What Are The Types Of Patio Heater Available
Patio heaters come in three different options for your yard or commercial business.
Freestanding Patio Heater
Most freestanding models include the fuel tank in the base to provide stability. The heater sits on top of an extension pole, typically up to 4-feet in height. These heaters are excellent choices for bars, restaurants, and even your home patio.
The freestanding nature of the heater means you can set it up anywhere on the patio. Freestanding models are portable, and propane or natural gas models have the fuel source in the base of the unit. At the top of the heater unit, youll find a heat deflector that pushes the heat from the burner out towards you.
Wall-Mounted Patio Heater
If you want an electric model, then investigate a wall-mounted unit. These heaters use infrared heating methods to keep your patio toasty and warm. They arent as portable as freestanding heaters, but they dont take up any floor space on your patio.
If you know you stand around a specific area of your patio, then you dont need to worry about portability. Fixing a heater to the wall and directing its energy toward your tables or standing areas is all you need to stay warm.
Tabletop Patio Heater
These heaters are compact and portable, making them the ideal units for camping trips. However, they are great for the patio as well. Stand them on the table and let them keep everyone warm.
The Best Patio Heaters 2021
Packing 2,000W of power, the OPRANIC 2KW Electric Patio Heater is energy efficient and safe. This electric heater uses infrared to heat you directly, instead of heating the area around you, which is an energy-efficient feature that will cut down on costs and wasted heat.
Other great features include the column design, which will warm you you from top to bottom, and the remote control. That means there’s no need to get up and switch off the heater when you’re all warm and toasty. Youll find that its great for evenings where youre sat outside because its perfectly sized to warm up your entire body when youre seated, including legs.;
This heater is a metre tall, but it doesnt heat 360-degrees around it. For smaller groups where you can all position yourselves in front of the OPRANIC 2KW Electric Patio Heater, it’s a good choice.;
Many prefer a gas patio heater to the best electric options. This is largely because they’re cordless, meaning you can place the heater right at the foot of the patio without worrying about tripping over cords.;
The Dellonda Propane Gas Pyramid Patio Heater is a freestanding and generously sized option. Storage when not in use could be tricky as it’s over two metres tall, but if you have the space it’s a top choice.;
Safety features include a variable heat outlet and a tip-over switch that automatically turns off the heater if it tilts. The metal reflector directs the heat downwards and towards you.;
Best Wall Mount Patio Heater
- Heating Range: 15 ft.
- Size: 22 x 6 x 5 inches
The Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater is quite a bit different from the last two models, as it doesnt stand on its own but is a wall mount heater for both commercial and residential use.
In addition, it doesnt use propane for its power, but rather 110v of electric power.
This means that you never have to refill a tank and never have to worry about exhaust fumes, while also having more confidence due to it being safer to operate.
Instead, the design utilizes infrared rays which have been used for hundreds of years to heal injuries, grow plants, and many other positive uses.
While it works in both indoor and outdoor settings, if you decide to use it outdoors, remember this electric outdoor heater comes with a weatherproof IP65 rating.
That means that it will hold up well in all kinds of climates! For indoor situations, you and your guests will appreciate its silent operation and low light which wont distract you from your conversations or sleeping.
Controlling this outdoor patio heater is easy, thanks to an included remote control. Choose from 3 heat settings: high, medium, and low. You can also use the remote to switch it on or off, or do it manually.
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Weve Included 4 Types Of Patio Heaters
Outdoor patio heaters include a wide range of product types. Our favorite patio heater styles include:
- Propane Patio Heaters: Many commercial patio heaters found at your local restaurants rely on propane or natural gas fuel. Likewise, many residential outdoor heaters also rely on propane, most often in 20-pound refillable tanks. The classic patio heater is typically shaped like a pyramid, umbrella or column. Its worth remembering that this additional fuel will need to be purchased separately.
- Electric Heaters: Electric heaters are the second most common type of patio heaters. Keep in mind that larger commercial electric heaters may require a professional electrician to install. This category also includes infrared heaters, which direct a targeted beam of heat instead of relying on radiant heating, which warms the surrounding air through convection. These heaters are easy to use and are also highly efficient.
- Gas Fire Pits:;Many modern fire pits rely on propane instead of wood, and they can provide reliable heat and enhance your outdoor decor. These outdoor heaters are perfect for casual get-togethers.
- Natural Fire Pits: While not outdoor patio heaters in a traditional sense, its worth remembering that anything which makes fire will keep you warm. Traditional, wood-fueled fire pits are a reliable and alternative way to stay warm.
