Best Patio Heaters To Stay Warm and Toasty In the Outdoors

Whether you’re dining al fresco or you want to cozy up in your backyard, a patio heater can add much-needed warmth so you can enjoy the outdoors even longer. But finding the best patio heater may not be as simple as you think–they come in a variety of fuel sources, shapes, sizes, and, most importantly, vary on how much heat they can actually put out. I reviewed and examined several options to bring you our top picks for the best patio heaters out there.

Our top picks for best patio heaters

What to consider before buying a patio heater

If you’ve chosen your outdoor furniture and hung your outdoor solar lights, but found it’s too cold to actually enjoy the outdoor ambience, a patio heater is almost certainly the solution. However, before investing in a patio heater, consider the following major factors to help you narrow down your selection.

Heating fuel source

You can choose from three different fuel sources for heating your patio: Electric, propane, and natural gas.

• Electric: An electric heater allows you to simply plug the heater into the standard 120-volt outlet; however, it may not produce as much heat as propane or natural gas and can increase your electric bill. These operate in a similar way to an electric fireplace that you use indoors. 
• Propane: You can also purchase a propane patio heater, which is powered by a propane tank (typically 20 gallons). You can purchase these propane tanks easily at most gas stations, hardware, or grocery stores. This is usually an affordable option for fuel, although it does depend on the cost of propane. If you have an outdoor grill that uses propane, you may already have a spare tank or two sitting around outside your house (don’t store them indoors!) 
• Natural gas: If you have a natural gas line installed in your home, you may prefer a patio heater powered by natural gas. While convenient, it could mean you have to have an additional gas line installed, plus it could increase your monthly natural gas bill. It’s also not as portable as electric or propane options, since the location of the natural gas line determines where you can place it.

BTUs

Another indicator of the amount of heat a patio heater puts out is by its BTU measurement. This is short for British Thermal Unit, and it tells you how much heat your patio heater puts out per standard cubic foot. The higher the BTU, the higher the heat output—a typical propane patio heater, for example, puts out about 40,000 BTUs. While BTU is an essential indicator you should look for, keep in mind that the weather and location of your patio heater can impact the heat output, too, so BTU may not always be the most accurate measure.

Coverage area

Look for the coverage area a patio heater offers and compare it to your outdoor space. Most will tell you how large a radius it covers, such as nine or 10 feet. If your space is much larger than the listed area, you may consider getting two patio heaters to adequately heat your space.

Ease of setup and use

Look for a patio heater that’s not only easy to assemble (you can usually find more information in the reviews), but also how simple it is to operate on a daily basis. The type of fuel you have may contribute to this, too, which should be taken into account when selecting the best patio heater.

How we selected the best patio heaters 

To find the best patio heaters, I compared a wide selection of options, including electric and propane, with and without built-in tables, and those including wheels, plus several other models. I compared the coverage area, safety features, and setup, plus pored through countless reviews to find out what people love (or don’t love) about a particular patio heater.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long do patio heaters last?

The amount of time your patio heater lasts depends on a few factors. First, it depends on how many BTUs it produces, as well as the square footage of the space you’re heating. The outside temperature also makes an impact. A propane patio heater can last anywhere from nine to 15 hours with 20 pounds of propane.

How many patio heaters do I need?

How many patio heaters you need depends on how large of a space you’re trying to heat up. Measure the space you’re using the patio heater in and then check the heating radius of the heater (most are up to 10 feet). If your space is larger than the heating radius, then you’ll need to purchase more than one. You should also keep in mind that if you are using other outdoor heating elements, like a smokeless fire pit, you may not need as many patio heaters.

How well do patio heaters work?

Patio heaters can offer a great source of additional heat and can last for years when properly taken care of. 

Is a propane heater or an electric heater cheaper to run?

Propane is typically less expensive to run and more efficient than an electric heater or one powered by natural gas.

What safety features should I look for when purchasing a heater?

There are several safety features you can look for in patio heaters, including a thermostat that monitors the temperature and alerts you when it’s time to shut it off. You can also look for automatic shut-off features, which cut it off if a unit gets overheated. Some units may also include tip-over switches, which shut off the patio heater if it’s accidentally tipped over.