The sun is very important for health. It thus provides us with vitamin D and of course uplifts our spirits. Especially when it begins, in spring, to establish itself in the sky in a lasting way, pushing back the clouds and warming the atmosphere. But the sun, as beneficial as it is, can also represent some risks. It is therefore advisable to prepare well.
By providing good sun protection and of course a patio umbrella, the essential accessory for summer! However, the market is full of umbrellas. Better to make the right choice. Not only to deal with all eventualities but also to give your outdoor space an extra touch of style. To choose the best umbrella, check out consumer reports best patio umbrellas reviews followed by a detailed buying guide!
Reviewing 5 Best Patio Umbrellas
1. Blissun Outdoor Aluminum Patio Umbrella
This patio umbrella from Blissun is made of 100% polyester, which makes it UV resistant and waterproof. As a result, you can expect it to remain in working condition for years. Moreover, the use of polyester makes cleaning a breeze too. The umbrella comes with aluminum poles and 8 aluminum ribs that make storage easy. The use of aluminum prevents the pole from rusting and keeps it lightweight as well. The umbrella has air vents at the top that keeps the person sitting underneath the umbrella cool.
The same air vents can withstand sudden gusts as well. The umbrella opens using a crank open system, and it comes with a push-button that you can tilt to change the angles of the umbrella for shading. With a diameter of 9 inches, this umbrella can provide shade to a table with 4-6 chairs, thus making it ideal for residential as well as commercial locations. You can use this patio umbrella in your garden, yard, café, restaurant, swimming pool, or take it to the beach.
2. Sunnyglade Outdoor Table Patio Umbrella With 8 Sturdy Ribs
Check out this patio umbrella from Sunnyglade, which is made of 100% polyester, which makes it waterproof and long-lasting. The material used in this umbrella doesn’t let anything stick on its surface, hence making clean-up a lot easier. The company has incorporated a powder-coated aluminum pole having a diameter of 40mm along with 8 sturdy ribs for exceptional support.
The umbrella also includes a single wind vent that keeps it stable. You can install the umbrella for your round, square, or rectangle table with 4-6 chairs having a dimension between 42 and 54 inches. The umbrella boasts an easy crank open function with a push-button tilt, which keeps the people sitting underneath it safe from the sun. The only downside to this unit is that the base isn’t included in the package, so you will have to buy it separately.
3. Best Choice Products Solar Powered LED Lighted Patio Umbrella
If you are looking for a patio umbrella with LED lights, then your search ends here. Best Choice Products brings to you a 24 solar-powered lighted patio umbrella that you can use during in day as well as at night. The LED lights have a runtime of 6-7 hours, and they get charged from solar energy. The umbrella is made of a premium-quality water-resistant fabric that can stay in a good condition for several years.
The umbrella features an easy push-button tilt system that protects you from the sun at all times, plus there is a wind vent that offers cool air under the umbrella. The inclusion of a crank handle makes it easy for you to open and close the umbrella. The pole that comes along in the package is easy to detach, thus making it easier for you to set up and store the patio umbrella.
4. ABCCANOPY Outdoor Solar LED Lights Patio Umbrella
This is another patio umbrella that comes with LED lights. You can enjoy sitting outdoors the whole day with this patio umbrella that features 32 LED lights that offer a runtime of 9-12 hours. You can easily turn on and off the solar lights. The solar panel is placed at the top of the umbrella that is powered by a rechargeable battery. Just like other patio umbrellas, this one too features a crank system for opening and closing the umbrella along with a handy push-button tilt, thus letting you keep the sun at the back during the daytime.
The fabric used in the making of this patio umbrella is waterproof and fade-resistant, thus offering a perfect shade for your patio, deck, garden, pool, and beach. The package also includes an anti-rust, powder-coated aluminum frame with 8 aluminum ribs that keeps the entire structure sturdy. The inclusion of a 1.5-inch aluminum pole that matches your patio table. Before using the product, just check the plug connection by unscrewing the solar panel. The solar panel needs to be in the open for 6-9 hours to absorb the sunlight so that it can turn on the LED lights at night.
5. FRUITEAM Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella
Have a look at this patio offset umbrella, which is perfect for your outdoor dining tables and other patio furniture sets. You can easily adjust the shade and block the sun at different angles, thanks to a hand-crank lift. The umbrella is made from a water-and fade-resistant polyester that also protects against UV rays. The crank lift mechanism is very soft, thus letting you open and close the patio umbrella canopy within seconds. The umbrella features an air vent that lets the cool air come inside but prohibits heat.
If you are fond of barbecuing in the sun on your perfect gas grill, then you should definitely have this patio umbrella to enjoy the food. The frame of the umbrella is made of a spray cast iron pole along with 6 solid ribs and a metal cross base that provide durability to the entire structure. The company provides a 12-month warranty on the product that covers all manufacturing defects.
Different Types Of Patio Umbrellas
There are different types of patio umbrellas available on the market:
Upright patio umbrella: This is the patio umbrella in its most classic form. Square, round, rectangle, this type of patio umbrella can be installed in tables with a central opening. While it is true that it is possible to install it between two deckchairs at the edge of a swimming pool or the beach, it is unfortunately not flexible and mobile enough to cope with changes in the position of the sun.
