All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
If you love spending cool evenings on your deck or patio, you know a patio heater can be a game changer. But like any outdoor gear, a heater performs best when paired with the right accessories. Accessories protect your investment, boost efficiency, and make outdoor heating safer and more comfortable. Think of accessories as the coat, hat, and gloves for your heater—simple extras that extend life and improve performance.
There’s a long list of extras you can buy, but a handful deliver the most value. Covers, replacement ignition parts, wind screens, heat reflectors, thermostats, and safety gear top the list. Choosing the right combination depends on your heater type—propane, natural gas, or electric—and where you live. If gusty winds or heavy rain are common in your area, you’ll want a sturdier setup than someone in a mild, dry climate.
Covers shield your heater from rain, snow, and UV damage, helping finishes and electronics last longer. Look for covers made from heavy-duty polyester or PVC-backed fabric with taped seams and an interior lining to prevent scratching. Size matters—measure your heater in inches or feet before ordering. Many patio heaters stand 6 to 8 feet tall, so choose a cover rated for that height. A snug cover reduces rust and keeps the burner assembly clean.
Nothing’s more frustrating than a cold night and a dead igniter. Replacement piezo igniters, electrodes, and matching regulators are inexpensive peace-of-mind buys. If your heater runs on propane, make sure replacement regulators are compatible with 20 lb tanks and the correct pressure rating. For natural gas units, confirm fittings match your home’s line size. Keeping spare parts on hand means a broken igniter won’t ruin your outdoor plans.
Wind is a heater’s enemy; it blows heat away and makes burners inefficient. Wind screens and angled reflectors redirect radiant heat toward people instead of losing it to the air. A solid reflector can boost perceived warmth by 20–30 percent, stretching fuel life and comfort. Reflectors are usually measured in inches across the top; ensure they match the heater head’s diameter and maintain at least a few inches of clearance for safety.
Want to avoid wasting fuel while still stepping out into a warm patio? Thermostats and timers make the heater smart. A wireless or plug-in timer can turn heaters on 15–30 minutes before guests arrive, while thermostats maintain a steady temperature measured in Fahrenheit. Some advanced controllers work with smart home systems so you can adjust settings from your phone—handy if you forgot to switch the heater off before heading inside.
Safety gear isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. A compact ABC-rated fire extinguisher stored nearby and heat-resistant gloves for handling hot parts reduce risk. Gloves designed for grill work often fit the bill—look for ones rated for temperatures above 400°F and with cuff lengths of 12–18 inches to protect wrists. Safety is about planning, and these items are inexpensive insurance against accidents.
Different heaters demand different accessories. Propane tower heaters need covers that zip around tall profiles and spare 20 lb tank regulators, while tabletop electric heaters require weatherproofing and GFCI-protected cords. Natural gas heaters call for proper line fittings and routine inspections. Always check manufacturer specifications for compatibility—mixing parts between models can be like using the wrong key on a lock: it won’t fit and may cause damage.
Where you buy matters for price, variety, and support. Big-box stores, specialty retailers, and online marketplaces each offer pros and cons. Below I break down the best places to shop in the US so you can match convenience, selection, and budget.
The Home Depot is a go-to for patio heater covers, replacement parts, and basic accessories. With hundreds of store locations and a large online catalog, you can measure and buy quickly. They carry brands across price points and often include user reviews that help pick compatible parts. If you prefer seeing materials in person, Home Depot’s physical inventory makes comparison shopping easy.
Lowe’s offers a comparable selection to Home Depot, with a solid range of weatherproof covers, ignition kits, and heat reflectors. Their staff can often help with basic compatibility questions and measurements for tall units that reach 6 to 8 feet. Lowe’s frequently runs seasonal promotions, so timing purchases in late summer or early fall can save money.
For sheer variety, Amazon can’t be beat. You’ll find niche parts, replacement igniters, and custom-fit covers from smaller brands. The downside? Sifting through listings and ensuring compatibility can take time. Use size filters—height in feet, diameter in inches—and read verified buyer reviews to avoid surprises. Prime shipping is a perk when you need replacements fast.
