Hot Days, Cold Nights? Here’s Why You Need to Invest in a Patio Heater This Spring

After splurging on a new patio set and sprucing up your garden with some new plants, you finally have the backyard of your dreams, complete with outdoor entertainment. But let’s be real: Fall weather can be pretty unpredictable, so warmer days often lead to freezing nights — and it would be a shame to stay indoors once temperatures drop. Invest in a reliable patio heater, and you can enjoy the great outdoors practically year-round.

Patio Heater Type

Odds are, you've probably seen patio heaters around, especially during the recent boom in outdoor dining. But as they come in so many different sizes and styles, it's tough to know where to start.

Patio heaters fall into two main categories: propane and electric. Propane heaters run on propane gas from a tank, which is typically purchased separately. The advantages of a propane heater are that they heat quickly, thanks to the igniting of the gas and that since the fuel supply, by its design, separates from the heater itself, they can often be easier to transport from place to place.

Electric heaters, conversely, need to be plugged into an outlet to function and often take longer to heat up. They tend to be heavier, are harder to move around, and rarely deliver the kind of toasty heat you get from a propane heater. While electric heaters tend to be more cost-effective, both in terms of the initial price and not having to constantly purchase new propane, the main advantage many find with electric patio heaters is safety.

Patio Heater Safety

Safety is a vital consideration when it comes to owning and using a patio heater, so when setting yours up, be sure to put it in a space where its safely away from combustible materials (at least three feet), secure enough on solid ground that it won't tip or fall, and in an area that's properly ventilated.

The vast majority of patio heaters of any fuel source are perfectly safe if handled and maintained responsibly. But those with pets or young children tend to favor electric heaters like the Dr. Infrared Heater, as there’s less literal “playing with fire” and less of a risk of burns. If you’re investing in a propane heater, make sure that all fuel tanks that are not actively in use are safely stored and away from heat. Keep conscientious of these things, and your patio heater will keep you warm and safe for years to come.

The Best Patio Heaters

What to Consider

With so many options available, we understand that finding the best patio heater for your outdoor space can seem a little daunting. Below are the major factors you need to keep in mind when looking to buy a new patio heater, depending on how much space you have available, whether or not you have kids around, or how much time and money you have available for general maintenance:

Power

Patio heaters generally measure their power output in terms of BTUs, aka British Thermal Units — and the higher the BTU, the more space your patio heater will be able to warm up. If you have a large outdoor space (think over 200 cubic square feet), make sure you invest in a patio heater that has enough power to heat your entire desired area.

A patio heater of 42,000 BTUs, like the Hanover Pyramid Propane Patio Heater, is typically sufficient enough for most patios, but you may need more or less depending on your setup. If you're looking to determine exactly how many BTUs you need, simply measure the cubic footage (length x width x height) of your patio. Then, consider how cold it gets where you live versus your desired temperature for the patio. For example, if it’s 65 degrees Fahrenheit and you want to heat the patio to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, your desired temperature increase is 10 degrees. Multiply the cubic feet total by your desired temperature increase, and that’s the number of BTUs you need to increase your patio temperature from 65 to 75 degrees.

Some patio heaters measure their power outputs in terms of watts — in fact, most electric options do this. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need roughly 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor area. This means that a 1,500-watt heater can be the primary heat source for an area measuring up to 150 square feet.

Style

Style is generally a matter of personal preference. Wall-mounted heaters are less bulky and can be hidden in smaller patio areas, while tower heaters command more attention. There are even options that come with tables, which are bulkier but can work if you have the space, and portable options you can move around. For the purpose of this list, we made sure to research a huge variety of options and supply you with various types of styles to choose from.

Cost and Maintenance

Electric heaters are usually cheaper (less than $100) and require very little maintenance, while propane heaters can be more expensive and need more upkeep. If the heater is portable, you should make sure to store it in a dry space when not in use. If you leave it on the patio year-round, consider keeping it covered in warmer months — especially during rainy periods!

Whether portable or wall-mounted, make sure to give your patio heater a cleaning at the start and end of every season by using specific soap or detergent made for heaters and always wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth.

Whether you’re looking for something to suit your outdoor gatherings or a family-friendly option that’s mindful of both kids and pets, we’ve found the best patio heaters that will keep your loved ones warm, comfortable, and safe while you spend time together outdoors.

