There’s a specific, almost magical quality to a perfect evening spent outdoors. The sun dips below the horizon, the sky paints itself in hues of orange and purple, and the conversation flows as freely as the wine. But then, it happens. A subtle, creeping chill begins to settle in the air. Shoulders hunch, someone suggests moving inside, and just like that, the magic dissipates. For years, our team has wrestled with this exact problem. We’ve tried blankets, fire pits, and a succession of underpowered, unreliable heaters that promised warmth but delivered little more than a faint, disappointing glow. Extending our precious outdoor season, whether for family dinners on the deck or entertaining guests in the garden, felt like a constant battle against the thermometer. A truly powerful and reliable heat source isn’t just a luxury; it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your outdoor living space, turning a fleeting moment into a lasting memory.
What to Consider Before Buying a Patio Heater
A patio heater is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your outdoor spaces from the cold. It transforms a chilly deck, porch, or commercial patio into a comfortable, inviting environment, effectively extending the seasons and allowing for year-round enjoyment. The primary benefit is, of course, warmth, but the right heater also adds ambiance and becomes a central gathering point, encouraging social interaction and making any outdoor area feel more like a true extension of your home or business.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a dedicated outdoor space who finds themselves retreating indoors as soon as the temperature drops. This includes homeowners who love to entertain, restaurant or café owners looking to maximize their seating capacity, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy their morning coffee on the porch in early spring or late autumn. However, a large tower-style propane heater might not be suitable for those with very small, enclosed balconies where ventilation is a concern, or for individuals who prefer not to deal with propane tanks. In those cases, smaller, portable units or electric infrared heaters might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your outdoor area carefully. A tower heater like the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater stands 88 inches tall and requires adequate overhead clearance, away from awnings, low-hanging branches, or ceilings. Consider the base diameter as well to ensure it won’t be a tripping hazard or obstruct foot traffic in your desired location.
- Capacity/Performance: A heater’s power is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). 50,000 BTUs is a significant output, capable of heating a radius of up to 20 feet under ideal conditions. For smaller patios, this may be overkill, while for large, open commercial spaces, you might need multiple units. Consider factors like wind, which can significantly impact a heater’s effective range.
- Materials & Durability: Look for high-quality materials that can withstand the elements. The Mars Explo heater features a 304 double-layer stainless steel burner, which is a great sign of longevity and resistance to rust and corrosion. Powder-coated steel or bronze finishes on the body also help protect against weather, ensuring your investment looks good for years to come.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like one-touch ignition systems, adjustable heat controls, and integrated wheels for portability dramatically improve the user experience. Consider the assembly process—some units are more complex than others. For long-term care, ensure the heater is easy to clean and that a cover is either included or readily available to protect it during the off-season.
Choosing the right heater involves balancing power, size, and features to perfectly match your space and needs.
While the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the Mars Explo Heater
Upon arrival, the box for the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater is substantial, hinting at the robust components within. Unpacking it, we were immediately struck by the quality of the materials. As one experienced DIYer noted, the parts felt “heavier duty than expected,” and the fasteners were of a high quality. The rich brown finish is elegant and modern, and the conical base design feels more stable and stylish than the standard “mushroom” top heaters that dominate the market. Everything was well-packaged, and the labeled hardware packets are a thoughtful touch that we always appreciate.
The assembly, however, is where the experience becomes a bit more nuanced. The pictorial instructions are generally clear, but they are not without their flaws. We, like other users, encountered minor but frustrating discrepancies, such as a part labeled “BB” in the parts list being referred to as “CC” in a diagram. These small errors can cause moments of confusion. Assembling the adjustable reflector also requires careful attention to ensure the control arm lines up correctly—a misstep here can lead to frustrating disassembly and reassembly. All in all, the process took us about 90 minutes at a steady pace. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does require patience and a careful reading of the (mostly) visual guide. You can see its full feature set and detailed components online before you buy.
