Bromic · Buying Help
Bromic Natural Gas vs Electric: Which Fuel Fits Your Patio
Bromic sells patio heaters in both gas and electric. The right choice depends on three things: whether you have a gas line, how open-to-sky your patio is, and how much ongoing operating cost you're willing to accept.
By Reed · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
Gas vs electric comparison
- Max output (single unit)
- Gas: 39,800 BTU (Platinum Gas high). Electric: up to 6000W (Tungsten Electric).
- Install complexity
- Gas: requires gas line + licensed fitter. Electric: plug-in to 2000W, hardwired above.
- Operating cost
- Gas: lower per hour. Electric: higher per hour BUT no gas line install.
- Ventilation requirement
- Gas: outdoor / open-to-sky REQUIRED. Electric: works under solid-covered patios.
- Install cost (typical)
- Gas: $500-$2000 per heater (gas line work). Electric: $100-$400 (electrician + outlet).
- Residential warranty
- Varies by model. Platinum Marine Electric = 5 years. Verify per model.
Step by step
Confirm whether you have a gas line within 20 feet
If no gas line and no plans to run one, electric is the default. Running a new gas line to the patio is $500-$2000+ depending on distance from the meter.
Measure your patio's ventilation
Gas works outdoors or on partially-covered patios with open sides venting to sky. Fully-enclosed (walls + solid roof) = electric only.
Estimate hours of use per season
Heavy use (5+ hours/day, 5 days/week in winter): gas pays back fast. Light use (occasional entertainment): electric's lower install cost is the better math.
Factor in gas-type availability
Natural gas = cheaper, needs utility supply. Propane = available anywhere (tank), slightly higher per-BTU cost, requires tank refills.
Pick the matching Bromic line
Gas: Tungsten Gas, Platinum Gas, Tungsten Freestanding (propane). Electric: Tungsten Electric, Platinum Electric, Platinum Marine, Eclipse.
Common mistakes
- Picking gas because 'it's cheaper to run' without pricing the gas line. The per-hour fuel cost savings on gas doesn't offset a $1500 gas-line install if you only use the heater 100 hours per winter.
- Picking electric but forgetting to verify the panel has capacity. 6000W electric needs 25A at 240V = a dedicated circuit. If your panel's full, you're adding a $400-$800 panel upgrade before you plug in.
Hands-on tips
- Propane freestanding units (Tungsten Freestanding) are the fastest-to-deploy option — no install, just a tank. Good for renters or patios where you don't want permanent fixtures.
- For restaurants + commercial: gas usually wins on operating cost at 10+ hours/day. For residential: the math usually favors electric.
Questions people ask
Can I convert a Bromic gas heater from NG to LP (or vice versa)?
Most Bromic gas models support a factory conversion kit. The kit swaps the orifice + adjusts the manifold pressure. Must be installed by a licensed gas fitter — DIY voids warranty and creates a combustion-safety risk.
How many Bromic heaters do I need for a 300-sq-ft patio?
Electric: typically 2-3 units (100-125 sq ft coverage per unit depending on mounting height). Gas: usually 1-2 units (larger coverage per unit). Consult Bromic's heating calculator or installation manual for the specific model.
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