Outdoor Patio Heaters Comparison Table
Out of 7 heaters reviewed at qlabe, below are our top 5 picks.
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| Model: | Lava Heat Italia Natural Gas Patio Heater | AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater | Bromic Tungsten Smart 44 Inch 4000 Watt Smart Patio Heater | Thermo Tiki Deluxe Free Standing Patio Heater | Firesense Hanging Halogen Patio Heater |
 | Editor's Choice |  |  |  | |
| Qlabe Rating: | |||||
| Powered By: | Standard Propane (LPG) | Propane (LPG) | Electric | Propane (LPG) | Electric (Halogen) |
| Heat Rating: | 66,000 BTU | 40,000 BTU | 4000W | 45,000 BTU | 110-volt |
| Dimensions Size/Height: | 24 x 24 x 91 inches | 21.5 x 21 x 38.5 inches | 3.5 x 44 x 8.5 inches | 53.5 x 30 x 7 inches | 23 x 23 x 23 inches |
| Weight: | 70 pounds | 65.2 pounds | 20 pounds | 57 pounds | 8 pounds |
| Safety Feature: | Tilt Switch Auto-Shutoff | Auto shut off tilt valve | Tip-over & overheat protection. | Auto shut off tilt valve | Automatic overheating shut off |
| Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! | Check on Amazon! |
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A patio is a literal extension of your home which usually has areas for relaxing and socializing. For many social homeowners, it is also a great place for entertaining guests and having get-togethers.
It’s best to get the most out of your patio, although it requires a lot of effort to make it remain comfortable despite the change in the season or the temperature.
In order to make your patio more enjoyable, you would have to invest in heating.
Patio heaters are specially made to be used outdoors, and they come in different forms.
They can be used to complement the decor of your home, warm you up during the winter and give your family and guests an enjoyable experience.
Best Outdoor Patio Heaters (Latest Models)
Patio heaters are perfect when you are entertaining your guests on your pool deck during those chilly spring nights. You can also enjoy the warmth it provides and relaxes during mild winter nights.
A patio heater would keep you warm and toasty while you cuddle up on your porch swing, watching the snowfall while you sip a glass of wine.
This article would focus on the best patio heaters you can get, what you benefit from them and everything you need to know about how to use them.
Editors Choice: Lava Heat Italia – Natural Gas Patio Heater
This heater is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a heater that uses clean natural gas.
If you’re having a midnight dip in the pool on a spring evening or having friends over for a dinner party, this heater features an omnidirectional “Column of Flame” which emits an impressive amount of heat which is up to 56,000 BTUs.
The heater also has a 360 degrees distribution of heat which can cover a five feet radius and an area up to twenty feet.
This heater features chrome reflectors that are along each inner corner of the flame compartment. This chrome visually enhances the flame by dispersing light and adding an ambient glow.
It also features a four feet borosilicate glass tube that is able to withstand any form of extremely high temperature.
This glass won’t even break from the rain, sleet or snow. This heater is made from stainless steel and is very sturdy and durable. The heater also has a shut-off tilt switch, which turns it off if it tilts or gets knocked over.
In spite of the sturdy weatherproof stainless steel that the heater is made of, it is still lightweight, and it has wheels which make it easier to move the device around.
The heater is also really easy to use. It features an infrared electric ignition that quickly starts up, and the steel side panels protect the gas tank compartment.
This compartment can accommodate a 20lb propane tank which can last for up to ten hours while providing you with consistent warmth.
It is also easy to hook up the natural gas with the electric ignition and steel side panels as this heater arrives disassembled in a smaller shipping cost in order to reduce cost.
The instructions for easy assembly are included and you’re advised to follow the instructions to the latter.
Even though this heater is one of the more expensive heaters, it would save you money from your gas bill because it is an economical unit.
It also includes a free ten-foot quick connect the gas line, and this makes it $100 dollars in value although the heater costs less than that, and this is why it is the editors choice.
With this heater, you can get more for less. The heater is also CSA listed and has a five-year warranty.
Features:
- This heater is an economical unit and worth the price.
- It is also powered by natural gas which makes it cheaper to use.
