Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth over a larger area, but will require a regular refill of natural gas or propane. This is a great option for large gardens with lots of outdoor seating and couches.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra red models. These heaters are more affordable than gas-powered models, and, if you pick carefully they'll have lower operating costs, too. It's also easy to install and you won't have to refill a propane tank.
The most effective ones have a remote control to make operations easy, and an LED light that is built-in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It uses circular filaments to emit infrared heat across a table sized area. It has easy-to-use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. Another great option is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which makes use of an aluminium reflector to direct the beam of heat on your preferred spot.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm light that is clean and fresh. However, the Herschel is sleeker and more suited for modern gardens, or if you're looking to integrate it with your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems to allow you to choose the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy over the long haul.
It's worth bearing in mind that while infrared heat is efficient however, it only warms objects and people directly in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work in the event that you move away. It will also not provide heat to your patio if wind blows it around.
Gas heaters on the other hand will heat up an area larger when they aren't moved. They can also be equipped with an enclosure to ensure they stay in place. They're usually found in pub gardens and have a cosy burning log effect that is attractive in most decors.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce lots of smog and noise when the flame burns. Contrary to propane that 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 eco-friendly. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces a higher level of heat than a comparable electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer slows down and evenings get somewhat chilly. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer. If you decide to go with electric or gas there's plenty to choose from, from small tabletop units to large floor-standing versions designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked garden.
While gas heaters can be cheaper to purchase than electric heaters, they can be expensive to operate - in fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful regarding both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they consume". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Electric heaters like gas use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and people. Electric heaters are less expensive to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They are also much simpler to use. Plug them in, and they will begin to heat up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, such as bars, restaurants, and private gardens. Certain models come with a built-in dimming switch that permits you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They're also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around, which is great if you have to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
The disadvantage of these heaters is that they need to be connected and you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead certified to be used with outdoor equipment. To meet safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need be cautious not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal to complement the look of a gas heater, but don't want to be limited by its location or to cut costs. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and simple to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to operate than their gas-powered equivalents.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that looks fantastic with your rattan furniture. super fast reply is also fully weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against windblown rain and dust (although we wouldn't suggest aiming the hose of a high-pressure model at it). The model also has three heating levels to fit your needs, aswell being a timer shutoff between 1 and 9 hours.
This electric model from Blumfeldt is another alternative for those who do not want to be limited by the position of a patio heater. It comes in two sizes and comes with numerous features, including a remote control, a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, though we don't recommend getting it wet, as this could impact on the efficiency and life span of the heater.
This portable heater for patios is popular with customers who prefer to manage their heating. It's easy to use, with an adjustable remote, two heat settings, and the ability to turn on or off the light from a distance. It comes with a built-in safety feature that turns the unit off if it is tilted.
Electric patio heaters don't emit carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios. This makes them a great choice for people with pets or young children who have not yet reached the age where they can be aware of the dangers that come with being close to a flame. These models are ideal for large outdoor gazebos or areas, since they can quickly heat up an area up to 15m2. These models are light and easy-to-move, and some even come with remotes that let you alter the temperature from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time to think about adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in a variety of designs, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular choice combines low operating costs with the functionality of heater. It can be mounted on a wall or on the base of a pedestal, making it ideal for covered porches and gazebos and also smaller gardens where a freestanding model might look too big. It also comes with a remote control for adjusting the temperature. The majority of users describe it as a Goldilocks choice, because it's just warm enough to decrease the chill but not too hot.
The major benefit of an electric patio heater is that it can be put in a confined space, like a covered porch or garage, because it doesn't emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and other gases that pose a threat to your health. Gas heaters, on the contrary, must be placed in a space that is open and has sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.
The downside is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas ones. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. That's particularly important if you reside in an area that has expensive energy charges.
Another disadvantage of electric heaters is that it's not as powerful as a gas heater but there are a lot of options in the PS50-PS200 price range to choose from. Some can be attached to parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a great choice. It's available in two sizes and has many features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also classified as IP44 which means it is able to withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.