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Patio heaters use electricity, propane, or natural gas to warm decks, patios, and yards, allowing outdoor gatherings lounging on your patio furniture to continue past the summer months. Every patio heater is designed to make fall and winter temperatures more comfortable, but not all models are as effective as others. To help you select a well-performing one, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best patio heaters. Here are our top recommendations.
Compare Top Patio Heaters
| Product | Heat Output | Dimensions | Power Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDW Outdoor Patio Heater | 41,000 BTUs | 30 x 30 x 88 inches | Propane |
| Briza Carbon Infrared Heater | 5,118 BTUs | 35.5 x 4 x 4 inches | Electric |
| Dr Infrared Heater Outdoor Patio Heater | 5,118 BTUs | 35 x 8 x 4 inches | Electric |
| Hiland Tapletop Patio Heater | 9,500 BTUs | 12 x 12 x 39 inches | Propane |
| Pamapic Patio Heater | 42,000 BTUs | 21.6 x 12.4 x 53 inches | Propane |
| Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater | 3,800 BTUs | 10.4 x 9.8 x 12 inches | Propane |
| Outland Living Propane Fire Pit | 58,000 BTUs | 21 x 21 x 9.3 inches | Propane |
| Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater | 46,000 BTUs | 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches | Propane |
| Member’s Mark Patio Heater With LED Table | 47,000 BTUs | 12.4 x 12.4 x 34.1 inches | Propane |
| Product | Heat Output | Dimensions | Power Source |
Top 9 Patio Heaters
After extensive research, our top picks for the best patio heaters include:
- Best Mushroom Heater: FDW Outdoor Patio Heater
- Best Infrared Heater: Briza Carbon Infrared Heater
- Best Mounted Heater: Dr Infrared Heater Outdoor Patio Heater
- Best Tabletop Heater: Hiland Tabletop Patio Heater
- Best Pyramid Heater: Pamapic Patio Heater
- Best Space Heater: Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater
- Best Fire Pit: Outland Living Propane Fire Pit
- Most Customizable: Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
- Most Versatile: Member’s Mark Patio Heater With LED Table
Best Mushroom Heater
FDW Outdoor Patio Heater
- $86.99
- $205.98
- 58% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has attached wheels for simple transportation
✔ Uses a 20-pound propane tank for extended warmth
✔ Has an elegant tapered pyramid shape
✘ Doesn’t come with a cover to protect it when it’s not in use
✘ Has customer complaints about low heat output
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers liked that this patio heater was made from materials that balanced durability and elegance. They also mentioned how maneuverable it was. However, other customers struggled with assembly, stating that its instructions were hard to follow.
Best Infrared Heater
Briza Carbon Infrared Heater
- $195.88
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Contains a weatherproof metal shield
✔ Equipped with an automatic shut-off sensor in case of tipping
✔ Comes with a remote control
✘ Uses infrared technology that directs heat in only one direction
✘ Doesn’t have a thermostat
What Customers Are Saying
Users who gave this heater positive Amazon reviews liked that it was made with sturdy materials and that it was easy to control with a remote. Others also liked that it was lightweight and mobile. Alternatively, some customers said that this heater used too much electricity considering how small of a space it heated.
Best Mounted Heater
Dr Infrared Heater Outdoor Patio Heater
- $126.36
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has built-in overheat protection
✔ Features a no-fan design that produces minimal noise
✔ Made from weather-resistant, lightweight aluminum
✘ Doesn’t produce enough warmth for Northern or Midwestern winter climates
✘ Requires more installation than tabletop heaters
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied users praised this heater for being easy to mount. They also liked that it had multiple settings because they could customize the heat output based on the outside temperature. On the other hand, some customers felt like its electric power source meant that it couldn’t heat medium-to-large spaces effectively. Others had issues with the remote not working correctly.
Best Tabletop Heater
Hiland Tabletop Patio Heater
- $118.92
- $131.88
- 10% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has an easy-to-use electronic ignition system
✔ Takes up minimal space on a table
✔ Has a stylish bronze finish
✘ Produces only 9,500 BTUs of heat
✘ Runs out of fuel quickly
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were pleased with this product liked that it was affordable, attractive, and compact. However, some users mentioned its low heat output and its inability to hold up under continuous use.
Best Pyramid Heater
Pamapic Patio Heater
- $219.99
- $309.99
- 29% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Measures nearly 90 inches tall, making it the centerpiece of your space
✔ Includes a protective cover that zips open or closed
✔ Features built-in tip-over protection
✘ Some buyers dislike the location of the access point for the propane tank
✘ Gives off less heat than similarly sized mushroom-style heaters
What Customers Are Saying
Positive Amazon reviews mentioned this heater’s elegant flame, easy assembly, and long-lasting warmth. Alternatively, some customers were frustrated that they couldn’t get the igniter to start properly.
Best Space Heater
Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater
- $66.69
- $117.19
- 43% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Shuts off automatically if it tips over
✔ Weighs two pounds for on-the-go use
✔ Can run for close to six hours
✘ Has only 3,800 BTUs of heat output
✘ Becomes less effective in open or windy conditions
What Customers Are Saying
Campers particularly liked this space heater for warming their eating area. Others were pleased with its lightweight design and simple setup. However, those who left negative reviews for this product were disappointed that it didn’t have adjustable heat levels or angles. Others found that it burned through the tank’s gas quickly.
Best Fire Pit
Outland Living Propane Fire Pit
- $189.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features an adjustable temperature knob
✔ Comes with a rain cover
✔ Sets up in minutes with no tools
✘ Has exposed flames that may be dangerous to use near kids and pets
✘ Has some customer complaints about the paint chipping
What Customers Are Saying
Those who were pleased with this heater liked that it didn’t produce smoke, was portable, and offered easy installation. However, others were less happy, claiming that its low flame limited its heat output. They also said that it consumed an excessive amount of propane.