Walmart stocks affordable basic accessories and offers in-store pickup for many items. Their selection is growing, and prices are often budget-friendly. Walmart is useful for simple buys like gloves, basic covers, and timers, but you may find fewer specialty parts than at a dedicated hardware store or online marketplace.
Ace Hardware excels with local expertise. Independent stores often carry parts you won’t find elsewhere and provide hands-on advice about installation. Need a specific 3/8-inch fitting or a particular regulator type? The staff at Ace can help source it, and small shops are great for last-minute, practical solutions.
If style and aesthetics matter, Wayfair and Hayneedle offer designer covers and decorative wind screens that double as outdoor decor. These retailers are good for finding accessories that match patio furniture and lighting schemes. Shipping can vary by item, so check dimensions—heaters that are 7 to 8 feet tall require careful ordering to ensure a proper fit.
For high-end accessories and heater-specific parts, specialty retailers like BBQGuys are ideal. They cater to outdoor cooking and heating and often stock OEM parts and premium reflectors. If you own a well-known brand or a custom heater, specialty shops are the most likely place to find exact replacement components.
Not all accessories are equal. Spend smart where it counts: get a high-quality cover with a good warranty and a proper regulator if you use propane. Save on simple items like basic timers or standard gloves if you’re just dabbling. Premium reflectors and thermostats make sense if you use your heater nightly or host gatherings; for occasional use, midrange accessories balance price and performance.
Measure twice, buy once. Note the heater’s total height in feet and the head diameter in inches. Check manufacturer part numbers before ordering replacement igniters or gas fittings. If you’re unsure, bring a photo or model number to the store or use online chat support. For natural gas hookups and regulator work, consider hiring a licensed technician—safety is worth the cost.
Regular cleaning and inspection keep accessories functioning longer. Wipe covers with a mild soap solution and let them air dry to prevent mold. Inspect igniters for soot buildup and replace electrodes when spark strength drops. Tighten fittings seasonally and check regulators for signs of wear. A little upkeep every few months prevents bigger problems and keeps heaters ready when the temperature drops into the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit.
Store accessories in a dry place during the off-season. If you live where snow accumulates, remove covers only when the heater is cool and dry to prevent trapping moisture. Keep small parts like screws, washers, and igniters in labeled containers so you don’t lose critical pieces in your garage or shed.
Avoid the trap of buying the cheapest cover or assuming any part will fit. Common mistakes include mismatching regulator thread sizes, buying covers rated too short for tall pallet heaters, and using reflectors that get too close to combustible materials. Also, don’t overlook ventilation—reflectors should redirect heat, not trap it, so maintain clearance as specified by the manufacturer.
Comparison shopping is simple: note the item, measurements in inches or feet, and compatible model numbers, then compare prices across retailers. Watch for seasonal sales—late fall and spring often bring discounts. Don’t forget to factor shipping: bulky covers may carry higher freight costs. If a part is pricey, check if a local hardware store can match or beat the online price without charging shipping fees.
Before you click “buy,” run through this checklist: measure your heater in feet and inches, confirm compatibility with brand/model, decide between budget and premium materials, check warranty and return terms, and compare at least three retailers. With these steps you’ll get accessories that fit, perform, and last—no cold surprises on a crisp evening.
Ready to shop? Start with a list of accessories you need, measure your heater, and pick a retailer that matches your priorities—speed, price, or specialty parts. If you’re uncertain, local stores like Ace Hardware or experts at specialty shops can help identify the exact part numbers and fittings. With the right accessories, your outdoor heater will be a reliable companion for many seasons of alfresco enjoyment.
In short, patio heater accessories turn a good heater into a great one. From covers that fend off rain and UV to thermostats that save fuel, the right additions make outdoor living more comfortable, efficient, and safe. Shop smart, measure carefully, and don’t skimp on safety—the payoff is warm evenings and more time enjoying the outdoors.
| Patio Heater Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Eberspacher D7w Heater Glow Plug Threaded Insert 201673100005 | $ 2,84 | |
| Eberspacher D4l Heater Casing Clamp Also Suitable B4l Heater 102062152209 | $ 3,40 |
