The cold weather is a big inconvenience to many people especially to those who love the outdoors. At times it will be unpredictable therefore messing up your plans. However, with the right patio heater, you can overcome this challenge and enjoy time on your patio.
Many will ask, what is the best patio heater? The market is awash with heating devices, but this does not mean you can pick any and take home. You must consider your needs like the size of the area to be heated, the location, the available fuel type among other essentials.
Best Electric Patio Heater Review
1. AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
Do not let the season’s changes limit your enjoyment of the great outdoor space. This commercial patio heater will keep you warm even in bad weather. This powerful gas heater delivers excellent warmth to keep you and the guests comfortable outdoors. It features a sturdy base to keep it from tipping over. You can fill the reservoir base with water or sand to make it steady.
It is the best heating solution for the serious person. It heats up to 46,000 BTUs and has a safety auto shut off in case it tilts. It comes with a 1-year’s warranty to give you enough time to study if it has any defect. The wheels make it easy to move around when needed.
2. Belleze 48,000BTU Patio Standing Heater
Experience the warmth of the Belleze outdoor patio heater with anti-tilt shut off mechanism for added safety. It shuts off as soon as the heater tilts to 300, completely shutting off gas flow to the heating element. It pumps out 48,000 BTUs at a range of 15 feet diameter. It is among the most powerful heaters on the market and can serve you for years. It also features exceptional mobility due to the wheeled system.
It offers a stylish finish to add to your décor. The model is sturdy and very durable, so you do not have to worry about the next year’s cold season. It has a user-friendly one-step ignition system to take away all the hassle when starting it up. It has a steel construction to withstand salt air and the harsh sun.
3. Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
This patio heater will give you the ultimate power at 46,000 BTUs. It is adequate to keep you and your loved ones warm as you weather the chilly season. It is a reliable and easy ignition model that lights up at the push of a button. It is designed for convenience and runs on a standard 20 lb propane tank. One full tank will take you approximately 10 hours of heating. Its wheels make it convenient to move from storage to the patio or from one location to another. Its heavy-duty wheels can take on a rough patio or wild terrains.
4. Golden Flame 46,000 BTU (XL-Series) Patio Heater with Wheels
This new design patio heater eliminates the standing pilot that wastes fuel in other patio heaters. This pilotless burner system saves you from being at the mercy of the wind that could blow out the tiny pilot flame. This model is both easy to light and operate and cranks out an impressive 46,000 BTUs of heat. The patented reflector hood combined with the powerful burner engine will ensure you are warm and toasty.
It has a standard bottom weight-ballast that has the potential to add the base 25lbs for the much-needed stability. Also, it has an auto-tilt shutoff mechanism that makes it a very safe heater to use. It features a beautiful stainless steel and powder-coated finish that endures the elements very well.
5. AZ Patio HLDS01-GTPC Tall Glass Tube Heater
Bring style and warmth into your outdoor space with the Matte Black Quartz Glass Tube Flame Heater. It produces a mesmerizing flame and heat in every direction. Create a wonderful gathering around the heater and enjoy the evening in spite of the chill. It features a safety valve that shuts off when the heater tilts. Moving, thanks to the attached wheels is easy. It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
6. Ener-G+ Freestanding Outdoor Electric Patio Heater
Warm your space during the chilly evenings with this wonderful patio heater. It has a cool touch heating surface that will not burn your skin or clothes. It features beautiful LED lights to enhance the display. The heater has a low operating cost and is cheaper than a propane heater. It is IP24; rated meaning it has moderate protection against water and dust.
It is completely silent and is not affected by the wind. The bulb will last about 5,000 hours making it a durable product. Experience the fun of outdoor life with friends and family, even when it is cold.
7. Versonel Electric Wall Mount Infrared Indoor Outdoor Heater
This indoor wall mount heater can transfer heat to a person without heating the surrounding air. This design makes it very energy efficient for indoor and outdoor heating. It is perfect for patios, garages, workshops and indoor pools. It uses universal ceiling and wall mount making it easy to install at home. Save 30-40% electricity compared to other heater and get up to 10,000 hours lifespan. The reflective heat is safe and healthy for humans.
8. 8 e-joy Indoor/Outdoor Patio Heater
This offset infrared patio heater is a revolutionary heating design. It operated at 90% heating efficiency and runs on regular household electric current. It is significantly less expensive and safer than propane patio heaters. It can be used indoors or outdoors to create a warm surrounding for family and friends. It is perfect for shops, job sites, garages, and any other outdoor area. It is IP34 rated meaning it both dust and waterproof. The carbon fiber bulb makes it even more durable and versatile.
9. Lava Heat Italia Stainless Steel Finish – Electric Configuration
The Lava Heat Italia patio infrared heater is a wall mount model that will make you feel the sun’s warmth wherever you are. It has a golden bar heating tube that produces the orange light and warmth for your patio. It is fully portable and can fit any setting both indoors and outdoors. The heater generates 1,500 watts of safe heat and has a 5,000-hour lifespan. It works both as a heater and a floor or ceiling lamp.
10. Sundate Electric Patio Heater
Get instant warmth anytime with this economical and convenient patio heater. It employs reflective heating technology that replicates the sun’s rays but produces no UV rays, fumes, odor, or chemicals. It saves you a lot of energy compared to the propane heaters.
