Winter is upon us, and if you still want to entertain outdoors, you need the best patio heater you can get to keep guests warm once the sun goes down.
Luckily, we've spent countless hours researching, comparing specs, and evaluating customer feedback to find the best patio heaters for winter so you don't have to.
Our favorites
Here’s the best patio heaters you can buy right now based on our comprehensive online research. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.
If you’re after an all-round performer that warms up the space quickly, and looks stylish on your patio, the Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater is a great choice. Designed from durable stainless steel, this features adjustable heat control settings to customize the temperature. As its freestanding this can be placed in any sized patio.
Whether you have small space and after an affordable, wall or ceiling-mounted patio heater, the Dr. Infrared is value for money. Ideal for covered patios, the adjustable heater provides clean, instant warmth at three different temperatures. Despite its budget price, it has a coverage area up to 1,000 square feet, and is safer around children.
This weatherproof electric heater is all you need for a small patio. It offers effective, inexpensive heating without the hassle of propane. Best of all, it has a useful remote control for easy operation.
The best patio heaters you can buy today
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Best overall
If you’d like to give your patio an “outdoor restaurant” vibe, the Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater is a great choice. Constructed from durable stainless steel, this 33-pound heater is a good blend of style and functionality.
The best patio heater overall has a piezoelectric ignition to ensure quick, seamless starts, and the adjustable heat control settings let you customize the temperature as needed. (Up to 48,000 BTUs of warmth.)
Out of over 2,000 customers on Home Depot, 81% would recommend to a friend. Most praised its ease of assembly, use and power. They were mostly impressed by its performance to heat up the space well, especially for large gatherings. A few mentioned the absence of wheels for mobility and the need for a more stable base.
At 87 inches high and 32 inches in diameter, this portable hotspot (in the literal sense) will look right at home on the back porch, and it’s easy enough to stow in a corner when not in use. (Propane gas cylinder sold separately.) Pound for pound, this is one of the best value patio heaters we could find.
Best budget
Dr. Infrared proves that the amenity of outdoor heating isn’t just for one-percenters. For less than $150, this wall- or ceiling-mounted device is one of the best patio heaters you’ll find at this price point.
Perfect for covered patios, the adjustable Dr. Infrared DR-238 Heater provides clean, instant warmth at 900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts. (It also comes with a handy remote control.) And since infrared heaters themselves do not warm up during use, this is one of the best heaters for families with small children; the clean-burning warmth stays comfortably out of reach. Don’t let the reasonable price tag fool you: the DR-238 Heater has a coverage area up to 1,000 square feet.
One thing to note is that it's not as aesthetically pleasing, compared to other heater designs. And if it's style that you're after, you might prefer the Fire Sense Stainless Steel Table Top Patio Heater, which scores much more highly in terms of eye candy. This is also a great option for small backyard spaces.
Amazon customers highly rated this heater for its functionality and ease of installation. The heat output differed among various users, however, this all depends on the type of space they have. Other things they praised were its size, design and affordability.
Some reviewers reported an odor when using the DR-238 for the first time, but otherwise, this is a top-notch heating machine that won’t let you down (or burn your wallet).
Best electric patio heater
Most users find this heater 'sturdy' and 'heats up immediately. They loved the remote control and adjustable heat levels. However, most users note that as a radiant heater, this won't heat a huge area.
This electric patio heater is easy to use. It heats up instantly and can be remotely controlled, which saves you from getting up to adjust the temperature.
As an electric heater, it has none of the bother of a propane heater. You don't need to drive out to a hardware store to keep the gas topped up. You can just plug this into an outdoor outlet, and you're good to go. Unlike most space heaters, this is IP65 rated, so it's safe to use outdoors.
However, it doesn't have a fan, so while it heats quickly and powerfully, it can't heat up a large area. It's most effective on smaller patios or when placed near your seating. It's a good appliance if you think the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 above is overkill, but it won't reach the same temperatures.
Best tabletop
If your space-heating needs are modest, this is one of the best patio heaters you can get. At just 38 inches high, it’s easy to move this tabletop heater from one surface to another. It’s also available in two color options — a neat bonus. Although, it doesn't beat the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater on color choice.
In addition, this this propane heater uses a 1lb LP gas cylinder (not included), and produces an adjustable output of 10, 000 BTU. This is sufficient enough to quickly heat up a space, and it features a one step Piezo ignition system that will instantly turn on the heater.
The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Table Top Patio Heater is ideal for small groups of three to four people; the propane lasts for about three hours at a time. There’s a weight plate in the base for added stability, and the burner screen guard adds some extra peace of mind for errant fingers.
The majority of customers liked the design and size of the heater, adding that it makes a pretty addition for their patio. A few users also appreciated its heat output and value for money. However, some customers have mixed opinions on the ease of assembly and light efficiency.
What's more, it has a stainless steel design that looks stylish in any yard. Should your space options be limited, you’ll want to consider this heater as a great contender.
How we decided
We made our selection based on extensive online research to find the best patio heaters. Our top picks are based on the most consistent user reviews, combined with its heat output, power and impressive specifications. We considered everything from the type of fuel and coverage, ease of use, overall design and value for money.
We looked at a variety of sizes and dimensions of patio heater, in order to find the most suitable type for every space — including a spacious yard, balcony or even the convenient, tabletop heater. Design and style were also noteworthy, with many eye-catching options in our guide. Whether you want to add rustic charm, or contemporary, geometric style, the best patio heater should fit in seamlessly with every backyard aesthetic.
In addition, we also rated convenient features, such as adjustable temperatures to suit any type of weather to having wheels for easy transportation. Safety was also taken into consideration, noting which is best for households with children or large groups. In doing this, we’ve found the best patio heater to suit every need, backyard space and budget.
How to choose the best patio heater for your home
Before you invest in a portable heater, make sure it checks off all the appropriate boxes for your wants and needs. There are lots of different styles and sizes out there, so you’ll want to find one that’s just right in regard to both features and aesthetics.
Deck/Room/Patio Size
If you’re just adding some warmth to a small porch, you won’t need the most powerful heater on the market. And not every home has the proper indoor/outdoor space for a standing heater. (The tallest one on our list is about 7.5 feet. Not exactly compact.) Measure accordingly.
BTU (British Thermal Units)
This is the formal measurement for all heating appliances: the higher the number, the higher the potential temperature. While tabletop heaters usually pump out 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs, larger heaters can blast your yard with 40,000 BTUs of heat or more.
Heater Types
There are several types of portable patio heaters:
- Freestanding - This is the best patio heater for large outdoor spaces. They generally consist of a pole, base, heat reflector, and heating source (gas or electric).
- Mounted - These heaters are better if you don’t want them to be the center of attention. They’re meant to be permanently installed in discrete locations (such as a high wall near the ceiling.)
- Tabletop - These are much smaller than their mounted and free-standing brethren, and far more portable. They’re usually electric, and come in a variety of interesting styles.
- Infrared - Energy efficiency is #1 with these heaters. They’re not that portable, but they heat up quickly, and are best for families with small children.
Heat Sources
There are three primary types of heat sources:
- Propane - This is the most popular option, and it heats up very quickly. Often found on free-standing heaters.
- Natural Gas - If you’re a homeowner, having a natural gas-powered heater is your cheapest, cleanest-burning option. Best for the outdoors.
- Electric - By far the most convenient option, electric heaters are generally less energy-efficient than propane or natural gas. You’ll run your electricity bill through the roof if you’re not careful.
Safety Features
If you’ve got kids, the best patio heater for you might be the one with the best safety features. As you shop, look for tilt-over protection, automatic shut-off valves, and cool-touch glass. (Infrared heaters can be a good option for families, since there aren’t any physical flames.)
FAQs
Which patio heater is the most sustainable?
If you want to be more sustainable, you might be interested in which type of patio heater has the smallest carbon footprint. If you’re thinking in terms of gas vs electric, the answer is electric. Gas patio heaters produce much more CO2 compared to electric. This type is also more noisy and expensive to run.
You should consider infrared as an option too. This type of patio heater is as sustainable as it gets, because it will use 100% of the heat it produces. It does this by only heating physical objects within range through radiation, rather than the air itself.
If you want to be more eco-friendly with your patio heater, only use it when you actually need it and don’t set it to a higher temperature than necessary. You can also wear thicker clothes and use blankets as well, so your patio heater won’t have to work so hard.
Which patio heater is more safe?
Generally, overhead patio heaters are considered to be more safe to use. This is especially in high-traffic areas, where there are plenty of people or children running around or touching them. Not only do overhead patio heaters reduce the risk of being a trip hazard, but will free up floor space.
These are securely installed onto walls or ceilings, just be sure to follow installation guidance that comes with it, or have them installed properly by a professional.
Should you cover patio heaters outdoors?
Typically, patio heaters are not waterproof, and shouldn't be left exposed to the rain. When it's extreme weather, it's recommended to cover patio heaters with a protective, weatherproof covering. Or store under shelter or a partially covered space to protect it from the elements.
In addition, this will help to maintain its condition, and ensure it works properly at all times.
