Guides
An alternative to the gas patio heater – no bottle needed
The gas mushroom heater is the classic patio heater. Yet many people want an alternative: no gas bottle in the base, and real fire instead of a glowing burner head. A pellet fire column like the Feuertube resembles a mushroom heater in shape – but works quite differently.
Why look for an alternative to a gas patio heater?
A mushroom patio heater has a simple idea: a gas bottle at the bottom, a burner at the top and a large hood that directs heat downwards. It works, but it comes with a few things not everyone wants.
- Gas bottles have to be bought, swapped, transported and stored.
- The flame is usually hidden in the burner head – you feel the warmth but see no fire.
- It is purely a heater; the atmosphere of a fire does not come with it.
Pellets instead of gas: the principle
A pellet fire column burns compressed wood pellets. On the Feuertube they sit in a 3 kg tank on the side of the base. From there they reach the combustion chamber and burn on a stainless-steel grate. Above it stands a borosilicate glass tube: the draught turns the flame into a vortex that rises up to the hat. The hat with reflector closes the tube at the top and sends the warmth back towards the seating area.
The silhouette is reminiscent of a mushroom heater: a slim column with a round hood. The difference is the fuel – and that the fire is the centrepiece.
Gas mushroom heater vs pellet fire column
We deliberately do not compare output figures, as they vary widely by model. Day to day, the two differ like this:
| Gas mushroom heater | Feuertube (pellets) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane / butane from a bottle | Wood pellets, 6 mm |
| Supply | Gas bottle in the base | 3 kg pellet tank |
| Run time per fill | Depends on bottle and setting | Around 2 hours on average, top up any time |
| Lighting | Ignition button | Supplied gas burner, 20–30 seconds |
| Control | Setting dial | Ventilation grille: flame to the hat or about half height |
| Residue | None | Little ash, empty drawer every 5–6 hours |
| Flame | Usually hidden | Vortex visible from every side |
What to know before you switch
A pellet fire column needs a little more attention than a mushroom heater you simply turn up. After lighting, it takes about 20 minutes for the fire to reach full flame – so light it a little before dinner. Ash falls into a drawer that needs emptying every 5–6 hours.
The Feuertube is for outdoor use only and must be protected from rain, both in use and when idle. A sudden gust can blow the flame out, which then causes smoke. Hold the burner briefly to the ignition opening and the fire carries on.
Tip: position the Feuertube so the prevailing wind does not blow straight onto the ignition opening. A house wall or windbreak nearby helps.
Assembly, colours and location
The Feuertube consists of three parts – base, glass tube and hat – that fit together without tools in a few minutes. Fire-resistant sealing cords keep glass and metal from touching, including during transport. The small gas burner for lighting is included.
It comes as Premium in rust-free stainless steel and as Classic in black powder-coated steel. Black fades into the evening until only the flame remains.
Choose a level, firm spot outdoors, away from flammable materials – not under a roof. We are happy to send exact dimensions and weight on request.
Who the alternative suits
A pellet fire column is not a copy of the mushroom heater but a different way of sitting outside. It suits you particularly if …
- you would rather not buy, store or swap gas bottles,
- your terrace is open and the unit should move around – the Feuertube has castors with a brake,
- the fire itself is part of the evening, not just the warmth,
- you run a restaurant, bar or hotel and want the terrace to be a meeting place in autumn too.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a patio heater without gas?
Yes. Besides electric heaters, there are fire columns that burn wood pellets. The Feuertube looks similar to a mushroom heater but needs neither a gas bottle nor electricity.
How long does one fill of pellets last?
The Feuertube’s tank holds 3 kg of pellets, enough for around two hours on average. You can top up at any time while it is burning.
Which pellets do I need?
Standard 6 mm wood pellets. We recommend certified ENplus A1 quality.
Does a pellet heater warm as much as a gas mushroom heater?
There is no general answer, as output varies greatly by model. We do not currently publish a kW figure for the Feuertube – we are happy to advise you personally.
Can I use the Feuertube on a balcony?
The Feuertube is designed for open outdoor areas, not under a roof. On balconies, open fire is often restricted by house rules or regulations – please check beforehand.
More guides
Patio heaters: gas, infrared or pellet? The comparison
Gas, infrared or pellets: energy source, placement, ambience and everyday use in an honest comparison.
Pellet fire column: how a pellet patio stove works
The principle, the right pellets, burn time and operation step by step – from filling to ash.
Outdoor dining in winter: making the terrace season last
Seating zones, patio heating, pellet logistics and a simple staff routine – keeping the terrace full for longer.