Detroit Radiant DSCD Two Stage Patio Heater: overhead gas heat with a lower setting for milder evenings
The Detroit Radiant DSCD Two Stage Patio Heater is a compact gas heater for open or covered patios. It mounts on a ceiling or wall, outdoors only. Its steel housing is about 48 inches long and sheds wind and rain. Radiant heat warms people and surfaces directly, like sunshine, instead of warming the air, so it works outdoors. It runs on a piped gas line, natural gas or propane, so there is no tank to refill.
Two stage means 31,000 or 34,000 BTUs on high and 28,000 BTUs on low, keeping warmth steady without switching fully off. The smaller output warms roughly 8 by 8 feet; the larger warms about 9 by 9 feet. Pick the output, fuel, and brushed stainless steel or black powder coated steel finish. The 34,000 BTUs option requires natural gas. The warranty covers controls for one year and the burner for five years. Detroit Radiant Products is a family owned company founded in 1955 that builds its heaters in Warren, Michigan. Only need full heat? See the Detroit Radiant DSCS Single Stage Patio Heater. The Detroit Radiant DSCD Two Stage Patio Heater ships free from My Cozy Outdoors with No Sales Tax (except WY) and the full manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
SKU: DSCD-31, DSCD-34, DSCD-31-SS, DSCD-34-SS
| Specification |
Value |
| Model |
DSCD-31[-SS] or DSCD-34[-SS] — exact model per selected Heat Output + Finish |
| Stage |
Two Stage |
| BTU/h (High / Low) |
31,000 / 28,000 or 34,000 / 28,000 (per Heat Output) |
| Gas Type |
Natural Gas or Propane (31,000 BTU/h); Natural Gas only (34,000 BTU/h) |
| Finish |
Stainless Steel or Black (select above) |
| Natural Gas Models |
31,000 & 34,000 BTU/h |
| Propane Gas Models |
31,000 BTU/h |
| Certification |
ETL ANSI Z83.26 Standard |
| Limited Warranty |
1-year on controls, 5-year on burner |
| Gas Connections |
1/2” NPT |
| Gas Connections — Manifold |
6” Natural or 10” Propane |
| Gas Connections — Minimum |
7” Natural or 11” Propane |
| Gas Connections — Maximum |
14” Natural or 14” Propane |
| Volts |
24 VAC/60 Hz Single Phase |
| Amps |
0.65 starting, 0.48 running |
| Control Voltage |
24 VAC |
| Operational Costs |
On average, operating a gas-fired heater with a 20-lb. propane cylinder costs upwards of 4 to 5 times more than operating on natural gas. Consult your local utility provider for a fuel cost analysis. |
| Dimensions |
48.4″ L x 9.0″ W x 10.9″ H |
| Weight |
59 lbs (65 lbs with the PH-BKT bracket) |
| Shipping |
Box 54″ x 17″ x 15″; Detroit Radiant recommends truckline for two or more units |
| Mounting Height |
8 to 12 ft (31,000 BTU/h) or 8.5 to 13 ft (34,000 BTU/h); minimum 6.5 ft above the floor; typical height above patrons 2 to 6 ft |
| Approximate Area Heated |
8 x 8 ft (31,000 BTU/h) or 9 x 9 ft (34,000 BTU/h) |
| Clearances to Combustibles (0°) |
18″ sides, 12″ ends, 13″ top, 48″ below; 8″ minimum top clearance under a non-combustible ceiling |
| Clearances to Combustibles (30°) |
36″ front, 18″ back, 12″ ends, 18″ top, 40″ below; between 0° and 30° use the larger figure |
| Gas Connection |
1/2″ NPT adapter fitting; specify natural gas or propane at order |
| Controls |
24 V from a field-supplied Class 2 transformer (40 VA runs up to 2 heaters, 96 VA up to 5); one transformer per thermostat |
FAQ
What does two stage mean on this heater?
It fires at 31,000 or 34,000 BTU per hour on high and drops to 28,000 on low, per the Specifications tab, so you can hold a patio at a comfortable level without cycling the burner fully off. The single stage DSCS runs only at full output. Choose the output on the Heat Output selector; 34,000 is natural gas only.
Where can it be mounted?
Ceiling or wall, level or tilted up to 30 degrees, at 8 to 12 feet for the 31,000 unit and 8.5 to 13 feet for the 34,000 per the DSCD brochure. Chains, threaded rod, hangers or the adjustable bracket from the Accessories selector all work. Keep 18 inches to the sides, 13 above and 48 below combustibles at 0 degrees.
Is it safe under a roof?
Yes on a covered outdoor patio, as long as the clearances are kept and 8 inches remain above the heater under a non-combustible ceiling. The manual is explicit that the heater is not approved for indoor residential spaces. It is ETL certified to ANSI Z83.26, and the housing is wind and rain protected.
What controls and power does it use?
24 VAC control power from an NEC Class 2 transformer you supply, at 0.65 amps starting and 0.48 running; the Accessories selector offers a 96 VA transformer good for up to five heaters. Detroit Radiant recommends a switch or timer outdoors rather than a thermostat, which may never be satisfied in open air.
What gas pressure and connection?
A 1/2 inch NPT connection, with manifold pressure of 6 inches water column on natural gas or 10 inches on propane and a maximum inlet of 14 inches for either, per the Specifications tab. The tab also notes that running on a 20 pound propane cylinder costs 4 to 5 times more than natural gas.
Which finish should I pick?
The Finish selector offers 430 series brushed stainless or black powder-coated aluminized steel, with the price difference shown there. Both carry the decorative stainless egg crate grille; the stainless housing suits coastal or high-moisture sites. Compare finishes across our gas patio heaters.
What warranty applies?
The Specifications tab lists 1 year on controls and 5 years on the burner; the brochure phrases it as 1 year components and 5 years on the ceramic burner. Detroit Radiant builds these in Warren, Michigan, and the manual requires installation and service by trained gas personnel to keep the warranty valid.