quality makes it well worth the extra money. The reflector is composed of high-quality, long-lasting aluminum. This reflector will accomplish all you need, effectively directing heat to one spot while shielding the surfaces behind it. In addition, it will pay for itself in no time, thanks to the gas savings.

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It is extremely quick and simple to install using screw clamps, and it should take you no more than 5 minutes to get it up and run. The Sweet Heat’s finest feature is that it is created in the United States, has a high recall rate, and provides exceptional customer service.

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The Moaron heat-focusing reflector is an excellent value. It is identical to the Sweet Heat and produces similar results but at half the price. Despite its lower price, it is nevertheless constructed of high-quality aluminum. It also employs a screw clamp mechanism, making installation a breeze.

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The Smokitcen is similarly less expensive and features a paneled design. This design has the extra benefit of being able to fold up and be readily stowed when not in use during the warmer months. It is effective at directing heat, but keep in mind that it is not as large as the reference images suggest, so that some heat may be lost out at the bottom.

Nonetheless, it is effective and performs the function for which it was built. The Smokitcen is made of aluminum alloy (aluminum mixed with other metals) and maybe a little flimsier than the others. However, it is still of good quality for the price. It includes an easy clipping method and can be quickly attached to your heater.

Common Tools Required to Install a Patio Heater Reflector Shield

In most cases, no tools are necessary! All of the tested items were clamped on or secured using thumb screws. A light twitch with pliers on the thumb screws can aid in the fastening of the reflector. However, unless you have Arthritis or other gripping issues, it is not technically necessary.

Conclusion

Despite their modest form, fasten-on reflectors for patio heaters are extremely effective. They can function more efficiently by directing heat to a more targeted region and eliminating heat waste. These easy modifications will save you gas while relieving the guilt of harming the environment. It’s a no-brainer purchase that requires no additional thought.