Top 10 Patio Heaters

After extensive research, our top picks for the best patio heaters include:

Compare Top Patio Heaters

Best Mushroom Heater: FDW Outdoor Patio Heater

Pros and Cons

✔ Has attached wheels for simple transportation✔ Uses a 20-pound propane tank for extended warmth✔ Has an elegant tapered pyramid shape

FDW Outdoor Patio Heater

  • $130
          Prices taken at time of publishing.

This propane heater warms 10 square feet with 41,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat. Using a large propane tank, it lasts up to 10 hours on high. It also has an automatic tilt shut-off valve for added safety and is easily transportable thanks to its attached wheels.

✘ Doesn’t come with a cover to protect it when it’s not in use✘ Has customer complaints about low heat output

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers liked that this patio heater was made from materials that balanced durability and elegance. They also mentioned how maneuverable it was. However, other customers struggled with assembly, stating that its instructions were hard to follow.

Best Infrared Heater: Briza Carbon Infrared Heater

✔ Contains a weatherproof metal shield✔ Equipped with an automatic shut-off sensor in case of tipping✔ Comes with a remote control

Briza Carbon Infrared Heater

  • $250

This electric heater uses infrared rays to emit absorbable heat for patios, porches, and garages. It contains a mobile, adjustable tripod stand that directs heat outwards. It also features three settings for 900, 1,200, or 1,500 watts of heat.

✘ Uses infrared technology that directs heat in only one direction✘ Doesn’t have a thermostat

Best Mounted Heater: Dr Infrared Heater Outdoor Patio Heater

✔ Has built-in overheat protection✔ Features a no-fan design that produces minimal noise✔ Made from weather-resistant, lightweight aluminum

Dr Infrared Heater Outdoor Patio Heater

  • $127

This mounted heater offers a convenient and space-saving heating solution for patios, porches, and beyond. It comes with a remote control that has three power settings. On its highest setting, it reaches 1,500 watts.

✘ Doesn’t produce enough warmth for Northern or Midwestern winter climates✘ Requires more installation than tabletop heaters

Satisfied users praised this heater for being easy to mount. They also liked that it had multiple settings because they could customize the heat output based on the outside temperature. On the other hand, some customers felt like its electric power source meant that it couldn’t heat medium-to-large spaces effectively. Others had issues with the remote not working correctly.

Best Heating Power: BELLEZE Premium Outdoor Patio Heater

✔ Provides a powerful heat output of 48,000 BTUs✔ Includes a weight bladder that you can fill with water or sand for added stability✔ Comes in multiple finishes

BELLEZE Premium Outdoor Patio Heater

  • $145

This outdoor heater comes loaded with useful features, including a simple-start ignition system and a variable heat control knob. It has the power to heat up to 175 square feet. With two smooth-rolling wheels, you can push it from one corner of your patio to another with ease.

✘ Can struggle to light, according to some customers✘ Uses a gas supply that can turn off at unexpected times

Best Tabletop Heater: Hiland Tabletop Patio Heater

✔ Has an easy-to-use electronic ignition system✔ Takes up minimal space on a table✔ Has a stylish bronze finish

Hiland Tabletop Patio Heater

  • $135

You can place this heater on the table next to you as you enjoy your snacks and drinks outside. It uses a one-pound propane tank that lasts for up to three hours as well as anti-tilt and overheat features that prevent accidents.

✘ Produces only 9,500 BTUs of heat✘ Runs out of fuel quickly

Customers who were pleased with this product liked that it was affordable, attractive, and compact. However, some users mentioned its low heat output and its inability to hold up under continuous use.

Best Pyramid Heater: Pamapic Patio Heater

✔ Measures nearly 90 inches tall, making it the centerpiece of your space✔ Includes a protective cover that zips open or closed✔ Features built-in tip-over protection

Pamapic Patio Heater

  • $310

This patio heater offers variable heat output, giving you up to 42,000 BTUs on its highest setting. You can adjust the setting using the built-in control valve, making temperature control easy. In addition to functionality, it looks decorative, with fake flames running through the center of its tall frame.

✘ Some buyers dislike the location of the access point for the propane tank✘ Has a lower heat output than other heaters of a similar size

Best Space Heater: Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater

✔ Shuts off automatically if it tips over✔ Weighs two pounds for on-the-go use✔ Can run for close to six hours

Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater

  • $64

This space heater can keep you warm in a small outdoor lounging space. Its propane-powered head produces 3,800 BTUs of heat for 95 square feet. With its portable design, you can bring it with you on camping trips and other outdoor excursions.

✘ Has only 3,800 BTUs of heat output✘ Becomes less effective in open or windy conditions

Campers particularly liked this space heater for warming their eating area. Others were pleased with its lightweight design and simple setup. However, those who left negative reviews for this product were disappointed that it didn’t have adjustable heat levels or angles. Others found that it burned through the tank’s gas quickly.

Best Fire Pit: Outland Living Propane Fire Pit

✔ Features an adjustable temperature knob✔ Comes with a rain cover✔ Sets up in minutes with no tools

Outland Living Propane Fire Pit

  • $160
  • $175
  • 9% off

If you’re looking for a heater for your large outdoor living space, consider this fire pit. It uses a 10-foot hose that attaches to a 20-pound propane tank to generate 58,000 BTUs of heat. It also comes with a bed of fake lava rocks that the flames look like they’re burning.

✘ Has exposed flames that may be dangerous to use near kids and pets✘ Has some customer complaints about the paint chipping

Those who were pleased with this heater liked that it didn’t produce smoke, was portable, and offered easy installation. However, others were less happy, claiming that its low flame limited its heat output. They also said that it consumed an excessive amount of propane.

