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There are few things as enjoyable as an outdoor party or get together in the summertime. However, when the sun goes out and the temperatures drop what are you to do?
Going home definitely isn’t an option! We have the perfect solution for you, whether it’s at a bar, restaurant, or your home: a outdoor patio heater.
We’ve spent the last few weeks researching and testing out countless products to bring you the best outdoor patio heaters on the market today.
Best Outdoor Patio Heaters
| hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater | Thermo Tiki Deluxe Patio Heater | Donyer Power Patio Heater | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 |  |  | |
| Heat Source: | Propane | Propane | Electric |
| Output: | 41,000 BTUs | 38,000 BTU | 1500 watts |
| Range: | 15 ft | 15 ft | 65sq ft |
| Size: | 35" x 87" | 30" x 90" | 17" x 17" |
 | | |
For more of my home and garden recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Patio Umbrellas, Chimineas, Fire Pits.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Patio Heaters For 2021
- hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater
- Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
- Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater
- Hiland Electric Patio Heater
- Donyer Power Electrical Patio Heater
- Golden Flame Patio Heater
- Hiland Quartz Glass Patio Heater
Patio Heater Reviews
Our reviews of the top rated patio heaters with a comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the heater for you.
Best Outdoor Propane Heater
#1 hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater
The hOmeLabs Propane Patio Heater is visually stunning, modern heater which comes with some of the most recent advancements in the industry.
Their “Pilotless” Burner System means that there’s no more wasting fuel which is not only expensive, but bad for the environment.
By taking out the standing pilot, you no longer need to worry about the wind blowing out the pilot flame which will once again leave you shivering!
Expand To See More Instead, this outdoor propane heater makes starting the heater no problem, with an easy press ignition system that works right away. Capable of producing 41,000 BTUs with SS Burners, it’s quite a powerful unit capable of keeping entire terraces and patios warm with ease. Coming in bronze hammered finish, you don’t have to worry about it going with your décor because the color works well with most patio design. It even comes a little table which goes around the pole, so you and your guests can keep your drinks or snacks nearby. If you happen to need to move it to another location, the mobility wheels make it a breeze. To keep it from tipping over, you’ll also find a bottom sand reservoir which adds up to 25 pounds to the base. Keep in mind that you will have to purchase the sand separately. Our next outdoor heater is the modern and sophisticated Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater. The floor pyramid made of high-grade steel and aluminum is made to last for years, with a captivating dancing flame climbing up the tower to provide both warmth and beauty. Choose from either Stainless Steel, Mocha, or Black – all go with just about anything. Each one is made with all weather-resistant parts which hold up against rust, fade, and corrosion. Expand To See More That means you can keep it outside in just about any climate without worry about it wearing down. Aside from looks, it performs well too, with heat coverage of up to 15’ in diameter and output of 38,000 BTUs which is quite impressive. However, it does have a peak output of up to 45,000 BTU so don’t be surprised if you can get more heat out of it. Despite being so powerful, it’s very safe, featuring a safety valve to automatically turn off the fuel supply if it ends up being tilted or tipped over. Aside from that, you’ll find a protective mesh which covers the ceramic-glass heating column in addition to the pilot light. Overall, the fact that the model is compliant with ANSI, CE, and CSA standards should make you feel more at ease. For easy maneuvering, you’ll find sturdy wheels which allow you to move it as you’d like without issue. Much like the previous propane patio heater, you’ll also find an easy push-button ignition so you don’t have to hassle to turn it on each time. The Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater is quite a bit different from the last two models, as it doesn’t stand on its own but is a wall mount heater for both commercial and residential use. In addition, it doesn’t use propane for its power, but rather 110v of electric power. This means that you never have to refill a tank and never have to worry about exhaust fumes, while also having more confidence due to it being safer to operate. Expand To See More Instead, the design utilizes