Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly option that won't increase your power bills. It comes with multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters can pump out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but will require a regular refill of natural gas or propane. This is a great solution for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and couches.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered models and, in the event you pick wisely, have lower running costs as well. There's also no assembly required and you don't have to refill a propane tank.
The top ones come with remote controls for simple operation as well as an integrated LED light to provide ambience. One of our top picks from German company Herschel makes use of a circular carbon filament to emit mediumwave infrared heat across a table-sized area. It includes easy-to-use settings for heat and 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500W infra red heater, which uses an aluminum reflector to create on a narrow beam of heat to your favourite spot.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a crisp warm, cozy glow, but the Herschel is more sleek that is better suited to modern gardens or if you're looking for a way to incorporate it into your furniture for your outdoor space. It can also be paired with home automation systems to allow you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature, which could save even more energy in the long term.
You should be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but only heat objects and people in direct contact with the heater. They cease to work when you leave. Also, it will not heat your patio or garden in the event that the winds blow the heater around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will warm up a much larger space if they're not moved and can be equipped with a wind-shield to keep them in their place. They are typically located in the pub garden and provide a warm "burning log" effect that looks great in any décor.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient, and can also generate more smog and noise. In contrast to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that will need to be refilled when it is depleted the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more environmentally friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate more heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer begins to wind down and the evenings become a little chilly, it might be the perfect time to get an outdoor heater that will keep you outside for longer. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.
While outdoor electric heater patio can be more economical to buy than electric heaters however, they can be costly to run - in fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful when it comes to both the amount of heat they generate and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill, and will last approximately 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and people. This means that they are less expensive to run and leave an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They're also a lot easier to use. You just plug them in and turn them on, whereas you'll need to create an open flame or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings including bars, restaurants and private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch that permits you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around, which is great when you need to move the heater from one area of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they need to be connected, which means that you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead designed to work with outdoor equipment. To meet safety standards electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an extension lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need be cautious not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing where it could be an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the design of the gas heater but don't want to be limited by the space it can be placed or you want to keep your costs down, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an alternative. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and are simple to operate with the flick of a button or remote. They're also less expensive to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is a elegant and stylish piece that won't appear out of place amongst your rattan furniture and is weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating means it's safe against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we don't recommend using the hose of a high-pressure model at it). The model also has three heating levels to fit your needs, as well as a timer shutdown between 1 and 9 hours.
Another option for those who don't want to be restricted by the location of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and comes with numerous features, including a remote control as well as a timer shut off function, and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, though we don't recommend getting it wet, as this could affect the efficiency and life span of the heater.
The portable patio heater is popular with those who prefer to control their heating. With a remote, 2 temperature settings and the capability to switch the light on and off from a distance, it's very easy to operate. It also comes with an inbuilt safety feature that shuts off the unit if it's knocked over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide, unlike gas heaters for patios. This makes them a great choice for pet owners or young children who have not yet reached the maturity level to recognize the dangers of standing too close to a fire. These models are also great for large outdoor gazebos and spaces as they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're very lightweight and easy to move around and a lot of them come with a remote control so you can change settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your kids have returned to school, it's time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Whether you're after a freestanding model or one that is mounted on the wall, there are plenty to choose from in the electric range.
This popular option combines the functionality of a gas heater along with low running costs. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on an elevated base which makes it perfect for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios and smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the temperature. Users say they find it a Goldilocks choice, since it's warm enough to cut through the chill, without becoming too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for spaces that are small like covered porches or garages, because they don't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. By contrast, gas heaters must be used in open spaces with adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.
The downside is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. This is especially important if you reside in an region where energy costs are expensive.
Electric heaters are not as powerful as gas heaters, but you can find plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols and you can even find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared device that is affordable to run it's a good option. It's available in two sizes and comes with many features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use temperature settings. patio heater electric free standing is also classified as IP44 which means that it is able to withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.