7 Best Patio Heaters
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Patio heaters are designed to heat outdoor areas quickly and keep them warm. Most outdoor heaters run on gas or electric powered systems and can be freestanding or wall mounted.
In this article we have done the work for you and have highlighted the different types of patio heaters, based on quality, performance and the features of each.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best Patio Heaters:
- Best Overall Patio Heater – Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater
- Best Electric Patio Heater –Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 6000W Electric Infrared Patio Heater
- Best Budget Patio Heater –PATIOBOSS Electric Wall-Mounted Outdoor Patio Heater
- Best Gas Patio Heater– Hiland 91-Inch Tall Quartz Glass Tube Heater
- Best Freestanding Patio Heater – Infrared Outdoor Patio Electric Heater 1500W Carbon Tube
Why You Should Trust Us
For this review we spoke with experts in the home and garden industry. We also read through outdoor related forums, and patio heater reviews on Amazon, BBQ Guys and Home Depot to determine what consumers are looking for in a a patio heater. We then spent over 20 hours testing, researching and inspecting our picks for this article.
How We Researched Best Patio Heaters
- We spent several weeks researching the best Patio Heaters
- We considered over 20 Patio Heaters and narrowed it down to the 7 reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, testing and comparing the features of each
Comparison Chart
| PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
 1 | Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater Show more | ||
 2 | Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 6000W Electric Infrared Patio Heater Show more | ||
 3 | PATIOBOSS Electric Wall-Mounted Outdoor Patio Heater Show more | ||
 4 | Hiland 91-Inch Tall Quartz Glass Tube Heater Show more | ||
 5 | Infrared Outdoor Patio Electric Heater 1500W Carbon Tube Show more | ||
 6 | Infratech WD-Series 4000 Watt Electric Outdoor Heater Show more | ||
 7 | Air Choice Patio Ceiling Mounted Heater Show more |
The Best Patio Heaters Reviewed
- 46,000 BTU's of heat output
- Wheels for easy maneuverability and storage
- 10 hours of use with a 20 pound tank
- Some complaints about rusting if gets wet
- Top heavy and winds may take it down
- Flames burn off finish
- 46,000 BTU's of heat output
- Wheels for easy maneuverability and storage
- 10 hours of use with a 20 pound tank
- Some complaints about rusting if gets wet
- Top heavy and winds may take it down
- Flames burn off finish
This outdoor patio heater by Fire Sense is made using heavy duty commercial grade steel. It offers a copper finish and also features wheels for easy portability. It has an easy push button on off switch with 46,000 BTU's of heat output. This heater comes with a one year warranty.
This portable heater makes uses a standard 20 pound LPG propane tank which should provide 10 hours of heat time. The tank is not included.
- Space saving wall or ceiling mount options
- Adjustment bracket provides directional spot heating
- Weather resistant and stainless steel construction
- Price on the high side
- Gives off a red glow
- Must be attached to wall or ceiling
- Space saving wall or ceiling mount options
- Adjustment bracket provides directional spot heating
- Weather resistant and stainless steel construction
- Price on the high side
- Gives off a red glow
- Must be attached to wall or ceiling
The Tungsten Smart-Heat patio heater is equipped with a spectral reflector for distributing 6,000 Watts (20,500 BTU) of radiant heat evenly and heat areas up to 160 square feet. The infrared heating element tubes are frosted to reduce the harsh glare, producing a warm, attractive amber glow. It can be wall or ceiling-mounted and wired into smart system controls to fit custom heating preferences.
This electric heater can be used for both commercial and residential installations. The heater has a corrosion-resistant, high temperature coating, and a tamper-proof electrical wiring enclosure to help extend its life and quality. This heater uses 240V AC current and must be hard-wired by a licensed electrician.
- 24-hour timer and auto shut off
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- 3 heating modes 500W/1000W/1500W
- The heat isn't as strong as competitors
- May need to secure more in windy areas
- Will most likely need heavy duty extension cords
- 24-hour timer and auto shut off
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- 3 heating modes 500W/1000W/1500W
- The heat isn't as strong as competitors
- May need to secure more in windy areas
- Will most likely need heavy duty extension cords
The PATIOBOSS infrared heater has advanced electric heating technology, meaning you can feel the warmth with 3 heating modes 500W/1000W/1500W. You are able to control this patio heater by panel and remote control, or you can set 0-24 hour timer according to your needs. It is made with durable aluminum and with ETL Certification and IP34 waterproof, and an over heating protection system for safety.
This infrared heater uses no fuel, no carbon dioxide, and will not pollute the air. It also saves 40%-60% on electricity. PATIOBOSS offers 1-YEAR and 100% satisfaction warranty.
