Craft Stove Store and Patio Reviews Guide: Compare Heaters

If you've been searching 'Craft Stove Store and Patio reviews' or 'Country Stove and Patio reviews,' here's the quick version: both are long-established specialty retailers worth taking seriously, and the reviews you'll find for each tell a consistent story about knowledgeable staff, solid product selection, and responsive ownership when problems come up. If you want a similar quick evaluation for an outdoor cooking upgrade, a blackstone patio oven review can show what to watch for in real-world performance and support. But store reputation only gets you so far. What really matters is whether the patio heater you're eyeing from one of these shops (or anywhere else) is the right fuel type, heat output, and style for your specific space. This guide walks you through both.

Two stores, possibly one search: clearing up the name confusion

Before diving into how to read reviews, it's worth clarifying something: there are at least two distinct retailers that could come up when you search this topic. 'Craft Stove Store And Patio' is located at 3002 Wade Hampton Blvd, Taylors, SC 29687 (phone: 864-268-3853) and bills itself as Greenville's oldest fireplace and patio store, open since 1978. Separately, there's a Craft Stove location in Mount Vernon, WA at 900 W Division Rd (phone: 360-336-2532). Then there's 'Country Stove and Patio,' a family-owned retailer out of North Royalton, OH (6669 Royalton Road, phone: 440-582-0062), which has been in business since 1981. These are not the same store, so make sure you're reading reviews for the right one when researching.

How to evaluate Craft Stove Store options

The Taylors, SC location has a track record you can actually dig into. Reviews on Loc8NearMe highlight things like staff helping customers resolve gas fireplace concerns, walking people through propane tank options, and guiding buyers to the right gas log set for their setup. That kind of feedback tells you something useful: this is a store where staff actually know their product categories. A customer on a Garage Journal forum bought a ventless fireplace insert there around 2018 for about $1,000 and reported zero issues after three years. For a specialty hearth and patio retailer, that's a good sign.

When evaluating any specialty store like this, the questions you want answered from reviews are pretty specific. Does staff give confident, accurate advice (not just 'here's what's on sale')? Do they follow up when something goes wrong? Are the products they carry from recognizable manufacturers with available parts? For Craft Stove, the reviews available lean positive on all three fronts. The store carries wood burning and gas fireplaces, gas logs, glass doors, grills, and outdoor furniture, so it's a legitimate full-service patio and hearth shop rather than a big-box overflow outlet.

• Look for reviews that mention specific interactions, not just star ratings, since they reveal whether staff is actually helpful or just present
• Check whether reviewers mention problems being resolved, not just smooth purchases, since post-sale support is where specialty retailers either prove themselves or fall apart
• Confirm the store carries your fuel type (gas, electric, pellet) before making the trip or calling
• Look for any mentions of installation or delivery support, especially if you're buying a gas or pellet system
• Search the store name alongside 'complaint' or 'BBB' to see if unresolved issues are piling up anywhere

Country Stove and Patio vs Craft Stove Store: what to compare

These two retailers share some real similarities: both are independently owned, both have been around for over 40 years, and both specialize in hearth and patio products rather than trying to be everything to everyone. But they differ enough that comparing them directly is worthwhile if you're deciding where to buy.

The honest recommendation here: if you're near either location, visit in person. Specialty patio heater retailers earn their keep when you can talk through your space, fuel access, and budget with someone who actually knows the products. Country Stove's owner-signed responses to complaints suggest real accountability, which matters for expensive purchases. If you're buying online from Country Stove, understand the return policy before you order: you have 90 days, you need an RMA number (call 440-582-0062), and shipping costs won't be refunded. Don't assemble something before you're sure you're keeping it.

For readers interested in similar regional specialty retailers, stores like Bowman's Stove and Patio and Ambler Fireplace and Patio operate in a similar niche and are worth comparing if you're in those regions. The Woodstove Fireplace and Patio Shop is another name that comes up in this space. If you want more detailed woodstove and patio heater shop feedback, the Woodstove Fireplace and Patio Shop name is another retailer worth checking. The buying criteria below apply equally no matter which retailer you go with.

Best patio heater choices by fuel type

Fuel type is the first real decision, and it shapes everything else: installation requirements, ongoing cost, portability, and heat output. Here's how each option stacks up for real patio use.

Propane

Propane is the most flexible option for most homeowners because you don't need a gas line run to your patio. Country Stove carries products like the Mr. Heater 15,000 BTU Single Tank Heater (LP) and a ProCom 15,000 BTU propane unit that can run up to 43 hours on a single 20 lb tank. Both include tip-over safety shut-off, which matters a lot for outdoor use. Propane floor heaters and tank-tops work well on uncovered patios and open decks where you need portability. The trade-off is tank management: you'll refill or swap tanks every season depending on how often you run it.

