Electric vs. Gas Patio Heaters: Which Bromic Is Right for Your Space?
Every Bromic heater is radiant: it warms people and surfaces directly, like sunshine, instead of trying to heat the air. The first real choice is the fuel. Here is how electric and gas compare, and which Bromic lines fit each.
The short answer
| Electric | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat coverage | Up to about 160 sq ft per heater | Up to about 215 sq ft per heater |
| Best for | Covered patios, pergolas, lanais, homes | Large, open or windy areas, restaurants |
| Installation | Electrician, 208V or 220 to 240V circuit | Licensed gas fitter, gas line plus power for ignition |
| Overhead clearance | About 5" to 13", model dependent | 36", or 14" with a heat deflector |
| Look | Slim and quiet, can be recessed | Larger, with a visible glow |
| Dimming | Yes, with a dimmer controller | On/off control |
Choose electric if...
- Your space is covered, like a pergola, lanai or roofed patio, and the heater will be within easy reach of power.
- You want the cleanest look. The Platinum Electric is a slim stainless panel that can even be recessed flush into the ceiling.
- You want to dial heat up and down. Electric heaters work with Bromic dimmer controls, so you can run them at 25 or 50 percent on a mild evening.
- Clearances are tight. Electric heaters need only a few inches to the ceiling.
Choose gas if...
- You are heating a large or open area where you need the most output. The 500 series gas heaters cover about 215 square feet each.
- Running a high-voltage electrical circuit is harder than running gas, or you already have natural gas at the house.
- You have the headroom: gas heaters need 36" to the ceiling, or 14" with a heat deflector.
Platinum, Tungsten, Eclipse and Cobalt
- Platinum Smart-Heat (electric or gas): Bromic's premium line, with the most refined design. Electric models come in 2300W, 3400W and 4500W, plus marine-grade versions for the coast.
- Tungsten Smart-Heat (electric or gas): the hard-working line. Electric models run from 2000W to 6000W in black or white; gas comes in 300 and 500 series.
- Eclipse (electric): a round pendant or freestanding heater with built-in LED lighting, designed to be a statement piece over a table.
- Cobalt (electric): Bromic's most affordable electric line.
For a deeper comparison of the two main lines, read Bromic Heaters Explained: Platinum vs Tungsten.
What about portable heaters?
If you cannot mount a heater, Bromic makes portable options: the Tungsten portable gas heater and the freestanding Eclipse. They are great for renters and for moving heat around a large patio. See Bromic portable heaters.
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Frequently asked questions
Are electric or gas patio heaters better?
Neither is better everywhere. Electric suits covered patios and pergolas and can be dimmed; gas delivers more output for large, open or windy spaces but needs more overhead clearance and a gas line.
Do gas patio heaters work in the wind?
Radiant heaters like Bromic's hold up much better in a breeze than heaters that warm the air, because they heat people directly. Sheltering the area still helps.
Can I dim a gas heater?
Bromic gas heaters are controlled on and off. Dimming is available for Bromic electric heaters with a dimmer controller.
Do Bromic gas heaters run on propane?
Yes. Platinum and Tungsten gas heaters come in natural gas or propane versions; order the one that matches your supply.
Which Bromic heater is best for a covered patio?
Usually an electric Platinum or Tungsten heater: they need only a few inches of ceiling clearance and can be dimmed. Size it by square footage, as in our guide to how many heaters you need.