Shop the best patio heater deals on Amazon

Hampton Bays

amazon.com

$167.00

This stainless steel pick from Hampton Bay wins our Best Overall category thanks to its incredible construction and quality heat control.

It can easily heat up areas of up to 200 cubic square feet and includes a control valve to help you adjust the temperature to your liking. While it may not be super portable, thanks to how large it is, its classic look makes sure it fits in any patio decor.

It also tops our list for its fuel-efficiency. As one reviewer notes, “I can usually get about six to seven hours out of a full can of propane.” When it comes to a propane porch heater, after all, consistent quality heat is key, so knowing you won’t be fumbling with spare 20-pound canisters just as the evening is starting to wind down is just what we’re looking for.

Also, if you're not the handiest person in the world, rest assured this is a relatively easy assembly, with multiple reviewers noting they put it together within an hour.

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Amazon Basics

amazon.com

$164.95

If this is your first time buying a patio heater, we recommend going for this simple option. Backed by Amazon's 1-year warranty, this patio heater has an easy push-button start and wheeled design for easy mobility.

The outside material is made of durable steel with a powder-coated finish that can withstand any inclement weather: Just make sure to secure it down when not in use to avoid any potential damage.

Several reviews say this pick is a “sturdy” choice, with one pointing out that “this patio heater is well worth the price.” However, a few note that it is “too tall,” sometimes making it difficult to feel the heat when seated.

BELLEZE

amazon.com

$179.93

Wheel this propane patio heater to wherever you need warmth, push the start button, and its powerful 48,000 BTU burner will do the rest.

The beautiful brushed bronze finish fits in naturally with any outdoor setting. It isn’t adjustable at all, but if temps tend to drop quite substantially where you are, you need this strong heater in your life.

Users concur: This “commercial-build-quality patio heater seems to put out an impressive amount of heat,” says one user, adding, “It is quiet, and the entire burner seems to light evenly with a nice flame.”

Briza

amazon.com

$249.99

We’re obsessed with this electric patio heater from Briza for so many reasons. First, it has a remote, so it’s so easy to control from anywhere.

It has three heat levels (900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts) that allow you to adjust temps with ease and a safety feature that lets the heater automatically turn off if it senses it’s about to tip over.

An IP 55 rating means it withstands all elements, and its built-in timer is a godsend for forgetful souls (aka us). Fans of this patio heater say it’s “very easy to use compared with propane models,” and even though it’s “not as warm as a propane heater, [it’s] much more convenient [and it’s] easy to set up on the included tripod.”

Dr Infrared Heater

amazon.com

$99.64

If you’re reluctant to purchase an outdoor heater because of the dangers it may pose to kids and pets, this elevated, wall-mounted option is a family-friendly solution that allows you to enjoy a heated patio without any of the hazards.

The hot surface will be safely out of reach of curious little hands, and the unit is free of harmful odors, chemicals, or fumes for total peace of mind. Many users say that it’s a great indoor option, too, and that the remote is definitely a plus.

Hanover

lowes.com

$539.00

This is honestly one of the prettiest heaters we’ve ever seen — we most definitely wouldn’t hesitate to show it off to our guests! This propane-powered patio heater is ideal for large spaces that need more heat, delivering strong warmth to a 16.5-foot radius.

At the high heat setting, users can expect up to 4 hours of consistent heat on a single propane tank, while on low heat, users can get 8 hours from a single tank.

Though be aware, as one reviewer noted, “...the process of getting them lit after a new tank is loaded is a bit of a chore. It takes a lot of holding in the pilot light and continuously clicking the starter until you finally get a flame.”

Mr. Heater

amazon.com

$63.85

While this funky-looking propane heater is perfectly suited for lounging on the patio, its personal size and easy portability make it even better for camping, fishing, or sporting events.

Its small size is just right for one or two people, and a convenient carrying handle is ideal for taking with you on any outdoorsy adventure.

Fans of this portable heater say that it “works well and starts easy.” A happy camper, in particular, said that “this helped to get the inside of our tent nice and toasty. I like the fact it has a low-O2 and tip sensor — but it should be noted that the head isn’t moveable,” as one reviewer points out.