Best Patio Heaters

Do you want to make your winter nights memorable? Do you want to add a decorative feature to your outdoor setup? Do you want to enjoy a toasty environment in the cold weather? If the answer to these questions is yes, you should invest in a patio heater.

Whether you want to enjoy a few evening drinks with your friends or celebrate a birthday, many occasions call for an enjoyable and comfortable sitting outside. However, things can get pretty cold out, and this is where a patio heater shines.

Read on for our expert reviews of the best patio heaters available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!

Our Top Picks

10 Best Patio Heaters

1. Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Heater

If you love being outdoors and spending time on your patio, you will appreciate the need for an excellent outdoor heating appliance. The Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Heater ticks all the right boxes; it’s efficient, safe, effective, and easy to use. Its design centres on creating a toasty and cosy outdoor experience for its users.

Features

Overheat Protection

This patio heater uses a Quartz tube heating element with overheating protection. The lamp has a lifetime rating of 5000 hours. As such, not only is the heater safe to use, it is also durable.

Height Adjustable

The height of the free-standing lamp is adjustable. Users can increase or decrease the height to suit different spaces.

3 Adjustable Heat Settings

The Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Heater has three adjustable heat settings. Users can adjust the heat produces between 650W, 1350W, and 2000W, therefore, creating the perfect environment to enjoy the outdoors on a chilly evening or night.

Heavy Base

It comes with a weighted base to increase stability. The extra weight at the bottom of the heater lowers the centre of gravity, increasing the balance of the heater. It does not tip easily.

Glossy Finish

The Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Heater has a glossy finish giving the outdoor heater an aesthetically pleasing finish that complements your outdoor decor.

2-Metres Power Cord

It has a 2-metres power cord with a standard 240V mains 3-pin plug to connect to the mains.

Depending on its placement, you might need to use an additional cable

2. Kingfisher PH300 Table Top Patio Heater

It is a challenge to utilise a back garden during winters, especially during the evening. The moment the temperature drops, you have no option, but to go indoors. However, you can still use the space if you have a Kingfisher PH300 Table Top Patio Heater. This is a blessing in disguise for homeowners. They keep you heated so that you can sit comfortably relaxing with your friends and family. It uses propane or butane fuel, making it an inexpensive addition to your back garden.

Features

Quality Assured

Kingfisher is a brand that goes by its name. You can blindly trust its quality when it comes to this heater. The warmth is comfortable enough to drive the chilliness in the air away in your patio. Moreover, the powder-coated finish prevents rust from developing on the stand.

Sturdy Build

This patio heater doesn’t bend or break. The sturdy build allows it to sit on a table firmly without tilting unless you move it manually.

Standard Heating

The heater doesn’t emit too much heat to make you feel uncomfortable. It is almost like a room heater that offers a comfortable level of warmth around the patio.

The Kingfisher PH300 Table Top Patio Heater has everything that a portable patio heater requires to be the best in the business. You can get it now before the winter arrives so that it becomes easier to host a part in your patio during Christmas.

3. Futura Deluxe Wall Mounted Electric Infrared Patio Heater

Would it be great if you could enjoy the evenings in winter reading books or listening to your favourite music in your back garden? But, you can hardly leave your room after dusk because of the freezing temperature. However, thanks to the Futura Deluxe Wall Mounted Electric Infrared Patio Heater, you can now enjoy comfortable evenings and mornings even during the coldest days of the season. This versatile patio heater has three heat settings that allow you to increase the intensity of the heat as the temperature dips.

Features

Three Heat Settings

Your party doesn’t need to stop as the temperature goes down. Switch this patio heater on, and it will take care of providing enough warmth outside. It has three heat settings, with 750W, 1000W and 2000W so that you can adjust the temperature according to the weather conditions.

Infrared Technology

The 2000W infrared heating element is more than enough to heat up sizeable porch or backyard. You will see a warm glowing heat from the heater bar.

Wall Mounting

You can install it on your patio wall instead of keeping it on the table. This will prevent anyone from touch it accidentally.

The Futura Deluxe Wall Mounted Electric Infrared Patio Heater is one of the best patio heaters you will ever come across. Don’t mind the price because it has enough features to warrant it. So, get this patio heater now for a comfortable winter ahead.

4. Firefly 2KW FreeStanding Infared Electric Patio Heater

It is always handy to have a portable patio heater in the house. You can use it in your home and also in the garden. And that’s precisely what Firefly 2KW FreeStanding Infrared Electric Patio Heater provides. This is one of the rare patio heaters that is lightweight, offers adjustable heights, and has enough heat intensity to keep your patio warm and comfortable. Apart from the adjustable height, it also comes with three power settings that allow you to increase or decrease the temperature according to the weather conditions.

Features

Adjustable Height

This patio heater comes with an adjustable stand. You can increase the height if you want to spread the heat over a bigger area.

Adjustable Heat Setting

You have three adjustable heat settings in this patio heater. This is a massive advantage, especially if the temperature is starting to get colder.

No Gas Required

The Firefly 2KW FreeStanding Infrared Electric Patio Heater doesn’t run use storing cylinders or pressurised gas. It runs on electricity. Hence you don’t need to go for annual servicing like some gas heaters.

The Firefly 2KW FreeStanding Infrared Electric Patio Heater is an affordable, long-lasting, and efficient patio heater. With adjustable heights and heat settings, and a two-year warranty, you get an incredible package at a significantly low price.

5. AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Patio Heater

Keeping warm while enjoying your outdoors does not have to be a daunting task. With the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Patio Heater, you can rest assured of a toasty patio that you can enjoy hours on end. Whether you are entertaining friends or simply reading a book on your patio, this heater will keep you comfortable with soothing heat.

Features

Powerful Heater

The heater has an impressive 46,000 BUT output, powerful enough to warm an area with a diameter of up to 18 meters.

Robust Build

This patio heater is made using commercial-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel gives the heater a robust durable build and impeccable aesthetics. Its aesthetics effectively turn the heater into an outdoor ornament that complements patio décor.

Sturdy Base

The heater has a base reservoir system that you can fill with sand or water to increase the weight of the base. This, in turn, increases the stability of the heater, reducing the risk of the heater toppling over.

Easy To Use

Once you assemble and set up the heater, it is easy to use. It has a piezo ignition system that requires just one button push to light the heater. Importantly, it has a heat control system that allows users to control heat output precisely to their liking. The tilt shut off valve shuts the valve completely when heater tilts, enhancing safety.

Mobility Wheels

The heater comes with built-in smooth-rolling wheels. Given that you have to move the heater from time to time, this feature is a welcomed addition. You can move the heater around with ease.

6. VonHaus Electric Patio Heater

Stay warm no matter how cold it gets outside with the VonHaus electric patio heater. This freestanding quartz heater is weatherproof making it perfect for outdoor use. The heater puts out heat and light instantly. This heater keeps you warm and comfortable so you can enjoy the outdoors.

Features

Powerful Quartz Tube Heating

The heater has three different heat settings. Choose between 2000W, 1350W, and 650W. It heats areas up to 15m2 so you never have to worry about feeling cold. The lamp lasts for a long time and will give you up to 2500 hours of heat.

Height Adjustable

The adjustable height makes it very easy to enjoy heat wherever you want it. Easily move the heater from 174.5cm to 210cm. The heating element is adjustable and you can angle it 45 degrees up and down. This allows you to direct the heat or light exactly where you want it to go.

Safe To Use

The heater can be used outdoors and it can also be used indoors. It has a 3-metre long power cable. It also has over-heat protection which shuts the heater off automatically. The heavy base helps keep the lamp stable.

Weatherproof

The lamp is weatherproof with an IPX4 rating. This means it can be used outdoors and indoors safely. The sturdy steel construction ensures that the lamp can withstand rain and harsh weather with ease. You won’t have to worry about it rusting if you accidentally leave it in the rain. The lamp is also easy to store and it is compact so it doesn’t take up a lot of space.

7. BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater

Just because those long winter evenings are creeping in there is no reason to abandon outdoor entertainment. The BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater provides a perfect solution to keeping those winter chills at bay in a stylish and modern package which is perfect for entertaining with family and friends.

Features

Perfect Heating Solution

The unique column design and reflective unit of the BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater provide for efficient heating for up to 10 feet around. Powered by propane gas it is economical to use and easy to operate.

Attractive stylish Design

The quartz glass enclosure which surrounds the flame provides a talking point and makes this heater an attractive addition to any outdoor space.

Safety First

The quartz glass tube also confines the flame making it safe to use. The unit conforms to the latest European safety standards. The built-in safety valve cuts of gas flor should the unit to tilted away from vertical and the mesh surrounding the quartz enclosure is an extra safety feature.

Durable

High-grade steel and powder-coated aluminium construction mean that the unit is highly weather-resistant and perfect for outdoor use even when exposed to the harshest of elements, including salt air. `

Easy to Assemble

The unit comes with a detailed instructional video to make assembly simple.

The BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater is the perfect addition to any patio or outdoor space for those who want to entertain during the colder months. Its durability and attractive design make it a focal point of any conversation.

8. La Hacienda Sierra Cast Iron Chiminea

Outdoor cooking has a certain appeal that the vast majority of us appreciate and love. For instance, it is relaxing and enjoyable. It arouses our innate love for cooking in the outdoors of a wood fire. The La Hacienda Sierra Cast Iron Chiminea is designed to make outdoor cooking and outdoor heating as convenient and exciting as possible. If you need a patio heater that can double as cooker, the La Hacienda Sierra Chiminea is a right choice.

Features

Made Of Cast Iron

This chiminea is manufactured to last long. It is made using cast iron, one of the most durable metal for home appliances. Being made of cast iron ensures that this patio heater is not only durable, but it can withstand the abuse of years of heating, cooling, and cooking without deteriorating significantly.

Slide-In Grill For Backyard BBQs

The La Hacienda Sierra Cast Iron Chiminea comes with a chrome-plated grill. As such, you can use this outdoor heater as a heat source. Alternatively, you can install the grill and enjoy some Al-Fresco cooking in your backyard.

An Aesthetic Finish

It comes with an aesthetically pleasing finish of smooth cast iron. It sports a traditional design that adds character to your backyards whilst being a functional appliance. As such, it is not a sore in your garden but rather a decorative and function feature that brings your backyard to life.

9. La Hacienda Heatmaster Umbrella Mount Infrared Heater

The UK is not blessed with such warm evenings in the Autumn and Winter months. The La Hacienda Heatmaster Umbrella Mount Infrared Heater is one of the best options for an outdoor heater. This parasol or tripod mounted heater is good for attaching under patio umbrellas. It can also be attached to a tripod to make it portable it has a metallic black finish, it has three long heaters to provide unidirectional flow of heat. It is functional and at the same time very stylish.

Features

Bulb

It has quadruple infrared ruby halogen lamps that are 400 watts each. The bulb is expected to last for up to 5,000 hours. Replacement bulbs are available for around £7, so only £28 to replace the whole unit.

Power Settings

This heater contains only two preset power settings one for 900W and another 1800W. It comes with a power cable that is 2 meters, you might need an extension when fitting it.

Aesthetics

Most heaters come in silver with a black plastic frame, this one is not your average heater and it comes with an all round black plastic and looks very stylish. It fits in most parasols that are 22cm up to 55cm in diameter. It looks good in any garden and even in commercial properties.

Extra Features

You can buy a tripod stand that will make the heater freestanding.

10. VonHaus Geo Fire Pit Bowl

As the chill of winter starts to bite in the evenings, get outside and bathe in the warm glow of the stylish VonHaus Geo Fire Pit Bowl. Perfect for entertaining or just family time on the patio or in the back garden this is an outdoor accessory that reflects personal taste and will provide a talking point whatever the company.

Features

Affordable

This seasons hottest outdoor accessory allows homeowners the option of entertaining around a fire pit without the sometimes steep costs associated with having a modern built-in fire pit installed.

Durability

The steel construction means that this eye-catching fire pit is durable enough to stand the hard knocks that weather can bring. Actually gains in attractiveness the longer it remains outside.

Versatility

Homeowners can make use of either wood or charcoal in the fire pit. The protective mesh ensures that no burning material falls to the ground or presents a fire hazard. The heat-resistant poker allows for easy control of the fire at every stage.

Simple Assembly

Easy to follow assembly instructions mean that even a homeowner with no prior DIY experience can have the fire pit ready for action in only minutes.

The VonHaus Geo Fire Pit Bowl is perfect for outdoor winter entertaining with family and friends, as well as being an attractive accessory that will compliment any outdoor space.

Patio Heater Buying Guide

Patio heaters are common across the UK in restaurants and beer gardens with outdoor dining areas to help people keep warm. Many people choose patio heaters not just for their heat but also as an architectural element to add to the design to the outdoor seating area.

Key Takeaways

• Patio heaters are not only practical for warmth but also serve as an architectural element for outdoor spaces, with various types including freestanding, wall-mounted, tabletop, hanging, umbrella-mounted, chimineas, and fire pits, each suited for different spaces and preferences.
• Different fuel types for patio heaters—gas, electric, and solid fuel—have their own advantages and cost implications, with electric heaters being more efficient and cost-effective in the long term.
• When purchasing a patio heater, important features to consider include weight, reflector size, build quality, safety features, and warranty, with a longer warranty often indicating higher product confidence from the manufacturer.

Different Types of Patio Heaters

When it comes to buying a patio heater, you should know that there are many different types available today. Here is a quick guide on different types of patio heaters you can buy for your patio or decking area.

Freestanding Patio Heaters

As the name suggests, these are completely upright. You should buy one of these if you want to heat wide areas. You will typically find these in restaurants and bars. These look similar to street lamps though much smaller in size.

The good thing about these type of patio heaters is that you can easily move them around to various parts. These are typically powered by gas and don’t necessarily need to be close to an electric power source for heating.

Wall Mounted Patio Heaters

As the name suggests, these are designed to be mounted on a wall and tend to be smaller in size. These are space-saving models as these do not take up any additional floor space which means you have ample space for furniture and guests. These are ideal for small spaces such as your pergola, gazebo, sunroom, deck or porch. These are typically electric devices and provide heat with the help of infrared lights.

Tabletop Patio Heaters

These patio heaters are designed to sit atop a table. These offer a comfortable warm space for those sitting around it. Since these are portable, you can enjoy the warmth outside on your patio. These are much more compact in size and are powered by either gas or electricity. As far as the heat output is concerned, it is typically lower as compared to the freestanding heaters that tend to be more powerful.

Hanging Patio Heaters

This type of heater is designed to hang from the ceiling. It is ideal for compact spaces. Due to its small size, these are considered a versatile appliance that does not take up much room. It is typically powered by electricity.

Umbrella Mounted Patio Heaters

As the name suggests, this type of heater attaches to the standard umbrella centre poles. It is perfect for patio seating. It is usually electric and typically features up to 4 infrared bulbs.

Fire Pits

If you love sitting around a bonfire having a good time with your friends and family, you would want to invest in an outdoor fire pit to bring everyone together. With fire pits, you can have a warm campfire without leaving your home. These are available in a wide variety of styles including fire pit tables, fire bowls as well as a fire pit kit. These are typically powered by wood or gas. These are usually made from cast iron or aluminium.

Chimineas

This is the term used for those attractive outdoor fireplaces. These fireplaces have been around for hundreds of years. These were typically used in Mexican villages as a cooking vessels. Traditionally, these are made from clay and terracotta but these days, you can buy these fireplaces made of steel, cast iron, copper as well as cast aluminium. These are considered safer than fire pits due to enclosed smoke and fire.

Different Fuel Types for Patio Heaters

There are a number of fuel options for your patio heaters including gas, electric and solid fuel. Here is a quick rundown of different types of fuels that can be used for your heater.

Gas

When it comes to gas, you have the option of choosing between a propane fired and a natural gas-fired patio heater. The propane patio heaters tend to be the most common and these are available in a wide variety of designs. These are portable and you can easily place them anywhere outdoor.

Natural gas-fired patio heaters tend to be a more permanent option. The advantage of natural gas is that is less expensive. These heaters are typically available in wall and ceiling mounts as well as in freestanding design. Some of the models that use natural gas are portable and you can also place them in various predetermined locations.

Electric

As the name suggests, these heaters use electricity which means these can be placed almost anywhere. These heaters offer instant heat and do not have much warm up time. These are highly economical as these radiate maximum power. Patio heaters using electricity are typically available in freestanding, table top as well as in wall and ceiling mount designs.

Solid Fuel

These solid fuel powered patio heaters are available in numerous forms. Wooden logs or pellets are used to provide heat through controlled fire. These offer a nice environment for people to perch around them but these also produce quite a bit of smoke. As compared to the other options, these type of heaters need constant maintenance.

Different Types of Infrared

When it comes to electric heaters, there are three different types of infrared heat including shortwave, middle-wave and long-wave. The shortwave infrared has operating temperatures of up to 2700 degrees C whereas the middle-wave infrared operates at temperatures ranging from 500 to 800 degrees C and the far-infrared or long-wave infrared operates at a temperature of less than 500 degrees C.

When it comes to glare, there are three different types of glare including low glare, no glare and glare. Ceramic heaters do not have any glare due to absence of any light emitting elements whereas carbon fibre heaters are usually no glare or glare due to light reduction elements. Halogen heaters come with low glare or glare options. As far as the cost is concerned, the low glare elements tend to be costly but also offer up to 2000 extra hours of lifespan.

Ceramic and carbon fibre elements offer far-infrared heat that is much more comfortable whereas halogen and quartz elements offer hot/intense or medium level of heat.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Patio Heater?

As far as the cost of running a patio heater is concerned, it depends on the fuel type and design of the heater along with the overall wattage. Keep in mind that wattage isn’t indicative of heat output and efficiency which means you won’t get more heat by buying higher wattage.

If you run an electric patio heater with consumption of 3000 W, you will get a heat coverage of around 30 square meters and the hourly running cost will come to approximately 45p whereas a gas powered 3000 W patio heater with provide heat coverage of up to 7 square meter and it will have an hourly running cost of around 62p.

In addition to the running cost, you need to take into account the lifespan of heater and various parts. A gas patio heater that does not have any waterproof cover and has powder coating will last only one season whereas a stainless steel heater will last substantially longer. Similarly, the running cost of electric patio heater also depends on the lifespan of element inside. If the element is made of halogen or quartz, it will have a life span anywhere from 3000 to 5000 hours whereas a ceramic or carbon fibre element will last anywhere from 5000 to 10,000 hours.

As far as the overall efficiency is concerned, electric heaters tend to be much more efficient as these have around 94% efficiency which means 94% of the energy consumed is converted into heat. These tend to cost much less as compared to gas heaters in the long term.

What Features to Look for in a Patio Heater?

When it comes to buying a patio heater, there are several important features you need to look at. Here is a quick look at some of the important parameters.

Weight

If you are investing in a portable heater, the weight becomes quite important. After all, you’d want to move your patio heater easily. So, pay attention to the weight and make sure that it comes equipped with heavy duty wheels in order to make it easy for you to move it around. Electric heaters tend to be lighter and easier to carry as compared to gas powered ones.

Reflector Size

The function of reflector inside a heater is to distribute heat evenly and these are usually fitted to gas models. These are available in a wide variety of sizes and bigger reflector size means it is able to distribute heat into wider areas. Pay special attention to this feature as some models have less effective reflectors but better appearance. Some models also allow you to adjust the reflectors in order to reflect the heat in a particular direction.

Build Quality

Needless to say, you would want to invest in a model that is made from high quality materials. Most of the models available in the market today are made from high grade stainless steel at the head, pole, base and reflector. If you want to buy a full body steel constructed model, expect to pay more. The gas models tend to be more robust as compared to electric models. It is recommended to go for heavier coating if you want to buy a painted model.

Safety

One of the most essential features you need to look at is the safety tilt feature. This feature automatically shuts off the heater in case it falls over. Do not overlook the safety aspect.

Warranty

If you manufacturer offers a longer warranty for their product, it means that they stand behind their product and are convinced that their products will last a long time. It is recommended to choose models that offer at least two years of warranty. Ideally, you should invest in models that come with at least five years warranty.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best patio heaters. There are so many things to consider when looking for a heater for your patio. With our guide, hopefully you will have an easier time finding the perfect patio heater for your needs!