Imagine this: The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in beautiful colors, but a sudden chill creeps into the air. You want to keep enjoying your patio, but the cold pushes everyone inside. Don’t let chilly evenings cut your outdoor fun short! Choosing the perfect outdoor patio heater can feel like a guessing game. Do you need gas or electric? How much heat is enough? Itโs easy to feel overwhelmed by all the features and styles available.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about outdoor patio heaters. You will learn which type fits your space and budget best. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing a heater that keeps your outdoor oasis warm and inviting, no matter the temperature.
Top Outdoor Patio Heaters Recommendations
- ๐ฃ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐๐น ๐ฑ๐ฌ,๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐: Our outdoor patio heater delivers 50,000 BTU of power to spread heat up to an 20-foot diameter from its central heating position. With ETL certification, it is ideal for outdoor and commercial use and can be placed on an outdoor balcony, garden, swimming pool, etc
- ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ-๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ต: High-quality 304 stainless steel is engineered into our double-cover heating mesh design. Compared with a traditional single-layer burning mesh heater, the EAST OAK Outdoor Heater is more powerful, durable, and safer. All these improvements deliver a 20% longer product life
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฒ: Some parts are assembled in advance, and the upgraded reflector shield only needs to be assembled with three reflector pieces. The installation of the entire product, following the instructions, can be completed in about 30 minutes. The Outdoor Patio Heater has two wheels on the bottom for smooth movement
- ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐บ: The Tip-over Protection system will shut off the flame when the patio heater propane is tilted more than 45 degrees. If the flame goes out, the Flame-out Protection system automatically shuts off the gas supply
- ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป: The Propane Heater features a unique round propane tank lid that allows you to place snacks, drinks, cell phones, or other small objects on top. Our barrel has a convenient hole design, so you can reach directly in and turn off the heater without opening the door
- Instant Cozy Heat โ This 34" 1500W carbon infrared tower heater with dual carbon element heating tubes warms you from head to toe in just 1 second, like natural sunlight. It heats silently without drying the air, produces no COโ or smoke, and costs only 1/10 as much to run as propane heaters.
- Durable & Weatherproof โ This outdoor patio heaters has an aluminum alloy frame with an IPX5 rating, which withstands rain, humidity, and daily use. Suitable for both indoor spaces like garages, living rooms, and offices, and outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and decks.
- Safe & UL-Certified โ Our outdoor heaters for patio automatically shut off if tipped, moved, or overheated. Comes with a 6.6FT flame-retardant power cord for safe and flexible use. Built with safety as a top priority, giving you reliable warmth you can trust.
- Comfortable Sleep โ 3 heat levels (600W/900W/1500W) let you choose the perfect warmth for restful nights. Delivers sun-like heat without drying the air or creating noise, keeping your sleep cozy, quiet, and undisturbed.
- Carry Warmth Anywhere - Ergonomic protruding handle makes it easy to move the garage heater safely and effortlessly, reducing the risk of drops or damage. Place it wherever you need warmth, indoors or outdoors.
- ๐ฃ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐๐น ๐ฑ๐ฌ,๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐: Our outdoor patio heater delivers 48,000 BTU of power to spread heat up to an 18-foot diameter from its central heating position. With ETL certification, it is ideal for outdoor and commercial use and can be placed on an outdoor balcony, garden, swimming pool, etc
- ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ-L๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ต: High-quality 304 stainless steel is engineered into our double-cover heating mesh design. Compared with a traditional single-layer burning mesh heater, the EAST OAK Outdoor Heater is more powerful, durable, and safer. All these improvements deliver a 20% longer product life
- ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐บ: The Tip-over Protection system will shut off the flame when the patio heater propane is tilted more than 45 degrees. If the flame goes out, the Flame-out Protection system automatically shuts off the gas supply
- ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป: The Propane Heater features a unique round propane tank lid that allows you to place snacks, drinks or other small objects on top. Our barrel has a convenient hole design, so you can reach directly in and turn off the heater without opening the door
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ฑ-๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ด๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ง๐ผ ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: The Patio Heater is easy to start with a one-touch ignition system that can ignite the flame in under five seconds. The adjustable control knob can customize the heat from low to high or turn off the heater
- ๐ฃ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐๐น ๐ฐ๐ด,๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐: Our outdoor patio heater delivers 48,000 BTU of power, and feature adjustable knobs to regulate temperature according to your preference. With CSA certification, it is ideal for outdoor and commercial use and can be placed on an outdoor balcony, garden, swimming pool, etc
- ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ถ๐๐บ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต-๐ค๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: The exterior of the patio heater is made of powder-coated, high-quality aluminum to resist scratches and rust. A 4.7-inch diameter quartz glass tube not only looks spectacular but is both strong and durable can easily stand up to the great outdoors
- ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐พ๐๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป: Our in-house design team put their hearts and souls into creating the EAST OAK Pyramid Patio Heater. Our goal was to create something that not only worked well but would also be the centerpiece of any outdoor entertaining area. The embossed stainless steel surfaces complement any decor with elegance, and the heaterโs flame feature will be the talk of the neighborhood
- ๐ง๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป : EAST OAK propane patio heater offers a triple safety protection system to ensure your well-being. Designed with anti-tip protection, it will automatically shut off the flame when tilted more than 45 degrees. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the gas supply will shut off immediately
- ๐ข๐ป๐ฒ-๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ด๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป : Our patio heaters are incredibly easy to start, simply press the one-button ignition to ignite the flame in 5 seconds. The adjustable control knob allows you to customize the heat or turn it off according to your preference, from low to high. Note: 5AA battery included, recommended to remove the battery if not used for a long time
- SOOTHING WARMTH: Outdoor gas heater for cozy warmth when sitting outside; ideal for cafes, restaurants, and home patios
- EASY TO USE AND MOVE: One-touch ignition button for quick start ups; wheels for maneuvering into place
- POWERFUL HEAT: 46,000 BTUs for heating up to a 18 foot diameter; adjustable temperature knob for controlling the output
- SAFETY FEATURES: Tilt safety auto-shut off valve; water box for weighing down the base and wheel kit; chain included to secure the tank
- DURABLE EXTERIOR & REQUIRES: Powder-coated finish in Havana Bronze for lasting strength; 20 pound liquid propane gas tank to operate (not included)
- A side of the black outdoor patio heater gives you easy access to the 20 lb. propane tank (not included), making it easy to change it out as needed.
- The black patio heater is equipped with a simple-to-use pulse ignition, putting out 48,000 BTU's of steady warmth to keep you warm all night long. In windy weather, please move the heater to the house to avoid unnecessary losses.
- Reliable pulse ignition system for quick, easy starting.Variable heat setting and built-in control valve allows you to adjust and regulate the temperature to your liking.
- This 89.4 inch tall outdoor patio heater features a mesmerizing glass flame tube that is guaranteed to liven up any atmosphere. The long-lasting, stainless steel finish is sure to catch the eye of your partygoers.
- Patio pyramid heater with cover: Youโll be assured a custom-like fit while fade-resistant fabric protects your pyramid heater. Cover zips open and closed with ease.
- ๐ฅ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ & ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐: This patio heater uses high-efficiency carbon fiber and infrared technology to deliver heat directly to people and objects, not just the air. It quickly provides warmth and is especially effective in outdoor or open areas, preventing heat loss. The 60ยฐ oscillation expands the heating area, ensuring no cold spots at your outdoor gatherings.
- ๐ฅ๐ต ๐ผ๐๐๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐จ: With power settings ranging from 500W to 1500W, this outdoor heaters offers nine temperature levels. Whether you need gentle warmth on a cool autumn evening or powerful heat on a cold winter night, this patio heater delivers unmatched comfort.
- ๐ฅ๐ต-๐๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง: Equipped with a smart timer, this space heater outdoor can be set from 1 to 9 hours, allowing you to customize your heating duration for a worry-free, warm night. This feature adds convenience and is an essential safety measure to prevent overheating from extended unattended use.
- ๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ฉ๐ง๐-๐๐ช๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ: Ideal for creating a quiet sleep environment, this infrared heater operates almost silently. Unlike PTC ceramic heaters, it doesn't require a fan, so it avoids air movement, noise, and odors, letting you enjoy a peaceful night.
- ๐ฅ๐๐ช๐ก๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ: Certified by UL, this outdoor electric heater includes safety features like overheat & tip-over protection, a child lock, and a protective mesh to prevent accidental contact with the heating elementโkeeping children and pets safe. It has an IP44 rating for outdoor use, and a weighted base for extra stability, reducing the risk of tipping.
- Economical Outdoor Patio Heater: 1500 W Outdoor Heater features an advanced PTC ceramic element that enhances heating efficiency by 20%. This design ensures a stable temperature, while also reducing energy consumption by 20% compared to standard heaters
- Versatile 3 Modes Electric Heater: The patio heater offers 3 adjustable modes: 25 W (natural air), 750 W (low heat), and 1500 W (high heat). Simply turn the thermostat control knob to select your desired warmth level, making it easy to customize your heating experience
- Rapid Heating Technology: Electric heater with PTC ceramic technology and a 2600 RPM high-speed fan delivers hot air in just 3 seconds. This rapid heating capability ensures that warmth is evenly distributed across a maximum area of 215 sq ft, providing efficient and consistent heat
- Safe Patio Heater: The space heater features a V-0 flame retardant surface and a built-in thermal overload protector that automatically shuts off at 167 โ to prevent overheating. The four non-slip feet provide added stability to prevent tipping over, ensuring safe operation
- Compact Size Heater: The Heater is designed for versatility with an easy-to-carry handle. It can be placed on tables, floors, or any surface where warmth is needed. The 6 FT power cord and 0-90ยฐ rotation capability offer flexible placement options for optimal heating
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Outdoor Patio Heater
When the sun goes down, your patio time doesn’t have to end. An outdoor patio heater can keep your deck, patio, or outdoor seating area warm and inviting. Choosing the right one means looking at a few important things. This guide helps you pick the perfect heater.
