Buying guide
A flame heater does two jobs: it warms a terrace or seating area and it adds a glowing column of flame that becomes part of the evening. Here is how they work, how the four Lifestyle models compare and how to use one safely.
How a flame heater works
Propane burns at the base of a tall glass or quartz tube, sending a visible flame up through it. The tube and the hot flame radiate heat outwards to people nearby, and a cap or reflector at the top helps direct warmth. Flame heaters are freestanding, with the gas cylinder stored in the base, apart from the Chantico, which stands on a table with its cylinder at least a metre away.
The four models compared
| Emporio | Tahiti II | Santorini | Chantico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output | 15kW | 13kW | 11kW | 3kW |
| Style | Round, quartz glass tube | Pyramid, glass tube | Round, retractable | Tabletop pyramid |
| Size | 537mm wide, 2105mm high | 530 x 530 x 2230mm | 523mm wide, 1840mm (1260mm retracted) | 250 x 250 x 890mm |
| Weight | 20kg | 25kg | 26kg | 6kg |
| Safety | Flame failure device, tilt switch | Flame failure device, tilt switch | See listing | See listing |
| Clearance | 100cm above and sides | 61cm above, 60cm sides | See manual | 45cm above, 60cm sides |
| Arrives | See listing | Assembly required | Ready to use | Ready to use |
Pyramid
Tahiti II
In stainless steel or black, with enclosed bottle storage and wheels.
Retractable
Santorini
Metallic gunmetal, retracting from 1840mm to 1260mm for storage.
Tabletop
Chantico
A 3kW pyramid flame for the table, supplied ready to use with hose and regulator.
Which one?
- Most heat: the Emporio at 15kW, the highest output in the Lifestyle patio heater range.
- The classic pyramid look: the Tahiti II, in stainless steel or black.
- Easy to store: the Santorini, which retracts to 1260mm.
- For a garden table: the 3kW Chantico, 890mm tall and 6kg.
Using a flame heater safely
- Outdoors only. Use it in the open air or an amply ventilated area, never indoors, in a garage, conservatory or enclosed gazebo.
- Keep the clearances. Follow the distances in the manual to parasols, awnings, branches, walls and cushions.
- Firm, level ground. Tall heaters must not be able to tip. The Emporio and Tahiti II have a tilt switch as a back-up, not a substitute.
- Glass gets hot. Keep children and pets away from the tube, and never touch it while lit or cooling.
- Gas off after use. Turn the heater off, then close the cylinder valve.
Where to put a flame heater
- Out of the wind: a wall, hedge or screen on the windward side keeps the heat where people are sitting.
- Centrally to the seating, so warmth reaches everyone, with enough room to walk round it without brushing the glass.
- On firm, level ground that will not let it tip, with the manual's clearances above and to the sides.
- Away from parasols, awnings, overhanging branches, curtains and cushions.
- For the Chantico, on a stable table with the cylinder at least 1m away.
Gas and bottles
All four run on propane and come with a hose and propane regulator. The Emporio's base takes a cylinder up to 318mm across and 580mm tall (Lifestyle quotes 13kg propane); the Tahiti II has easy-access bottle storage in the base; and the Chantico's cylinder must stand at least 1m from the heater. Store spare cylinders outdoors, upright and away from drains. As a rough guide, a 13kg propane cylinder holds about 179kWh, enough for around 12 hours of the Emporio at its full 15kW.
Covers
Lifestyle makes a fitted cover for each: the Emporio cover, Tahiti II cover, Santorini cover (for the heater in its extended position) and Chantico cover. Fit it only once the heater is cold.
Common questions
What is a flame patio heater?
A gas heater that burns inside a tall glass or quartz tube, giving heat and a visible column of flame.
Which flame heater gives the most heat?
The Lifestyle Emporio, at 15kW.
Do flame heaters give as much heat as mushroom heaters?
They give real heat; compare the kW figures. The Emporio (15kW) and Tahiti II (13kW) are rated higher than the Capri mushroom heater (12.5kW).
Where does the gas bottle go?
In the base on the Emporio, Tahiti II and Santorini. The Chantico's cylinder must stand at least 1m from the heater.
Can I use a flame heater on a covered terrace?
Only if it is open and amply ventilated and the manual's clearances above and to the sides are met. Never in an enclosed space.
Is the glass tube safe to touch?
No. It gets very hot while the heater is lit and cooling. Keep children and pets away.
Do they come with a regulator?
Yes, all four come with a hose and propane regulator. The gas cylinder is bought separately.
Can I move a flame heater while it is lit?
No. Turn it off, let it cool completely and then move it on its wheels on level ground.
Which cover fits my flame heater?
Lifestyle makes a fitted cover for each of the Emporio, Tahiti II, Santorini and Chantico.
Compare all patio heaters
Including the Capri mushroom heater and the Sirocco tabletop heater.