- 9.40/10 1. Premium pick: Pamapic Patio Heater
- 9.20/10 2. Editors choice: Amazon Basics Patio Heater
- 9.00/10 3. Best value: Gorilla Gadgets Heater
- 8.80/10 4. Briza Infrared Patio Heater
- 8.60/10 5. Fire Sense Patio Heater
- 8.60/10 6. Star Patio Heater
- 8.40/10 7. Southestic
Outdoor living areas are the best when it comes to spending time with friends and family or having a quiet moment to yourself in the evening.
However, such activities are pretty challenging during winter or rainy days.
The best patio heaters keep you, your family members, and guests warm by producing heat.
There are three main patio heaters, including electric, propane, and natural gas. You’ll also need to consider durability, BTU (British thermal units), the size of your patio, and the availability of security features.
Here are the best patio heaters available today.
Premium pick1. Pamapic Patio Heater
9.40 / 10 Read ReviewsFor a high-performing patio heater with a bit of flair, consider the Pamapic Patio Heater. It produces up to 42,000 BTU, creating a nice toasty atmosphere in seconds to keep you warm. The metal reflector shield redirects the heat distribution downwards onto your patio space rather than letting it rise upwards where it’s not needed. Heat reaches a distance of 10 feet in diameter, which is sufficient for a medium-sized patio.
The Pamapic Patio Heater is designed with protection and durability in mind. It has a high-quality glass flame tube that is surrounded by stainless steel burners to endure high temperatures. The polyester cover resists water and dust for maximum longevity when protecting the pyramid heater.
On the bottom are compact wheels that let you move the heater quickly to your preferred spot. To power this patio heater, you’ll need to hook a 20 pound liquefied petroleum (LP) gas tank (not included) in the built-in tank chamber.
Key Features- Fade-resistant fabric
- Advanced banner system
- 89.4 inches tall outdoor heater
- Brand: Pamapic
- Color: Black
- Power Source: Propane
- Heating Method: Propane
- BTU: 42,000
- Simple-to-use pulse ignition
- Excellent heat output
- Quick to assemble and use
- Not ideal for tabletops
1. Amazon Basics Patio Heater
9.20 / 10 Read ReviewsThe Amazon Basics Patio Heater has exceptional features designed to make chilly nights warm. Its tall design, measuring 33 x 18 x 89 inches, is a bonus for anyone with kids since it keeps the heated part out of reach. The tip-over shut-off function is an excellent addition that turns off the patio heater after an accidental fall.
The 46,000 BTU provides heat to a nine-foot radius, keeping everyone around you warm in a short time. Although the sleek dome-top patio heater comes in pieces, assembling it is a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions and thoughtful illustrations with labels. The 20-pound propane tank runs for around ten hours when the heater is on high settings and quite longer when on lower settings.
The piezo ignition system includes a control knob that lets you adjust the heat to your liking or power the heater off. This heater comes in six colors, so you can pick what blends well with your patio.
Key Features- Piezo ignition system
- Durable powder-coated finish
- Auto shut-off tilt valve
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Color: Havana Bronze
- Power Source: Propane
- Heating Method: Convection, Radiant
- BTU: 46,000
- Includes safety features
- Easy to assemble
- Has a handy tip-over function
- The wheels don't seem very sturdy
1. Gorilla Gadgets Heater
9.00 / 10 Read ReviewsIf you want a low-noise and high-performing heater for your patio, consider the Gorilla Gadgets Heater. This patio heater comes with an overheating protection feature, which prevents it from overheating or blowing up after continuous use. The bottom part is weighted for maximum stability, and in case someone knocks it over, the heater turns off to avoid burning anything around it.
Setting up the Gorilla Gadgets Heater is quick and easy, plus it has intuitive controls for seamless use. There aren’t many parts to assemble, eliminating the chances of it bursting into flames because of poor connections. The heater comes in two modes, 1,200 watts (high heat) and 750 watts (low heat), so you can choose what suits a specific environment.
The cylindrical design is compact and gorgeous-looking to blend nicely with your patio, making it appropriate for social home events. It also produces 45dB of noise, allowing you to read and work without disturbance.
Key Features- Two heating modes
- Overheat protection
- Made of ABS material
- Brand: Gorilla Gadgets
- Color: Black
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Heating Method: Convection, Radiant
- BTU: 4,094.6
- Stable
- Durable
- Easy to set up
- Attractive
- Heating dispersity could be a bit longer
1. Briza Infrared Patio Heater
8.80 / 10 Read ReviewsThe Briza Infrared Patio Heater is highly functional and durable, making it an ideal pick. There’s a built-in sensor for switching off the unit if anyone trips over it, eliminating the chances of fire accidents. The Briza Infrared Patio Heater stands up to harsh elements without compromising performance as it comes with an IP65 rating.
You’ll appreciate the built-in timer, which lets you set the heater to warm the patio for a particular period before it turns off automatically. This heater comes with three adjustable heat levels, allowing you to switch between 900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts, depending on how cold your patio is.
There’s minimal maintenance required since this heater has no air filters or moving parts. The patio heater uses an infrared space heater, which radiates lights without producing annoying sounds. You can either mount the heater on a wall or fix it on the adjustable tripod stand for portability.
