Patio's are great during the warmer months but as soon as the temperature gauge begins to dip we head back indoors and the patio becomes an obsolete room.

It doesn't have to be that way though. Patio heaters have come a long way since the first gas powered radiator bars that we precariously suspended over our heads. They are now more likely to be upright and mobile. Plus, they don't have to be reticulated through the gas cables that continue through our house. Most patio heaters have their own gas bottle, making it easier, safer and much more convenient.

The advantage of the Bernzomatic Patio Heater, apart from its delicious good looks, is that it emits heat more evenly than most other patio heaters. Other products have the main heat source located at the top of its spire with a shroud at the top trying to push the heat down. But we all understand science enough to know that heat will always rise so in effect most of these heaters become inefficient.

Bernzomatic's offering, on the other hand, heats from a cylindrical core running the length of the typical spire. Therefore heat is more widely emitted and it does it with greater efficiency.

Just because winter is cold and usually wet, most of us still like to spend time outdoors. The new generation patio heaters are allowing us this luxury and making it easier for us to do so.

As most patio heaters, especially the larger ones like the Bernzomatic, are quite substantial in size and weight most come with attached wheels. So whether you're having an intimate dinner for two or a party for the local football team, you can position your patio heater where it will offer the most amount of warmth.

And when the warmer months come by again, it's just a matter of pushing it to one side or wheeling it into the shed until the mercury plummets again.