We have a small deck at our home in the Ozarks.  This heater is perfect for our use. It wouldn't work for a very big area. But for the most part, it's just my husband and myself sitting on the deck in cool weather watching the stars.  We intend to adapt it to our gas grill tank. The small propane canisters work fine but I always feel guilty for using one for only 3 hrs. and then tossing the container...not refillable.  But overall, we are very happy with it.