Whenever you are looking at investing money into something, you want to get the quality you are after without having to spend too much money.
With patio heaters there are some right around $100 while others are upwards of $2000.
While some of the differences are aesthetic, there is also a quality issue between the cheap and expensive ones.
There are ways of buying the cheaper models and making them last.
The biggest enemy of the patio heater are the elements like cold, rain, snow, and other types of weather.
These will ruin the finish and break internal components.
To make an inexpensive patio heater last longer take care of it.
This means putting it inside the shed or into the garage when it's not in use.
Another consideration is to buy the cover for the heater.
Some come with a cover while others charge extra for one.
This prevents dust, leaves, spider webs and dirt from getting on and around the heat source.
At times this shorts out the unit or causes a fire hazard.
It will also keep moisture off the heater.
Consider getting an electric heater if going for the cheapest models.
The reason is that with propane or natural gas you need to light the heater.
The cheap lighting mechanics on these types of heaters break too fast to be worth the money.
Electric heaters don't have these parts which means there is less to break giving them a bit more longevity than other fuel sources.