Advantages
- Massive 50,000 BTU heat output effectively warms a large area
- Innovative adjustable heat-focusing reflector top
- Sturdy, wind-resistant design with a premium aesthetic
- Convenient built-in tabletop for drinks and snacks
Drawbacks
- Assembly instructions contain typos and can be confusing
- Requires sand for base stability and a AAA battery, neither of which are included
A Deep Dive into the Mars Explo Heater’s Performance
A patio heater can look fantastic, but its true value is measured in warmth and usability on a brisk evening. We put the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater through its paces over several weeks of unpredictable spring weather, from calm, cool nights to blustery afternoons. Our comprehensive testing focused on the core aspects that matter most: assembly pains and gains, raw heating power, and the day-to-day experience of living with this impressive outdoor appliance.
Assembly and Setup: A Test of Patience
As we mentioned in our first impressions, the assembly process for the Mars Explo heater is a journey. It’s a tale of two experiences. On one hand, the quality of the components is reassuring. The metal feels substantial, the screws are well-machined, and the parts are clearly labeled in their own bags. One user with over five decades of DIY experience praised the quality fasteners and the large-font, grammatically correct manual, which we also found to be a pleasant surprise. This thoughtful organization sets a positive initial tone.
However, the devil is in the details. The pictorial instructions, while helpful, can lead you astray if you’re not paying close attention. We ran into the exact issue another user reported: having to partially disassemble the reflector head because the control arm wasn’t aligned properly. It’s a frustrating but avoidable mistake. Our advice is to loosely fit all the top components first to ensure everything lines up before fully tightening the screws. We also confirmed reports of typos in the manual, with parts mislabeled between the list and the diagrams. While we could deduce the correct parts, it’s an unforced error that can cause unnecessary confusion. Finally, be prepared with your own supplies. The instructions call for adding sand to the base for stability—a crucial step for safety, especially in windy areas—but you’ll have to source this yourself. The electronic igniter also requires a single AAA battery, which is not included and isn’t mentioned prominently in the manual.
Unleashing the Heat: 50,000 BTUs and the Game-Changing Reflector
Once assembled and fired up, any frustrations from the setup process quickly melt away. The 50,000 BTU output of the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater is genuinely impressive. On a cool, 50°F (10°C) evening, the radiant heat creates a comfortable bubble extending a good 8-10 feet in every direction, making the claimed 20-foot diameter feel plausible in calm conditions. The stainless steel burner ignites with a satisfying “whoosh,” and the heat is immediate. It’s a significant step up from the more common 40,000-46,000 BTU heaters; you can feel the difference.
The standout feature, however, is the adjustable heat-focusing top. This is not a gimmick. Standard “umbrella” style heaters radiate heat in a 360-degree circle, which is often inefficient if you have the heater placed against a wall or in a corner of your patio. With the Mars Explo, a simple arm allows you to tilt a section of the reflector, effectively directing a larger portion of the heat in one direction. We found this incredibly useful for focusing warmth onto our main seating area while preventing wasted heat from radiating out into the open yard. This targeted approach makes the heater feel even more powerful and allows you to customize the warmth to your specific layout, a feature that really sets it apart from many competitors.
Design, Durability, and Everyday Use
Beyond its heating capabilities, the Mars Explo heater is designed for real-world use. The conical base and overall heft provide excellent stability, further enhanced by the added sand. We found it to be much more wind-resistant than top-heavy mushroom-style heaters. The rich brown finish looks sophisticated and blended seamlessly with our patio furniture. Some users have even taken the initiative to paint the unit to perfectly match their decor, a testament to its solid underlying construction.
The integrated round tabletop is another brilliant touch. It’s perfectly sized for a couple of drinks, a small plate of appetizers, or a phone. This simple addition transforms the heater from a purely functional appliance into a central, social hub. The built-in wheels work well on hard, even surfaces like a deck or concrete patio, making it relatively easy to reposition the unit as needed, though moving it across a soft lawn can be a bit more challenging. Safety is also well-addressed with the triple protection system, including the critical tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the gas supply if the heater is knocked over. This feature provided significant peace of mind, especially with kids and pets around. You can explore these thoughtful design features in more detail here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our experience with the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater aligns closely with the general consensus we found from other users. The feedback paints a picture of a powerful, well-built heater that is somewhat let down by its assembly and documentation. Many users echo our praise for the performance, with one stating, “This patio heater throws off much more heat than my old tower heater. I like being able to direct the heat with the adjustable deflector.” Another highlighted its aesthetic appeal, calling it “a beautiful patio heater” whose “dark color and nice drink table material looks really good.”