Tilting patio umbrella: it differs from the upright patio umbrella by its ability to adapt to the movement of the sun. You just need to orient it in the position of your choice using its ball joint.
Wall patio umbrella: it is equipped with a telescopic arm that attaches to wall support. In addition, its 180-degree mobility facilitates its orientation according to the position of the sun.
Balcony patio umbrella: it adapts easily to the balcony thanks to its fixing system. Depending on the model, its mast can be fixed by pressure, by stretching (from the ground to the ceiling), or using a clamp.
Offset patio umbrella: this type of patio umbrella is equipped with an offset/or rotating arm, which facilitates the orientation of its fabric. In addition, thanks to the significant shade offered by its canvas, it is a good choice for covering a large terrace.
Square/rectangular patio umbrella: its shape allows it to be easily installed in a corner or along a wall.
Round patio umbrella: another classic form of patio umbrella, it is generally recommended for round tables or small spaces.
Half-patio umbrella: semi-circular in shape, this type of patio umbrella is useful for providing shade on small balconies or along a wall.
Criteria To Consider When Buying A Patio Umbrella
Dimensions
The dimensions of the canvas vary from one patio umbrella to another and must be chosen according to the space to be covered. For a small space, a canvas of 3 × 3 meters (9 square meters of shaded space) can satisfy you. On the other hand, if it is necessary to cover a space occupied by garden furniture or space of about 15 square meters, the ideal is to opt for a canvas of 4 × 3 meters (12 square meters of shaded space. For an area greater than 15 square meters, a larger patio umbrella should be chosen.
Structure
The structure of a patio umbrella is made up of the mast and ribs or ribs that support the canvas and allow it to extend. Depending on the model, the structure can be made of aluminum, steel, or wood, with aluminum being the most widely used material. It has the advantage of being light, very resistant, and easy to maintain. It is particularly suitable for large patio umbrellas. You can also opt for a steel structure with rust protection. However, being less strong than aluminum, steel is generally only used on entry-level models. Wooden structures are heavier and are not benchmarks in terms of strength. They are still appreciated for their aesthetic side.
Pedestal
The role of the base is to ensure the stability of the patio umbrella. Therefore, it should be chosen according to the type of patio umbrella used. As a general rule, the larger the patio umbrella, the heavier the plinth should be. For large or large patio umbrellas, you have the choice between concrete, granite, or cast-iron plinths.
They are heavy enough to maintain the stability of the device even in strong winds. For smaller spans, you can settle for a plastic base that will be filled with water or sand.
Canvas
The composition of the canvas or the material used to make the canvas defines the level of protection against the sun that the canvas can guarantee. That said, you have a choice of polyester, acrylic, or cotton canvas.
Polyester: it is the material most used for making patio umbrella canvases, but also the least resistant. However, to benefit from good protection, we only recommend polyester fabrics that have undergone an anti-UV treatment.
Acrylic: this material is appreciated for its oil-repellent side. In addition, it resists mold and stains well and does not fade.
Cotton: Although it is the most expensive, cotton canvas is appreciated for its resistance and its ability to dry quickly. If you want to benefit from greater resistance, opt for a coated canvas or a canvas made of polyester and cotton.
But the composition of the canvas is not the only element to consider in determining whether a canvas will be able to protect you well or not. Also, take into account the basis weight or density and the UV protection index. For density or weight, the ideal is to opt for a canvas with a density of between 200 and 400 grams per square meter. Such a density guarantees, in fact, good filtration of the sun's rays. As for the UV protection index, it allows you to have an idea of the level of protection against ultraviolet rays that the canvas offers. It is indicated in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and presented in different levels.
- Medium protection: UPF 15 to 24
- Very high protection: UPF 25 to 50
- Optimal protection: UPF 50 and more
Opening system
To facilitate the opening and closing of the canvas, each patio umbrella offers a system. The most common systems are:
The crank: this is the most widely used system. It is convenient for deploying and adjusting the tilt of a canvas. In the case of a rotating patio umbrella, the rotation is affected using a foot pedal.
The push-up system: It is generally used for opening a straight patio umbrella. You just need to press a button to raise or lower the canvas.
The pulley: this system works with the help of a rope that you have to pull to deploy the canvas. After deployment, you need to tie the rope to prevent it from dragging.
Integrated options
For more convenient use of the patio umbrella, there are some interesting options available. These include:
Adjustable height: adjust the height of the patio umbrella according to your needs to benefit from good protection against the sun. In addition, when the gales are accentuated, you can lower the canvas to limit the effects of the wind.
Tilt: the patio umbrella can be tilted in different positions for optimal protection regardless of the level of sunshine.
Rotation: rotate your canvas 360 degrees to adapt to the movements of the sun.
LED lighting: when the brightness of the daylight decreases, it allows you to remain comfortably seated under your patio umbrella to continue your reading or to prolong the pleasure of a good time with loved ones.
Final Verdict
There are several benefits of using a patio umbrella. It allows you to spend some quality time with your family and friends in the open. You can enjoy meals in the sun, which feels great in the winter season. So, if you have read consumer reports patio umbrellas, then buy one that suits your requirements the best. Place your order today!