Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget buy that won't increase your electricity bills - it has different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can pump out lots of warmth across a larger area, but will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. It's a good option for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These are cheaper than gas-powered models and in the event you pick wisely they'll have lower running costs as well. There's also little assembly required and you don't have to refill a propane tank.
The best ones have a remote control to make the operation simple and have an LED light built in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel, uses circular carbon filaments to emit mediumwave infrared heat over a table-sized area and comes with easy-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heating System is another great alternative. It utilizes an aluminum reflector to focus the heat beams on your preferred area.
Both models are efficient and emit a clear, cosy glow, but the Herschel has a more modern look which is more suitable for modern gardens or if you're looking to blend it into your furniture for your outdoor space. It can be integrated with home automation systems that allow you to select the desired intensity and temperature. This could help you save money over time.
You must be aware that infrared heaters are efficient but they only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effectiveness when you leave. It won't also provide heat to your patio if winds blow it around.
Gas heaters, on contrary, will heat a larger area if they are not moved. They can also be fitted with shields to ensure they stay in place. They are usually located in pub gardens and provide a warm "burning log" look that is suitable in any décor.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient and can also generate more noise and smog. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, and must be refilled after it runs out. It is important to remember that a gas heater generates more heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the summer winds down and evenings become colder. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for a longer time. No matter if you choose electric or gas there's plenty to choose from, from small tabletop units to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to buy, but they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient, both in terms of the amount of energy they consume and the heat they generate". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and humans. Electric heaters are more affordable to run, and have a lower carbon footprint. They're also much simpler to use. Simply plug them in and turn them on, whereas you might need to make an outdoor fire or wait for the propane model to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of settings, from restaurants to bars to private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open spaces, and some come with a built-in dimmer switch to enable you to control the intensity of the lighting. They are also smaller than gas models and can be moved easily. This is a great feature if you need to move your heater from one area of your garden to another.
These heaters are plugged in and require an extension cord approved for outdoor use. To comply with safety standards electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an extension lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be careful not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could pose an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the style of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by the space it can be positioned or you want to reduce your expenses with these freestanding electric patio heaters are an alternative. electric outdoor heaters for patio are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be operated with a remote or switch. They're also cheaper to run than gas-powered counterparts.
The one from Kettler is stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place amongst your rattan garden furniture and is fully weatherproof for use all year round. Its IP55 rating shields it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we wouldn't suggest using a high pressure hose on it). This model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your needs, aswell as a timer shutdown between 1-9 hours.
Another option for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the positioning of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. This is available in two sizes and boasts numerous features, including a remote control, a timer shut off function, and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, though we don't advise letting it get too wet as this may affect the efficiency and life span of the heater.
The portable patio heater is popular with customers who want to control their heating. With a remote, 2 heating settings, and the ability to switch the light on and off from an extended distance, it's simple to use. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that turns the device off if it's tipped.
Electric patio heaters do not emit carbon monoxide like gas patio heaters, making them a fantastic choice for pet owners or young children who haven't yet reached the maturity level to recognize the dangers of being too close to a fire. These models are great for gazebos or large outdoor spaces, as they are able to quickly heat an area up to 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy to move. Some even come with remotes that let you adjust the temperature from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When the summer is over, and your kids have returned to school, it's time to think about adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in various styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular option offers the advantages of a gas heater along with low running costs. It can be mounted on a wall or on an elevated base which makes it suitable for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios and also smaller gardens where a freestanding model could appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the heat. Users describe it as a Goldilocks choice because it is just warm enough to decrease the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for spaces that are small such as garages and covered porches since they don't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters should be used in open spaces with adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly important for those who live in an location where the cost of energy is high.
Electric heaters are not as powerful as gas ones, but you can find many options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be attached to parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're looking for an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a good choice. It's available in two sizes and comes with a variety of features like 360deg rotation and easy-to use heat settings. It's also certified IP44 which means it can withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.