The ten Finest Patio Heaters of 2024, Examined and Reviewed

After testing over 50 patio heaters, we discovered the AZ Propane Patio Heater to be essentially the most useful and aesthetically pleasing propane patio heater. To gauge its effectiveness, we put this patio heater by means of its paces on a chilly day of 45 levels Fahrenheit (that felt like 35 levels) with winds of 10 miles per hour.

We have been fairly impressed with how nicely it heated our speedy space. Regardless of the producer’s guarantees that the warmth can attain as much as 12 toes away, the furthest distance we might really feel the warmth was 7 toes on the best setting. On the bottom setting, the warmth was noticeable from so far as 3 toes away.

Although the warmth did not lengthen so far as the producer had indicated, we favored that we might really feel the warmth being dispersed evenly from all sides when standing close by. That is particularly handy when internet hosting a small group of buddies across the heater’s built-in desk.

We have been fairly happy with how briskly and straightforward the patio heater was to assemble. Due to the clear labels and illustrations within the handbook, it took us lower than an hour to construct. As soon as assembled, we added the propane tank to the built-in tank compartment and turned it on with none points.

Probably the most interesting options of this patio heater is its portability. The mobility afforded by the wheels allowed us to simply transfer the heater by means of grass, concrete, and even a number of steps of stairs. We do want the heater got here with a canopy to guard it from the weather—nonetheless, you should purchase one individually.

_{Dimensions: 87 x 17 x 17 inches | Materials: Metal | Btu: 48,000 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 10-12 toes}

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a fast technique to heat up friends in your patio or deck throughout chilly climate with out using propane, we advocate this electrical heater. Throughout our testing, we used this mannequin on its lowest setting and noticed a formidable rise in floor physique temperature from 65.7 to 92.7 levels.

The tower is over 50 inches tall, so it may heat an individual from the bottom up even when they’re sitting down, in contrast to the tabletop heaters we examined. Whereas the electrical heater does not have as far of a heating vary as our greatest total choose, we might really feel a good quantity of warmth whereas sitting about 3 toes away from the unit.

Due to its easy two-button distant, we additionally favored that we did not must stand up from our cozy patio or deck seats to show it on. (The ON button prompts the 500-watt low setting; a second click on toggles the warmth to the medium 1,000-watt setting; and a 3rd click on throttles the warmth to the 1,500-watt excessive; the OFF button turns the system off.)

We do want the the gadget had a remote-specific storage space or a clip for attaching the distant. Though there’s a shelf for the distant, it may simply be knocked off. The heater itself is weatherproof, so you possibly can depart it exterior with out worrying that it’d get broken if it will get moist.

Regardless of weighing 18 kilos, the gadget should not tip over in mild to medium breezes. The meeting course of, which concerned placing collectively the bottom and threading the facility twine by means of the shaft, took us roughly 23 minutes. All the required {hardware}, together with screws, washers, and an Allen key, is included, however a Phillips screwdriver isn’t.

Whereas the meeting was not troublesome, the diagrams weren’t foolproof, and we assembled the unit backward. Regardless of this, we discovered it an amazing electrical heater for intimate gatherings together with your closest friends. Though it could not heat up a big crowd, it will get the job accomplished for these sitting inside a number of toes of it.

_{Dimensions: 51.5 x 11 x 11 inches | Materials: Aluminum | Btu: 5,100 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 10 toes}

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a finances electrical heater to maintain a small space heat, look no additional than this mannequin from Hanover. Throughout our out of doors check, we had unusually chilly climate with a light-weight breeze; it took about quarter-hour earlier than we felt any heat, however as soon as we did, it additionally adequately warmed anybody else seated close by. 

That stated, the warmth solely reached about 3 toes, lower than the marketed vary of 44 sq. toes. We additionally discovered that the slightest breeze prevented us from feeling any warmth from the heater. In response, we have been utilizing the heater below our terrace eating set, and as much as 5 folks can really feel the heat.

We acknowledge that the climate situations affect the unit’s effectiveness. Nevertheless, we liked how straightforward it was to maneuver the heater round. We additionally nonetheless advocate this product for its ease of meeting (which took solely six minutes from out of the field to operation), simplicity (a single on-off toggle swap and one warmth setting), its IP score of 65 (that means it is thought of dust-tight and fairly protected in opposition to water), and most of all, its 360-degree warmth distribution, which successfully warmed people sitting a brief distance away from the unit.  

Due to its small stature of 24 inches, this heater works greatest when positioned at waist top on an elevated floor, resembling a patio desk or below a desk. Regardless of its heating limitation, we discover that it’s proportionate to its measurement. For the value, it is nonetheless a good possibility for heating an out of doors house with minimal fuss.

_{Dimensions: 8 x 24 x 8 inches | Materials: Aluminum housing with 304 stainless-steel mesh | Btu: 2,729 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 44 sq. toes}

Some folks want electrical heaters over propane heaters as a result of they’ll simply be moved to the spot the place you need extra concentrated warmth. Nevertheless, we not too long ago examined the Hampton Bay Warmth-Focusing Propane Patio Heater and located that it successfully addresses this widespread concern. In contrast to the opposite propane heaters on our checklist, this revolutionary heater has an adjustable reflector, which might be maneuvered to direct the circulation of warmth precisely the place you want it.

