We don't own any, but only because we already have a fireplace on our patio that works the same way. They have them at many ofthe restaurants in the area, though, and they seem to do a good job. I've recently gotten back from my sister's wedding in Michigan. Their reception was in a large event tent on their property and they had two 7 or 8-ft. propane heaters in there for added warmth. My chair at our table was actually right next to one of them and, although it was warm to the touch, it wasn't dangerously or uncomfortably so. I was initially concerned about that as there were small children at the reception. They were also quite sturdy. I checked and found it would take quite a bit of effort to tip one over. I have no idea how much propane they held but they kept the place nicely warm throughout the reception . . . although I do have to add that the combined 100+ warm bodies of the guests also contributed to that warmth (LOL). Lynn Here's a pic I took inside their reception tent. In it you can see one of the heaters and part of the other:

Yes, we have a full-size one and I'm so glad we bought it. We're in SoCal, too, and agree that the evenings get a bit chilly, but the heater allows us to enjoy entertaining on the patio long after we would normally have retreated inside. We're going to get a table-top model for our upstairs deck so that I can enjoy my coffee near the tree tops on winter mornings. We bought the large one via Tuesday Morning online for $149, free shipping. I checked the label and it says WindChaser Products.

I'm partial to the Jandy heaters as I am a dealer and have installed their heaters for about 35 years. The Jxi model is probably the nicest heater they have made to date. It's compact, it's sealed well to keep critters out, it's lightweight and it has a small footprint. Your LLG is giant compared to the Jxi. Since they came out about 5 years, we have had zero issues on installations. There are 3 models: 200, 260 and a 400. They still have about same efficiency as your old model-roughly 83%. Electronic ignition means no standing pilot and a fan assisted exhaust vent. It's fully capable of working with Jandy's RS automated systems.

I'm in the market now too - what did you end up with @kwuerfl ?