Sunstar · Buying Help
Sunstar MGL35 vs SGL35 vs SGL50: Which Patio Heater Is Right
Sunstar's residential patio heaters come in three main picks. MGL35 uses marine-grade stainless for coastal exposure. SGL35 is the silicone-coated budget-friendly 35,000-BTU option. SGL50 steps up to 50,000 BTU for larger covered areas.
By Ash · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
Model comparison
- MGL35
- 35,000 BTU/hr high / 24,000 BTU/hr low. 48" x 11.8" x 9.6". Marine-grade stainless steel finish.
- SGL35
- 35,000 BTU/hr high / 24,000 BTU/hr low. 48" x 11.5" x 9.5". High-temp silicone powder-coated paint.
- SGL50
- 50,000 BTU/hr high / 34,000 BTU/hr low. 48" x 13" x 9.5". Silicone powder-coated finish.
- All three
- Natural gas AND liquid propane. Two-stage (high/low) output. 3-year burner-assembly warranty.
Step by step
Measure the heated area you need
A single 35,000-BTU heater covers roughly 8-12 feet of radius depending on mounting height and exposure. A 50,000-BTU unit covers 10-16 feet. Larger patios may need multiple heaters.
Confirm coastal exposure
Within 5 miles of saltwater = MGL35. Inland residential = SGL35 or SGL50. The SGL silicone coating is UV- and heat-rated, but not salt-spray-rated.
Pick BTU based on exposure + ceiling height
Covered patio, 8-foot ceiling, moderate exposure = SGL35 works. Open-sided pergola or 10-12 foot ceiling = SGL50 for better radiant reach.
Pull the Clearance Chart PDF
Sunstar publishes a Clearance Chart with specific overhead, wall, and side distances. Pull it from aeicorporation.com/brands/sunstar/ before mounting — clearances are model-specific.
Common mistakes
- Picking SGL35 for a coastal patio and seeing corrosion in 2 years. SGL finishes are not rated for salt-spray. Coastal install = MGL35. The paint will blister and the stainless will pit on an SGL within a couple of seasons in a salt-air environment.
- Buying SGL50 for a small 10x10 patio. 50,000 BTU is overkill for a 100-sq-ft patio with 8-foot ceilings. The heat gets uncomfortable fast. SGL35 is sized for most residential patios.
Hands-on tips
- Order the Clearance Chart + Use & Care Guide PDFs at the same time you order the heater. Both ship from AEI's technical resources page.
- The two-stage output (high/low) is a comfort feature — low mode uses 24k or 34k BTU and runs quieter + more efficient for the first hour of your evening.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between Sunstar and Sunpak?
Both are AEI Corporation brands. Sunstar = outdoor patio heater line with MGL + SGL series. Sunpak = adjacent AEI line (S25, S34) with a different body style and direct-spark ignition. Both overlap in mounting approach.
Can I order Sunstar in black vs stainless finish?
SGL models come in multiple paint finishes (silicone powder-coat). MGL35 is marine-grade stainless — not painted. Check the current Sunstar catalog for finish options per model.
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