We discovered the lever itself straightforward to maneuver and loved with the ability to customise our heating expertise. Nevertheless, its placement is notably excessive, which can pose a problem for people shorter than 5 toes 4 inches. Whereas the peak might be inconvenient for some, it’s a security characteristic for households with youngsters.

We positioned and examined the heater about 4 toes away from our out of doors patio chair. So far as heating goes, there are solely two choices: high and low. Once we initially set the heater on excessive, the heat it offered was nearly speedy; it took about 10 seconds to really feel the warmth from the place we have been sitting. The low setting was simply as efficient however not as intense, permitting for a extra gradual heat.

Whereas the heater’s reflective protect permits you to benefit from the heat without having to maneuver your patio heater garments, it additionally options wheels, which might be helpful when transferring this 74-pound unit. That stated, we did discover that the wheels weren’t very efficient on grass after we relocated to our terrace. Nevertheless, it is much more efficient on a flat, cemented floor.

_{Dimensions: 86 x 34 x 34 inches | Materials: Metal | Btu: 38,200 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 120 sq. toes}

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a patio heater that received’t wreck the aesthetic of your out of doors house, take a look at the Thermo Tiki Out of doors Propane Heater. When the Thermo Tiki heater was turned all the best way, we discovered that it offered a 6-foot radius of heat—past that distance, it was much less efficient. Nevertheless, we expect the Thermo Tiki heater is surprisingly highly effective for such a slender tower.

It is also price noting that due to the tower’s tall, slim design, the warmth was concentrated at face top after we have been seated at a desk, inflicting a noticeable distinction in heat between our higher and decrease our bodies.

We do must warn you that setting it up was a little bit of a problem. Whereas the tower arrived neatly organized within the field with instruments and screws in a separate container, the directions have been extra illustrations than phrases. As a result of the illustrations lacked element, assembling the heater took for much longer than anticipated, at about 1 hour and half-hour. Nevertheless, as soon as assembled, the heater ingredient labored flawlessly.

The Thermo Tiki Out of doors Propane Heater has a pyramidal form that’s remarkably sturdy and will not budge if bumped. The heater’s strap for securing the propane tank provides customers peace of thoughts regardless that it lacks fuel leak sensors. For lower than $300, you will get an environment friendly but trendy heater that may make these late-night out of doors gatherings very cozy.

_{Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 90 inches | Materials: Metal, aluminum | Btu: 38,000 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 15 toes}

To maintain your higher physique heat as you dine al fresco on a patio desk or out of doors chair set, a tabletop heater is a superb funding. For this, we advocate the Star Patio Electrical Tabletop Heater. We examined the infrared heater on a cold 35-degree morning exterior our Des Moines lab.

Armed with an infrared thermometer, we took some readings and have been blown away by the outcomes. In simply 5 minutes of use, the heater raised our floor physique temperatures by practically 2 levels, making us good and toasty. Although the heater solely has one warmth setting, the warmth was noticeable from a distance of 18 inches. We then examined the heater at residence on an enclosed patio and located that the warmth was felt from a distance of about 4 toes. 

This electrical tabletop heater could be very easy to function. As an alternative of you needing to fumble with buttons or switches, the heater has a pull twine to energy on the heater. The size of the string did appear slightly extreme (you possibly can all the time lower it), but it surely was straightforward to make use of in any other case.

The unit itself is tall sufficient to supply satisfactory heating and steady sufficient to resist reasonable wind gusts with out toppling over. Nevertheless, we found {that a} vital desk bump might trigger it to topple. Fortuitously, this heater has a helpful shutoff characteristic for such conditions.

_{Dimensions: 16.9 x 16.9 x 26.5 inches | Materials: Not listed | Btu: 5,100 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 12 sq. toes}

If you happen to’re involved in regards to the security of your youngsters or pets, take into account a wall-mounted heater like this one from Dr. Infrared. Utilizing the wall anchors that got here with the heater, we drilled holes within the masonry and set it up on our out of doors patio. It’s possible you’ll relaxation straightforward figuring out that the Dr. Infrared wall-mounted heater won’t fall over, due to its sturdy screw set up.

Nevertheless, simply because it is mounted to the wall doesn’t imply it won’t warmth up. The ETL-certified heater has 9 totally different settings and presents sun-like infrared heating, so you may begin to really feel the heat it presents in minutes. Even on the bottom warmth setting, we might really feel the heater’s warmth rising nearly instantly after we held our fingers near it. Once we turned it as much as its highest degree, the warmth reached a variety of 5 to 10 toes, which is a lot for the patio the place we’ve our events.

