Thermacell Patio Shield Vs. E55 Mosquito Repellant (2024)

In the battle against mosquitoes, Thermacell has built an impressive arsenal of devices designed to keep these pesky critters at bay. Among their front-line soldiers are the Thermacell Patio Shield and the Thermacell E55.

Both devices are stellar at their jobs, but they offer unique features and advantages that make each suitable for different situations.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of Thermacell Patio Shield and E55, discussing their pros and cons, and answering your burning questions.

A Brief Comparison Table

Features	Thermacell Patio Shield	Thermacell E55
Power Source	Fuel Cartridge	Rechargeable Battery
Coverage Area	15 feet	20 feet
Portability	High (Compact)	Moderate (Bulkier)
Repellent Duration	12 hours	Up to 40 hours
Refill Frequency	Higher	Lower
Price	Lower upfront cost, ongoing cartridge cost	Higher upfront cost, lower ongoing cost

The Thermacell Patio Shield: A Versatile Protector

The Thermacell Patio Shield is designed to create a 15-foot mosquito protection zone. This compact and stylish device is perfect for outdoor activities such as BBQ parties, pool parties, and even camping.

Pros of Thermacell Patio Shield

The Patio Shield is fueled by a small gas cartridge which heats a repellent mat, releasing allethrin – a synthetic copy of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers.

Here are its key pros:

• Versatility: It’s portable and easy to carry, making it perfect for both backyard events and outdoor adventures.
• No spray: Unlike traditional bug sprays, it leaves no residue or unpleasant smell.
• DEET-free: The repellent used is DEET-free, providing a safer alternative for families and pets.

Cons of Thermacell Patio Shield

Despite its advantages, the Patio Shield has a few limitations:

• Wind sensitivity: If it’s particularly windy, the effectiveness might diminish as the repellent disperses quickly.
• Refill frequency: The fuel cartridge and repellent mat need to be replaced after 12 hours, which can be inconvenient for prolonged use.

The Thermacell E55: A Rechargeable Powerhouse

The E55, part of Thermacell’s Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent line, introduces a rechargeable, portable solution for mosquito protection. Its radius of protection is 20 feet, slightly more extensive than the Patio Shield.

Pros of Thermacell E55

• Extended coverage: The E55 provides a larger protection zone than the Patio Shield, making it ideal for larger patios and decks.
• Rechargeable: No need to keep buying fuel cartridges – simply recharge the device via USB.
• Long-lasting: One refill can provide up to 40 hours of protection.
• Push-button simple: It operates with a single button, making it extremely user-friendly.

Cons of Thermacell E55

The E55 is not without its drawbacks:

• Higher price point: The upfront cost is higher, although this can be offset by the savings on fuel cartridges over time.
• Limited portability: It’s bulkier than the Patio Shield, which might limit its portability.

Key Differences Between Thermacell Patio Shield And E55

While both the Thermacell Patio Shield and E55 serve a common purpose – keeping those pesky mosquitoes at bay – they differ significantly in design, functionality, and performance.

To gain a clearer understanding of which product might suit your needs best, let’s delve into their key differences.

• Power Source and Portability

A primary distinction between the Patio Shield and the E55 lies in their power source. The Patio Shield operates using a small fuel cartridge, heating a repellent mat to disperse allethrin, a synthetic version of a natural insecticide.

This operation style adds to the device’s portability – it’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry along for a camping trip or an outdoor BBQ party.

On the other hand, the E55 is a rechargeable device. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery and can be recharged using a USB cable.

Although this makes it an eco-friendlier choice and offers a more extended operation period without the need for frequent cartridge changes, it also makes the E55 slightly bulkier.

This trade-off might limit its portability, particularly for activities like camping or hiking.

• Coverage Area

The second major difference between the Patio Shield and the E55 is the protection area they cover. The Patio Shield, while excellent for smaller settings, offers a protection radius of 15 feet.

This makes it ideal for small patios or outdoor activities with limited participants.

Contrarily, the E55 boasts a more generous coverage area, offering a 20-foot radius of mosquito protection. This feature makes it more suitable for larger gatherings or more spacious outdoor areas. If you’re hosting a large outdoor party or if your patio area is extensive, the E55 might be a more effective choice.

• Repellent Duration and Refill Frequency

The Patio Shield and E55 differ significantly in how long they can operate before requiring a refill. A Patio Shield fuel cartridge and repellent mat last for about 12 hours.

This implies that for longer outdoor activities, you may need to replace the cartridge and mat, which could be a little inconvenient.

The E55, however, provides an impressive run-time of up to 40 hours on a single refill. That’s more than three times longer than the Patio Shield!

For prolonged outdoor events, the E55 can offer continuous protection without the need for a mid-way refill, adding to its convenience and performance.

• Price

Lastly, the cost factor might also influence your decision. The Patio Shield is generally more affordable upfront compared to the E55. However, the ongoing costs of replacing fuel cartridges and repellent mats might add up over time.

Conversely, while the E55 is pricier to begin with, its rechargeable nature can save costs in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, both the Thermacell Patio Shield and E55 provide effective mosquito repellent solutions. Your choice ultimately depends on the specifics of your situation and what you value most – portability and versatility or a larger protection zone and a rechargeable design.