Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth over a larger area, but will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. It's a good option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are more affordable than gas-powered models and, if you select carefully they'll have lower operating costs too. There's also little assembly required and you won't need to refill a propane tank.
The top ones come with remote controls to make operation easy and an LED light that is built-in for ambience. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It uses circular filaments to emit infrared mediumwave heat over an area that is the size of a table. It is easy to use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heating System is a different option. It makes use of an aluminum reflector that focuses the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm and clean glow. However, the Herschel is more sleek and more suited for modern-day garden spaces, or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems to allow you to choose the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy over the long haul.
You should be aware that infrared heaters are efficient but only heat objects and people who are directly in contact with the heater. They lose their effectiveness when you leave. Also, it will not heat your garden or patio if the winds blow the heater around.
Gas heaters, on the contrary, can heat more space when they aren't moved. They are also equipped with shields to help keep them in place. They're often located in pub gardens. They offer a warm burning log effect that is attractive in a variety of decors.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient, and can also create more noise and smog. Electric heaters are less environmentally friendly than propane, which is required to be replenished after running out. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer begins to wind down and the evenings become colder, it might be the time to purchase a patio heater to keep you outdoors longer. If you decide to go with electric or gas, there's plenty on offer including small tabletop models to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas like a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to buy, but they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of the amount of energy they use and the heat they produce". A typical cylinder of calor gas will cost PS90 new or PS50 to refill and will last about 13 hours of heating.
In contrast to gas electric heaters make use of radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. This means that they are much cheaper to run and leave an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. Simply plug them in, and they will begin to heat up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings including bars, restaurants and private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch, which allows you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in an open or closed space. They are also smaller than gas models and are able to be moved around which is great when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
The heaters are connected to the power source and require an extension cord that is rated for outdoor equipment. The majority of electric heaters aren't allowed to have an extension lead longer than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. You'll also need to be careful to avoid blocking any sockets that are located outside or leaving the extension lead trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the style of the gas heater but do not want to be restricted in the way it can be placed or you want to keep your costs down with these freestanding electric patio heaters are a great option. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. They are also less expensive to run than their gas-powered equivalents.
The Kettler model is a stylish selection that looks amazing with your furniture made of rattan. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't suggest aiming a high-pressure hose at it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your requirements, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is a different option for those who do not want to be limited by the placement of a heater for their patio. try these guys is available in two sizes and comes with numerous features, including a remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your safety. However, we don't recommend letting it get wet too often as this can impact the performance and longevity of the heater.
A popular choice with many customers the portable patio heater is a budget-friendly choice for those who prefer to be in control of their heating. With a remote, 2 heating settings, and the ability to turn the light on and off from an extended distance, it's easy to use. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit off if it is tipping.
Electric patio heaters do not emit carbon monoxide like gas patio heaters, making them a fantastic choice for people with pets or children who have not yet developed the maturity to understand the dangers associated with standing too close to a flame. These models are also ideal for large outdoor gazebos or spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're very lightweight and easy to move about, and a majority of them have an remote control so that you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After summer is over and kids are back to school, it's time to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in a variety of designs, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a great way to combine low operating costs with the utility of heater. It can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor, making it perfect for covered porches, gazebos and small gardens, where a freestanding unit might appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control to regulate the temperature. Some users say it's a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut through the chill without getting too hot.
The main advantage of using an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a small space, such as garages or covered porches as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. In contrast, gas heaters are best installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.

Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly important for those who live in an location where the cost of energy is expensive.
Another disadvantage of electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas one but there are a lot of options in the PS50-PS200 price range to pick from. Some can be attached to parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great option when you're looking for an infrared heating system that's cost-effective to run. It's available in two sizes and offers many features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also certified IP44 which means it can withstand splashes of water and light rain.