Science Proves Patio Heaters Provide Health & Wellness Benefits to Guests at Resorts, Spas, Eateries

Most people naturally lean towards outdoor dining because it just feels good. Enjoying a delicious meal at an open-air restaurant or resort patio isn't just a pleasant experience—it's scientifically proven to be beneficial for your health and well-being. This preference for al fresco dining stems from biological reactions. However, the chill of evening or the cold winter months often forces us indoors, cutting short these enriching experiences.

By comprehending the advantages of extending outdoor dining through high-quality patio heaters, business owners at resorts, spas, and restaurants can make informed decisions about investing in these systems.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Outdoor Dining

A study from the University of Anglia, published in Science Daily, reveals that spending more time outdoors has measurable health benefits. Analyzing data from 290 million individuals, UK researchers found that people exposed to greater amounts of green space reported improved overall health and wellness.

"Spending time in nature clearly makes us feel healthier, but until now, the long-term impacts hadn't been thoroughly understood," said Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett, lead author from UEA's Norwich Medical School. "Our findings show that being close to natural green spaces is linked to numerous significant health benefits." In essence, savoring gourmet meals in outdoor settings mirrors the study's conclusions. People tend to spend around 90% of their time indoors, which limits access to fresh air and natural surroundings. As cooler evenings set in, the outdoor dining experience diminishes. This research encourages major lifestyle shifts, like integrating regular nature walks and forest bathing practices. Many families lack the time flexibility needed to make such adjustments after a standard 9-to-5 workday. Even so, more families are using patio heaters to extend their outdoor relaxation time. For restaurant operators aiming to draw evening customers, setting up natural gas heaters around al fresco seating areas is highly effective.

Why Eating Outdoors More Often Makes Sense

Think about the experience of dining outside under the warmth of a patio heater. This usually happens after a tough workweek or when people don't feel like cooking. Working hard takes its toll, and colder weather adds to feelings of cabin fever. The same applies to homeowners who retreat to their climate-controlled kitchens. Instead, they might prefer a weekend getaway at a nature-rich spa or resort equipped with a patio heater system. These are some of the main reasons why people prefer to dine outdoors near those mushroom heaters.

• Fresh Air: The crisp night air stimulates the senses and enhances the aroma and flavor of food. Star-filled skies create a magical atmosphere. On the other hand, indoor dining offers artificial lighting, recycled air, and distractions.
• Nature Soothes: Patios allow people to connect with fall foliage, early spring blossoms, and the greenery shown to improve health and wellness. Restaurant owners often decorate outdoor spaces with large potted plants, and some include arbors covered with vines. While this may not fully replicate nature, greenery still helps.
• Social Benefits: Families take full advantage of decks and patios during warmer months. Gathering for a delicious grilled meal with friends strengthens social bonds. Planning events like birthday parties and graduations adds further interpersonal benefits. At restaurants and resorts, outdoor seating offers a space for friends to enjoy late-night snacks and drinks. Our outdoor eating and drinking experiences are rich in social interaction.
• Restful Sleep: Studies indicate that fresh air aids in achieving restful sleep. It cools core body temperatures, making people feel more relaxed and drowsy. After a stressful day, eating outdoors helps wind down and achieve deeper REM sleep.

Connecting to fuel lines and installing either natural gas heaters or portable propane patio heaters resolves the issue of limited outdoor time and shortened seasonal use of spaces. However, choosing a top-tier model is crucial to successfully transitioning to extended al fresco seating.

Top Patio Heater Models for Outdoor Dining Areas

Mushroom heaters remain the most recognizable and widely used type of patio heater. Restaurants, spas, and resorts have relied on this design for years due to its aesthetic appeal and ability to keep guests comfortable.

The Patio Comfort model is a popular choice for commercial use. With finishes like stainless steel, antique bronze, jet silver, and vintage, Patio Comfort mushroom heaters produce 40,000 BTUs of infrared heat from a portable propane tank housed in the base. A single 5-gallon tank provides up to 10 hours of guest comfort.

The value of opting for a propane patio heater lies in its mobility. When it gets chilly, the units can be moved to create a warming zone around various seating arrangements. This is particularly useful for resorts, spas, and restaurants that experience fluctuating numbers of guests.

For those preferring a fixed patio heater system, there are Patio Comfort models that can be attached to natural gas lines. Natural gas heaters come in stainless steel and antique bronze finishes to complement outdoor aesthetics. Embedding a sturdy Patio Comfort post into concrete or fixed infrastructure is an option.

It's important to remember that natural gas heaters need to be securely mounted for safety, and a professional technician must install the fuel line. Portable mushroom heaters with tanks in their bases can also be anchored at their base to prevent accidental tipping. Yet, the infrared technology used in the Patio Comfort line doesn't expose people to an open flame.

The extensive benefits of mushroom heaters are grounded in science. Business leaders have a unique chance to attract customers while promoting their health and well-being.