Best Electric Patio Heaters

A budget-friendly purchase that won't increase your power bills. It comes with multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.

Gas patio heaters can push out a lot of warmth across a larger area, but will require a regular refill of propane or natural gas. It's a great option for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.

1. Infrared heaters

The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered versions and, assuming you choose wisely they'll have lower running costs as well. You don't need to replenish a tank of propane and there's not much assembly involved.

The top ones come with a remote control to make operations easy, and an LED light that is built-in for ambience. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel, uses circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared warmth over a table-sized space and includes easy-to-use settings for heat and 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which utilizes an aluminium reflector to focus the beam of heat to your favourite spot.

Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy light that is clean and fresh. However the Herschel is sleeker, making it more suitable for modern gardens, or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems, allowing you to choose your preferred intensity and temperature. This could save energy over time.

It is important to remember that while infrared heat is effective however, it only warms objects and people directly in the vicinity of the heater. It will lose its effect when you move away. Also, it will not heat your amazon patio heater electric or garden if the wind blows the heater around.

On the other side, gas heaters can warm up a much larger area if they aren't moved, and they can be fitted with a wind shield to keep them in their place. They are typically found in pub garden and give off a cosy "burning log" effect that works well in any design.

Propane patio electric heater heaters can be less efficient, and they can also create more noise and smog. In contrast to propane which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it is depleted the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more environmentally friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce more heat.

2. Gas heaters

It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the summer winds down and evenings become somewhat chilly. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models up to floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.

Gas heaters are more expensive to buy however they can be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient, both in terms of the amount of energy they consume as well as the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling, and will last approximately 13 hours.

Unlike gas electric outdoor heaters for patio heaters make use of radiant heat to warm objects and people rather than the air. Electric heaters are less expensive to run, and have a smaller carbon footprint. They're also a lot easier to use. Simply plug them in and turn them on, whereas you may have to build a fire or wait for a propane model to heat up.

Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that permits you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used either in an open or closed space. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved. This is very beneficial when you have to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.

The disadvantage of these heaters is that they need to be plugged into, which means that you'll need to have a power socket nearby and an extension lead that's certified to be used with outdoor equipment. To comply with safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be sold with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be sure not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable in a trail where it could pose an injury risk.

3. Freestanding heaters

These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but don't want to be restricted by its location or to cut costs. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be operated via a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.

This model from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place in your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof for use all year round. Its IP55 rating protects it from dust from the wind and rain (although we do not recommend using a high-pressure hose on it). The model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.

Another option for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the location of the gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and comes with numerous features, including remote control as well as a timer shut off function, and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your safety. However, we do not recommend getting it wet excessively as this could impact the performance and longevity of the heater.

The portable patio heater is popular with those who want to manage their heating. It's user-friendly and comes with the remote control, two temperature settings, as well as the ability to turn on and off the light from the distance. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts the unit off if it is tilted.

In contrast to a gas patio heater electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they are a great option for families with pets or children who are not yet old enough to understand the dangers of standing too close to flames. These models are also great for large outdoor gazebos and spaces because they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're lightweight and easy to move around, and a lot of them come with a remote control so you can alter settings from the comfort of your chair.

4. Wall-mounted heaters

After the summer is over, and your kids have returned to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Whether you're after a freestanding model or one that is mounted on the wall, there are plenty to choose from in the electric range.

This popular option combines low operating costs with the benefits of heating. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on the base of a pedestal, making it ideal for covered porches and gazebos, as well as smaller gardens where a freestanding model could look too big. It also comes with a remote control for adjusting the temperature. Users say they find it a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to reduce the chill, without becoming too hot.

Electric patio heaters are great for spaces that are small, such as garages or covered porches, since they don't emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on contrary, must be installed in an open space with adequate ventilation to prevent them from contaminating your home.

However, the drawback is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. They're also more difficult to transport, requiring access to an electricity outlet. This is particularly crucial when you live in an location where the cost of energy is high.

Another drawback to an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one however there are plenty of options in the PS50-PS200 price bracket to pick from. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols, and you can even locate a few that run off a rechargeable battery.

This is a great choice when you're looking for an infrared heater that is affordable to operate. It's available in two sizes and offers many options that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it's resistant to splashes of water as well as light rain.