Patio heaters look like lamps

Patio heaters look like lamps Patio heaters help extend the summer season even up north, but they can add a dose of ugliness to your otherwise pretty patio. Now Endless Summer heaters masquerade as floor and table lamps.

The electric units emit radiant heat that warms up to a 12-foot circle. They are weather-resistant, come with an 8-foot cord that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and have a safety switch that shuts off the heater automatically if it's tilted.

The heating unit gives off an ambient glow, but the heaters are not lamps; they just look like them.

The patio heaters from Blue Rhino Global Sourcing Inc. are available from some specialty stores, hardware stores and online retailers. To find a retailer near you, call 1-800-762-1142.

Suggested retail prices start at $179.99 for a tabletop model and $249.99 for a free-standing heater.