As the temperature continues to drop, one thing every backyard needs is one of the best patio heaters. As the name suggests, these devices are designed to heat your patio, and they can do so in a number of ways. Patio heaters can be powered by gas, electric, propane and infrared; and each fuel has an effect on the costs of running and overall performance. Scroll to the end of this feature if you want to see a breakdown of each.
Once you know your preferred fuel-type, you need to consider the shape and style of your desired patio heater. These come in all kinds of designs, with some focusing more on aesthetics and others on functionality. Whichever you choose, above all, it should heat your space evenly and effectively, with minimal heat loss. You don’t want it to cost an arm and a leg to run either. If you need help picking out a patio heater, we’ve done the research to find the best options on the market. Whether you want value for money, or a heater which will wow your guests, we’ve got you covered. These are the best patio heaters.
Patio heater deals and Black Friday
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Black Friday deals have started. Although the holiday will technically fall on November 25, retailers are carriers are offering plenty of Black Friday patio heater deals you can shop now. Be sure to follow our holiday coverage for the best patio heater sales of the season.
The best patio heaters you can buy today
If you’d like to give your patio an “outdoor restaurant” vibe, the Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater is a great choice. Constructed from durable stainless steel, this 33-pound heater is a good blend of style and functionality.
The best patio heater overall has a piezoelectric ignition to ensure quick, seamless starts, and the adjustable heat control settings let you customize the temperature as needed. (Up to 48,000 BTUs of warmth.) At 87 inches high and 32 inches in diameter, this portable hotspot (in the literal sense) will look right at home on the back porch, and it’s easy enough to stow in a corner when not in use. (Propane gas cylinder sold separately.) Pound for pound, this is one of the best values we could find.
For a pyramid-style heat source that will grab some attention (in a good way), the Hampton Pyramid Patio Propane Heater is one of the best patio heaters you can get. Thanks to its 42,000 BTU output and a mesmerizing visual flame, this heater is pretty darn cool (err, hot).
Utilizing a 20-pound propane tank (hidden below via the easy-access door), the durable base isn’t going anywhere — unless you want it to. The attached wheels make it portable, but at 85 inches high, this isn’t the best patio heater for smaller spaces. But if you have room for it, its rustic-yet-snazzy look is sure to please.
Dr. Infrared proves that the amenity of outdoor heating isn’t just for one-percenters. For less than $150, this wall- or ceiling-mounted device is one of the best patio heaters you’ll find at this price point.
Perfect for covered patios, the adjustable Dr. Infrared DR-238 Heater provides clean, instant warmth at 900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts. (It also comes with a handy remote control.) And since infrared heaters themselves do not warm up during use, this is one of the best heaters for families with small children; the clean-burning warmth stays comfortably out of reach. Don’t let the reasonable price tag fool you: the DR-238 Heater has a coverage area up to 1,000 square feet.
Some reviewers reported an odor when using the DR-238 for the first time, but otherwise, this is a top-notch heating machine that won’t let you down (or burn your wallet).
If you’re after a traditional ‘mushroom’-shaped patio heater, but want to inject a bit of color, then look no further. The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater comes in a range of finishes including powder coated, stainless steel and even wicker! This makes it one of the most customizable patio heaters we’ve seen. The design also benefits from wheels on the base so you can easily move it around when necessary.
At 46,000, this patio heater has a decent BTU. While it’s not as strong as our winner, it will still cover a generous area of 250 sq ft. It comes at a great price point of $153 — not as cheap as the winner once again, however if you want the extra color then it’s worth the expense. The only drawback with this design is the height. At 89 inches, it’s 7ft 4in tall which is so high that some had to shorten it.
If your space-heating needs are modest, this is one of the best patio heaters you can get. At just 38 inches high, it’s easy to move this tabletop heater from one surface to another. It’s also available in two color options—a neat bonus.
The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Table Top Patio Heater is ideal for small groups of three to four people; the propane lasts for about three hours at a time. There’s a weight plate in the base for added stability, and the burner screen guard adds some extra peace of mind for errant fingers. Should your space options be limited, you’ll want to give this heater a look.
If you’re going to invest in one of the best patio heaters, you may want to consider one that doubles as furniture. The Hiland Fire Pit is much more expensive than most patio heaters, but there’s something to be said for the elegance of a bronze fireplace-island. (And one that never has to be stoked, no less.)
The Hiland FS-1212-T-10 Aluminum Scroll Propane Pit is the perfect accessory for outdoor relaxation — and any self-respecting BBQ. The hammered bronze will look good in just about any backyard, and is perfect for year-round use. (The propane tank is hidden underneath.) Sure, it’s pricier than the average standing heater, but for the price, you get double the usefulness. Staying warm under the stars — all year long — has never been easier. Just don’t burn your feet!