- It is perfect for a medium-sized patio
- It emits up to 56,000 BTUs which is a lot of heat.
- It is also swift, and its 360 degrees distribution of heat allows it to provide a stable temperature.
- It has an attractive design that would not affect the decor of your home.
- It also features an automatic tip-off switch for safety purposes.
- The heater is highly durable and also has a five years limited warranty.
Cons:
- This heater can still be considered expensive.
- It needs to be assembled before use.
- It does not have protection against overheating
High-Class Efficiency: AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
This patio heater has a generous heating output of 46,000 BTU’s, and this makes it perfect for warming up a small to the medium-sized patio or entertaining space.
The heater also warms up a wide area with a range of up to 18 feet in diameter. It delivers soothing, quiet and consistent heat and is an excellent replacement for a fire pit as it does not have any smoke or open flame to worry about.
The heater is very portable and it comes with wheels which allows you to move it around depending on where you want to use it.
It also features a soft golden glow that can class up your dinner party or meeting with guests.
This heater also has an easy to use the system. It requires a standard 20 pound LP gas cylinder which is not included during purchase.
To turn it on and light the heater, all it takes is a simple push of the button which is thanks to its user-friendly Piezo ignition system which needs only one step.
The heat control is also adjustable with a large knob which allows you to pick between low heat or high heat and for turning the heater off completely once it gets to the end of the night.
This way, you have control over your comfort and need for a lot of heat or just a little bit. For safety purposes, this heater features a shut-off tilt valve which turns the heater off automatically once it gets tipped over.
Because of the slim design, this patio heater is bound to tip over during heavy winds and so you must not place it next to glass or combustibles.
To prevent tipping over, this patio heater features a base reservoir system which can be filled quickly with water or sand.
This creates a low, heavy and steady base weight for secure placement and enhanced stability.
Before you start to use your heater, you must remember to remove the blue protective film that is on the heaters reflector so you can avoid a fire outbreak.
This heater is not just very useful, but also stylish as it has a contemporary appeal.
The patio heater features durable steel construction with a powder-coated bronze finish.
The powder coating is what protects the exterior of the heater from rust and damaging outdoor objects.
The bronze finish is attractive and it effortlessly complements the furniture in most patios and so you don’t have to worry about messing up your decor.
This heater costs $88.17 on Amazon and is covered under the AmazonBasics 1 year limited warranty.
Features:
- This patio heater is affordable.
- It is perfect for use in medium or small-sized patios.
- It is very fast and provides a large amount of heat.
- It is also very easy to use with its Piezo ignition and it has adjustable heat controls which allow for comfort control.
- The heaters design is not only attractive, but it also protects it from rust.
- It is safe to use and features the tip-over safety feature.
Cons:
- It cannot be used in large patios.
- The steps to assemble the heater can prove to be complicated.
- It does not come with the gas cylinder.
- Its slim design makes it easy to tip over.
Expensive and Efficient: Bromic Tungsten Smart 44 Inch 4000 Watt Smart Patio Heater
For small-sized patios, this electric patio heater is perfect for you. It has a heating element of 4000 watts and can provide ample radiant heating for up to 130 square feet.
This patio heater combines a stylish design with two states of the art infrared radiant elements which provide efficient directional heating.
It combines the infrared technology with a thick translucent fused quartz heating element and steel coils which provide ample heat for any weather.
It also features a spectral reflector which increases the heat output of the frosted infrared tube elements and this reduces glare and light emission.
It has a black high-temperature ceramic coating which enhances the sleek design of the heater.
It is also made from solid stainless steel that is resistant to harsh weather and corrosion.
This heater is also very convenient to use. It included brackets which can be used for mounting it on the wall or ceiling.
The spectral reflector mentioned above is a mirror finish parabolic spectral reflector which provides an adjustable angle that allows you to direct the heat wherever you need it the most.
Each element of the heater is compatible with and can simply be installed to an on/off switch, dimmer or smart control system which is not included at purchase but allows for maximum heat control.
It also comes with a ceiling pole that you can cut to length and a recess kit. This heater requires 230 volts to 240 volts of electricity.
