Winter can be rough, for a number of reasons. And if enjoying time outside or getting social in your backyard is something you miss out on from December through March, your overall well-being can really take a hit.
Whether I’m with my family in Texas or at home in NYC, the warmth of the sun feels like a rarity during the winter months. So, when I heard about Solo Stove’s latest and greatest — the Tower Patio Heater outdoor heater — I leaped at the chance to put it to the test.
What is the Solo Stove Tower patio heater?
The Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater is a sophisticated outdoor appliance designed to provide warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. Using a controlled flame, it generates heat to keep you and your pals comfortable on chilly evenings or cool days. With its modern design, the Tower patio heater not only heats your space but also adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor setting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering on a snowy day, enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, or simply seeking warmth on a brisk day, the Solo Stove Tower patio heater enhances the experience by providing warmth and aesthetics.
Features and how it works
Powered by wood pellets, the Tower patio heater made for the easiest transition from summers with a Traeger to winters with an outdoor heater since they both use the same source of heat. And because it creates a flame, it’s equipped with safety features to ensure peace of mind while in use, such as a shut-off valve and a stable base to prevent tipping. It involves no cords, no solar panels that require specific positioning, no batteries that need replacing (and, of course, are impossible to find) — the Tower is fueled by a source that’s ubiquitous and affordable.
The pellets, soft or hardwood which can be found at your local hardware store, are automatically fed by gravity into a hopper for just the right amount of fuel so you can enjoy up to three hours of hands-off heat. And enjoy what we did — 72,000 BTUs of heat to be exact, which is “more heat than natural gas, propane, or electric heaters (which typically offer 40,000 to 50,000 BTUs),” according to Solo Stove.
Our Review
The Tower arrived at my parents’ front door 80% assembled and in three different boxes. I assembled the remaining 20% myself in a matter of 10 minutes. Not only did this impress me, but the materials that make up the Tower are high quality and design-minded. It’s actually an attractive outdoor heater and even went well with my parents’ modern, mildly industrial decor. It didn’t look out of place, wasn’t an eye sore, and even looked kind of chic and interesting — garnering a few “wow, what’s that?”s by guests.
Those sorts of fascinated reactions only intensified when the Tower was on. Fueled by fire, it doesn’t give off the smell and synthetic warmth of gas-lit outdoor heaters. Instead, The Tower inspires a sense of old-world comfort, the way a campfire or wood-burning stove does. It functions similarly, too. All you have to do to ignite your patio with a glowing warmth is pour in wood pellets, adjust a single lever, add a small fire starter of your choice, light, and close the front door.
Almost as if in spite of its beautiful facade and quality materials, it’s shockingly lightweight and easy to move. While I would not recommend moving the Tower while its fire is on, all it takes when it’s off is a simple tip toward the side with the wheels and you can roll it wherever it’s needed. Taking a break from enjoying the warm outdoors? Is a storm a-comin’? The Tower has its own shelter which easily pops over the top and covers the entire unit…and, for now at least, comes gratis with your purchase of the Tower.
Personally, I love the Tower for its powerful, nature-driven approach to warmth and the patina that the high heat etches onto the outside of the heater, which gives it even more of that vintage wood-fired stove-like appeal. Not only is she cute, but the Tower has changed how I feel about spending time outdoors in the winter. Next to puppies and Uber Eats, I credit a great deal of my emergence from seasonal depression to the Solo Stove Tower.
How we tested
Here’s how we put the Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater to the test: We kicked things off by seeing how much heat it could dish out at different distances. Then, we kept a close eye on how much fuel (how many pellets, rather) it guzzled and how long it lasted, giving you the lowdown on its efficiency and costs. Of course, safety’s a biggie, so we made sure its shut-off valve and stability were up to snuff, even in windy spots.
- Heat Output: Measure the heater’s ability to generate warmth at various distances to assess its effectiveness in heating outdoor spaces.
- Fuel Efficiency: Evaluate the heater’s consumption of fuel and its runtime to determine how efficiently it operates, helping users manage fuel costs.
- Safety Features: Assess the effectiveness of safety features such as the shut-off valve and stability to ensure safe operation, especially in windy or unstable conditions.
Solo Stove The Tower Patio Heater
Pros
- Powered by affordable wood pellets, found easily at hardwood stores
- Achieves up to 72,000 BTUs of heat, more than gas, propane, or electric heaters
- Heat radius of up to 10 feet or 314 square feet
- Easy to move from place to place
- Attractive appearance
- Lifetime warranty
- Free shipping and 30-day returns
Cons
- Even when the lever to stop auto-filling pellets is shut off, you must wait for the remaining pellets to extinguish before leaving the heater (just like any fire)
- High top-to-bottom heat means it’s not suitable for small, curious children
More we love from Solo Stove
Bonfire 2.0
The Bonfire 2.0 by Solo Stove is designed for optimal backyard bonfires, boasting efficient airflow and a double-wall design for reduced smoke and impressive heat output. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the portable design allows for easy setup and storage, making it perfect for gatherings under the stars.
Pi Fire
The Pi Fire is Solo Stove’s compact and portable fire pit, featuring a sleek stainless steel design and a unique airflow system that minimizes smoke. Ideal for smaller outdoor spaces or camping trips, the Pi Fire delivers efficient heat and ambiance without the hassle of traditional fire pits, making it a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cinder Tabletop Bowl
The Cinder Tabletop Bowl is a stylish and functional addition to any outdoor setting, offering a compact yet powerful fire feature for cozy gatherings. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the efficient airflow design minimizes smoke for a comfortable outdoor experience. Perfect for patio tabletops or small outdoor spaces, the Cinder Tabletop Bowl provides warmth and ambiance wherever it’s placed.
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