Enhance Your Restaurant’s Outdoor Dining: A Guide to Patio Heaters
In the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, creating an inviting and comfortable outdoor dining experience has become more important than ever.
As managing partners of restaurant chains or GMs of unique fine dining establishments, understanding the options available for heating enclosed outdoor spaces is crucial for maximizing these areas’ usability and appeal.
Our blog provides insights into the different types of patio heaters suitable for screen-enclosed outdoor dining spaces and explains why MagnaTrack Screens® is the superior option for enclosing your restaurant’s outdoor seating footprint.
Types of Patio Heaters for Enclosed Outdoor Dining Areas
Freestanding patio heaters are versatile and portable, making them an excellent choice for restaurants. They can be easily moved to different locations within the outdoor space, providing flexibility in heating specific areas as needed. These heaters often use propane or natural gas and come in various designs, from traditional to modern styles, to complement any dining atmosphere.
Tabletop patio heaters are compact and designed to be placed directly on dining tables. These heaters are ideal for smaller outdoor spaces or for providing additional warmth directly at the table level. They are typically powered by propane and are available in various styles to suit the restaurant’s decor.
For restaurants with limited floor space, wall-mounted patio heaters are a practical solution. These heaters can be mounted on walls or ceilings, keeping the floor area clear while providing effective heating. Wall-mounted heaters often use electricity or natural gas and are available in infrared or radiant heating options.
Ceiling-mounted patio heaters are perfect for covered outdoor spaces. These heaters are installed on the ceiling, providing unobtrusive heating from above. They are usually electric or gas-powered and can be equipped with remote controls for easy operation. Ceiling-mounted heaters are excellent for maintaining a clean and open floor space while ensuring consistent warmth throughout the area.
Infrared patio heaters are highly efficient, converting nearly all the energy they consume into heat. These heaters provide immediate warmth by directly heating objects and people rather than the surrounding air. This makes infrared heaters an excellent choice for outdoor dining spaces where quick and effective heating is essential. Infrared heaters can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted, offering various installation options.
Natural gas patio heaters are a cost-effective and convenient option for restaurants with access to a natural gas line. These heaters provide continuous heat without the need for refueling, making them an excellent long-term investment. Natural gas heaters can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted, providing flexibility in installation and use.
How to Choose an Outdoor Heater for Your Restaurant
Before you decide on a heater, be sure to review the pros and cons of each type and choose the best option for your restaurant.
There are even choices when it comes to the materials used to manufacture patio heaters — coated stainless steel, stainless steel, marine grade 316 stainless steel, aluminum, and more. Coastal environments can be tough on metal or wood outdoor furniture and equipment. If your business is near water, consider buying patio heaters made of marine grade type 316 stainless steel to ensure they last longer and resist salt water corrosion.
When selecting a patio heater, also consider the control options provided. Keep in mind that single-stage and two-stage units often come with different control mechanisms. Most freestanding patio heaters have controls directly on the unit. If you opt for a wall- or ceiling-mounted heater system, there are additional control options available such as simple remote control and remote control with zones.
Why Add Heaters to Your Enclosed Outdoor Dining Space?
By making your outdoor seating areas usable for more hours each day and more months each year, you can significantly boost your profits. While the initial cost of installing patio heaters may be high, the increased revenue can quickly cover those expenses. To estimate the potential revenue increase, use this formula with your restaurant’s data: Revenue per seat per shift ($) x Additional shifts per day x Additional days per year = Estimated Additional Annual Revenue.
If you need to install a system of patio heaters for a large outdoor space, it can be complex. Consult with an installer or professional designer to ensure the heaters are suitable for your space and correctly positioned. Many patio heater manufacturers also provide consultations and free resources to help create an ideal outdoor heating solution.
The Importance of MagnaTrack for Outdoor Dining Spaces
While choosing the right patio heater is essential, ensuring the comfort and usability of outdoor dining spaces year-round also involves proper enclosure solutions. At MagnaTrack, we offer a cutting-edge option for enclosing outdoor dining areas, providing numerous benefits for restaurant owners and their patrons.
- Superior Wind Resistance: MagnaTrack screens are designed to withstand high winds, ensuring that enclosed outdoor dining spaces remain protected and comfortable regardless of weather conditions.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials, MagnaTrack screens are built to last. Their durability ensures long-term performance, making them a reliable investment for restaurant owners looking to enhance their outdoor dining spaces.
- Smooth Operation: One of the standout features of MagnaTrack screens is their patented magnetic technology, which allows for smooth and reliable operation and eliminates 98% of all common service issues.
- Customizable Options: We offer a range of customization options, allowing restaurant owners to tailor the screens to their specific needs and aesthetic preferences. This flexibility ensures that the screens not only provide functional benefits but also complement the overall design of the dining space.
- Improved Climate Control: By enclosing outdoor dining areas with MagnaTrack’s motorized retractable screens, restaurants can significantly enhance their ability to control the climate within these spaces. The screens help to retain heat provided by patio heaters and protect diners from the elements, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.
Want to Quickly See ROI? Contact MagnaTrack Today.
Enclosing outdoor dining areas with MagnaTrack screens effectively increases the usable space of a restaurant. This expansion allows restaurants to accommodate more customers, particularly during peak seasons, without compromising comfort or ambiance.
Selecting the appropriate patio heaters and incorporating MagnaTrack screens are vital steps for managing partners looking to optimize their restaurant’s enclosed outdoor dining spaces. By investing in these solutions, restaurants can enhance customer satisfaction, increase capacity, and ultimately achieve greater business success.
