Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has a variety of temperature settings, and it also protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around your garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but it will require a regular refill of propane or natural gas. This is a great solution for large gardens that are equipped with lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are cheaper than gas-powered models and, if you select wisely to begin with they'll have lower operating costs as well. There's also no assembly required and you don't have to refill a propane tank.
The top ones come with a remote control for easy operation and a built-in LED light to create ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It utilizes circular filaments to disperse infrared mediumwave heat over an area that is the size of a table. hanging electric patio heater is easy to use heating settings and a 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is a different option. It utilizes an aluminum reflector that focuses the beams of heat on your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a soft light that is clean and fresh. However, the Herschel is sleeker, making it more suitable for modern-day garden spaces or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems to enable you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer and save more energy over the long haul.
It is important to keep in mind that although infrared heating is effective however, it only warms objects and people in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work when you move away. It won't also heat your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other side, gas heaters can warm up a much larger area if they aren't moved and are equipped with a wind shield to keep them in position. These heaters are often located in pub gardens and provide a warm "burning log" look that is suitable in any décor.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce a lot of noise and smog when the flame burns. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, but they is required to be replenished after running out. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to invest in patio heaters as the summer winds down and evenings become a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer. There are plenty of options to choose from regardless of whether you opt for gas or electric, from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to heat large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of the amount of energy they use and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and human. This means that they are less expensive to run and leave an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. Plug them in and they'll start to start to turn on.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open areas, and some come with built-in dimmer switches to allow you to adjust the brightness of the light. They are also smaller than gas models and are able to be moved around which is ideal when you need to move the heater from one part of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord approved for outdoor use. Most electric heaters aren't allowed to have an extension lead longer than 1.8m. This is to be in line with safety standards. You'll also need be cautious about blocking any sockets that are located outside or leaving the extension lead trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the design of the gas heater but don't want to be limited by where it can be positioned or are looking to cut costs, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an option. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and heat up quickly. They can be operated via a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against windblown rain and dust (although we wouldn't suggest aiming the hose of a high-pressure model at it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to your needs, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is another option for those who don't want to be restricted by the placement of a heater for their patio. It is available in two sizes and comes with a variety of options, including a timer remote control, a remote control, and 360-degree oscillation. It is also splash-proof to provide you with peace of mind. However, we do not recommend letting it get wet excessively as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A top choice among many customers, this portable patio heater is a budget-friendly choice for those who like to control their heating. With a remote, two temperature settings and the capability to switch the light on and off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that turns the device off if it's tilted.

In contrast to a gas patio heater, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide. Therefore, they're an ideal choice for those with pets or small children who aren't old enough to comprehend the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for gazebos or large outdoor spaces, as they can quickly heat up an area of up to 15m2. They're light and easy to move about, and a lot of them come with a remote control so you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer has ended and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that is mounted on the wall, there are plenty to pick from within the electric range.
This popular option combines the functionality of a gas heater and low operating costs. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a pedestal, making it ideal for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It also comes with a remote control for adjusting the temperature. Users say they find it a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut the chill, but not too hot.
The primary benefit of using an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a small area, such as a covered porch or garage since it doesn't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. Gas heaters, on the contrary, should be installed in a space that is open and has sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial if you reside in a region that has expensive energy charges.
Another drawback to electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas heater, but there are plenty of options within the PS50-PS200 price bracket to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols, and you can also find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
If you're looking for an infrared option that's cheap to run, this is a good choice. It's available in two sizes and offers many features, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heating settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it's resistant to splashes of water and light rain.