Patio Heaters - Brief Article

DSN Retailing Today, Oct 2, 2000

Just because the air starts to get a bit nippy doesn't mean consumers are ready to put away their grills and patio furniture. For this reason, patio heaters, initially popular in the restaurant industry, are expected to be big sellers this fall.

The trend that began with upscale outdoor fire pits and clay pot chimneys has gone one step further with a functional item that extends the season for outdoor entertaining.

At this summer's National Hardware Show in Chicago, several companies launched patio heaters targeting mass merchants. Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Home Depot are among the retailers carrying Uniflame's new Endless Summer outdoor heater, an affordable version of its earlier commercial model. The propane gas-powered product radiates heat in a 20-foot circle, raising temperatures as much as 30 degrees. Suggested retail price is $200.

A similar version from Coleman, in its new Back-Home outdoor living line, is a parasol heater that warms air up to 18 feet in diameter. Selling for about $425, it is touted as the only one on the market to combine a heating and lighting system. Also new from Coleman is an outdoor fireplace made of pewter that will retail for about $130.

Other companies that offer outdoor heaters include Garden Pals, Belson Outdoors, Winrich International, Dynamic Cooking Systems, Empire Candle and Scheu Products, among others.

A Coleman representative estimated the market for outdoor heaters at $15 million to $20 million currently, with potential to grow 50% annually now that more consumer models are being made.