Best Electric Patio Heaters

A budget-friendly option that won't cost you electric bills. It has various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.

Gas patio heaters can push out lots of warmth over a larger area, but will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. It's an excellent choice for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.

1. Infrared heaters

Most of the Freestanding Electric Patio Heater electric patio heater free standing patio heaters that we tested were infra red models. These are cheaper than gas-powered models and, depending on the model you choose, have lower running costs too. There's also no assembly required and you don't have to refill a propane tank.

The most effective ones have a remote control to make operations easy, and an LED light built in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel, uses circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared warmth over a table-sized area and includes easy-to-use settings for heat and 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which makes use of an aluminium reflector to focus on a narrow beam of heat on your preferred spot.

Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy, clean glow. However, the Herschel is sleeker, making it more suitable for modern-day garden spaces or if you're looking to blend it in with your outdoor furniture. It can be used with home automation systems, which allow you to select your preferred intensity and temperature. This could help you save money over time.

It is important to remember that although infrared heating is efficient, it only warms objects and people in front of the electricpatio heater and will lose its effect when you move away. It also won't warm your patio if the winds blow it around.

On the other side, gas heaters can provide warmth to a greater space if they're not moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. They're usually found in pub gardens and have a cosy burning log look that's great in all decors.

Propane patio heaters are less efficient, and can also create more smog and noise. Unlike propane which is stored in a cylinder that requires refilling when it is depleted the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling and are more environmentally friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate a higher degree of heat.

2. Gas heaters

It's time to purchase heaters for your patio as Summer winds down and evenings become a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. Whether you opt for electric or gas there's plenty of options available including small tabletop models to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked garden.

Gas heaters are more expensive to buy however they can be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of energy they consume and the heat they generate". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling, and will last approximately 13 hours.

Unlike gas, however electric heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Therefore, they are less expensive to run and leave less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them in and they'll start to turn on.

Electric heaters that are suitable for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, including bars, restaurants and private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open spaces, and some are equipped with a built-in dimmer switch to allow you to alter the brightness of the light. They are also smaller than gas models, and they can be moved easily. This is a great feature when you have to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.

These heaters are plugged in and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. To ensure safety standards are met electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need be careful not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could be an injury risk.

3. Freestanding heaters

If you're a lover of the style of the gas heater but do not want to be restricted by the space it can be positioned or want to reduce your expenses and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are a good option. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and are simple to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. They're also more affordable to run than their gas-powered counterparts.

This model from Kettler is a stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place amongst your rattan garden furniture and is fully weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating protects it from windblown dust and rain (although we don't recommend using a high pressure hose on it). This model has three heating levels that can be adjusted according to your needs, and an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.

Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the position of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes, and includes many features such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to give you peace of mind. However, we don't recommend letting it get wet too much as this could affect the performance and life of the heater.

A favorite choice for many customers This portable heater for patios is a budget-friendly choice for those who like to control their heating. It's easy to use, with an adjustable remote, two heat settings, and the ability to turn on or off the light from the distance. It comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit off if it is tipped.

Electric patio heaters do not emit carbon monoxide unlike gas heaters for patios. This makes 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 fire. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or areas, since they are able to quickly warm up an area of up to 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy to move. Some even come with remotes that let you control the temperature from your chair.

4. Wall-mounted heaters

After the summer has ended, and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. electric pyramid patio heater heaters come in various styles, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.

This popular model is a great way to combine low operating costs with the functionality of heating. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a pedestal, making it ideal for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens, where a freestanding unit may appear too big. It also has an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the temperature. Some users say it's an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to reduce the chill, but not too hot.

Electric patio heaters are perfect for small spaces such as garages and covered porches because they don't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters are best installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.

electric heater for outdoor patio models are more expensive than those powered by gas. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is especially important when you live in an location where the cost of energy is high.

electric patio heater free standing heaters may not be as powerful as gas ones however, there are plenty of choices in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some are suited for hanging from parasols or awnings, and you can also find heaters that operate with rechargeable batteries.

If you're after an infrared device that is affordable to run it's a great choice. It comes in two sizes and has a variety of features like 360deg rotation and simple heat settings. It is also classified as IP44 which means it can withstand moderate rain and splashes liquid.