If you’d like to take the more eco-friendly route for outdoor heating, the Fire Sense 1500W Electric Infrared Patio Heater should keep the shivers away during after-dinner cordials. Operating at 90 percent heating efficiency, this infrared patio heater is less expensive than its propane-based cousins, and it starts heating up in just a few seconds; according to the company, this results in a 9-feet “blanket” of heat in the surrounding area, which is perfect for small gatherings in small spaces.
This patio heater is quiet — silent, in fact. The aluminum-and-steel construction is weatherproof, too, so you don’t need to worry about the rain. The attached wheels allow for easy mobility, and the 1,500-watt bulb lasts for up to 5,000 hours. This is a sought-after model at a variety of online retailers, and user reviews are consistently high across the board.
If you’re looking for a sleek, discreet heater for uninsulated spaces, look no further than the Bromic Heating BH0110003-1 Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Radiant Infrared Patio Heater. As opposed to freestanding heaters, this one is meant to be mounted permanently on a wall or ceiling, so there’s nothing to trip over.
For modern homes and contemporary spaces, this is one of the best patio heaters you can buy (if your pockets are deep enough, that is). Providing direct and automated ignition, this powerhouse heater pumps out 39,800 BTUs (up to 200 square feet of coverage), and its slow-release ceramic burners are environmentally friendly. The patented screen and ionization probe technology provides excellent wind resistance (up to 12 miles per hour), and the pivoting mount bracket lets you control heat distribution as needed. If you have the money to spare, you won’t be disappointed with this bad boy.
Note: professional installation may be required, but according to most user reviews, it’s worth the splurge.
For those who prefer their outdoor heating with a side of style, the Thermo Tiki Deluxe Outdoor Propane Patio Heater puts its pyramid-style aesthetics on the same plane as its functionality. In addition to 38,000 BTUs of heat output, the added light makes this one of the best patio heaters for auxiliary ambiance.
Featuring a 15-foot diameter of warmth, your guests will flock to this ultra-efficient heat source like moths to the flame. It’s mostly weatherproof, too; the components are made to withstand rust, fading, and corrosion. The push-button ignition is super convenient, and the controls let you adjust both the temperature and the dancing flame. (There’s also a safety valve that automatically cuts the fuel supply if the heater is tilted or tipped.) Some reviews reported fragile glass components, so be careful moving this thing around.
How to choose the best patio heater for you
Before you invest in a portable heater, make sure it checks off all the appropriate boxes for your wants and needs. There are lots of different styles and sizes out there, so you’ll want to find one that’s just right in regard to both features and aesthetics.
Deck/Room/Patio Size
If you’re just adding some warmth to a small porch, you won’t need the most powerful heater on the market. And not every home has the proper indoor/outdoor space for a standing heater. (The tallest one on our list is about 7.5 feet. Not exactly compact.) Measure accordingly.
BTU (British Thermal Units)
This is the formal measurement for all heating appliances: the higher the number, the higher the potential temperature. While tabletop heaters usually pump out 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs, larger heaters can blast your yard with 40,000 BTUs of heat or more.
Heater Types
There are several types of portable patio heaters:
- Freestanding – This is the best patio heater for large outdoor spaces. They generally consist of a pole, base, heat reflector, and heating source (gas or electric).
- Mounted – These heaters are better if you don’t want them to be the center of attention. They’re meant to be permanently installed in discrete locations (such as a high wall near the ceiling.)
- Tabletop – These are much smaller than their mounted and free-standing brethren, and far more portable. They’re usually electric, and come in a variety of interesting styles.
- Infrared – Energy efficiency is #1 with these heaters. They’re not that portable, but they heat up quickly, and are best for families with small children.
Heat Sources
There are three primary types of heat sources:
- Propane – This is the most popular option, and it heats up very quickly. Often found on free-standing heaters.
- Natural Gas – If you’re a homeowner, having a natural gas-powered heater is your cheapest, cleanest-burning option. Best for the outdoors.
- Electric – By far the most convenient option, electric heaters are generally less energy-efficient than propane or natural gas. You’ll run your electricity bill through the roof if you’re not careful.
Safety Features
If you’ve got kids, the best patio heater for you might be the one with the best safety features. As you shop, look for tilt-over protection, automatic shut-off valves, and cool-touch glass. (Infrared heaters can be a good option for families, since there aren’t any physical flames.)
Which patio heater is the most sustainable?
If you want to be more sustainable, you might be interested in which type of patio heater has the smallest carbon footprint. If you’re thinking in terms of gas vs electric, the answer is electric. Gas patio heaters produce much more CO2 compared to electric. This type is also more noisy and expensive to run.
You should consider infrared as an option too. This type of patio heater is as sustainable as it gets, because it will use 100% of the heat it produces. It does this by only heating physical objects within range through radiation, rather than the air itself.
If you want to be more eco-friendly with your patio heater, only use it when you actually need it and don’t set it to a higher temperature than necessary. You can also wear thicker clothes and use blankets as well, so your patio heater won’t have to work so hard.
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