Westinghouse Tabletop Infrared Patio Heater Best Tabletop Heater
Westinghouse EBI is a division of internally renowned Westinghouse Electric Corporation specializing in outdoor heaters, saunas, and therapeutic massage chairs. The Tabletop Infrared Patio Heater is an affordable tabletop heater thats safe to use outdoors in all weather conditionsfrom sunny to rainy to windy. With its radiant infrared heat, this tabletop patio heater gives off enough warmth for a large dinner table or outdoor living area. Like other Westinghouse porch heaters, it has a stylish matte black finish with a durable powder-coated finish.
Power: 1,500 watts
Weight: 9.9 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
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Hiland Umbrella Base Electric Patio Heater Best Space Saver
AZ Patio Heaters offers a broad selection of heaters under the Hiland brand name. The Hiland Umbrella Base Electric Patio Heater is its most innovative product. This heater is secured to the ground with 4 screws. The patio table umbrella is then screwed into the connecting tube at the top of the heater and locked in with 3 screws. This is a really neat product that gives off a generous amount of heat without taking up any extra space.
Power: 1,500 watts
Weight: 8.00 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Belleze Commercial Patio Heater
The Belleze Commercial Pati Heater is a great tool to use to keep your deck warm well into the chilly night hours. Additionally, it makes for a great value buy, so if youre looking to make a budget buy this should be it! The Belleze device is built with only the best materials to make sure that it is durable and able to keep up with you for years to come. The Belleze Heater was fitted with many features that make it great for any homeowner – especially if they were hoping to invest in a propane patio heater.
The Belleze Commercial device is equipped with a weight bladder that can be filled with water or sand to make it easier to stabilize. This means that youll be able to make sure its always secure and has less risk for falling over. It also comes with anti-tilt protection so if the device senses that it is tilting too far in one direction it will immediately turn itself off.
Additionally, the Belleze device is capable of heating up to 48,000 btus and has a variable heat control setting that will allow you to adjust the temperatures to your liking. Theres not much more than you could ask for from such a great quality device. The Belleze heater is guaranteed to be everything you need and more.
Youll love all the options the come with the device and the comfort it brings you, even during the chilliest of nights.
Gas Vs. Electric
Adrian White
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Lava Heat Italia Runner Up
Our choice for the best runner up natural gas patio heater for wind is the Lava Heat Italia on Amazon. This unit is moderately priced and it offers a host of useful features. It runs on clean natural gas and is easy to operate
This is ideal for anyone who has a natural gas connection piped into their home or business. The unit is just 6 feet tall, but the output is 36,000 BTUs for ample heating with distribution in a radius of 6 feet on all sides.
Its safe for use in the wind with a protective steel grill that stays cool to the touch thanks to the tempered glass tube. Its attractive and provides a nice view of the flame.
What I like:
What I dont like:
- The material is not rust-resistant so extra care is needed
How To Choose The Best Patio Heater Fuel
Most freestanding patio heaters are propane powered, and will take a 20-pound tank. These are available at many local stores and supermarkets. You simply connect the tank, turn on the valve and ignite the heater. Run-time varies, but some patio heater brands promise up to 10 hours of operation on a single tank.
Natural gas patio heaters remove the need to keep purchasing and replacing tanks by connecting directly to the mains gas line, provided your property has one. While this makes them more expensive and time-consuming to install, and also restricts where they can be placed, they are cheaper to operate long-term.
Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than both their gas-powered counterparts, and generally cheaper to buy, and easier to operate. You just need to plug them in. But they also generate significantly less heat even the top-of-the-range models and need to be within reach of a power outlet.
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Opranic 2kw Electric Patio Heater
Best infrared patio heater
Dimensions: W19 x D12.7 x H100.5 cmReasons to buy:;Five heat settingsReasons to avoid:;Not the largest option out there
The Opranic 2KW Electric Patio Heater has an aluminium body and knitted carbon flament. The infrared function means its super efficient, only heating objects nearby and not the air itself.;
This heater has 2000W of power and comes with a textile cover to keep it safe when not in use. Theres also a safety function that automatically shuts the heater off when tipped. Opranic also claim that the IP34 certified heater has at least 10,000 hours of battery life.
Best Quality: Pamapic Wall
As we transition into winter, our minds are on all things comfy and cozy, and this wall-mounted patio heater brings those warm, fuzzy feelings outdoors. You can enjoy coffee on chilly mornings and mulled wine in the evenings on your patio or porch without packing on the layers because it delivers heat as soon as you turn it on. As an infrared heater, it directs heat at people and objects instead of just warming up the air. Plus, you can use the remote to power it on and off as well as adjust temperature settings. Best of all, the wall-mounted design is great for those who want a relatively low-profile look.