One highlight of this patio heater is the wireless remote control that allows for convenience when you want to operate the heater. You can use it to change the heating or light settings or switch it off and on.
Features:
- It is perfect for small patio areas and allows for convenient mounting on the ceiling or wall.
- It provides good radiant heating and a spectral reflector for excellent heat distribution.
- It also has a beautiful design that projects it from rust or corrosion.
- It uses a wireless remote for the smooth operation of the device and better comfort control.
Cons:
- This heater is not ideal for large patios.
- It needs to be installed by a professional.
Stylish and Fast Heat: Thermo Tiki Deluxe Free Standing Patio Heater
This stylish patio heater is the perfect multi-purpose heater which can create a warm, inviting ambiance.
Its unique design provides for you an endless versatility and it compliments any decor. It can be used at home, in restaurants, pool parties, weddings and more.
Apart from its unique pyramid shape and the dancing flame in the ceramic glass column which would make a great addition to your outdoor patio; this freestanding propane gas outdoor patio heater emits up to 38,000 BTUs of heat and it stands at 7.5 feet tall.
It is also the right choice for consistently heading up a small-sized patio that has a limit of 15 feet.
This patio heater is also clearly built to last. It features durable, weather-resistant components to prevent rust, fade, and corrosion.
This heater can also withstand extreme climates, harsh Sun and abrasive salt air.
It is construed with stainless steel of very high quality and a productive mesh that covers the ceramic glass heating column.
The heater is easy to operate with its simple push-button ignition which allows for fast use and it also features a temperature control knob which provides convenience and comfort control.
The control knob is used to adjust the height and intensity of the dancing flame. It does not come with the 20lb propane tank and so that has to be purchased separately.
It also comes with a heavy-duty LPG regulator, a waterproof head, a flexible hose that has already been pre-attached and an element cover which allows for secure storage.
A full 20lb propane tank in this heater provides up to 10 hours of heating and it also features a built-in safety valve that would automatically shut off the fuel supply in case there is an emergency.
This safety valve would shut off the heater if the device is tilted or knocked over.
The protective mesh that is surrounding the ceramic-glass heating column is also a safety feature, and it has a pilot light that would make shutting it down and starting it more accessible.
This heater is of impressive quality, and it is in line with the ANSI, CE and CSA standards.
The heater is also portable, and it comes with wheels for convenience. This heater does not come assembled, but the accessories that are needed all come with the box.
It includes a ceramic glass heating element, heavy-duty propane gas regular or and a pre-attached flexible hose plus instructions for easy assembling.
All you have to supply after purchase is your own standard 20lb propane tank and fuel. The heater costs $216.22 on Amazon.
Features:
- It is suitable for heating up small and medium-sized patios.
- It is perfect for warming up on cooler evenings.
- Its design is sleek and protects the heater from corrosion.
- It is easy to carry around.
- It can also be easily assembled.
- This heater is safe to use with the built-in safety valve that protects it when it tips over and a pilot light for easy starting up or shutting down.
Cons:
- It is highly expensive.
- It cannot be used on large patios.
Small but Mighty: E-Joy 1500W Indoor/Outdoor Patio Heater
This patio heater is a small electric patio heater although the small size does not affect its output. It can generate a lot of radiant heat with 1500 watts of power.
This radiant heat uses reflective heating technology that feels just like the sun rays when it is providing warmth.
It also casts a nine-foot blanket of heat, and this is not affected by wind. The operation of this device costs about 1/10th of propane heaters.
It also has a range of up to 9 feet and a carbon fiver bulb that gives up to 5000 hours of lamp life.
This heater operates on 90% heating efficiency, and it can run entirely on a regular household electric current, and it is even relatively less expensive and safer to operate than propane patio heaters.
This heater is quite diverse as it can work as both an indoor and an outdoor heater.
It is the ideal heater for places like shops, garages, patios, hot tub areas, and any other outdoor areas.
This heater is IP34 rated, and this means that it is weather-resistant and dustproof.
It is a durable and versatile heater when you add a carbon fiber bulb.
It is a freestanding heater that features an adjustable weatherproof and rust-resistant pole or stands that allows it to stand upwards or a mounting bracket that can be used to mount it on the wall.
For convenience, this patio heater includes a remote control and three heat settings that can be adjusted by the thermostat.
It also has a six feet cord and can be used in any standard 110/120 volts outlet. The device also heats up the room silently and does not require fans or motors.
The heater does not output carbon monoxide like propane or natural gas heaters that burn fossil fuels.
It does not have dangerous tanks and does not require plumbing or ventilation. In the case of quality testing, this heater has been approved by ETL, CE, CB, ROHS, and UL; and it costs $89.90 on Amazon.
Features:
- It is perfect for use in a small patio.
- It is very powerful despite the size and it provides a lot of heat.
- It can be mounted on the wall or freestanding on a pole.
- It has a sturdy base and robust construction with an attractive design.
- It is weatherproof and rust-resistant.
- It is also small and very portable.
Cons:
- It does not have a shut-off switch in the case of tipping over.
- It is not ideal for large patios.
Versatile and Effective: Firesense 60660 Hanging Halogen Patio Heater
This hanging patio heater is a versatile choice as it can be used in both outdoor and indoor for any home, and its modern design would add a small touch of elegance to a small enclosed outdoor area like your patio or gazebo.
This hanging patio heater is constructed from stainless still with a copper finish which leaves it durable yet beautiful.
The heater also casts a warm amber glow which adds elegance to your patio or gazebo.
It also emits a generous of heat even during cold summers or during the winter. It is powered by 1500 watts and it runs on a regular household electric current at 110 volts.
It is relatively less expensive to operate than propane heaters. For maximum heat and performance, you can hang the halogen patio heater from the ceiling or exposed wooden beams.
For the best results, the manufacturer recommends that you should install the heater over a table or entertaining area and ensure that the device is hung directly over what you hung it over if it’s the table or the entertaining area.
Make sure that the bottom of the halogen patio heater is 36 inches away from the top of your patio table.
This patio heater works better in heating up small spaces than open spaces.
It works best when used in a covered or enclosed space like an enclosed, small patio.
The heater does not release any UV rays, and it works silently. It does not release any harmful emissions or toxic residuals.
Features:
- It is perfect for small enclosed areas.
- The design is stylish and sleek while at the same time, making provisions for preventing rust and corrosion.
- The heater supplies good heat and ambient light and warms up your patio quickly.
- It can be used indoors and outdoors.
- It features a nonretractable eight-foot power cord which allows for flexibility.
Cons:
- It is expensive.
- It cannot function well in a medium or large open space.
Benefits Of Outdoor Patio Heaters
As patios are a right place for entertaining guests, cooking or just relaxing, heating your patio with a heater would prolong your outdoor fun season.
- Outdoor patio heaters allow you to enjoy your patio and spend more time in any outdoor living space for a few extra months.
- Outdoor patio heaters are also very safe to operate. They are the leading heaters when it comes to safety standards.
- Most of them do not produce an open flame, and they have a cool to the touch base that cannot harm the skin. So, it is safe around kids and pets.
- On the outdoor patio heater, it is only the emitter screen that would get hot and the dome that is on top of the patio heater.
- This is because they are in direct contact with the heat source. Most outdoor patio heaters also have the safety shut off valves put in place to protect you and your family.
- They feature a safety tilt valve that would shut the heater off or stop the fuel supply automatically if it is tilled more than a set degree.
- Using an outdoor patio heater for your outdoor heating also brings forward many diverse places to place the heater, different fuel or source of power options and a lot of stylish designs.
- Outdoor patio heaters can be fuelled with propane, natural gas or electricity.
- The heaters that use natural gas are usually more permanent and are available in standing, hanging and in-ground models.
Those that use propane or electricity are available in tabletop, portable usually with a handle and wheels, hanging and ceiling or wall mount models.
Outdoor patio heaters are also an affordable luxury as they provide the outdoor heating benefits that you’ll enjoy at a relatively low price.
Outdoor patio heaters can generally be purchased with prices between $100 and $900. They are also inexpensive to operate.
For natural gas, using a 40,000 BTU outdoor patio heater as an example, the average cost of the usage of natural gas is at $0.476 per hour and most outdoor patio heaters last for ten hours. You would spend $4.76 every ten hours.
For electrical outdoor patio heaters, the required (3) 4000 watt (4KWh) for 40,000 BTUs, the average cost of electricity is at $1.316 per hour.
There is no heat loss or upfront fuel costs when using electrical outdoor patio heaters because they are directional heaters.
In the case of propane-powered outdoor patio heaters, we combine the operation of the heater itself and the average cost of filling a propane cylinder.
This is about $16 for a 5-gallon tank which would provide up to 10 hours of heat in an outdoor heater.
Therefore, propane outdoor patio heaters produce 40,000 BTUs every hour, and that would cost you an average of #1.60 per hour.
What To Look Out For Before You Purchase
The first thing to look out for before purchasing your outdoor patio heater is the size of your patio or your entertaining area. Is your patio a small one, medium or large?
Where would you be using the heater? On your patio, in a gazebo, on the front porch, on a small or large dining table or on your pool deck?
Although freestanding heaters emit a lot of heat, it is essential to remember before purchasing your patio heater that they work the best when they are placed in a covered outdoor area.
Patio heaters are also generally safe although if you decide to purchase a freestanding patio heater, you should look out for one with a built-in safety valve for the gas tank that would shut off the fuel supply automatically if the heater is knocked over or just tilted.
You also have to decide the kind of power source you prefer: natural gas, electric or propane?
If you decide to purchase a gas-powered tabletop or freestanding patio heater, you would have to consider the level of BTU that it emits.
Small patio heaters generate from 3000 BTU to up to 10,000 BTU. This is for especially tabletop patio heaters, and this would be enough for a patio that can fit up to four people.
Larger patio heaters are generally more powerful, and they can heat up a larger area, like gas-powered freestanding models.
A heater that generates up to 38,000 BTUs is perfect for a small to medium-sized patio or pool deck, but one that produces from 48,000 to 58,000 BTU is to be used for a medium or more massive sized patio or an entertaining area.
You also have to consider the portability of the heater that you want to purchase, that is if you would like a freestanding patio heater.
Many of them have wheels which make the device easy to move around from place to place quickly and manoeuver to meet your needs.
When deciding on a patio heater, you have to decide on the overall design of the heater. It can be wall-mounted, freestanding, hanging or tabletop patio heaters.
Wall-mounted patio heaters are usually powered by electricity and are a great choice if you have a small patio or entertaining area, and so you’ll need all the floor space you can get.
It is also safely out of the reach of children and pets. They do not produce fumes which makes them environmentally friendly and they usually use a decent amount of voltage, the same with some other household appliances, and so they do not consume much electricity.
The most common type of heater for outdoor use is the freestanding patio heater.
They are even used at some of your local cafes or restaurants.
They may have a flame that you can see or not, stand at about 7-8 feet tall and they have a sturdy base.
Freestanding patio heaters are usually powered by natural gas generate an impressive amount of heat, and so they are the perfect choice for a pool deck or a medium-sized patio.
Some of them are even very portable as they come with wheels which is an excellent feature for a freestanding patio heater that you want to move around.
Hanging patio heaters usually emit a small amount of heat that can reach up to nine feet below and so they are generally perfect for warming up small enclosed spaces like a gazebo or a porch.
You can also decide to hang the heater over a table although it would work much better if it is hung low over a dining table that is meant for two to four people.
Hanging heaters can look like a glamorous chandelier that casts an ambient, beautiful glow while some others are just merely similar to a ceiling fan.
They are also powered by electricity and so they do not release fumes or affect the environment.
A hanging patio heater would also need to be professionally installed although if you’re an excellent DIY handyman or handywoman, you can easily install them by attaching them to the ceiling, wooden beams or the rafters.
A tabletop patio heater is small and so it can only warm up at most, to four people sitting at a small dining table efficiently.
They are usually more portable and lightweight, plus they have an attractive design that would spice up your patio or pool deck.
These patio heaters can also be used as part of your decoration, thereby adding style as you place them on one or two single tables.
Safety Guidelines To Use Patio Heaters
Outdoor patio heaters are manufactured to be safe, and they are probably one of the most reliable types of heaters that people use.
Well made patio heaters usually have a safety mechanism feature which shuts off the heater automatically once the device has been tilted or knocked over.
Some also have a one-push automatic shut down button that is on the device which you can use to turn the heater off if there is an emergency.
The safety of the use of your outdoor patio heater would depend on you.
Despite the safety and protection features that the device comes with, it would only safe for use when you follow the safety guidelines and use it properly.
Safety precautions are part of the routine that you should follow once you install your outdoor patio heater.
You must take the necessary steps to ensure that you prevent burning your house down while you’re getting warmed up on your patio, entertainment area, deck, and other outdoor spots.
For restaurants and cafes that use propane heaters to warm up guests during outside dining, it is compulsory to orientate the staff on the proper safety precautions and guidelines and follow them strictly.
The restaurant must also follow the fire code of the city that it is in.
When you successfully and adequately install your tank and heater, you must read the manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to use the heater correctly.
The manufacturer would explain how to properly handle the device and if it a hanging outdoor patio heater, the proper clearance between the device and the floor would be indicated.
The instructions would also indicate the clearance between any heater that is placed on the floor or tabletop and ceiling.
When you get your tank, either with the heater or purchased separately, you must ensure that it is rust and leak-free.
The inspection should be carried out before the tank is installed so that you can ensure that it is not rusty and all the necessary parts are intact.
If there is even the slightest smell of gas or propane, the fire department should be notified immediately.
In the case of using a propane heater in a restaurant or a public space, the management must assign a safety inspector that would be responsible for ensuring that the radiator (s) are working correctly and efficiently and that it is fitted properly with no leaks.
In the case of an emergency, the fire inspector should address the situation.
A safety inspector should also be appointed in your home, he or she can be an adult in the house who would check the state of the heater regularly and ensure that the tank is always sealed shut when the heater is not being used.
Outdoor patio heaters either electrical or propane should be kept away from flammable materials and combustibles such as rugs, sofas, beds or pillows.
Outdoor patio heaters should not be used indoors for safety purposes.
They should also not be used in basement or garages, and they should be kept away from other gas tanks.
They should only be used on patios, gardens, terraces, pool decks, outdoor porches or any other outdoor spot.
If an outdoor heater is being used indoors, it can cause toxic fumes to enter the home and lead to poisoning and suffocation.
For the outdoor patio heaters which are placed on the floor or tabletop, they should be set 300-500mm away from ceilings and partitions.
Outdoor patio heaters that are powered by radiant panels should be 1100mm from walls because the generation of heat from these kinds of heaters are intense and are likely to cause a fire if put too close to the walls.
This distance depends on the intensity of the heat of the patio heater, and you should check the manual before you install the device.
Freestanding and tabletop outdoor heaters must always stay firmly on the ground or table for safety purposes and long service life.
Some heaters have a compartment that can be filled with sand or water which allows the base to be sturdy and protected against tipping over.
If you’re using a propane or gas tank, it might not be able to provide more stability for your patio heater. During strong winds that sand or water reinforcements cannot resist, the heater should be safely stored away.
For hanging and wall mounted patio heaters, the installation should be done by a professional in order to avoid it getting loose and falling down.
The manual would also give instructions on how far it should be from the ground.
Lastly, service your outdoor patio heater every two years and the tank you are using should be serviced more frequently than that.
The fittings should always be leak-free and adequately secured, and you should not delay in replacing damaged gaskets or tubing, or power cords.
In the case of an electrical heater, you should not plug it into an extension or use a damaged power cord. Your heater should be continuously cleaned to prevent rusting or damages.
This way, it would be durable and last you for a long time.
Conclusion
Outdoor patio heaters are extremely useful, whether you’re relaxing on your own, with your family or with guests.
They are also very cost-effective and worth the price. We hope this article would guide you in picking the right patio heater that would suit your needs and keep you warm and toasty all winter long.
I find the blog post very interesting and moreover very informative. It helped to know the best outdoor patio heaters for home.