Best Electric Patio Heaters

A budget-friendly purchase that won't add to your best electric heater patio bills. It has different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.

Gas patio heaters are an excellent option for large gardens with plenty of seating outdoors and sofas. But, they'll require frequent refills with propane or natural gas. This is a great option for large gardens with lots of outdoor seating and sofas.

1. Infrared heaters

The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered models and, if you pick carefully they will have lower operating costs as well. There's also little assembly required and you won't need to refill a propane tank.

The top ones come with a remote control that makes operation easy and an LED light that is built-in for ambience. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It makes use of circular filaments to disperse infrared mediumwave energy over an area that is the size of a table. It is easy to use heating settings and a 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is a different alternative. It uses an aluminum reflector to focus the beams of heat on your favorite area.

Both models are efficient and emit a clear, cosy glow, but the Herschel has a sleeker look that is better suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking for a way to blend it into your furniture for your outdoor space. It can be integrated with home automation systems that allow you to select your preferred brightness and temperature. This can help save energy over time.

It is important to keep in mind that even though infrared heating is effective but it only warms the objects and people who are directly in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work if you move away. Additionally, it won't heat your patio or garden in the event that the wind blows the heater around.

On the other hand, gas heaters will heat up a larger area if they aren't moved and are equipped with a wind-shield to keep them in position. They're usually located in pub gardens and offer a warm "burning log" effect that looks good in most decors.

Propane patio heaters can be less efficient, and they can also create more noise and smog. Unlike propane, which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it runs out, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more sustainable. You should also remember that a gas heater generates a higher level of heat than an electric model and is likely to be more expensive.

2. Gas heaters

As the summer winds down and the evenings become a little chilly, it might be time to invest in a patio heater to keep you warm and comfortable. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on whether you want electric or gas, from small electric patio heater tabletop models up to floor-standing units designed to heat large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.

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 energy they consume and the heat they generate". A typical 13kg cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill and lasts about 13 hours of heating.

Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and human. Therefore, they are much cheaper to run and leave less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They're also much simpler to use. Simply plug them in and switch them on, while you'll need to create a fire or wait for the propane model to heat up.

Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that allows you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models, and they can be moved easily. This is a great feature if you need to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.

The heaters are connected to the power source and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. Most electric heaters are not allowed to use an extension lead greater than 1.8m. This is to be in line with safety standards. You'll also need to be careful to avoid blocking any outdoor sockets nearby or leaving the cable trailing.

3. Freestanding heaters

If you're a fan of the style of the gas heater but don't want to be limited in the way it can be set up or are looking to cut costs with these freestanding electric patio heaters are a great alternative. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and heat up quickly. They can be controlled with a remote or switch. They are also less expensive to run than their gas-powered equivalents.

This model from Kettler is a stylish option that looks great with your rattan furniture. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year. Its IP55 rating protects it from windblown dust and rain (although we do not suggest using a high pressure hose on it). The model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your requirements, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.

This electric model made by Blumfeldt is another alternative for those who don't want to be limited by the location of a heater for their patio. It comes in two sizes, and includes many features, such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It also has splash-proofing to ensure your safety. However, we don't recommend getting it wet excessively as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.

This portable heater for patios is popular with those who prefer to manage their heating. It's simple 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 also comes with an integrated safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's tipped over.

Electric Best patio heater electric heaters do not emit carbon monoxide, unlike gas heaters for patios, making them a great option for those with pets or children who haven't yet developed the maturity to be aware of the dangers that come with standing too close to a flame. These models are ideal for large outdoor gazebos or areas, since they can quickly heat up an area up to 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move around and a majority of them have an remote control so that you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.

4. Wall-mounted heaters

After summer is over and children are back in school, it's time to think about adding some heat to your outside space. Whether you're after a freestanding model or one that can be wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to pick from the electric range.

This popular model offers low operating costs and the functionality of a heater. It can be wall-mounted or placed on the base of a pedestal which makes it perfect for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios, as well as smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may look too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control to regulate the heat. It is described by some as a Goldilocks choice, because it's warm enough to ease the chill, but not too hot.

The major benefit of using an electric patio heater reviews patio heater is that it can be placed in a small area, such as garages that are covered as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that are dangerous to your health. Contrary to gas heaters, they must be used in open spaces with adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.

Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also less mobile, requiring access to an electrical outlet. That's particularly important if you reside in a region that has high energy costs.

Another drawback to an electric heater is that it's not as strong as a gas heater but there are a lot of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols, and you can even find a couple that work on rechargeable batteries.

This is a good option for those looking for an infrared heating system that's cost-effective to operate. 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's able to withstand splashes of water and light rain.