infrared rays which have been used for hundreds of years to heal injuries, grow plants, and many other positive uses. While it works in both indoor and outdoor settings, if you decide to use it outdoors, remember this electric outdoor heater comes with a weatherproof IP65 rating. That means that it will hold up well in all kinds of climates! For indoor situations, you and your guests will appreciate its silent operation and low light which won’t distract you from your conversations or sleeping. Controlling this outdoor patio heater is easy, thanks to an included remote control. Choose from 3 heat settings: high, medium, and low. You can also use the remote to switch it on or off, or do it manually. Another very unique infrared heater that ranked high among not only us, but countless other consumers, is the Hiland Electric Parasol Heater. This model is perfect for working with patio umbrellas and parasol, with a solid 1500 watts, 3 heaters, and the ability to heat up to 15 square foot radius so no one gets left out of the warmth. Instead of only being able to enjoy the outdoors a few months a year, you can even get year-round comfort with this one! Expand To See More The CSA-approved unit is incredibly safe, with a safety anti-tilt switch and a 1-year warranty to cover anything that may arise. Having gone through rigorous testing, you can rest knowing that this is a product safe to use for years. As it’s IP-certified to be waterproof, you can also use it in just about any type of climate without worry. Made for both indoor and outdoor use, the applications are just about endless. With variable temperature control, you can have complete control over how warm it gets to make sure everyone is always comfortable. Made of stainless steel, this outdoor electric heater can take on all weather conditions without wearing down. The gorgeous Donyer Power 1500W Electrical Patio Heater couldn’t be left off our list. Working in both indoor and outdoor settings, you can use it literally just about anywhere you feel like. Living rooms, gardens, patios, or even an outdoor camping area will all benefit from having the Donyer Power in it! With a diameter of 17 inches and a height of 13 inches, it’s relatively small in comparison to the others on our guide. However, this makes it easy to hang anywhere without taking up too much space. Expand To See More Despite its compact size, it has a heating scope of an impressive 65 square feet, which should easily cover any outdoor or indoor space. With two power settings, you get to set how hot it gets with its 360-degree uniform heating. With double Halogen heating pipes, heat can increase rapidly so you don’t have to sit there waiting around in the cold. These pipes also make sure to resist high temperatures which make it very durable. Comprised of black iron, it can take a beating, but also looks absolutely stunning anywhere you place it. Simply use the hook design and 1m chain to hang it anywhere that is getting a bit chilly. Undoubtedly one of the better patio heaters currently available today, the Fire Sense Patio Heater is incredibly easy to use and very versatile. With a high power of 46,000 BTUs, this freestanding patio heater will easily heat you and all of your friends and family throughout every season. This model uses a 20-pound tank of liquid propane (LP) gas, with a runtime of around 10 hours per tank. You’ll also find the electric ignition system convenient, with quick reliability that will light the heater by simply pushing a button. Expand To See More Coming in 11 different colors such as Aqua Blue, Matte Black, Hammered Mocha/Bronze, and more, you’re sure to find a shade that perfectly suits your patio décor or your personal tastes. Made of commercial-grade stainless steel, it’s made to last you for many seasons and years to come. The burners are also made of the durable metal, coming with a 1-year warranty so you know you’re receiving a quality propane patio heater that won’t give out on you. The innovative design will add sophistication instantly to any setting, and as it’s so simple to maneuver, you will be able to take it just about anywhere you’d like around your home. The heavy-duty wheels can easily roll over tiny pebbles, cracks, cement, grass, and much more. Finally, we have the Hiland Tall Quartz Glass Tube Heater which is really a spectacle in itself. The 91-inch tall heat glass tube model is propane patio heater, with the ability to give 40,000 BTUs to heat large outdoor spaces. As the name suggests, it does feature a large quartz glass tube/pyramid which allows you to see everything. The durable stainless steel finish is rust-and-corrosion-resistant, so you can use it in various types of climates. Expand To See More With this model, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors for many months more than you would typically have the chance to. You have complete control over the temperature to make sure no one starts getting too hot. The wheels let you move it where you’d like it without risk of it tipping over. Thermocouple and ani-tilt safety devices will also turn off the model if it does happen to lose its balance. With a 20-pound propane tank capacity, you’ll get up to 10 hours of runtime off a single tank which is more than enough to heat a party or dinner. Moreover, you’ll receive a 1-yaer warranty against manufacturer defects so you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’re receiving a product that won’t let you down. Best Gas Patio Heater
