10 Best Patio Heater [Buyer Guide]
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A patio heater can be a worthy investment, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors in your garden or patio area. Unlike shed heaters, patio heaters are designed mostly for outdoor use, and are excellent for the breezy summer months. They’re also designed to look chic and stylish – so make sure you don’t get the two mixed up when making a purchase. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in your garden, or you just feel the cold a bit more than the average person (no judgement from us) then a patio outdoor or indoor heater may be the thing you need to invest in this year. A patio heater is also a great option if you like to entertain family and friends frequently, as you can make sure everyone stays nice and toasty when you’re all together!
It’s important to note that there are three types of heater styles on the market, and these fall into the categories of freestanding, wall-mount or hanging. Each has its own pros and cons, but ultimately the style you choose will dictate where you can have your heater. It’s important to remember that if you’re living in a rental property, you will probably have to get permission from your landlord for wall-mounted or hanging patio heaters. If you own your property – then you have completely free reign, and you can choose whichever style takes your fancy!
In this guide, we’ve taken the time to review the 10 best heaters on the market, taking into account their key features as well as their pros and cons. We’ve also included a detailed buyer guide comprised of essential considerations and FAQs to answer any burning questions you may have.
So, if you want to learn a little more about propane patio heaters – keep on reading!
Luxeva Carbon Infrared Floor Heater Patio Heater for Indoor and Outdoor
The Luxeva Carbon Infrared Floor Heater is a robust and durable heater with built-in infared carbon technology, as well as energy efficiency up to 98%. The design is elegant and minimalistic, meaning that it won’t look clunky or out of place when used outdoors. This is perfect for breezy summer evenings when you want to sit outdoors, as well as working well in the colder months in a commercial smoking area or outdoor patio if you have guests.
Key Features:
Easy to set up design
Built in infared carbon technology
Great for summer and winter months
Specification:
Brand
Luxeva
Colour
Black
Weight
6 kg
Dimensions W x D x H
7.5 x 18.5 x 98 cm
Power source
Corded electric
Pros
Size is ideal for smaller patios as it can be put on the floor or on the table
Cons
May not be big enough for some
Heatlab FreeStanding Patio Heater
The Heatlab FreeStanding Patio Heater is an elegant and practical heater that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is waterproof and comes with a 1.8m long cable, giving you maximum movement. Unlike some other heaters, this is cheap to operate. Its versatility means that it’s perfect for summer and winter months, and adjustable height options and tilt options mean that you can have the heat as intense as you’d like. It’s also completely family-friendly and safe, no need to worry about children getting burned.
Key Features:
Cheap to operate - less than 10p an hour running cos
Stylish, durable and long-lasting design
Multiple heat settings
Specification:
Brand
Heatlab
Colour
Black
Wattage
2k
Power settings
3
Power source
Corded electric
Item Dimensions L x W x H
50 x 50 x 210 centimetres
Pros
Incredibly versatile and cheap to run in comparison to other outdoor heaters available on the market
Cons
May be too big for some patios/gardens
Sortfield Wall Mounted Electric Patio Heater
The Sortfield Wall Mounted Electric Patio Heater is a triple-setting outdoor heater that is to be installed as a wall-mounted heater. This is perfect for those who may need this commercially in an outdoor space, as well as those who have limited patio space and don’t want to have something freestanding. This can also work well if you have children and you don’t want them to be close to the heat – as it could pose a hazard. Easy to use and completely durable even in winter months, this is the ideal heater for those who are looking for something that is space-saving and practical.
Key Features:
Wall-mounted outdoor heater with multiple heat settings
Easy to install and maintain
Robust yet elegant design
Specification:
Brand
Sortfield
Colour
Black
Number of settings
3
Tilting amount
45 degrees maximum
Pros
Great for those who have limited space or young children due to the wall mount
Cons
Wall mount style may not be to everyone's taste
Donyer Power Ceiling Mounted Electrical Patio Heater
The Donyer Power Ceiling Mounted Electrical Patio Heater is a durable and stylish heater that has been designed both for indoor and outdoor use. It can work in your bedroom – or in your garden, whichever you prefer. The lightweight design is easy to carry, whilst still being able to withstand the elements of the outdoors as well as general wear and tear. It gives you even heat with multiple settings, and overall is a practical and reliable purchase.
Key Features:
Lightweight material whilst still feeling durable
Easy to use
Suitable for indoor and outdoor usage
Specification:
Brand
Donyer
Colour
Copper
Material
Iron
Dimensions H x W
170cm x 100cm
Heat settings
3
Pros
Great for those who want something they can use indoors in a bedroom or front room, even a conservatory
Cons
Design and colour may not be to everyone's taste
Doogl Table Top Electric Patio Heater
The Doogle Table Top Electric Patio Heater is a stylish and chic heater with a dome cover for optimum heat. Designed for tabletops, this heater is easy to move around and can work well in smaller spaces or on garden tables. Easy to operate, this has built-in carbon fibre heating tubes which produce a pleasant heat without it being too overpowering or intense. Great for those who want a heater that isn’t going to take up too much room, but still do the job.
Key Features:
Table top style patio heater
Easy to use, lightweight
Energy efficient design
Specification:
Brand
DOOGL
Colour
Black/Silver
Power source
Corded electric
Material
Metal
Power
2.1 W
Pros
Great for those with smaller spaces and specifically wanting a table top heater
Cons
May not be suitable for those with young children
Oypla Electrical Free Standing Outdoor Patio Heater
The Oypla Electrical Free Standing Outdoor Patio Heater is an adjustable heater that comes with three heat settings, as well as a quartz tube heater. With overheat protection, you can be confident that this heater can be used around pets and children without the worry of hazard. The base is heavier than the rest of the frame, enabling you to anchor it without the fear of it moving or falling. Overall it’s a robust and reliable heater that continues to perform.
Key Features:
Freestanding outdoor/indoor heater
Robust and heavy base to keep it in place
Multiple heat settings
Specification:
Brand
Oypla
Colour
Black
Item Dimensions L x W x H
54 x 21.5 x 53.5 cm
Power source
Corded electric
Pros
Ideal for those who want something a little more sturdy due to the heavier base
Cons
May be harder to move around due to heavier base
Livio Free Standing Electric Garden Patio Heater
The Livio Free Standing Electric Garden Patio Heater is a durable and easy to use outdoor/indoor heater. With three advanced heat settings, the heater produces instant warmth within seconds. The assembly of the product is easy, and due to the lightweight frame you can also move this around without straining or feeling uncomfortable. Weather and dust proof, this heater can withstand the elements and is perfect for a patio or outdoor canopy that needs some extra warmth in the summer evenings or winter months.
Key Features:
Robust and lightweight design
Three heat settings
Can be used outdoors or indoors
Specification:
Brand
Livivo
Colour
Black
Heat settings
3
Material
Metal
Pros
Easy assembly due to the materials being lightweight
Cons
Design may not be to everyone's taste
Sortfield Electric Patio Heater
The Sortfield Electric Patio Heater is a hanging patio outdoor heater with a strong chain, as well as a covered lid which allows for maximum heat. Easy to assemble and incredibly quiet, this heater is ideal for those who have smaller outdoor spaces, or, have young children or pets that may be prone to the hazard that a freestanding heater can often come with. With multiple heat settings and a chic, stylish design – this is the ideal outdoor heater.
Key Features:
Easy to assemble design
Multiple heat settings
Robust but stylish design
Specification:
Brand
Sortfield
Colour
Black
Heat settings
3
Weight
3.6 kg
Pros
Ability to hang it is great for those who have smaller gardens/children or pets.
Cons
Can only be used outdoors
Gasdepot Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater
The Gasdepot Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater is an edgy and beautifully designed outdoor heater that is a statement piece for any patio (as much as it is a heating accessory). It comes in two different colourways and works beautifully outdoors. It has a real flame which adds to the overall aesthetic of the outdoor heater. Overall, a great purchase for those who are looking for their heater to have some added sass.
Key Features:
Real flame heater
Protective grate from naked flame
Easy to erect
Centrepiece patio heater
Specification:
Brand
Gasdepot
Colour
Grey or Black
Power source
Gas powered
Pros
Great for those who want their heater to look aesthetically pleasing
Cons
May be risky to have around children or pets
Professional-Elec Electric Wall Mounted Patio Heater
The Professional-Elec Electric Wall Mounted Patio Heater is a practical and minimalistic heater which fits snugly on your wall. Great for those with smaller outdoor spaces, this is ideal if you need a heater but don’t want something that you physically have to bring in and out every time you want to use it. Also great if you have small children and pets and don’t want them near something that could be a potential fire hazard.
Key Features:
Wall-mounted heater
Lightweight and easy to erect
Size is good for smaller spaces
Specification:
Brand
Professional Elec
Colour
Black
Heat settings
3
Material
Metal
Pros
Great if you don't want a freestanding patio heater
Space-saving due to it being wall-mounted
Cons
Not for covered indoor usage
Summary
As you can see, there are so many different options to choose from, and we hope that you’ve found a patio heater style that would work for you. We do appreciate, however, like a lot of outdoor furniture – that there is often a lot more to consider. Durability and practicality often override aesthetics and design, but we find that these heaters seem to embody both of these elements with ease. We do know, for some reading – that you may not know where to start when looking for a heater, so we’ve included a few things below for you to consider as well as a detailed FAQ to answer any burning questions that you may have.
Freestand? Wall mount? Hanging?
Have a think about your current situation as well as the layout of your garden, and this will help you make your decision! As we mentioned in our intro, it’s important to note that if you’re living in a rental property, you will probably have to get permission from your landlord for wall-mounted or hanging patio heaters. If you own your property – then you have completely free reign. If you’re indecisive on where you’ll want your patio heater (indoors, outdoors, patio, garden, conservatory etc) then we recommend going for a free-stand style as this will allow you to move the heater with ease. If you are set on where you want your patio heater, and for example have a small garden with young children – then a wall-mounted style or hanging style would probably be best from a health and safety perspective, as well as practicality overall.
Power source
Although this may not be an obvious thing to consider, your power source will determine a) where you can put your patio heater and b) how expensive it’s going to be. Although most are electric, there are some gas heaters on the market that can produce more heat, and often look impressive due to an open flame. If you want to save on your energy bills, we recommend going for something electric rather than an open flame. Remember – you’ll need to purchase gas to power those!
Size
Whether it’s the size of your garden, or the size of your patio heater – you need to consider your measurements before you purchase a heater, especially if you have a small garden. Also, if you have a smaller area, you’ll want to go for a heater that is smaller in diameter as well as potentially the heat settings, as you won’t need to heat a large area. If you’re planning to buy a heater that is wall-mounted, measure other things in your garden that are wall-mounted or hanging so you don’t have any obstructions. For example, garden string lights, garden clocks and artificial hanging baskets fall into this category.
FAQ
Which patio heaters are the best?
We’d be biased if we gave you one, but in terms of practicality, we find that electric heaters are usually the best and require the least amount of maintenance. It’s all about personal preference and what works for you – so make sure that you do your research before making a purchase.
Are patio heaters worth it?
If you spend a lot of time in your garden or conservatory, then yes. Even small gardens need some extra accessories, and a heater, although expensive, is a worthy investment and can enable you to enjoy spending time outside, for longer.
Is a patio heater expensive to run?
Depending on what kind of heater you buy, it can be expensive. It also depends on how often you use it. Electric heaters are often cheaper (and easier) to run than gas, and you can get heaters that specifically work in “energy-saving” mode, enabling you to save extra pennies where possible.
What is the most efficient patio heater?
The most efficient patio heaters are those who have timed settings and energy-saving modes built into them. These can often be slightly more expensive than your average heater, but they’re worth it in the long run – especially if you plan to use this type of patio/outdoor heater on a regular basis.
Are patio heaters waterproof?
Yes! Most patio heaters will be designed to be waterproof, especially if they’re predominantly made to be used outdoors rather than in a conservatory or covered patio. This doesn’t mean that you should leave them outside in an aggressive storm, or snow – as this will naturally deteriorate the heater quicker than you’d expect. However, general rain and weather changes won’t damage your heaters.
Can patio heaters be left outside?
Yes! If you have covers for them, even better – but overall these are designed to withstand the elements. For extreme weather conditions, you should aim to bring them indoors. Ensure you keep your patio clean with a patio cleaner, too.