It is portable so you can use it anywhere anytime. When you have special events like weddings, or party, this is the indispensable companion. Its two halogen fire tubes with a lifespan of 5,000 hours will produce heat efficiently. The product is maintenance-free and environmentally friendly.
Patio Heater Types and Buying Guide
Standing heaters
The freestanding types are the biggest and most powerful models on the market. They usually stand between 7 and 8 feet tall and are available in tapered and pyramid styles. The tapered styles have a heavy base and a long shaft with the heating element on a small metal umbrella cover. The pyramid heaters are triangular and use a flame covered by a cylindrical tube. The best freestanding type has a heating radius of up to 9 feet. This can be affected by other outdoor conditions.
Standing patio heaters are the most effective at warming large spaces, but their heavy base makes them difficult to move. They also take time to assemble and will require at least an hour to complete putting it together.
Mounted heaters
If you intend to heat areas closest to your home, this is the best option. They are attached to the wall or ceiling and are less portable compared to other types. They are effective at warming their surrounding and saves a lot of space. There is no need to rearrange the furniture in your patio to fit the heater. They are easy to power by wiring them directly into your home electrical system.
You should, however, be cautious when installing the mounted patio heaters. There may be restrictions in your area on where and who to install such appliances. To install them safely, there needs a certain level of expertise. In case you are not skilled in wiring, drilling, and other electrical work, just hire a professional.
Tabletop heaters
These are the most convenient patio heaters for small spaces. They are miniature versions of the freestanding styles. They are lightweight, portable, and can be placed on any surface close to you. When you only need to heat a small area, these are the best types. You can even take them for a campout or picnic.
Hanging heaters
These types are suspended from a roof and are limited for use in covered patios and other covered spaces. They heat enclosed areas like a tool shed or garage. These heaters distribute heat evenly around their location and do not take up valuable space on the ground.
Patio heaters fuel types
Propane heaters
This type of patio heater is connected to a propane tank to supply energy to the heating element. Propane tanks are available at local stores. Just connect them to the hater, turn the valve and ignite the heating element. Each 20-pound tank can provide up to 10 hours of warming.
Natural gas heaters
These are great choices for those with access to a natural gas line. They are the easiest to use and less expensive compared to propane heaters. They do not require regular purchase and swapping of tanks. The only limitation is that they can only be connected to the available gas outlet and may not suit your preferred patio location.
Electric heaters
These types are very convenient since they do not require special fuels. You do not need tanks or special lines, just plug them into the available electrical outlets in your home. They present more portability compared to the gas and propane-powered types. They are, however, limited by the location of outlets and the length of your extension cord.
What to look for in patio heaters
When purchasing patio heaters, there just a few things to consider. These will help you choose the right model that can suit your needs and fit your space and power source.
Size and power
Depending on the size of the area you want to be heated, you should buy the right heater. Some electric heaters indicate the area they can warm and the power output in watts. Some use British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour to measure output. The higher the BTU number, the more heat it gives off.
For propane gas heaters, consider the gas tank size. Small ones will need frequent replacement. Larger heaters tend to hold bigger tanks. Any model with 20-40-pound tanks will last for hours and are recommended.
Location and safety
Before you buy or install the patio heater, you should consider several safety issues including:
Outdoor use only: keep in mind that propane and natural gas heaters are strictly for outdoor use only. Some electrical heaters can be used in covered porches and other semi-outdoors spaces.
Level surface: ensure the outdoor heater sits on a completely level surface capable of holding its weight.
Obstruction: the heater you choose should not be placed near areas with lots of wind or near hanging tree branches or any plant that can easily catch fire.
Clearance: consider the recommended clearance to combustibles and walls clearance before deciding on a model. This information will be in the manufacturer’s manual.
Safety features
Different patio heater models have different safety features. Keep an eye on the following features when shopping:
Automatic shutoff: if the heater gets too hot, a switch inside will turn it off to minimize fire hazard.
Tilt-over protection: a portable heater can be knocked over accidentally. The best type will have a switch that automatically turns off the heating element.
Cool-touch glass: it is tempting, especially for kids to touch the glass when the heater is on. Models with cool-touch glass will be safe around kids or pets.
Safety approvals: consider heaters that are UL and CSA approved. These are the most common safety approvals and will ensure the equipment has met the safety requirements.
Cleaning and maintenance
Choose a heater that will require simple cleaning and does not have complex parts that are difficult to take apart. Most outdoors heaters required very little maintenance. The main maintenance is just replacing the gas tank, and the occasional wipe down.
Assembly type
Most models come partially assembled while other are fully assembled. Building completely unassembled patio heaters can be a daunting task, so look for those that require little or no assembly. The fully assembled models are ready to use out of the box.
Electronic controls
Modern models have electronic controls to adjust the heat level and turn off the heat conveniently. Those with one-touch ignition and simple settings are the best. If it has a remote control, then your work is even easier.
Adjustable flames
Propane and natural gas patio heaters come with some flame. These flames are adjustable to match your preferred ambiance and heat level. The easier it is to adjust the better the model.
Warranty length
Just like it is with all electrical appliances, patio heaters should come with generous warranties. Those with up to 5 years warranty have the confidence brought about by the quality material and design.
Conclusion
This guide will significantly help you get the right patio heater for your space. Once you know what to look for in the best model, and with these selected products to choose from, you have no reason to pick something that will not serve you. There are so many models on the market it may confuse you which one to buy. However, this information is adequate to help you through.