Electric

Electric patio heaters are the easiest to install (plug into an outlet or hardwire overhead) and the easiest to control. They produce no combustion byproducts, which makes them ideal for covered patios, pergolas, and enclosed spaces where ventilation is limited. Output is measured in watts rather than BTUs: a 1,500-watt heater delivers roughly 5,100 BTUs of equivalent heat, and most overhead electric infrared models run 1,500 to 6,000 watts. Electric models tend to cost more to run than propane or natural gas on a per-hour basis, but installation is minimal and they're genuinely low-maintenance.

Natural gas

If your home already has a natural gas line, running it to your patio is a one-time installation cost that pays off over time in cheaper fuel. Natural gas patio heaters typically deliver more consistent output than tank-top propane units, and you never have to think about refilling a tank. The downside is zero portability: once it's plumbed, it stays there. Best for patios where you've already settled on a permanent layout. Gas floor heaters and wall-mount infrared units (like the SunStar products Country Stove carries) are popular natural gas choices.

Pellet

Pellet-fueled patio heaters are a niche choice and not widely stocked at most retailers, including the available Country Stove product pages reviewed here (no pellet patio heater was confirmed in their current listings). Where pellet heaters do appear, they tend to be freestanding units that burn compressed wood pellets and produce an authentic fire ambiance alongside real heat. They require pellet storage, more frequent maintenance, and aren't practical for covered or enclosed spaces due to smoke output. If ambiance and wood-burning character matter to you more than convenience, look specifically for retailers that stock and service pellet outdoor units.

Infrared vs convection, and tabletop vs floor models

This is where a lot of buyers get confused, so let's keep it simple. Infrared heaters warm you and objects directly, the same way sunlight does, rather than heating the air around you. That's a big deal outdoors because wind carries warm air away instantly but can't steal radiant heat off your skin. Country Stove's listing for the Superior Vent-Free Infrared Heater (18,000 BTU propane) specifically describes this: it warms people and objects before heating the surrounding air. If you're on an open or semi-exposed patio, infrared is almost always the better call.

Convection heaters (including most standard electric tower heaters) heat the air first. They work fine in enclosed or nearly enclosed spaces but lose a lot of their effectiveness the moment there's any wind or open sides. For a fully enclosed, heated room that happens to have patio furniture: fine. For an actual outdoor patio: infrared wins.

On the form factor question: tabletop heaters are compact, portable, and great for small gatherings around a table. They typically run 10,000 to 11,000 BTUs on propane and heat a small radius (think 5 to 8 feet). Floor-standing patio heaters (the classic mushroom-top propane tower) typically output 40,000 to 46,000 BTUs and cover an area of roughly 20 feet in diameter, making them better for a full patio. Wall-mount and ceiling-mount infrared units are the best option for permanent covered patio installs since they stay out of the way and direct heat straight down.

What to look for in real-world performance

Manufacturer spec sheets are a starting point, not a guarantee. Here's how to translate the numbers into real-world expectations before you buy.

BTUs and watts: what actually matters

BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures how much heat a gas or propane heater produces per hour. For outdoor use, plan for roughly 1,000 BTUs per square foot of uncovered patio on a mild evening. Colder climates, windy locations, or open patios need more. A 40,000 BTU floor heater is designed for a 200 to 300 sq ft covered patio or a 150 sq ft open one in still air. Electric output in watts converts to BTUs at about 3.41 BTUs per watt, so a 1,500W heater produces around 5,100 BTUs, which is appropriate for a small covered area.

Wind exposure and coverage

Wind is the single biggest performance killer for patio heaters. An open-sided patio with any breeze will cut the effective range of a convection heater by more than half. Infrared units hold up much better in wind because they're heating surfaces, not air. If your patio gets regular wind, go infrared and go higher output than you think you need. A 15,000 BTU tank-top radiant unit might feel adequate on a calm evening but underpowered at 15 mph.

Mounting and clearance requirements

Wall and ceiling mount heaters have strict clearance requirements from combustibles. The SunStar infrared unit listed on Country Stove, for example, requires a minimum 36 inches from top to ceiling, 13 inches on the sides, and 2 inches from the bottom to floor. These aren't suggestions: they're safety requirements. Measure your space carefully before ordering a mounted unit. Freestanding models are more forgiving, but always keep them away from low-hanging fabric, overhead structures, and anything flammable within the manufacturer's specified radius.

