10 Best Electric Patio Heaters [Buyer Guide] 

Summary

As you can see, there are so many different electric patio heaters on the market, all of which have their own benefits, key features and downsides. Think of electric patio heaters as an upgrade from conservatory radiators, as they aren’t just useful inside the home.

We do know, however, that if you haven’t bought a patio heater before you may not know where to start, never mind which one is the “perfect” heater for you. We’ve listed a few things for you to consider below, as well as an FAQ to answer some of your burning questions.

Quantity

If you have a small conservatory or outdoor area, buying three or four heaters is probably excessive and unnecessary. It’s important to think about how many people you plan to have over (as well as how many you have in your household) as a maximum and use that as a rule of thumb. DIY conservatories naturally take longer to heat due to their infrastructure, so you may want to invest in at least two heaters for every three meter length you have in your conservatory.

If you plan to use the heaters outside, see how many people can fit in your garden and how much furniture you have to accommodate them. For example, if you have two rattan side tables, this probably means that you can seat around 8 people in your garden. We’d recommend around two to three heaters. Remember, you can always buy more if you need them, so start with one or two and work your way up should you wish to do so.

Style

Whether it’s tall, short, fat, round, old-style or modern – you want to ensure that your electric patio heater doesn’t look out of place or awkward in comparison to the other furniture you own. The main styles are in the shape of a lamp, often an oval which holds the heater on a thin pole, or, a fatter, more “traditional” heater with a grill and fatter rungs. The traditional heaters often look quite retro and chic, and come in slates, charcoals and darker colours. The lamp style electric patio heaters look more minimalistic and usually take up less space due to the thin pole holding it. This style is also easier to store. Definitely factor all of this into your purchase before deciding which style you’d like to go for. It’s important to be practical as well as stylish.

Indoor/outdoor

If you don’t have a garden, or you don’t have enough space for your heater, then you can be slightly more refined with your search as you won’t need to find something that works both outdoors or indoors. However, if you decide you want the best of both worlds – you must factor this into your search. Most models do take into account both indoor and outdoor features, but ensure that you double-check beforehand.

If you’re unsure whether you would have a patio heater outdoors, have a think about whether you have intentions of having seating outdoors or entertaining guests outdoors. If the answer is yes, then you’ll probably want to ensure that you buy a heater which is also useful for outdoors as well.

FAQ

What is the best electric patio heater?

We’d be biased if we told you which electric patio heater is our favourite, but in our opinion if you have a smaller garden to go for the taller, lamp style heaters, and if you have a bigger garden with extensive furniture such as cascading water features, hammock stands and tons of plants, then you’ll probably want to opt for a chunkier, retro style which may take up a bit more space, but would work in a larger garden where you could entertain more guests. At the end of the day, it’s all down to personal preference and what works for you.

Do electric patio heaters use a lot of electricity?

It depends how much you use them, however, as a rule of thumb – electricity is a lot cheaper than gas. With that in mind, you’re likely to get more value for money from an electric patio heater than you would from a gas heater or an open fire which constantly needs tending to. We don’t recommend using an electric patio heater constantly, it should only be turned on when you need it and turned off the moment you’re finished using it. Like any electric appliance, if you use it too much, then you’ll have to pay the price point. This is why patio heaters are great in the summer as you usually don’t need them on a high setting. In the winter, it seems almost pointless to have them on full blast when it’s freezing outside. Usually it’s a lot nicer to be cosy indoors.

Are electric patio heaters better than gas heaters?

Yes. Gas heaters naturally use more energy and will end up costing you more money. Electric heaters are better for keeping the heat flowing without completely draining your bank account. This doesn’t mean you should throw away your gas heater – in fact, they are still pretty good cost wise. However, if you compare the two – electric patio heaters are much better.

Are electric patio heaters safe?

Of course! Providing you follow the instructions and don’t put them near anything flammable (such as bird netting or cloth/pillows) then you’ll be absolutely fine.

If you notice that your heater starts to malfunction, cease using it immediately and contact an electrician and your supplier for more information. A faulty electrical item should be replaced, or fixed with the fee charged to the supplier if they sent you a faulty product. Always check your electric patio heater’s before use to ensure that they haven’t broken.

What are the downsides to electric patio heaters?

The only downside to electric patio heaters is that they can often cost a lot more money for households that use them over households that don’t. Aside from that, we believe that they’re a great investment that you’ll use for years and years. Another downside to an electric patio heater is the general hazard that it can be, especially if you have pets or young children. To combat this, use your patio heater away from your children as much as possible and teach them the importance of not touching things that are hot. If you still see this as an issue, you may want to invest in a different heating system that won’t pose as much of a hazard overall.

How do you store a patio heater in the winter?

Unless you have a gas patio heater, you can simply turn off the heaters in the winter and cover them either with their respectable covers that come (depending on your supplier) or tarpaulin that you have cut up and made to keep them away from the elements. Ideally, if you have a garage you can store them in there until you need them next. Make sure that you don’t leave your patio heaters completely exposed to the elements as they’re more likely to be damaged by wildlife, or by the rain. Finally, make sure you don’t cover or store your patio heaters until they are completely cool, otherwise, they could catch fire and cause serious damage.

Can you use an outdoor heater under a covered patio?

Yes you can. As long as the heater isn’t too close to the top of the cover or the sides, then you’ll be absolutely fine. Please note that for covered patios you will probably have to tilt your heaters downwards so the heat doesn’t melt or burn the actual cover. If you choose to opt for shorter heaters, these will be best placed on top of a glass table (not rattan) or directly on the patio floor. Think of a covered patio as the equivalent to having your heater on inside your conservatory – keep it away from anything that may be flammable.

How do I use my electric patio heater?

Here is a video that demonstrates how to use most electric patio heaters.

Further Reading

For those all-important safety tips when using your electric patio heater, click here for a full article.