There are few things as enjoyable as an outdoor party or get together in the summertime. However, when the sun goes out and the temperatures drop what are you to do?

Going home definitely isn’t an option! We have the perfect solution for you, whether it’s at a bar, restaurant, or your home: a outdoor patio heater.

We’ve spent the last few weeks researching and testing out countless products to bring you the best outdoor patio heaters on the market today.

Best Outdoor Patio Heaters

	hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater	Thermo Tiki Deluxe Patio Heater	Bromic Infrared Patio Heater
Heat Source:	Propane	Propane	Electric
Output:	41,000 BTUs	38,000 BTU	2000-6000 watts
Range:	15 ft	15 ft	65-160 sq ft
Size:	35" x 87"	30" x 90"	8.5" x 56"

For more of my home and garden recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Patio Umbrellas, Chimineas, Fire Pits.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Patio Heaters For 2021

1. hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater
2. Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
3. Bromic Commercial Infrared Electric Patio Heater
4. Fire Sense Stainless Steel Patio Heater
5. Hiland Quartz Glass Patio Heater
6. Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater
7. Terra Hiker Propane Outdoor Patio Heater

Patio Heater Reviews

Our reviews of the top rated patio heaters with a comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the heater for you.

Best Outdoor Propane Heater

#1 hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater

The hOmeLabs Propane Patio Heater is visually stunning, modern heater which comes with some of the most recent advancements in the industry.

Their “Pilotless” Burner System means that there’s no more wasting fuel which is not only expensive, but bad for the environment.

By taking out the standing pilot, you no longer need to worry about the wind blowing out the pilot flame which will once again leave you shivering!

Instead, this outdoor propane heater makes starting the heater no problem, with an easy press ignition system that works right away.

Capable of producing 41,000 BTUs with SS Burners, it’s quite a powerful unit capable of keeping entire terraces and patios warm with ease.

Coming in bronze hammered finish, you don’t have to worry about it going with your décor because the color works well with most patio design.

It even comes a little table which goes around the pole, so you and your guests can keep your drinks or snacks nearby. If you happen to need to move it to another location, the mobility wheels make it a breeze.

To keep it from tipping over, you’ll also find a bottom sand reservoir which adds up to 25 pounds to the base. Keep in mind that you will have to purchase the sand separately.

Best Gas Patio Heater

#2 Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater

Our next outdoor heater is the modern and sophisticated Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater.

The floor pyramid made of high-grade steel and aluminum is made to last for years, with a captivating dancing flame climbing up the tower to provide both warmth and beauty.

Choose from either Stainless Steel, Mocha, or Black – all go with just about anything. Each one is made with all weather-resistant parts which hold up against rust, fade, and corrosion.

That means you can keep it outside in just about any climate without worry about it wearing down.

Aside from looks, it performs well too, with heat coverage of up to 15’ in diameter and output of 38,000 BTUs which is quite impressive.

However, it does have a peak output of up to 45,000 BTU so don’t be surprised if you can get more heat out of it.

Despite being so powerful, it’s very safe, featuring a safety valve to automatically turn off the fuel supply if it ends up being tilted or tipped over.

Aside from that, you’ll find a protective mesh which covers the ceramic-glass heating column in addition to the pilot light. Overall, the fact that the model is compliant with ANSI, CE, and CSA standards should make you feel more at ease.

For easy maneuvering, you’ll find sturdy wheels which allow you to move it as you’d like without issue. Much like the previous propane patio heater, you’ll also find an easy push-button ignition so you don’t have to hassle to turn it on each time.

Best Commercial Patio Heater

#3 Bromic Radiant Infrared Electric Patio Heater

If you are looking for something with a little more heating power or for commercial purposes, the Bromic Radiant is probably what you are looking for.

Working either under awnings and outdoor settings, it’s a versatile heater. It comes in 4 heater options from 2000-6000W with heating areas from 65 to 160 square feet.

The compact size of 56 inches long and a height of 8.5 inches, it’s relatively small in comparison to the others in our guide.

Coming with brackets for mounting on the wall or ceiling it’s easy to put exactly where you need the heat without taking up much space.

With a single infrared heating element, inside a sleek black ceramic coated steel frame, it looks attractive anywhere.

The ceramic coating resists high temperatures and harsh weather conditions for years of use.

Warmest Patio Heater

#4 Fire Sense Patio Heater Stainless Steel

Undoubtedly one of the better patio heaters currently available today, the Fire Sense Patio Heater is incredibly easy to use and very versatile.

With a high power of 46,000 BTUs, this freestanding patio heater will easily heat you and all of your friends and family throughout every season. This model uses a 20-pound tank of liquid propane (LP) gas, with a runtime of around 10 hours per tank.

You’ll also find the electric ignition system convenient, with quick reliability that will light the heater by simply pushing a button.

Coming in 11 different colors such as Aqua Blue, Matte Black, Hammered Mocha/Bronze, and more, you’re sure to find a shade that perfectly suits your patio décor or your personal tastes.

Made of commercial-grade stainless steel, it’s made to last you for many seasons and years to come.