Key Features to Look For
Good heaters have features that make them easy and safe to use. Think about what you need most.
Heating Power (BTUs)
- BTUs (British Thermal Units): This number tells you how much heat the heater puts out. Higher BTUs mean more warmth. For a small balcony, you need less power. For a large covered patio, look for higher BTUs.
Fuel Type
- Propane (LP Gas): These are common. They use a standard tank hidden in the base. They offer great portability.
- Natural Gas (NG): These must be hooked up permanently to a gas line. They offer endless run time but limit where you can place the heater.
- Electric: These plug into an outdoor outlet. They are clean and easy to use but require a long extension cord or a nearby outlet. They are often best for smaller, covered areas.
Safety Shut-Off
This is very important. Look for a heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over. This feature greatly reduces fire risk.
Portability and Size
Do you need to move the heater often? Wheels make moving heavy propane heaters simple. Measure your space first so the heater fits comfortably without blocking walkways.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
The material a heater is made from affects how long it lasts and how well it handles the weather. Good materials mean better quality.
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
- Stainless Steel: This material resists rust very well. It usually costs more, but it lasts for many years, even in damp conditions.
- Aluminum: This is lighter and often cheaper. It still resists rust but might not be as strong as thick steel.
Heating Element Quality (For Electric Models)
Electric heaters often use quartz or halogen bulbs for heat. Higher-quality elements heat up faster and last longer. Check reviews to see how fast the heat starts flowing.
Weather Resistance
If your heater stays outside all the time, it needs a good rating against rain and sun. Look for powder-coated finishes. These finishes help protect the metal underneath from chipping and rust.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your heater changes what you should buy.
For Dining and Entertaining
If you host dinner parties, you need tall, mushroom-style propane heaters. These spread heat widely over tables and chairs. They keep everyone comfortable for long periods.
For Small Balconies or Workshops
Smaller, wall-mounted electric infrared heaters work well here. They direct heat right where people are sitting or working. They do not take up floor space.
Ease of Ignition
A reliable electronic ignition system is a huge plus. You shouldn’t have to struggle with matches or lighters every time you want heat. A simple push-button start improves the daily experience.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outdoor Patio Heaters
Q: How much space does a standard patio heater warm?
A: A standard 46,000 BTU propane heater usually warms a circle about 10 to 20 feet wide. This depends heavily on wind and whether the area is covered.
Q: Can I use a propane heater under a low awning?
A: You must check the heater’s manual carefully. Many tall propane heaters produce flames or very hot tops. They usually require a minimum clearance of 7 to 8 feet from any overhead structure for safety.
Q: Are electric heaters cheaper to run than propane heaters?
A: This depends on local utility prices. Usually, running an electric heater costs less per hour than burning a standard propane tank, but electric heaters only work where you have an outlet.
Q: What is the lifespan of a typical patio heater?
A: With proper care and storage during winter, a good quality stainless steel heater can last 10 years or more. Lower-quality models might only last 3 to 5 years.
Q: Do I need to cover my heater when not in use?
A: Yes, covering the heater is highly recommended. Using a fitted vinyl or canvas cover protects the finish and internal parts from rain, dust, and debris, extending its life.
Q: How often do I need to refill or replace the propane tank?
A: A standard 20lb propane tank usually runs a high-output heater for about 8 to 10 hours on high setting. This means you refill it every few weekends, depending on use.
Q: What is the difference between radiant and convection heat?
A: Radiant heaters (like infrared or mushroom tops) heat objects and people directly, like the sun. Convection heaters warm the air first, and the warm air rises.
Q: Are infrared electric heaters better than standard electric coil heaters?
A: Infrared heaters are generally preferred for outdoors. They create a more direct, penetrating warmth that is less affected by light breezes than heaters that rely only on warming the surrounding air.
Q: Is it difficult to assemble a new patio heater?
A: Most require assembly, especially the tall propane models. Instructions are usually provided, but having a friend help makes connecting the head unit to the base much easier.
Q: Can I use a patio heater indoors?
A: Absolutely not. Propane and natural gas heaters produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly in enclosed spaces. Only use heaters specifically rated for indoor/outdoor use, which are almost always electric.