Best Electric Patio Heaters

A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you electric bills. It has various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.

Gas patio heaters can push out lots of warmth over a larger area, but it will require a regular supply of propane or natural gas. This is a great choice for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and couches.

1. Infrared heaters

The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra red models. These heaters are cheaper than the gas-powered models and, if you pick wisely, they have lower operating costs too. There's also no assembly required and you won't need to refill your propane tank.

The top models come with the remote control for effortless operation, as well as a built-in LED light that provides ambience. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave energy over an area of the size of a table. It has easy-to-use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. Another great option is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which utilizes an aluminium reflector to focus on a narrow beam of heat over the area you prefer to be in.

Both models are efficient and emit a crisp warm glow, however the Herschel is more sleek that's more suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking for a way to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems that allow you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy in the long run.

You should be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but they only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They cease to work when you move away. It also won't provide heat to your patio if winds blow it around.

Gas heaters, on other hand will heat up more space if they are not moved. They can also be equipped with an enclosure to keep them in position. These heaters are often located in the pub garden and create a cozy "burning log" look that is suitable in any décor.

Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce a lot of smog and noise when the flame burns. In contrast to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that requires refilling when it is depleted, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all, and are more environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces more heat than a comparable electric model, and is likely to be more expensive.

2. Gas heaters

It's time to purchase patio heaters as the Summer winds down and evenings become colder. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer. If you decide to go with gas or electric there's plenty of options available including small tabletop models to large floor-standing versions designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as a decked garden.

Although gas heaters are more economical to buy than electric heaters but they are costly to operate - in fact, according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most inefficient in terms of both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they use". A typical cylinder of calor gas will cost PS gas-powered counterparts.

The Kettler model is a stylish choice that looks fantastic with your rattan furniture. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against windblown rain and dust (although we don't recommend using an hose with high pressure at it). This model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to your needs, as well as an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.

Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the positioning of the gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and has many options, including a timer remote control, a remote control, and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, but we wouldn't advise letting it get wet, as this could affect the performance and longevity of the heater.

A top choice among many customers the portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer to control their heating. It's easy to use and comes with an adjustable remote, two heating settings, and the ability to turn on or off the light from the distance. It comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts the device off if it's tipping.

As opposed to gas patio heaters electric models don't release any carbon monoxide, which is why they're an ideal choice for those with pets or small children who are not yet old enough to recognize the dangers of standing too close to flames. These models are ideal for gazebos and large outdoor spaces, as they can quickly heat up an area up to 15m2. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have an remote that lets you alter the temperature from your seat.

4. Wall-mounted heaters

When the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in different designs that include freestanding electric patio heater models as well as wall-mounted models.

This popular option combines the functionality of a gas heater and low running costs. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on the base of a pedestal, Freestanding Electric Patio Heater making it ideal for covered porches and gazebos and small gardens where a freestanding model might appear too big. It also has the option of adjusting the temperature. Users describe it as being a Goldilocks choice because it's warm enough to decrease the chill but not too hot.

The major benefit of an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a restricted space, like garages that are covered as it doesn't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. Contrary to gas heaters, they should be used in open spaces with adequate ventilation or they risk contaminating your home.

However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. electric garden patio heater models are also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. This is especially important when you live in an region where energy costs are high.

Another disadvantage of an electric patio heater hanging heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas heater, but there are plenty of options within the PS50-PS200 price bracket to choose from. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols and you can also locate a few that run with rechargeable batteries.

This is a good option when you're looking for an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It's available in two sizes and comes with many options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heat settings. It's also certified IP44 which means that it is able to stand up to small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.