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The Amazonbasics Patio Heater Is A Sturdy Easy
- Heat output: 46,000 Btu
- Safety features: Auto shut-off, wheels for easy mobility, push-to-start button
- Best for: Mild fall and winter days, with small groups of 2-4 people
Pros: Durable construction, easy to operate, wheeled design, puts out a lot of heat
Cons: Shorter people might have to stretch to reach the control knob
I panic-purchased the AmazonBasics Patio Heater when the weather started to turn colder and the pandemic didn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. I’ve been using the AmazonBasics Patio Heater for almost five months now, and it’s made it comfortable enough to sit outside even during the chilly Canadian fall and early winter. It provides a consistent amount of heat that spreads over a large enough area to keep a small group of people comfortable when the weather is chilly.;
The mushroom-top unit has a single control knob with an ignition setting, along with low and high heat options. The heat controls are placed at the top of the unit, which requires short people like me to stand on tippy toes to reach, but keeps the controls out of the hands of kids. It operates on a propane tank the same kind you use to operate your BBQ and the stainless steel design is weather-resistant, so there’s not really any need to store it away for the winter.
Best Standing Electric Patio Heaters
Nedis Patio Heater, £85, eBay
One of eBay’s bestselling electric patio heaters is this 1500W lamp-style which stands at 200cm with three settings and safety features including a tip-over switch and overheat protection.
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If you’d like to install a heater underneath a parasol in your patio or garden, this infrared outdoor space heater has three heating panels that fold toward the umbrella pole for easy storage. It has three power settings from 650W, 1300W and 1950W and is designed to heat a space of up to about 12sq ft.
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What Are The Best Patio Heaters
When it comes to the best patio heaters on the market, you cant do much better than the Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater. Thanks to an affordable combination of style, functionality, and power, its a great value for the price. Its durable steel construction should last a while, too.
Extra warmth doesnt have to drain your bank account, and the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 is a perfect case-in-point. For less than $150, you get a spacious 1,000 square feet of coverage in a safe, discreet package. Its a solid option for families with small children running around.;
One thing to note: As with many other lockdown-related items, theres been an unprecedented surge in interest in patio heaters, so some of the options listed below may be out of stock temporarily. We’ll do our best to keep this page updated with patio heaters that are available.
Reasons to avoid
If youd 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.;
Reasons to avoid
For a pyramid-style heat source that will grab some attention , 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 .;
Reasons to avoid
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Reasons to avoid
Reasons to avoid
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Best Electric Patio Heater
- Heating Range: 322 sq ft
- Size: 84 x 19 inches
With a more modern and industrial look the Terra Hiker also has the highest BTU output of any heater on our list with 55,000 BTUs of heat.
The Terra Hiker is designed with safety in mind. It can be secured to the floor with anchoring legs plus it has tip over safety shut off valve.
Not only is the Terra Hiker sleek looking it also boasts some nice features like a magnetic propane door latch, wheels for easy transport and a shelf / table for keeping your drink or snacks while you enjoy the warmth.
With just a few screws the Terra Hiker is the easiest by far to assemble and provides up to 27 hours of warmth. The warmth adjustment is underneath the heater housing so you dont have to worry about getting burned making an adjustment unlike most other heaters.
Being made of stainless steel, this outdoor patio heater will provide warmth for many years.
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Our Pick: Az Patio Heaters Hiland Hlds01
May be out of stock
If youre simply looking for sheer heat output, get the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01-WCGT. This tall, mushroom-style propane heater is easy to assemble. And it cranks out a whopping 48,000 BTUs of heat, which is more than enough to keep a few people warmed from a distance. It also has a convenient table attachment for your drinks or cards , as well as a pair of wheels and three anchor ports, so you can secure it to the ground or a deck. And if it does start to tip over, the Hiland will automatically shut off if it gets too far.
But the Hiland HLDS01-WCGTs best perk, which sets it apart from other mushroom-style patio heaters, is that its widely available online and in stores. Another great feature is that the company provides fantastic customer service, including replacement parts; if you want a heater that lasts, and you want to be sure youre using it safely, this is absolutely invaluable. We reached out to customer service as part of our testing, and the help the representatives provided was friendly, efficient, and clear. The Lowes-exclusive Garden Treasures NCZH-G-KMZMSS and Home Depotexclusive Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Patio Heater are both nearly identical to the Hiland, but we think seeking out the Hiland model is worth it for the better service.
Hampton Bay Steel Propane Fire Pit
ALSO CONSIDER
If you already have a great outdoor patio furniture set, then this propane fire pit can serve as a fantastic centerpiece to your outdoor entertainment space. Hampton Bay makes some of our favorite outdoor heaters and gas fire pits, and this elegantly designed table is a great option. This 50,000 BTU propane fire pit will heat a 215 sq. ft. area. The fire pit features a sophisticated table-like design and has a durable steel housing and automatic shutoff.
Hampton Bay Whitfield Galvanized Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit
$349.00
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