Screened In Patio/BBQ Area Fireplace Question

I'm in the process of adding a screened in patio bbq area to my home. It's 30'x 14'. The South and East sides will be screened. North and West sides will have walls/back of the house. The West end will have a brick fireplace. I'd like to get a gas fireplace insert for it, though I can change that as it will be built such that I can remove that if I decide to do so later and make it wood burning with the gas starter.

So, I love a wood burning fireplace, but I'd have to keep the wood in an inconvenient spot and I live in an area where critters visit the yard. The first time I'm the one getting wood to bring up to the patio and a critter or slithering thing pops up will be the last time I do so.

I know the gas burning fireplaces don't produce heat like a wood burning does and since it's open, no fireplace will keep it warm in certain temps, but I'd like to get the most warmth I can get from a gas insert deal. Anyone have recommendations or experience with this?

Contractor suggested putting some of those heaters on the ceiling to supplement if we're out there in there in really cold weather. Not sure I want all of that.

Thanks!