Key Features- Three adjustable heat levels
- Has an IP55 rating
- Three heat levels
- Brand: Briza
- Color: Black
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Heating Method: Carbon infrared technology
- BTU: 5,115
- Easy to use and setup
- Withstands harsh climates
- Has a built-in timer that’s controllable with a remote
- Limited heat range
1. Fire Sense Patio Heater
8.60 / 10 Read ReviewsThe Fire Sense Patio Heater is durable and well-performing, making it one of the best to create a cozy environment on your patio. This electric heater emits 1,500 watts of heat (5,100 BTUs) which is enough to warm your patio a few minutes after turning it on. On top is an aluminum heat shield that secures the heater from external elements while directing heat into the aimed direction.
Instructions on how to assemble the heater are clear and easy to follow, making the process straightforward. Like most patio heaters, the Fire Sense Patio Heater comes with a tip-over protection system that turns it off after a sudden fall.
Moving the heater to different positions is fast with the included wheels. You can adjust the pole to match the height of your table to ensure dispersed heat goes to the intended place. The weighted base holds the heater sturdily to the ground to prevent wobbling.
Key Features- 90 percent energy conversion
- 12-foot non-retractable cable
- Weighted base
- Great for indoor and outdoor heating
- Brand: Fire Sense
- Color: Black
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Heating Method: Radiant
- BTU: 5,100
- Easy to operate
- Powerful
- Constructed from high-grade materials
- Portable
- Takes pretty long to heat
1. Star Patio Heater
8.60 / 10 Read ReviewsIf you want a small but versatile heater to warm your patio, then you’ll love the Star Patio Heater. Producing up to 5,100 BTUs, it heats up to a distance of 12 square feet, making it ideal for warming five people sitting around a tabletop. The tip-over feature shuts off the heater automatically when it’s suddenly tipped over to prevent fire.
Outdoor performance is incredible since the heater has an IP44 rating, enabling it to withstand water splashes and dust. The base is perfectly weighted to hold the other parts in place, so you don’t have to worry about this heater wobbling around the table.
Besides being energy efficient, the heater doesn’t produce harmful fumes and chemicals, making it environmentally friendly. The Star Patio Heater is compact as it measures 16.5 x 16.5 x 29.5 inches, so it easily fits on your dining or coffee table. It also has a stylish dome shape cover on the top, which blends easily with most patio décor.
Key Features- IP44 certified
- Unique dome shape design
- Auto shut-off function
- Long-lasting halogen tube
- Brand: Star Patio
- Color: Black
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Heating Method: Radiant
- BTU: 5,100
- Environmentally friendly
- Fits well in cramped spaces
- Easy to move from one tabletop to the other
- Low noise performance
- Only warms a small group of people
1. Southestic
8.40 / 10 Read ReviewsSafe, quiet, and energy-efficient, the Southeatic Electric Patio Heater is a worthy pick for anyone who wants to warm their medium-sized patio. The patio heater uses advanced carbon-fiber technology, which warms up the area in three seconds. There’s a built-in safety mechanism that switches off the heater if it gets tilted over 45 degrees from the ideal position.
You would confuse this freestanding heater for a medium-sized soundbar, meaning it’s elegant enough to blend with many patio spaces. Highly durable, the Southeatic Electric Patio Heater is IP55 certified, so you don’t have to switch positions when weather conditions change.
The heater weighs 10.8 pounds with a sturdy bottom that holds it in place even when it’s windy. You can tweak the amount of heat you want in your patio since the heater comes with three selectable heat levels, including 500, 1000, and 1500 watts. It also operates quietly, so it won’t distract you when sleeping or studying.
Key Features- Sturdy stainless steel base
- IP55 certified
- 24 hours timing
- Three heat levels
- Brand: Southestic
- Color: Black
- Power Source: AC
- Heating Method: Radiant
- BTU: 5,100
- Ensures maximum safety with the tip-over function
- Assembly process is quick and easy
- Doesn’t distract your sleep or other activities
- Heats up quickly
- Heat output could be better
FAQ
Q: Are Patio Heaters Repairable?
There are various ways to combat common patio heaters problems, and fortunately, some don’t require you to visit a technician. Sometimes, your patio heater fails to heat once the thermocouple gets clogged with carbon from the propane. You only need to unclog the carbon build-up using a tiny tooth file.
Corroded wires cause sudden malfunctions and are mainly caused by rodent infestation, exposure to elements, and old age. Damaged cables are pretty hard to fix, so you’ll need to seek professional help to replace them.
Your patio heater won’t ignite if the propane gas cylinder is empty, so remember to refill it. In addition, ensure the regulator is tightly connected to the propane tank.
Q: What Are the Different Styles of Patio Heaters?
The best patio heaters come in various styles to help you pick what fits and blends with your patio. Freestanding patio heaters are quite popular, and they have stable bases. They come in two unique designs, quartz tube, and mushroom style.
Tabletop patio heaters are compact, making them an excellent option for placing them on a table. Some use electricity while others use propane gas to spread the heat around the table.
Mounted patio heaters are space-saving as they are mounted on a ceiling or wall. Others include hanging, umbrella, and fire patio heaters.
Q: How Are Patio Heaters Powered?
The best patio heaters come with different heat types, including propane, electric, and natural gas. Propane patio heaters only require you to attach a standard 20-pound gas tank, which lasts for around ten hours. They heat fast and can be moved to where heat is needed the most.
Electric patio heaters need a power outlet, so you don’t need to worry about running out of propane. The only downside is they take more time to heat and cost more in the long run.
Remember, patio heaters that use natural gas require professional installation.
