One of the best patio heaters is necessary if the temperature continues to decline and you want to stay warm and cozy. These patio heaters can be fueled by electric, gas, propane, or infrared and are designed to quickly heat your outside area or backyard. And in this energy crisis, it's crucial to understand the impact each fuel has on operating expenses and general performance.
Once you've decided on your favorite fuel source, you need to think about the size, shape, and design of your ideal patio heater. These are available in a variety of designs, some of which place a stronger emphasis on aesthetics than others. Whatever you decide, it should, above all else, warm your space efficiently, evenly, and with the least amount of heat loss. You don't want it to be too expensive to run either. We have chosen a variety of the top patio heaters to fit every property, lifestyle, and price range.
TOP PICKS TO BUY TODAY
The best patio heaters are listed below.
Best Overall: Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater
Best Mid-range Pyramid Patio Heater: Hampton Bay 42,000 Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
Best Budget Infrared Patio Heater: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238
Best Color Range: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
Best Tabletop Propane Patio Heater: Fire Sense Stainless Steel Table Top Patio
IN-DEPTH REVIEWS
Below are our in-depth reviews of the best patio heaters in 2024.
1. Best Overall: Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater
PRODUCT SPECS:
Type: Freestanding
Fuel Type: Propane
Weight: 33.0 lbs
Size: 87.3 x 32.3 x 32.3 in
Total BTU: 48,000
Heating Area: 200 sq. feet
PROS:
Competitive price
Steel construction is durable
CONS:
Less heat output than more pricey models.
The Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater is a fantastic option if you want to give your patio an "outdoor restaurant" feel. This 33-pound heater, which is made of sturdy stainless steel, successfully combines design and utility.
The piezoelectric ignition of this best overall patio heater ensures quick, trouble-free starts, and the changeable heat control settings allow you to change the temperature when needed. (Warmth of up to 48,000 BTUs.) This portable hotspot measures 32 inches in diameter and 87 inches in height. When not in use, it can be easily tucked away in a corner. (A separate propane gas cylinder is available.) This is among the greatest values we could find.
2. Best Mid-range Pyramid Patio Heater: Hampton Bay 42,000 Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
PRODUCT SPECS:
Type: Freestanding
Fuel Type: Propane
Weight: 50 lbs
Size: 89.5 x 23.5 x 22.5 in
Total BTU: 42,000
Heating Area: 115 sq. feet
PROS:
Eye-catching hammered bronze design
Solid base
CONS:
Tall and heavy
The Hampton Pyramid Patio Propane Heater is one of the best patio heaters you can get if you want a pyramid-style heat source that will attract some attention (in a positive manner). This heater is pretty impressive due to its 42,000 BTU output and hypnotic visual flame.
The sturdy base uses a 20-pound propane tank that is concealed below via the quick-access door and won't move until you want it to. It is portable thanks to the included wheels, but at 85 inches tall, it isn't the ideal patio heater for confined spaces. But if you have space for it, you'll love how stylish yet rustic it looks.
3. Best Budget Infrared Patio Heater: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238
PRODUCT SPECS:
Type: Infrared
Fuel Type: Electric
Weight: 8.0 lbs
Size: 47.0 x 35.0 x 4.0 in
Total BTU: 42,000
Heating Area: 1000 sq. feet
PROS:
Cheap
Enormous coverage area
Infrared is safer for kids.
CONS:
Some odor occurs during first use.
Dr. Infrared demonstrates that everyone can benefit from outdoor heating. One of the greatest patio heaters you'll find for less than $150 is this ceiling- or wall-mounted unit.
The Dr. Infrared DR-238 Heater, which is programmable and offers clean, rapid warmth at 1500, 1200, and 900 watts, is ideal for covered patios. (It also includes a useful remote control.) This is one of the finest heaters for families with young children because infrared heaters themselves do not heat up while in use; the clean-burning warmth remains comfortably out of reach. Don't be deceived by the DR-238 Heater's reasonable pricing; it features a covering area of up to 1,000 square feet.
4. Best Color Range: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
PRODUCT SPECS:
Type: Freestanding
Fuel Type: Propane
Weight: 38 lbs
Size: 433 x 18 x 89 in
Total BTU: 46,000
Heating Area: 250 sq. feet
PROS:
Beautiful color range
Wheels are provided for easy portability
Reasonably priced
CONS:
Too tall for some people.
If you want a typical patio heater in the form of a "mushroom" but also want to add some color, look no further than this one. There are several different finishes available for the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater, including powder coating, stainless steel, and even wicker! As a result, it ranks among the most adaptable patio heaters we've evaluated. Additionally, the base of the design has wheels that make it simple to move around as needed.
This patio heater provides a great BTU at 46,000. Even though it isn't as strong as our winner, it will still cover a sizable 250 square feet. It costs a terrific $127, plus you have the extra color. The height is the only flaw in this design. It is 7 feet 4 inches tall at 89 inches, which is so tall that some people had to shorten it.
5. Best Tabletop Propane Patio Heater: Fire Sense Stainless Steel Table Top Patio
PRODUCT SPECS:
Type: Tabletop
Fuel Type: Propane
Weight: 16 lbs
Size: 13.4 x 20.9 x 34.7 in
Total BTU: 46,000
Heating Area: 1000 sq. feet
PROS:
Easy portability is enabled by tabletop design
Great option for small groups
Reasonable price
CONS:
Not intended for big areas.
This patio heater is among the best you can get if your space-heating requirements are small. This tabletop heater is simple to carry from one surface to another because it is only 38 inches high. Another nice feature is that it comes in two different colors.
Small gatherings of three to four people are perfect for the Fire Sense Stainless Steel Table Top Patio Heater, which runs on propane for roughly three hours at a time. For further stability, the base has a weight plate, and the burner screen protection gives users additional assurance against stray fingers. You should have a look at this heater if you have restricted space options.
FAQs
Read the FAQs below for more information related to the best patio heaters.
1. Does a higher BTU mean better patio heaters?
A higher BTU value indicates increased heat production, so a bigger number is a good choice to ensure that your patio is adequately heated. Having said that, you might not require as large of an output if your space is limited. The square footage is often multiplied by 20 to determine the appropriate number of BTUs for your outside space.
2. What’s the difference between electric and infrared patio heaters?
Electric patio heaters use convection to heat the area as they heat the air. Infrared heaters, on the other hand, employ radiation to warm objects as opposed to only the air around them. If efficiency is your primary priority, infrared heaters may be a better choice because they are more efficient at distributing heat in outdoor spaces.
3. Is an electric or gas patio heater more inexpensive to run?
Generally speaking, propane or natural gas is less expensive than electricity, though utility costs can change depending on where you live. When choosing a patio heater, if price is your first priority, go with a model that runs on propane or wood pellets. It's safe to assume that it will be less expensive overall than an electric patio heater. However, how frequently you use it will affect how frequently you buy and refill your fuel.
FINAL VERDICT
In conclusion, when it comes to the best patio heaters, you need to look at a number of factors. These include how much heat you need to keep you comfortable, the size of the heater, and the size of your patio.
Patio heaters are some of the most essential pieces of equipment for outdoor living. They are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping your home comfy during the cold winter months.