- Safety auto-tilt shut off system
- Includes a one year warranty against manufacturer defects
- 40,000 BTU's, variable control
- Will need to provide propane tank
- Stainless steal parts may rust
- Assembly maybe a challenge
- Safety auto-tilt shut off system
- Includes a one year warranty against manufacturer defects
- 40,000 BTU's, variable control
- Will need to provide propane tank
- Stainless steal parts may rust
- Assembly maybe a challenge
The Hiland 91-Inch tall radiant heat glass tube outdoor patio heater has a stainless steel finish with access door design. The quartz glass tubes offer 40,000 BTU's, and variable control. A safety valve shuts it off automatically if tilted. This heater includes a one year manufacturers warranty.
There are wheels on the bottom of this heater for easy mobility. It uses a 20 pound propane tank that can last 8 to 10 hours on high. You will need to supply your own propane tank.
- One switch power on/off & change heating modes
- Auto tipping shut off
- Offers 3 power levels - 600/900/1500W
- Not the cheapest option
- May need to weigh down in winds
- Heat stays in one area
- One switch power on/off & change heating modes
- Auto tipping shut off
- Offers 3 power levels - 600/900/1500W
- Not the cheapest option
- May need to weigh down in winds
- Heat stays in one area
Three halogen fire tubes are built in this outdoor heater and does not produce greenhouse gases. The heating range is 3-5 meters and you can control the heater's power on/off and change heating modes by a long pull switch. It also has 3 power levels; 600/900/1500W. You can use this infrared heater to choose their ideal temperature. The height of this outdoor patio heater can be adjusted if needed and has an auto shut off if tipped.
This heater is made of high-quality metal and plastic, and the surface is coated. It has IP34 dustproof and waterproof rating, which is an ideal a balcony, courtyard, garage, garden, barbecue area or bar.
- Zero greenhouse emissions, odors or ultraviolet light
- Converts 90% + of input energy into radiant heat
- UL listed for indoor and outdoor use
- Does not give off as much heat as expected
- An electrician will need to install this
- The light is red and makes everything red color
- Zero greenhouse emissions, odors or ultraviolet light
- Converts 90% + of input energy into radiant heat
- UL listed for indoor and outdoor use
- Does not give off as much heat as expected
- An electrician will need to install this
- The light is red and makes everything red color
The W-Series offers a variety of mounting options and is UL listed for indoor and outdoor use. It is powered by 4000 watts which are capable of warming an area approximately 10 X 8 feet. This heater is fashioned out of recyclable materials and operates with zero greenhouse emissions, odors, or ultraviolet light.
All Infratech units include brackets that provide the required minimal clearance from combustibles and the quartz electric elements are designed for up to 5000 hours of use. these heaters will need to be installed by an electrician.
- Auto shut off if tipped over
- Adapting halogen tube as heating element
- Produces no odors, chemicals or fumes
- Glows very bright when on
- Heat is minimal and from above
- Must be attached to a ceiling
- Auto shut off if tipped over
- Adapting halogen tube as heating element
- Produces no odors, chemicals or fumes
- Glows very bright when on
- Heat is minimal and from above
- Must be attached to a ceiling
This electric heater doesn’t have a flame and it doesn’t burn oxygen, making it much safer than heater with real flames. It also produces no harmful odors, chemicals or fumes. If the patio heater is overheating or gets tipped-over, it will automatically shut off. It uses up to 1500W power supply.
It comes with an 8.2" adjustable chain you can pull off and on. It comes with a 2-year quality assurance warranty and lifetime technical support.
What to Consider When Buying a Patio Heaters
Power Source – Patio heaters come in several fuel or power source options. Propane is the most popular but if dealing with a tank is not for you, then an electric-powered patio heater may be a better fit. Electric patio heaters are usually plugged into standard residential outlets, but some do require an electrician to install.
Size – When purchasing a patio heater, you need to understand the various models that range of size, design, and shape. The size of your patio heater will determine the price as well. If you’re just adding some warmth to a small area, you won’t need the most powerful heater on the market or a freestanding may get in the way. You may consider a wall or ceiling mounted type.
BTU – BTU or British Thermal Units is the formal measurement for all heating appliances: the higher the number, the higher the potential temperature. A tabletop heater can pump out 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs, larger heaters can heat your yard with 40,000 BTUs or more.
Range – Larger patio heaters generally have a greater range which maybe up to 18 feet or more. A small, tabletop model will only radiate heat for a distance of a few feet but always check the BTUs because this also affects the range.
Heat Output – The intensity and effectiveness of a patio heater can be measured with heat output which is basically BTUs for some types. BTUs are usually used for gas-burning patio heaters and watts for electric heaters. To compare how well two units will heat your space, compare the BTUs or watts of each model to find the one that will fit your temperature preferences and space.