The burners are also made of the durable metal, coming with a 1-year warranty so you know you’re receiving a quality propane patio heater that won’t give out on you.

The innovative design will add sophistication instantly to any setting, and as it’s so simple to maneuver, you will be able to take it just about anywhere you’d like around your home.

The heavy-duty wheels can easily roll over tiny pebbles, cracks, cement, grass, and much more.

Best Patio Heater For Wind

#5 Hiland Quartz Glass Tube Patio Heater

Finally, we have the Hiland Tall Quartz Glass Tube Heater which is really a spectacle in itself.

The 91-inch tall heat glass tube model is propane patio heater, with the ability to give 40,000 BTUs to heat large outdoor spaces.

As the name suggests, it does feature a large quartz glass tube/pyramid which allows you to see everything. The durable stainless steel finish is rust-and-corrosion-resistant, so you can use it in various types of climates.

With this model, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors for many months more than you would typically have the chance to.

You have complete control over the temperature to make sure no one starts getting too hot. The wheels let you move it where you’d like it without risk of it tipping over.

Thermocouple and ani-tilt safety devices will also turn off the model if it does happen to lose its balance. With a 20-pound propane tank capacity, you’ll get up to 10 hours of runtime off a single tank which is more than enough to heat a party or dinner.

Moreover, you’ll receive a 1-yaer warranty against manufacturer defects so you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’re receiving a product that won’t let you down.

Best Wall Mount Patio Heater

#6 Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater

The Muskoka Lifestyle Products Infrared Heater is quite a bit different from the last two models, as it doesn’t stand on its own but is a wall mount heater for both commercial and residential use.

In addition, it doesn’t use propane for its power, but rather 110v of electric power.

This means that you never have to refill a tank and never have to worry about exhaust fumes, while also having more confidence due to it being safer to operate.

Instead, the design utilizes infrared rays which have been used for hundreds of years to heal injuries, grow plants, and many other positive uses.

While it works in both indoor and outdoor settings, if you decide to use it outdoors, remember this electric outdoor heater comes with a weatherproof IP65 rating.

That means that it will hold up well in all kinds of climates! For indoor situations, you and your guests will appreciate its silent operation and low light which won’t distract you from your conversations or sleeping.

Controlling this outdoor patio heater is easy, thanks to an included remote control. Choose from 3 heat settings: high, medium, and low. You can also use the remote to switch it on or off, or do it manually.

Best Electric Patio Heater

#7 Terra Hiker Propane Outdoor Patio Heater

With a more modern and industrial look the Terra Hiker also has the highest BTU output of any heater on our list with 55,000 BTUs of heat.

The Terra Hiker is designed with safety in mind. It can be secured to the floor with anchoring legs plus it has tip over safety shut off valve.

Not only is the Terra Hiker sleek looking it also boasts some nice features like a magnetic propane door latch, wheels for easy transport and a shelf / table for keeping your drink or snacks while you enjoy the warmth.

With just a few screws the Terra Hiker is the easiest by far to assemble and provides up to 27 hours of warmth. The warmth adjustment is underneath the heater housing so you don’t have to worry about getting burned making an adjustment unlike most other heaters.

Being made of stainless steel, this outdoor patio heater will provide warmth for many years.

Patio Heater Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Patio Heater – Buying Guide

Now that we’ve wrapped up all of our favorite products, is there one that’s caught your attention? If you’re still on-the-fence about one or two, that’s perfectly normal.

There are a lot of great products on this guide, and it can be hard to narrow it down. That’s why we’ve decided to go ahead and create the comprehensive buying guide, below. It will take you through each step of the process in choosing the best outdoor patio heater for you and your needs.

Type

First, it’s important to select a type and narrow it down from there.

Freestanding Patio Heaters

These make up the bulk of our list and are also the most popular. These are great if you need heating on your patio. You’ll often find these on bar and restaurant patios, as they transmit enough heat to keep everyone out there warm and comfortable.

As they do not require electrical power, you don’t have to worry about batteries or someone tripping over a cord. They use fuel instead, which is typically stored in the base of the heater.

Wall-Mounted

In contrast, these are kept out of the way by staying attached to a wall. Usually, these can be used in both indoor and outdoor situations and are mounted high up on the wall so you can easily adjust the direction of the heat while avoiding anyone accidentally bumping into it.

Sizes

As you could tell from the above items, patio heaters come in quite a few different shapes and sizes. However, the most common, as previously mentioned is the freestanding heater. These will usually give around 40,000 BTU of heating power which are ideal for bigger areas, larger than 2,000 square feet.

Wall heaters, on the other hand, are very small and will only give an output of 3000 BTU, however, there are a few products which can produce much more. These are ideal for spaces smaller than 150 square feet or if you really need to save space and don’t have room for the former.

Of course, you’ll want to measure your patio area if you don’t already know it. If you’ll be using it in a space where you have a large table out there, then you’ll probably want to use a freestanding model. These also work well if you and your guests will be standing around, chatting.