#2 Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
Best Wall Mount Patio Heater
#3 Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater
Best Electric Patio Heater
#4 Hiland Electric Patio Heater
Best Patio Heat Lamp
#5 Donyer Power Electrical Patio Heater
Warmest Patio Heater
#6 Fire Sense Patio Heater Stainless Steel
Best Patio Heater For Wind
#7 Hiland Quartz Glass Tube Patio Heater
Patio Heater Comparison Table
Patio Heater Heat Source Heat Output Heating Range Heater Size Rating hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater 
Propane 41,000 BTUs 15 ft 35" x 87" 4.7 / 5.0 Thermo Tiki Patio Heater 
Propane 38,000 BTU 15 ft 53" x 30" 3.9 / 5.0 Muskoka Lifestyle Infrared Heater 
Electric 1500 watts 15 ft 22" x 6" 4.1 / 5.0 AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater 
Electric 1500 watts 10 ft 40" x 6" 4.1 / 5.0 Donyer Power Patio Heater 
Electric 1500 watts 65sq ft 17" x 17" 4.4 / 5.0 Fire Sense Patio Heaterl 
Propane 46,000 BTU 15 ft 33" x 89" 4.0 / 5.0 Hiland Quartz Patio Heater 
Propane 40,000 BTU 12 ft 91" x 30"
How to Choose the Best Patio Heater – Buying Guide
Now that we’ve wrapped up all of our favorite products, is there one that’s caught your attention? If you’re still on-the-fence about one or two, that’s perfectly normal.
There are a lot of great products on this guide, and it can be hard to narrow it down. That’s why we’ve decided to go ahead and create the comprehensive buying guide, below. It will take you through each step of the process in choosing the best outdoor patio heater for you and your needs.
Type
First, it’s important to select a type and narrow it down from there.
Freestanding Patio Heaters
These make up the bulk of our list and are also the most popular. These are great if you need heating on your patio. You’ll often find these on bar and restaurant patios, as they transmit enough heat to keep everyone out there warm and comfortable.
As they do not require electrical power, you don’t have to worry about batteries or someone tripping over a cord. They use fuel instead, which is typically stored in the base of the heater.
Wall-Mounted
In contrast, these are kept out of the way by staying attached to a wall. Usually, these can be used in both indoor and outdoor situations and are mounted high up on the wall so you can easily adjust the direction of the heat while avoiding anyone accidentally bumping into it.
Sizes
As you could tell from the above items, patio heaters come in quite a few different shapes and sizes. However, the most common, as previously mentioned is the freestanding heater. These will usually give around 40,000 BTU of heating power which are ideal for bigger areas, larger than 2,000 square feet.
Wall heaters, on the other hand, are very small and will only give an output of 3000 BTU, however, there are a few products which can produce much more. These are ideal for spaces smaller than 150 square feet or if you really need to save space and don’t have room for the former.
Of course, you’ll want to measure your patio area if you don’t already know it. If you’ll be using it in a space where you have a large table out there, then you’ll probably want to use a freestanding model. These also work well if you and your guests will be standing around, chatting.
Power
Do you know how many BTUs or watts you’ll need? If not, again, measure the space of the area you want to use your heater in. To do this, simply multiply the number of feet it measures long by the number of feed wide.
After this, you’ll need to estimate the temperature difference you desire. Take the current temperature in Fahrenheit with your ideal temp in Fahrenheit and multiply them together to give you the BTUs you’ll need.
Area in Square Feet x (current temperature in Fahrenheit – desired temperature) = minimum BTU
You’ll want to go up a bit from the number you get, as some companies “overestimate” a bit.
Electric or Propane
Traditionally, patio heaters utilize propane to generate their heat, however, electric models are becoming increasingly popular.
Propane
These are relatively simple and straightforward to use, as well as very easy to move around. Tanks obviously don’t come with the models, so you can select the tank size to suit your fuel usage.
