Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly option that won't increase your electricity bills - it has various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around your garden.
Gas patio heaters can pump out a lot of warmth across a larger area, but it will require a regular supply of propane or natural gas. This is a great solution for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. These heaters are more affordable than the gas-powered models and, if you choose carefully they will have lower operating costs too. There's also no assembly required and you won't have to refill a propane tank.
The best ones have remote controls to make the operation simple and have an LED light integrated to provide ambiance. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave energy over a table sized area. It is easy to use heating settings and a 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is a different alternative. It makes use of an aluminum reflector that focuses the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are efficient and emit a clear warm, cozy glow, but the Herschel has a sleeker look that's more suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems, allowing you to select the desired intensity and temperature. This can help save energy over time.
electric heater for outdoor patio in mind that while infrared heat is efficient however, it only warms objects and people directly in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work when you move away. It will also not heat your patio or garden if the wind blows the heater about.
On the other side, gas heaters can heat up a larger space if they're not moved, and they can be fitted with a wind shield to keep them in place. They are usually found in pub garden and provide a warm "burning log" effect that looks great in any decor.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce lots of smog and noise when the flame is burning. Contrary to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it is depleted the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more environmentally friendly. You should also remember that a gas heater produces greater heat than a comparable electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As the summer winds down and the evenings become chilly it's the perfect the perfect time to get an outdoor heater that will keep you outside for longer. There are a variety of options available depending on whether you want electric or gas, from small tabletop models to large floor-standing units designed to heat large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.
While gas heaters can be more economical to buy than some electric models however, they can be costly to operate - in fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful when it comes to both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they consume". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
In contrast to gas electric heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than the air. As a result, they are much cheaper to run and have less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They're also much simpler to use. Simply plug them in and switch them on, while you'll need to create an open flame or wait for the propane model to heat up.
Electric heaters that are suitable for outdoor use can be used in a variety of settings including bars, restaurants and private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that permits you to control how bright the light is. They can be used in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models, and they can be moved easily. This is great when you have to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
The disadvantage of these heaters is that they have to be plugged in, which means that you'll require a power socket nearby and an extension lead certified to work with outdoor equipment. To ensure safety standards are met the majority of electric heaters cannot be sold with an attached lead over 1.8m and you'll have to be careful not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could pose an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but don't want to be restricted by its location or to lower your expenses. They're powered by electricity, so they're quick to heat up and easy to operate with the flick of a button or remote. They're also less expensive to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place amongst your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't suggest aiming an hose with high pressure at it). This model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to your requirements, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who do not want to be restricted by the location of a gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and has many features, including remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It also has splash-proofing to give you peace of mind. However, we do not recommend getting it wet too much as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A popular choice with many customers This portable heater for patios is a good budget-friendly option for those who want to control their heating. It's simple to use with an adjustable remote, two temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from the distance. It comes with a built-in safety feature that turns the device off if it's tilted.
Electric patio heaters don't emit carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios, making them a great option for those with pets or children who haven't yet reached the maturity level to be aware of the dangers that come with being close to a fire. These models are great for gazebos or large outdoor areas, since they are able to quickly warm up an area of up to 15m2. They're very lightweight and easy to move around, and a majority of them have the option of a remote so that you can alter settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After summer is over and kids are back at school it's time to consider adding some warmth to your outside space. Electric heaters come in different styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular choice combines low operating costs with the functionality of heater. It can be hung on the wall or on the floor, making it suitable for covered porches, gazebos and small gardens where a freestanding unit may seem too large. It comes with an adjustable remote control to regulate the heat. People have said that they consider it to be a Goldilocks option, as it's just warm enough to cut the chill, without becoming too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for confined spaces, such as garages or covered porches, because they don't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on other hand, must be placed in an open area with adequate ventilation to avoid 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 especially important if you reside in an area that has expensive energy charges.
Electric heaters may not be as powerful as gas ones but there are many options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols, and you can also locate a few that run off a rechargeable battery.
This is a good option for those looking for an infrared heater that is affordable to operate. It's available in two sizes and comes with various options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it is able to stand up to moderate rain and splashes liquid.