Most Customizable
East Oak Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
- $164.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features an adjustable temperature knob
✔ Center hole allows quick access to the propane cylinder to shut off if needed
✔ Constructed with a durable 304 stainless steel burning grid
✘ Must lift up the entire base to access the propane tank
✘ May need to be weighed down with water to ensure stability
What Customers Are Saying
Users who left positive reviews for this heater liked that it produced a lot of heat, came in various colors, and was easy to assemble. However, some customers found that it was inconvenient to access the propane tank without a door, and others mentioned it took a long time to remove the plastic covering that it came packaged in.
Most Versatile
Member’s Mark Patio Heater With LED Table
- $218
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with two rear wheels for easy maneuverability
✔ Features large aluminum reflectors
✔ Can adjust the height of the built-in table
✘ May be too tall to use the table when you’re sitting
✘ May arrive damaged, according to some customers
What Customers Are Saying
Purchasers with all levels of DIY experience found this heater to be easy to assemble. They also liked its stylish look and high heat output. However, other customers said that its sharp edges were a safety hazard. Some also felt that the metal scratched easily.
Buyer’s Guide
There are several important factors to keep in mind when deciding on the best patio heater to keep you warm when relaxing on your patio chairs in cold weather. Consider what design works best for your home, as mushroom, tripod, and wall-mounted patio heaters all look and function differently. As you consider our recommended models and others, you should also look at their size, fuel source, heat output, and more to find the best option. Here are the most important factors to consider when buying a new patio heater.
Design
As we mentioned above, patio heaters come in different designs, with the most popular ones being freestanding, wall- or ceiling-mounted, and tabletop. Freestanding patio heaters are characterized by their mushroom-shaped top or pyramid-style body. These heaters usually have attached wheels and a propane fuel source.
Wall- and ceiling-mounted patio heaters require more extensive installation than their freestanding counterparts. However, they offer you more options in terms of fuel source, as some models run on propane, and others run on electricity.
Tabletop patio heaters are compact heat sources that provide warmth to small areas. Because of their size, tabletop heaters are meant for camping trips or small gatherings.
Fuel Source
Patio heaters typically run on propane, natural gas, or electricity. Propane heaters warm spaces quickly. However, they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you use them in an enclosed area. Though they’re pretty large, they’re still portable .
Like propane patio heaters, natural gas patio heaters are large. However, they are not usually portable since professionals install them by natural gas lines.
Electric heaters are freestanding or mounted units that work indoors or outdoors. Though they’re easy to set up and use, they raise your electric bill and have a lower heat output than their propane and natural gas counterparts.
Heat Output
The heat output of a patio heater is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which refers to the energy required to increase the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. While BTUs measure the output of gas-powered heaters, the output of electric heaters is typically converted from watts to BTUs. In general, patio heaters with a higher BTU rating produce more heat.
An area of 100–150 square feet requires roughly 5,000 BTUs of heat to properly and evenly warm up. As the area increases by 50 square feet, another 1,000 BTUs of heating power is necessary to keep the entire space warm.
Safety Features
Most patio heaters contain safety features to prevent fires. The most common ones include a switch that turns the heater off if it overheats and a switch that turns it off if it tips over.
Size
Be aware of how much patio space you have available as you’re looking at heaters. Gas freestanding heaters take up several feet of ground space. If that’s not going to work for you, consider a tabletop or mounted model.
Maintenance
Most patio heaters are made from metal, so they require minimal maintenance. Just occasionally wipe the surface with a wet cloth, and check the inside for dead bugs and other debris. If your heater runs on gas, also check the hose for kinks.
Installation
Almost all patio heaters require some installation, whether you’re putting together a freestanding unit or mounting a wall unit. Some small electric heaters come preassembled, so all you need to do is plug them in.
Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space
Patio heaters are a practical and accessible way to enjoy your outdoor living space all year long. However, whether you have a concrete patio or a wooden deck, there are other elements you can add to create a truly inviting outdoor oasis for hosting, relaxing, and more.
- Install a covering: If your patio or deck doesn’t have an awning, consider investing in one. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor leisure space in any weather conditions, keeping you and your guests protected from rain, snow, and wind.
- Choose easy-care furnishings: All-weather metal, wood, and wicker are go-to materials for outdoor furniture. They require little upkeep and last for years.
- Add decorative accents: Station decorative accents, such as planters and fountains, in garden beds beyond the perimeter of your patio to make the small area feel larger.
- Include a fire pit. Whether you build a real fire or use a propane or gas fire pit, these centerpieces are as inviting as they are mesmerizing. They’re also an auxiliary heat source during the winter months to use in tandem with your patio heater.
- Use outdoor rugs. An easy-clean outdoor area rug softens the ground and defines the seating area. Rugs also insulate your feet from the otherwise cold and unforgiving concrete patio or wooden deck surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Heaters
Can you use a patio heater on a covered patio?
Yes. You can use a patio heater on a covered patio as long as the heater has enough clearance. The manufacturer’s manual should mention space requirements.
Can you leave a propane tank outside during the winter?
Yes. Propane tanks can withstand freezing temperatures. They can also survive warm summer months as long as they’re not in direct sunlight.
How long does a propane patio heater run?
A propane patio heater typically runs for about 10 hours with a 20-pound tank, though you should still check on your heater to ensure that it isn’t overheating.
Is it safe to put my patio heater on grass?
No. Patio heaters should never go on your lawn because the grass could ignite. Grass is also an unstable surface, meaning the heater could tip over.
Is an electric patio heater a worthy alternative to a propane patio heater?
Yes. Electric patio heaters are more energy-efficient. You can also discreetly mount them on your walls or ceilings for a subtle heating solution.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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