Power

Do you know how many BTUs or watts you’ll need? If not, again, measure the space of the area you want to use your heater in. To do this, simply multiply the number of feet it measures long by the number of feed wide.

After this, you’ll need to estimate the temperature difference you desire. Take the current temperature in Fahrenheit with your ideal temp in Fahrenheit and multiply them together to give you the BTUs you’ll need.

Area in Square Feet x (current temperature in Fahrenheit – desired temperature) = minimum BTU

You’ll want to go up a bit from the number you get, as some companies “overestimate” a bit.

Electric or Propane

Traditionally, patio heaters utilize propane to generate their heat, however, electric models are becoming increasingly popular.

Propane

These are relatively simple and straightforward to use, as well as very easy to move around. Tanks obviously don’t come with the models, so you can select the tank size to suit your fuel usage.

You can set these models up wherever you feel like, and you don’t usually need to install them in any special or complicated way. The fuel is stored in the base of the heater in a propane tank, so it’s important that the heater you select comes with a kind of safety shut-off mode if it gets tipped over.

Electric

The most eco-friendly and convenient option is the electric patio heater. Providing clean, warm air, everyone will enjoy themselves.

In addition, they’re very efficient and cost-friendly, as you don’t need to buy propane and won’t have to worry about them running out of fuel. The downside is, that electric outdoor heaters not as mobile as they do require an electricity source.

Extras

These aren’t necessary but can definitely make the experience a lot better for you.

Wheels: Having sturdy mobile wheels will make it easy for you to move your patio heater around to your liking. Good wheels should be able to handle all kinds of outdoor terrain with no problem.

Instant-Start: This means that as soon as you want to turn the heater on, you can. You don’t have to deal with trying to light it time after time, struggling while in the cold.

Remote Control: While you’ll be able to control the heat settings on each one of the above models manually, there are some that also come with a remote control so you don’t have to move from your spot to turn the temperature up or down.

FAQs About Outdoor Heaters

Q: Do I need a certain amount of clearance around my outdoor patio heater?

A: Yes, you typically will, or you could start a fire with it. If you obstruct the model, even if it doesn’t start a fire it could end up creating potentially-toxic gas in the air which isn’t healthy for anyone to breathe in. While you should always double-check in your manual, a 30-inch clearance around the top is a good guideline to go off of.

Q: Can I use it on an enclosed patio?

A: You’ll definitely be able to use one, so long as you choose the correct model. We would recommend opting for an electronic model if you’re dealing with particularly tight spaces that don’t have a lot of air flowing through. These are more appropriate for indoor settings.

Q: What’s so great about an outdoor patio heater?

A: Well, for one, it will make sure that you and your guests aren’t cold! If you are trying to keep a socializing area warm or are looking to entertain guests but are afraid the temperatures are too low, then this is where a patio heater shines.

Just make sure that if it’s electric, you have an outlet you can use safely. If it’s a propane model, make sure it has the proper clearance.

Q: Can you use a patio heater under a covered patio?

A: The majority of patio heaters are meant for use in open air areas because they put out large amounts of heat that could be a fire hazard. However electric patio heaters like the Muskoka Lifestyle Infrared Heater could be use with a covered patio or garage if it is placed away from anything flammable.

Q: Do outdoor heaters work in winter?

A: High output propane patio heaters put out large amounts of heat and can provide enough warmth in the winter. It of course depends on how cold it is and wind conditions. In southern states, an outdoor heater will make your patio very comfortable in the winter months.

Q: Can outdoor heaters be left out in the rain?

A: While most outdoor patio heaters can be left out in the rain because they are waterproof. However, just because they can be left out doesn’t mean it a good idea to do so. Being exposed to rain will accelerate the heater rusting and deteriorating.

Q: Are electric patio heaters waterproof?

A: All of the electric patio heaters on our list are waterproof. You should look for an outdoor heater witha waterproof rating of IP24 or higher.

Tips For Using Your Patio Heater

#1: Always make sure you’re placing your heater on solid, level ground if it’s a standalone unit.
Obviously, this doesn’t apply to wall-mounted models. You want it to be completely stable, with no risk of it tipping over. Cement or stone would be ideal, as opposed to a grassy surface.

#2: If you have spare fuel, make sure you stow it away.
This fuel can easily start a fire if the conditions are right, so keeping it in a cool, dark area is ideal.

#3: Always pick a heater with the proper safety features.
Even if you think you won’t need them, trust us, you do. A safety tilt switch is more than sufficient, and will make sure to automatically turn the heater off should it tilt over.

#4: Never put anything on your patio heater.
While it may be tempting to put your bathing suit on the heater to dry it off, don’t ever place anything on it. Going back to the clearance we talked about, things can often catch fire if too close.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re pretty much an outdoor patio heater expert, which one will you be using this season for your social events? There is a wide selection of great heaters to choose from, but what’s most important is that you select the right one for you and your needs. We hope that this article has helped you achieve just that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!

How We Researched

To come up with the top outdoor patio heaters, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wayfair  along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard design and home repairs.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from landscapers, bloggers and contractors.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources