Member’s Mark Patio Heater with LED Table Reviews and Manual Guide

The Member's Mark patio heater with LED table is model PG188H, a 47,000 BTU propane unit sold exclusively through Sam's Club. It runs on a standard 20-lb LP cylinder, includes an electronic igniter, an adjustable LED-lit side table, and wheels for portability. Real buyer feedback is mostly positive on heat output and value, with some recurring complaints about igniter reliability and assembly fiddliness. If you have a mid-size patio (roughly 100-200 sq ft) and need a freestanding propane heater that doubles as ambient lighting, this model is a solid pick at its price point. Here's everything you need to know to set it up, light it safely, and decide if it fits your space.

Which model do you actually have (or are considering)?

The exact model number to look for is PG188H. The manual cover explicitly reads: 'GAS PATIO HEATER WITH LED TABLE MODEL NO.: PG188H.' You'll find this stamped on a label near the base of the pole or on the regulator assembly. If your unit has a slightly different finish, check whether it says PG188HS, that's a stainless-styled variant in the same product family, sold under the same Member's Mark brand, with essentially the same specs and setup process.

A few things confirm you have the right unit: a circular mushroom-style reflector at the top, an electronic push-button igniter built into the control knob, a side arm with an adjustable-height LED table (Part E in the manual), and a wheeled base that accepts a 20-lb propane tank in the center column. If your heater matches that description, the PG188H manual and guidance in this article apply directly.

Setup, lighting, and controls (manual essentials)

Assembly and LED table installation

Assembly is straightforward but takes about 30-45 minutes. The LED table (Part E) attaches via a support arm that connects to the bottom of the table surface itself. Height is adjustable: loosen the grip on the arm, slide it to your preferred height, then lock it by turning clockwise. Once tightened, it shouldn't shift during normal use. Route the LED power cable down through the arm before tightening permanently, a step some people skip and then have to redo. The propane regulator hose threads up through the center pole, so connect that before you fully close up the base panel.

Connecting propane and checking for leaks

Before you ever try to light the heater, do the leak test, every single time you connect a new tank, not just the first time. The manual is clear on this. Mix 1 part liquid dish soap with 3 parts water. Connect the regulator to your 20-lb LP tank, slowly turn the tank valve on, then brush your soapy solution over every connection point: the regulator-to-tank fitting, the hose connections, and any joints in the gas line. If you see bubbles forming, there's a leak. Turn the tank off immediately, loosen and re-tighten the connection, and test again. If it still bubbles after re-tightening, stop and call customer service, don't try to light it.

How to light the PG188H

1. Make sure the tank valve is OFF and the control knob is in the OFF position.
2. Wait at least 5 minutes to let any residual gas clear before attempting to light.
3. Turn the tank valve ON slowly.
4. Push and turn the control knob to the HIGH position (the knob pushes in before rotating).
5. Press the igniter button repeatedly while holding the knob in — you should hear clicking and the burner should catch within a few presses.
6. Once the burner lights, hold the control knob in for 30 seconds before releasing. This keeps the thermocouple heated long enough to register the flame.
7. Release the knob slowly. If the flame goes out, repeat the process — don't skip the hold time.

A healthy flame should be blue with slight yellow tips. At LOW, you'll see a noticeably smaller flame than at HIGH, that's normal and confirms the regulator is working correctly. If the electronic igniter fails, the manual allows for an alternate method: use a lighter gun (sold separately) and insert it through the hole at the bottom of the burner diffuser to ignite manually. This is handy to know since igniter issues show up in buyer reviews.

Shutting it down correctly

Don't just close the tank valve and walk away. The proper shutdown sequence matters: turn the control knob to PUSH first, then push and rotate it to OFF. After the knob is in the OFF position, then close the LP tank valve. This order ensures gas doesn't stay trapped in the line. If you're storing the heater or moving the tank, always close the tank valve before disconnecting the regulator.

Key safety clearances

The manual specifies a minimum clearance of 3.61 feet (1,100 mm) from combustible materials in all directions from the heater head. That means keep it away from wood pergola beams, fabric umbrellas, string lights, and overhanging branches. This is a non-negotiable number from the manufacturer, not a rough guideline. Also worth noting from general LP heater guidance: never store your propane tank in a hot area, keep it below 120°F (49°C) and away from direct sunlight, open flames, or any ignition source.

What real buyers are saying

What people love about it

• Heat output is genuinely strong — 47,000 BTU is enough to make a noticeable difference on a cool evening, and buyers consistently call it out as one of the best values per BTU at its price.
• The LED table is a hit. It adds ambient light and a functional surface without looking out of place on a patio. Most people were pleasantly surprised by how good it looks in person.
• Wheels make repositioning easy — especially appreciated when you want to chase the warm spot on a covered patio or move it indoors to the garage for storage.
• Assembly earns decent marks once people get through it. The hardware is mostly labeled, and the fit-and-finish feels solid for the price point.
• Value at Sam's Club pricing consistently comes up — buyers regularly compare it favorably against similar models from other brands selling for $50-100 more.

Common complaints worth knowing about

• The electronic igniter is the most-cited pain point. Some units need repeated pressing to catch; others develop igniter issues after a season of use. Having a lighter gun on hand is genuinely practical advice, not just a manual footnote.
• Assembly instructions get mixed reviews — a few steps have unclear diagrams, and the LED table arm connection trips people up if they don't pre-route the cable.
• Flame can seem lower than expected on first use, especially if the tank isn't fully open or gas pressure is low from a partially depleted tank.
• Some buyers report the thermocouple shutting the heater off prematurely, particularly in breezy conditions. This is a feature, not a defect, but it can be frustrating if the heater keeps going out on a windy patio.
• A small number of buyers received units with cosmetic damage or missing hardware — worth inspecting at pickup or on delivery before assembly.

Gas and LED table specifics: fuel, performance, and common issues

The PG188H is a propane-only heater, there's no natural gas conversion option. It requires a standard 20-lb LP cylinder (the same size used for most backyard grills), which fits inside the base column. A full 20-lb tank gives you roughly 8-10 hours of runtime at HIGH, or significantly longer if you dial it back to LOW for light warmth rather than full-output heating.

At 47,000 BTU, this heater sits near the top of the typical residential patio heater range. For reference, industry guidance commonly pegs the effective heating area for a freestanding patio heater at around 100 square feet, though real-world coverage depends heavily on wind, ambient temperature, and whether your space is open or semi-enclosed. On a calm night on a covered patio, 47,000 BTU can feel like plenty for a 15x15 foot area. On an open patio with any wind, effective coverage shrinks noticeably.

The LED table runs independently of the gas burner, it's a separate electrical feature, typically powered by batteries or a low-voltage connection depending on your specific unit's wiring. This means you can run the ambient light without heating, which is a nice touch for summer evenings. The table surface itself is glass-topped and functional as a small side table, though it's not rated for anything heavy.

The most common gas-side issues reported by buyers map directly to the troubleshooting categories in the PG188H manual: burner won't light, burner flame is low, carbon build-up, and thick black smoke. Low flame is almost always either low tank pressure (tank nearly empty or valve not fully open) or a partially blocked orifice. Black smoke points to incomplete combustion, usually from a dirty burner head. These are all fixable with basic maintenance.

Safety, maintenance, and troubleshooting from real use

Routine maintenance that prevents most problems

• Inspect the burner head and emitter screen at the start of each season for spider webs, debris, or carbon buildup. A soft brush clears most of it.
• Check the hose and regulator for cracks, kinks, or wear before each season. The manual is explicit: replace damaged hose/regulator assemblies, don't try to patch them.
• Re-do the soapy water leak test any time you reconnect the tank, even if it's the same tank you disconnected an hour ago.
• Wipe the LED table surface and glass with a damp cloth — avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass or damage the LED housing.
• Cover the heater when not in use. A fitted cover keeps moisture and insects out of the burner assembly and extends the life of the igniter.

Troubleshooting the most common problems

The 1-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects from the date of purchase. Keep your Sam's Club receipt. If a problem can't be resolved through the troubleshooting steps above, the manual directs you to call customer service, and for gas-related issues that don't resolve with basic fixes, that's genuinely the right call rather than DIY-ing a repair on a propane appliance.

Is the PG188H right for your patio? A buying checklist

Before you commit, run through these practical checkpoints. The PG188H is a genuinely good heater at its price, but it's not the right fit for every situation.

One thing worth checking before purchase: confirm the model number on the box is PG188H (or PG188HS for the stainless variant). Sam's Club occasionally refreshes inventory with updated versions that may have minor differences in the regulator or igniter setup. If you're buying in-store, ask to see the manual before purchasing so you can match it to the assembly steps in this article.

If the PG188H feels like more heater than you need, it's worth looking at smaller tabletop propane options or electric tabletop models, which offer easier operation with no gas connections at all. If you are comparing styles, an endless summer table top patio heater is another option to weigh against this freestanding LED-table model. If you prefer an electric option like the La Hacienda Table Top Electric Patio Heater, look for wattage and heat-range guidance to match your outdoor space electric tabletop models. A garden sun table top patio heater is a different style of small tabletop heater, so you will want to compare fuel type, heat output, and safe clearance requirements before buying. If you are shopping for a tabletop heater instead, compare your options to outdoor patio heater table top models before deciding on the full freestanding unit. The tradeoff is significantly lower heat output, usually 1,500 watts or under 10,000 BTU for tabletop units, which works fine for one or two people at a small table but won't heat a full patio seating area. Other brands in the freestanding LED-table category worth comparing include Endless Summer and similar mushroom-style propane heaters, though the Member's Mark unit holds its own on BTU-per-dollar value. If you are comparing brands, these endless summer patio heater reviews are a useful way to gauge how similar heaters perform in real backyards.

Bottom line: the PG188H is a well-specced propane patio heater with a genuinely useful LED table feature, strong heat output for its price range, and enough safety hardware (thermocouple, tilt switch) to make it a responsible choice for a home patio. If you want more comparisons before you buy, look up east oak patio heater reviews to see how similar models perform for other shoppers. Go in knowing the igniter may need backup support from a lighter gun, do your leak check every time you connect gas, and keep the 3.61-foot clearance rule in mind when you position it. Do those things and most buyers end up very satisfied.