On the other hand, the assembly process is a common point of contention. One user gave it an initial low rating because a critical pole was not attached to its base plate upon arrival, rendering it unusable. More common were complaints about the instructions, with one reviewer noting, “The instructions have typo’s all over the place… The parts list at the top of the page says to use part ‘BB’ but in the picture it says ‘CC.'” This reflects our own experience and highlights a need for better quality control in the documentation department. These reviews confirm that while the end product is excellent, prospective buyers should be prepared for a slightly challenging setup.
How Does the Mars Explo Heater Compare to the Alternatives?
The Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater is a formidable contender in the outdoor heating market, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other popular options with different designs and fuel sources. We’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives to help you find the perfect fit for your specific needs.
1. Mr. Heater Portable LP Gas Heater
The Mr. Heater Portable LP Gas Heater operates in a completely different category. With a maximum output of 18,000 BTUs, it’s not designed to heat a large patio like the Mars Explo. Instead, its strength lies in its supreme portability and versatility. It’s perfect for smaller, more enclosed spaces like a workshop, a screened-in porch, or for taking on camping trips. If your primary need is a compact, easily transportable heat source for targeted warmth in various locations, the Mr. Heater is a fantastic choice. However, for those looking to create a warm, comfortable zone for a group on an open deck, it simply lacks the power of the Mars Explo.
2. EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Outdoor Patio Heater with Table
The EAST OAK Patio Heater is the most direct competitor to the Mars Explo. It boasts the same powerful 50,000 BTU output, a similar tower design with an integrated table, and a stainless steel burner. The primary differences come down to aesthetics and specific features. The EAST OAK has a more traditional “mushroom” style reflector, meaning it lacks the innovative heat-focusing capability of the Mars Explo. For users who want omnidirectional heat and may prefer the bronze finish and design of the EAST OAK, it’s a very solid alternative. The choice between these two will likely come down to brand preference and whether the adjustable reflector on the Mars Explo is a must-have feature for your patio layout.
3. HAIMMY 42in Outdoor Infrared Patio Heater
The HAIMMY Infrared Heater represents a shift in technology from propane to electric. Its main advantages are convenience and control. There are no heavy propane tanks to refill or replace; you simply plug it in. It offers a remote control, multiple heat levels, and timers for precise operation. However, its 1500W output is not directly comparable to BTUs but is significantly less powerful than a 50,000 BTU propane heater. Infrared heat also works differently, warming objects and people directly rather than the air around them. This makes it great for targeted warmth and less susceptible to wind, but it won’t create the large, ambient bubble of warmth that the Mars Explo does. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to avoid propane and has a power outlet conveniently located on their patio.
The Final Verdict: Is the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is a resounding yes. The Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater is a truly exceptional piece of outdoor equipment that delivers on its promise of powerful, reliable warmth. Its massive heat output is more than enough for most residential patios, and the game-changing adjustable reflector allows for efficient, targeted heating that few competitors can match. Add in the stylish design, stable construction, and the wonderfully practical built-in table, and you have a product that not only performs but also enhances the look and feel of your outdoor space.
While the assembly process has its quirks with confusing instructions, this is a one-time inconvenience that is quickly forgotten once you’re enjoying a warm evening on your deck that would have otherwise been too chilly. If you are looking to significantly extend your outdoor season and create an inviting atmosphere for friends and family, this heater is a top-tier investment. For its combination of raw power, innovative features, and smart design, the Mars Explo heater earns our strong recommendation. If you’re ready to stop letting cool weather dictate your plans, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and user reviews for the Mars Explo 50,000 BTU Patio Heater.