BEWARE OF BERNZOMATIC I have owned a Bernzomatic heater for two years. I was happy with it until it started failing to stay lit. That's when I found out that Bernzomatic does not sell parts, nor do they offer refferals for service. I live near a large city but can't find anyone to service it and it's only one year out of warranty. I'm going to have to trash it and buy a different brand after only two years.
Consider your purhase of a Bernozomatic heater to be much like that of buying a very expensive Bic lighter. Great Concept - If It Only Heated Better I did quite a bit of research before deciding on the Bernzomatic patio heater. I purchased two units - I've been using them for 4 months. There are two primary reasons I decided on the Bernzomatic: 1. my deck has a Lexan corrugated polycarbonate roof - patio heaters with burners on top were simply too tall and came to close to the roof. The Bernzomatic's tall heating cylinder was perfect for my deck. 2. it's an attractive heater - its appearance is quite nice. The nickel finished bottom conceals the propane tank nicely. The patio heater is very easy to setup and its electric ignition works great. You can adjust the amount of gas that the burner uses with a simple knob.
The ability of the patio heater to heat - the primary purpose you purchase a patio heater - is a significant disappointment. On the highest heat setting - after the unit has been operating for 15 minutes (i.e. it's all warmed up) - I practically have to hug the heating cylinder to feel the heat! You literally need to be within approximately two feet of the unit to feel heat. At first I thought something was wrong with the burners, however, there wasn't anything wrong.
I'm giving the Bernzomatic 2 of 5 stars; the concept of the heating cylinder is a winner and the styling is a winner - if it only heated better. If you're looking for a patio heater that heats you may want to consider other options.
I'd also like to point out that the paint job on the unit isn't very high quality. The black paint on my heating cylinder is flaking off - I've also noticed rust spots where the paint has flaked off.
A month after I purchased the Bernzomatic I purchased a three burner tank top heater by Mr. Heater. I put this on top of a 40 lb. propane tank, and while not particularly stylish - it works wonderfully!
I'm toying around with modifying both of my Bernzomatic heaters. I'm thinking about removing the inner cylinder part, inserting some ceramic logs, and turning it into more of an outdoor fire place - as it is right now it's pretty useless. Great Concept but poor heating After much contemplation, I bought one of these and used it one night and basically had to hug it to feel any heat. I like the fact that the setup was easy and it is a very nice looking heater but it really didn't put out enough heat to keep me warm from 2-3 feet away. After I brought this home feeling very proud of my purchase, the first thing my wife says is that it's too low for the kids...duh! I didn't even think of that.
I give this item only 2 stars because it does everything except what it's supposed to do.
I returned it the following day citing "disappointment with the heat output". Don't buy this product! I was happy with this heater until something went wrong and I called BernzOmatic. They do not offer replacement parts or service. Part of the valve broke when setting it up this winter and now I have a $500 boat anchor. The part would probably only cost $5 if I could find one. Service after the sale is apprarently something BernzOmatic cares nothing about. Why should they, they probably expect me to run right out and buy another....NOT!
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