When the warmer weather finally hits, it is understandable that British folk are going to want to make the most of it! We personally want to spend every waking hour outside through the summer months. But, in the evening the temperatures can dip quite dramatically and this can leave you frustrated and having to move back inside – even when the evening itself is still quite beautiful! If this sounds familiar and you have had nights with family or socialising with friends spoiled by the cool weather…then chances are you could benefit from a table top heater!
A table top heater is like a standard garden heater, however it is smaller in size and designed to be positioned…(you guessed it!)…on the top of your table. This will keep the area that you and your loved ones are sat at around the time nice and warm for long into the evening! But, there are so many table top heaters to choose from, plus the options of electric or gas, size and power, choosing the right one can leave you feeling a little chilly! So we have created this article with some of the best table top heaters around – and all of those important features that you need to look out for when buying!
Best Pick – Planika Chantico Tabletop Bioethanol Fireplace
- ✅【Bio Ethanol Burner】: Chantico Glassfire is a mini freestanding fireplace that is very easy to use. It requires no hard connections - simply fill the burner with bio fuel & light it up with matches. You can then extinguish the flames with a snuffer tool.
- ✅【Fully Portable Fire Bowl】: Chantico can be used both indoor (as e.g. a table decoration) or outdoor. The stainless steel base is durable and weatherproof, and the burner is enclosed with a a removable glass cylinder, which protects the flame from wind.
- ✅【Clean Combustion】: Chantico is powered by the plant-based bioethanol, so the heat production is not accompanied by smoke and smell-free. Moreover, it can provide you with a real fire for even up to 5.5 hours.
- ✅【Safety Measures】: The model was made in accordance with the Commerce Technology. The burner is filled with highly absorbent ceramic fibers, which keep the fuel inside. If you accidentally tilt the fireplace, the fuel will remain inside the burner.
- ✅【Decorative】: The model elegantly combines glass & black steel - it was designed to decorate your living spaces & to help you to create a warm ambience in them. Try using it as a chic candle replacement! The set also contains decorative stones.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If the summer months are upon you and you have lots of outdoor socialising planned then you need to be reading this part of the article. There are some essential features that you should definitely know about before purchasing a table top heater and they are all here in one place!
Electric or Gas?
The first thing that you need to think about when purchasing a table top heater is whether you are going to choose a model powered by electric or one powered by gas. You will find that most models are powered by gas but there are benefits to the electric models too!
Gas table top heaters are usually going to be compatible with either propane or butane, so you will need to be prepared to purchase this when needed – although you should find that a reasonable sized tank will last you at least 6 months even if it is used regularly. The best table top heaters will be compatible with both propane and butane, offering you much greater flexibility when trying to purchase a gas cylinder! You will usually find that gas models are able to offer you more power and therefore more heat, plus they have the benefit of being able to be positioned anywhere in your garden!
There are advantages to the electric models however – to start with you aren’t going to have to have to worry about lugging and storing a gas canister, plus they will be cheaper to run as you aren’t having to replace the gas! We also like the halogen heating elements in the electric models as these give off a light as well as heat so can be used for both – plus we found heating elements that lasted for over 5000 hours so you can guarantee good value for money and less maintenance!
TOP TIP: Whether you opt for a gas or an electric model make sure to check the length of the cable or hose. This will determine how far away from power you can position your table top heater which will influence the aesthetics of the overall finish on and around your table!
Power
Once you have decided on whether you are wanting a gas or electric model, the next thing to look at is the power that is released from the heater. The power of the heater is going to determine how much heat is emitted, and the amount of heat that you need depends on the size of table that you are wanting to heat around! A three seater table is going to take up around 4 metres squared so you will need around 4kw of power from your heater to warm this area sufficiently. If you have a smaller table then you may be able to get away with a 3kw model, but we definitely wouldn’t recommend anything less than this! If you have a larger space to cover then look for as high kw as you can find (this will usually be a maximum of around 7kw).
TOP TIP: Look out for table top heaters that are going to come with adjustable temperature controls. This will allow you to adapt the heat depending on the warmth that you are needing at a particular time. This is a great feature as some heaters without regulators can get really quite hot otherwise!
The Best Sized Table Top Heater
A table top heater is going to be considerably smaller than a standard garden heater – this is an essential requirement if your heater is going to be able to sit comfortably on your table without taking up too much space. Usually, you will find that larger heaters are going to emit more heat, so this may be a compromise that you will have to make.
When looking at the base of your table top heater you want to make sure that it is wide enough to provide as much balance as possible for the rest of the heater. A wider base will help to spread the weight more evenly, which will reduce the chance of the heater being blown or knocked over. We found bases ranging from 40 to 60cm in diameter tend to be sufficient, depending on the height of the heater as well of course! The height of your table top heater will range from between 2.5 feet up to 4 feet – the taller the table top heater the easier it will be for the heat to spread over a distance, however you won’t get the full impact of the warmth (which could be seen as a blessing or a curse).
You need to also think about the weight of your table top heater, as most heaters are going to need moving regularly. You need to make sure that you find a balance between a table top heater that is going to be heavy enough to not be knocked over in the wind and other adverse weather, but that is light enough to move around your garden when necessary. Most manufacturers would recommend that you move your heater inside after each use (although not everyone does) so a table top heater that is too heavy is just going to make this process difficult! Look out for heaters that are between 5 and 7 kilograms if you are wanting the best of both worlds!