Safety features to require, not just prefer

• Tip-over safety shut-off: essential for any freestanding propane or electric floor heater
• ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor): required for any indoor-adjacent or partially enclosed gas heater use
• Flame-failure device: automatically cuts gas if the pilot or main flame goes out
• Auto-ignition or piezo ignition: makes startup safer and easier than manual lighting
• Hi-med-low regulator: lets you dial down heat output rather than running at full blast all night

Budget and value: what's actually worth paying for

There's a real quality gap in patio heaters that reviews at stores like Craft Stove and Country Stove tend to surface quickly. Budget propane floor heaters in the $80 to $150 range often have flimsy bases, cheap regulators, and push-button igniters that fail after one season. Mid-range models ($200 to $400) from brands like AZ Patio Heaters, Sunglo, or Fire Sense tend to use heavier gauge steel, more reliable ignition systems, and better regulators. Premium floor heaters ($400 and up) often add powder-coated aluminum or stainless steel construction, wind guards, and compatibility with natural gas conversion kits.

For infrared wall and ceiling units, the calculus is different. A $300 to $500 electric infrared panel from a reputable brand is genuinely worth it for a covered patio where you want permanent, weather-resistant installation. Cheap infrared panels skip weatherproofing and use lower-quality heating elements that degrade fast. For gas infrared units, installation cost (running gas line, permits in some areas) often exceeds the unit cost, so buy quality the first time: replacing a cheap unit means redoing the install.

One thing reviews consistently call out: don't skip on the base and weight of freestanding heaters. A tall propane tower with a lightweight base will tip over in a breeze, which is both a safety hazard and a product return situation. Check that the base is filled (sand or water-fillable bases are a real plus) and that the unit has an automatic tip-over shut-off regardless of price point.

Buying safely: warranties, returns, parts, and support

This is where specialty retailers like Craft Stove and Country Stove can genuinely outperform big-box stores, but only if you know what to ask before you buy. Here's your pre-purchase checklist.

Understand the return policy before you order

Country Stove and Patio's return policy is a useful benchmark for what you'll find at specialty retailers. You have 90 days from the order date, but you must call for an RMA number first (440-582-0062). Shipping is not refundable, burned or used products are not returnable, and if you assemble a unit yourself, that also voids return eligibility. That last point is critical: if you're buying a gas heater that requires assembly, don't put it together until you've confirmed everything is correct and you're keeping it. The same logic applies to Craft Stove or any similar retailer.

Warranty: what to look for

• Minimum 1-year manufacturer warranty on parts and labor for any gas appliance
• 2 to 5 years on heating elements for electric infrared units (elements are the component most likely to fail)
• Burner and control valve coverage separate from cosmetic/finish warranty (many brands only cover cosmetics for 90 days)
• Ask specifically whether the warranty is handled by the retailer or you have to go back to the manufacturer directly
• For pellet or gas systems: ask whether the retailer stocks or can order replacement parts, not just whole units

Parts availability: the question most buyers forget

For propane and natural gas heaters, the parts that fail most often are igniters, thermocouples, and regulators. For pellet systems, auger motors and control boards are common failure points. Before buying from any retailer, ask: 'If the igniter fails in year two, can you get me a replacement part?' A good specialty retailer like Craft Stove or Country Stove should be able to answer that confidently. If the answer is vague or they refer you entirely to the manufacturer's 800 number, factor that into your decision.

Your buying checklist before you order

1. Measure your patio: square footage, coverage type (open, covered, enclosed), and wind exposure
2. Decide on fuel type based on what you already have access to (gas line, electrical outlet, or neither)
3. Choose heat type: infrared for wind-exposed or outdoor-first spaces, convection for enclosed areas
4. Set your BTU or wattage target based on space size and climate (err higher for outdoor use)
5. Confirm the model has tip-over shut-off, ODS if gas, and flame-failure protection
6. Read the return policy in full before ordering, and don't assemble until you're sure you're keeping it
7. Ask the retailer about parts availability for your specific model
8. Check for at least a 1-year warranty and clarify whether support goes through the store or the manufacturer
9. If buying online, verify the retailer's phone number works and hours align with your schedule before there's a problem

Both Craft Stove Store and Patio and Country Stove and Patio have the longevity and staff knowledge to be genuinely useful buying partners, not just transaction processors. Use the framework above to walk into either conversation knowing exactly what you need, and you'll leave with the right heater for your space rather than the one that was easiest to sell you. If you want to sanity-check Bowman's selection and customer experience, the bowman's stove and patio reviews breakdown can help you compare what shoppers actually report after installation.