You can set these models up wherever you feel like, and you don’t usually need to install them in any special or complicated way. The fuel is stored in the base of the heater in a propane tank, so it’s important that the heater you select comes with a kind of safety shut-off mode if it gets tipped over.
Electric
The most eco-friendly and convenient option is the electric patio heater. Providing clean, warm air, everyone will enjoy themselves.
In addition, they’re very efficient and cost-friendly, as you don’t need to buy propane and won’t have to worry about them running out of fuel. The downside is, that electric outdoor heaters not as mobile as they do require an electricity source.
Extras
These aren’t necessary but can definitely make the experience a lot better for you.
Wheels: Having sturdy mobile wheels will make it easy for you to move your patio heater around to your liking. Good wheels should be able to handle all kinds of outdoor terrain with no problem.
Instant-Start: This means that as soon as you want to turn the heater on, you can. You don’t have to deal with trying to light it time after time, struggling while in the cold.
Remote Control: While you’ll be able to control the heat settings on each one of the above models manually, there are some that also come with a remote control so you don’t have to move from your spot to turn the temperature up or down.
FAQs About Outdoor Heaters
Q: Do I need a certain amount of clearance around my outdoor patio heater?
A: Yes, you typically will, or you could start a fire with it. If you obstruct the model, even if it doesn’t start a fire it could end up creating potentially-toxic gas in the air which isn’t healthy for anyone to breathe in. While you should always double-check in your manual, a 30-inch clearance around the top is a good guideline to go off of.
Q: Can I use it on an enclosed patio?
A: You’ll definitely be able to use one, so long as you choose the correct model. We would recommend opting for an electronic model if you’re dealing with particularly tight spaces that don’t have a lot of air flowing through. These are more appropriate for indoor settings.
Q: What’s so great about an outdoor patio heater?
A: Well, for one, it will make sure that you and your guests aren’t cold! If you are trying to keep a socializing area warm or are looking to entertain guests but are afraid the temperatures are too low, then this is where a patio heater shines.
Just make sure that if it’s electric, you have an outlet you can use safely. If it’s a propane model, make sure it has the proper clearance.
Q: Can you use a patio heater under a covered patio?
A: The majority of patio heaters are meant for use in open air areas because they put out large amounts of heat that could be a fire hazard. However electric patio heaters like the Muskoka Lifestyle Infrared Heater could be use with a covered patio or garage if it is placed away from anything flammable.
Q: Do outdoor heaters work in winter?
A: High output propane patio heaters put out large amounts of heat and can provide enough warmth in the winter. It of course depends on how cold it is and wind conditions. In southern states, an outdoor heater will make your patio very comfortable in the winter months.
Q: Can outdoor heaters be left out in the rain?
A: While most outdoor patio heaters can be left out in the rain because they are waterproof. However, just because they can be left out doesn’t mean it a good idea to do so. Being exposed to rain will accelerate the heater rusting and deteriorating.
Q: Are electric patio heaters waterproof?
A: All of the electric patio heaters on our list are waterproof. You should look for an outdoor heater witha waterproof rating of IP24 or higher.
Tips For Using Your Patio Heater
#1: Always make sure you’re placing your heater on solid, level ground if it’s a standalone unit.
Obviously, this doesn’t apply to wall-mounted models. You want it to be completely stable, with no risk of it tipping over. Cement or stone would be ideal, as opposed to a grassy surface.
#2: If you have spare fuel, make sure you stow it away.
This fuel can easily start a fire if the conditions are right, so keeping it in a cool, dark area is ideal.
#3: Always pick a heater with the proper safety features.
Even if you think you won’t need them, trust us, you do. A safety tilt switch is more than sufficient, and will make sure to automatically turn the heater off should it tilt over.
#4: Never put anything on your patio heater.
While it may be tempting to put your bathing suit on the heater to dry it off, don’t ever place anything on it. Going back to the clearance we talked about, things can often catch fire if too close.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re pretty much an outdoor patio heater expert, which one will you be using this season for your social events? There is a wide selection of great heaters to choose from, but what’s most important is that you select the right one for you and your needs. We hope that this article has helped you achieve just that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!
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