Best Budget – BRIAN & DANY Tabletop Portable Bio Ethanol Fireplace
- Burns 2000 BTUs/hour; Burn time is approximately 1 hour when full filled with bio ethanol.
- The fire pit features tempered glass panes, a sturdy steel base and protective feet.
- It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- It requires no electric, gas, chimney or gel cans; All you have to do is pour bio ethanol fuel in the canister and light; Bio ethanol fuel is not included.
- The whole package includes: 1×Fireplace, 1×Wick, 1×Flame Snuffer, 1×Manual.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Extra Features of Table Top Heaters
Hopefully by now you will have found a selection of table top heaters that are using the correct fuel and are at the right power level for you. But there are a number of features that you need to know about to narrow it down even more! Keep reading for the features we found in the best table top heaters!
- Cost effective – All of your heaters are going to cost something to run, we don’t get anything for free! As a general rule you will find that gas heaters are going to cost more to run, however we found that there are some newer models that are more cost effective! Some newer models cost as little as 20p an hour to run!
- Reflectors – All table top heaters are going to have some kinds of reflectors. The ideas of these are to reflect as much of the heat to the outside of the heater, so that you are getting the benefit of the heat. Look out for models with large reflectors that are pointing down towards where you are sitting as these will angle the heat more effectively.
- Quality Material – Most heaters are going to be made from aluminium or stainless steel as these will be strong materials that are going to be relatively safe from rust and weather resistant. Look out for models that have a powder coating as this will keep them safe from rust for even longer. On some models you will find that this protective coating is made from plastic, which covers the metal, this won’t have the same high quality finish but it does help to protect the heater from rust.
- Piezo ignition – We would definitely recommend choosing a heater that comes with a piezo ignition. These are the best way to light a gas heater quickly and are going to save you so much time and effort having to try and light your heater the traditional way. Obviously if you opt for an electric model then you will just be able to do this with the flick of a switch.
- Colour finish – Most table top heaters are going to have a stainless steel (silver) finish, although we did find the odd one that had a copper finish which was a really different look for if you are looking for something more unusual. We also found models with a black or even dark green finish if you are wanting something with more colour!
- Cover Included – Unless you are wanting to bring your table top heater inside after every use then you are going to need a cover – especially if you are wanting to keep your heater looking new for as long as possible. Look out for models that come with a cover included as this will save you having to purchase a universal one that may not be a perfect fit.
Our Pick – BIOETHANOL SUPERIOR ‘BIOLA’ FUEL
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Safety Features
Accidents happen – which we well know – and table top heaters can be dangerous things if they are not looked after and treated with respect. Table top heaters can become extremely hot if left on for any period of time and if they are then knocked over (or blown over in the wind) and this isn’t noticed then they could actually start a fire to the surface around them! Luckily, many manufacturers have now thought of safety features to help prevent this from happening.
- Heat protectors – Look out for models with guards that are going to protect the heating elements and protect you from them too! This will stop you from getting too close to the heating elements and being burnt, or from the heating elements touching anything around them that could be damaged.
- Tilt switch – This is one of the most important safety features that we found. A balance level in the heater will switch off the heater automatically if it feels that it has switched over. This will help the heater to cool as quickly as possible and protect the ground around it.
- Click and connect – There are many reasons why we love the click and connect feature, partly because it makes it so easy to connect to the gas when you are in a rush, but also because it makes it easier to disconnect from the gas in case of an emergency!
Best of the Rest
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- INNOVATIVE LIGHT: SPIN is a bioethanol-fuelled table fireplace with a fascinating rotating flame in a decorative glass cylinder with a solid base. SPIN creates a campfire atmosphere on your table. The bioethanol fuel must be ordered separately
- VERSATILE: Whether on the terrace, in the garden, at a party or indoors on your table in the living room. SPIN is a stylish and multifunctional decoration and gift idea for any occasion. SPIN is powered by a can filled with bioethanol, which is inserted into the wing body and lit.
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS: SPIN has a stainless steel housing, a glass cylinder made of borosilicate glass and a base with anti-slip and surface protectors for safe standing as well as an extinguisher lid for premature extinguishing. A cup of bioethanolgel with 500ml has a burning time of approx. 80 minutes.
- ACCESSORIES: Great accessories are available for the table fire. For example, the elevation, which provides a higher stand, or the ground spike, which allows a stylish and safe placement as a garden torch. With the hanging system, you can make the fire float. Corresponding refill cups are of course also available.
- ABOUT HÖFATS: You and your best friends gathered around a fire. Is there anything more beautiful? höfats brings the fire back into your life: Campfires on your terrace, candlelight and firelight on your balcony and living room table. With fire and passion, höfats creates fascinating products that combine puristic form and inspiring functionality. So that the time spent by the fire becomes the best time of your life.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
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Frequently Asked Questions
What guarantee will I get with a table top heater?
The best table top heaters are going to have around a five year guarantee. Some have less than this (around 3 years) and others have more, but we definitely wouldn’t recommend opting for less than 3 as this suggests the product is not made from durable materials.
Can I leave my table top heater outside?
There will be occasions when you can leave your table top heater outside but this is not something that we would recommend if you are wanting your heater to last and look like new for as long as possible. It is rare to find a table top heater that is going to be completely waterproof. Most have a score of either IP44 or IP45 which means that they will be ok being splashed by water but not much more than this. This is why manufacturers recommend covering or moving your table top heater when not in use, so that it can be protected from any unexpected rainfall.
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