The heating is managed through a button that permits you to toggle between high and low ranges from the consolation of your seat. And simply in case the heater ever falls off the wall—which is sort of inconceivable given how securely it is connected—the gadget comes with a 360-degree tip-over security swap. As well as, the heater is constructed to endure extreme out of doors climate due to its waterproof design and aluminum body. 

We selected to mount the heater—nonetheless, you can too buy a tripod to put it on the bottom for a extra moveable possibility. Although it’s technically mounted on the wall, you possibly can regulate the unit to maneuver up and down, due to the included swivel brackets.

Take note it could possibly be troublesome to placed on sure sorts of partitions, resembling stone or brick. Whereas it isn’t inconceivable, you may want a hammer drill to make holes in your brick wall. Total, we strongly advocate mounting this heater in your patio wall close to your out of doors seating space, the place you possibly can benefit from the heat and luxury it presents.

_{Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 4 inches | Materials: Aluminum body | Btu: 5,200 | Warmth Vary Diameter: Not listed}

One distinctive characteristic that units this patio heater aside from others we examined is that it doubles as a desk to your drinks whereas offering heat to your environment. Though our greatest total choose, the AZ Patio Heaters Out of doors Patio Heater, comes with a built-in desk on the heater, this mannequin gives a seating space for as much as 4 folks on a compact patio or deck.

You continue to must get very near the gadget earlier than you possibly can really feel the warmth, however that is true even of our greatest tabletop, the Star Patio Electrical Patio Heater. We discovered that sitting 3 to five toes away from the heater was inadequate to take care of a snug physique temperature. Nevertheless, as soon as our legs have been nearer to the warmth supply after we sat on the desk, it felt a lot hotter.

As for the desk, we discovered it to be very steady. It didn’t budge after we knocked into it or sat on it, so you possibly can simply place drinks or plates with out concern of it tipping over. We seen that the heater is wrapped with a velvet-like materials as a substitute of a metallic display. Because the heating unit goes all the best way across the pedestal of the desk, we expect that is presumably a security characteristic to maintain the display cool to the touch.

_{Dimensions: 29 x 23 x 23 inches | Materials: Aluminum | Btu: 5,100 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 10 toes}

This hanging patio heater by EnerG+ is ideal for these chilly evenings spent in a coated patio, gazebo, or picket pergola. We hung this heater below our gazebo at residence utilizing the chain and hook offered inside 5 minutes with a ladder and an extension twine. We have been fairly impressed by how nicely the heater heated the house beneath us after we switched it on.

Due to the distant management, we might simply toggle between the high and low warmth settings with out getting up from our seats. It took two minutes to succeed in the specified temperature, and we might really feel the warmth from a distance of 5 to 10 toes. 

Apart from heating up our house, this heater’s distinctive characteristic is that it has LED lights on the base. We liked that we might use the lights and the heater concurrently or individually after we simply needed so as to add some ambiance lighting. We discovered that the lighting was fairly vibrant and powerful, though we want we might change the setting and depth of the sunshine.

Whereas we put in the heater in a coated gazebo, its metal body and IP24-certified weatherproof score make it protected to make use of outdoor, even in damp or wet environments. We did not expertise any points with the heater on windy days.

The heater’s spherical type evenly distributes warmth 360 levels, making it best for heating any out of doors house the place family and friends collect.

_{Dimensions: 3.9 x 17.8 x 17.8 inches | Materials: Metal | Btu: 5,100 | Warmth Vary Diameter: 10 toes}

If you happen to’re prepared to spend slightly further for a flexible and classy patio heater that can be utilized past only a patio setting, look no additional than this one from Frontgate. Regardless of its top of practically 7.5 toes, due to its wheels and durable development, we discovered it straightforward to maneuver round from spot to identify.

In actual fact, just one individual was wanted to maneuver the heater from the again patio to the driveway. Moreover, since many of the weight is on the underside, it will take lots to tip it over, so we’re assured {that a} wind gust will not be an issue.

Although it was chilly after we examined the heater, it stored us heat shortly. We had no issues with the heater’s efficiency even when the temperature dropped to 31 levels, regardless of the handbook’s warning that its effectivity decreased beneath 40 levels.

After heating up for a couple of minutes, it produced a substantial quantity of warmth in all instructions. We discovered that the “candy spot” gave the impression to be about 2 toes from the heater, with 4 toes, 3 inches being the farthest we felt the warmth. However once more, this was on an evening when the temperature was nicely beneath the beneficial low vary.

The Frontgate is a chic product with controls and a stable really feel. There was nothing flimsy about this unit. The meeting was straightforward and took lower than an hour. Essentially the most time-consuming half was eradicating the plastic seal from the metallic protect. We did not must go digging round for instruments as a result of they have been all included within the field.

Whereas many of the patio heaters we examined had security options like an computerized shutoff inbuilt, this one didn’t. It additionally lacks a canopy, which is beneficial to shield it from the weather however will add to the already costly value (cowl bought individually).

_{Dimensions: 89 x 33 x 18 inches | Materials: Not. listed | Btu: 46,000 | Warmth Vary Diameter: Not listed}