✔ Features an adjustable temperature knob✔ Comes with the chain to secure the tank✔ Constructed with durable aluminum, steel, and plastic

  • $146

This heater comes in several unique finishes, including turquoise, making it eye-catching on your patio. It produces 46,000 BTUs of heat, which is enough to warm a nine-foot radius. You can get it going with a one-touch ignition system.

✘ Must lift up the entire base to access the propane tank✘ May need to be weighed down with water to ensure stability

Most Versatile: Member’s Mark Patio Heater With LED Table

✔ Comes with two rear wheels for easy maneuverability ✔ Features large aluminum reflectors✔ Can adjust the height of the built-in table

Member’s Mark Patio Heater With LED Table

  • $245

In the center of this patio heater’s pole, there’s a small LED-lighted table for drinks. As a heater, it features an ignition button and temperature knob. On the highest setting, it produces 47,000 BTUs of heat.

✘ May be too tall to use the table when you’re sitting✘ May arrive damaged, according to some customers

What Customers Are Saying

Purchasers with all levels of DIY experience found this heater to be easy to assemble. They also liked its stylish look and high heat output. However, other customers said that its sharp edges were a safety hazard. Some also felt that the metal scratched easily.

Buyer’s Guide

From mushroom to tripod to wall-mounted, patio heaters look and function differently. As you consider our recommended models and others, look at their size, fuel source, heat output, and more.

Design

As we mentioned above, patio heaters come in different designs, with the most popular ones being freestanding, wall- or ceiling-mounted, and tabletop. Freestanding patio heaters are characterized by their mushroom-shaped top or pyramid-style body. These heaters usually have attached wheels and a propane fuel source.

Wall- and ceiling-mounted patio heaters require more extensive installation than their freestanding counterparts. However, they offer you more options in terms of fuel source, as some models run on propane, and others run on electricity.

Tabletop patio heaters are compact heat sources that provide warmth to small areas. Because of their size, tabletop heaters are meant for camping trips or small gatherings.

Fuel Source

Patio heaters typically run on propane, natural gas, or electricity. Propane heaters warm spaces quickly. However, they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you use them in an enclosed area. They’re also pretty large.

Like propane patio heaters, natural gas patio heaters are pretty large. Propane heaters are still somewhat portable, though. That’s not really the case with natural gas ones, since professionals install them by natural gas lines.

Electric heaters are freestanding or mounted units that work indoors or outdoors. Though they’re easy to set up and use, they raise your electric bill and have a lower heat output than their propane and natural gas counterparts.

Heat Output

The heat output of a patio heater is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which refers to the energy required to increase the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. While BTUs measure the output of gas-powered heaters, the output of electric heaters is typically converted from watts to BTUs. In general, patio heaters with a higher BTU rating produce more heat.

An area of 100–150 square feet requires roughly 5,000 BTUs of heat to properly and evenly warm up. As the area increases by 50 square feet, another 1,000 BTUs of heating power is necessary to keep the entire space warm.

Safety Features

Most patio heaters contain safety features to prevent fires. The most common ones include a switch that turns the heater off if it overheats and a switch that turns it off if it tips over.

Size

Be aware of how much patio space you have available as you’re looking at heaters. Gas freestanding heaters take up several feet of ground space. If that’s not going to work for you, consider a tabletop or mounted model.

Maintenance

Most patio heaters are made from metal, so they require minimal maintenance. Just occasionally wipe the surface with a wet cloth, and check the inside for dead bugs and other debris. If your heater runs on gas, also check the hose for kinks.

Installation

Almost all patio heaters require some installation, whether you’re putting together a freestanding unit or mounting a wall unit. Some small electric heaters come preassembled, so all you need to do is plug them in.

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space

Patio heaters are a practical and accessible way to enjoy your outdoor living space all year long. However, whether you have a concrete patio or a wooden deck, there are other elements you can add to create a truly inviting outdoor oasis for hosting, relaxing, and more.

  • Install a covering: If your patio or deck doesn’t have an awning, consider investing in one. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor leisure space in any weather conditions, keeping you and your guests protected from rain, snow, and wind.
  • Choose easy-care furnishings: All-weather metal, wood, and wicker are go-to materials for outdoor furniture. They require little upkeep and last for years.
  • Add decorative accents: Station decorative accents, such as planters and fountains, in garden beds beyond the perimeter of your patio to make the small area feel larger.
  • Include a fire pit. Whether you build a real fire or use a gas fire pit, these centerpieces are as inviting as they are mesmerizing. They’re also an auxiliary heat source during the winter months to use in tandem with your patio heater.

Use outdoor rugs. An easy-clean outdoor area rug softens the ground and defines the seating area. Rugs also insulate your feet from the otherwise cold and unforgiving concrete patio or wooden deck surface.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Heaters

Can you use a patio heater on a covered patio?

Yes. You can use a patio heater on a covered patio as long as the heater has enough clearance. The manufacturer’s manual should mention space requirements.

Can you leave a propane tank outside during the winter?

Yes. Propane tanks can withstand freezing temperatures. They can also survive warm summer months as long as they’re not in direct sunlight.

How long does a propane patio heater run?

A propane patio heater typically runs for about 10 hours with a 20-pound tank, though you should still check on your heater to ensure that it isn’t overheating.

Is it safe to put my patio heater on grass?

No. Patio heaters should never go on your lawn because the grass could ignite. Grass is also an unstable surface, meaning the heater could tip over.

Is an electric patio heater a worthy alternative to a propane patio heater?

Yes. Electric patio heaters are more energy-efficient. You can also discreetly mount them on your walls or ceilings for a subtle heating solution.

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