Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you electric bills. It has multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters can push out a lot of warmth over a bigger area, but they will require a regular supply of natural gas or propane. It's a great option for large gardens with lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered models and, assuming you choose wisely they will have lower operating costs too. There's no need to replenish a tank of propane, and there's no assembly involved.
The top ones come with remote controls to make operation easy and an LED light built in to create ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It makes use of a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave heat over a table sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heating settings and a 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is another excellent option. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to focus the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are efficient and emit a crisp warm, cozy glow, but the Herschel is more sleek that is better suited to modern gardens or if you're looking for a way to incorporate it with 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.
It is important to remember that although infrared heating is efficient, it only warms objects and people directly in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work when you move away. It also won't warm your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other side, gas heaters can provide warmth to a greater space if they're not moved and can be equipped with a wind-shield to keep them in their place. They are often found in pub gardens and provide a cozy "burning log" look that's great in a variety of decors.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient and can also generate more smog and noise. Contrary to propane, which is stored in a cylinder and will require refilling after it has run out, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more sustainable. 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 slows down and evenings get a bit chilly. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. If you decide to go with electric or gas there's plenty of options available, from small tabletop units to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked garden.
Although gas heaters are more economical to buy than electric heaters however, they can be costly to run. In fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful in terms of both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they consume". A typical cylinder of calor gas is priced at PS90 new or PS50 to refill and will last approximately 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and human. As a result, they are less expensive to run and leave a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them into the outlet, and they will begin to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a range of settings, from restaurants and bars to 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 in an open or closed space. They're also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around, which is great for when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. The majority of electric heaters aren't allowed to use an extension lead greater than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. You'll also need to be aware of blocking any sockets that are located outside or leaving the cable trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized to complement the look of a gas-powered heater but don't wish to be limited by its location or to reduce your costs. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and are able to heat quickly. They can be operated by a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish choice that looks great with your furniture made of rattan. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating protects it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we do not suggest using a high pressure hose on it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, and an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
This electric model from Blumfeldt is a different alternative for those who do not want to be limited by the location of a heater for their patio. It is available in two sizes and comes with a variety of features, such as a timer remote control, a remote control, and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, though we don'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 good budget-friendly option for those who want to control their heating. With a remote, 2 heating settings, and the ability to turn the light on and off from an extended distance, it's easy to operate. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the device off if it's tilted.
Electric patio heaters don't emit carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios. This makes them a fantastic choice for pet owners or children who haven't yet developed the maturity to recognize the dangers of standing too close to a flame. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos and spaces as they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move around, and a lot of them come with the option of a remote so that you can alter settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After summer is over and the kids are back to school, it's time to consider adding some heat to your outside space. Electric heaters are available in a variety of designs that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular model is a great way to combine low operating costs with the functionality of heater. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on the base of a pedestal which makes it perfect for covered porches and gazebos, as well as small gardens where a freestanding model could look too big. It also comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the heat. Some users say it's an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for small spaces like covered porches or garages, since they don't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on contrary, should be placed in an open space with adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. electric patio outdoor heater , requiring access to an electricity outlet. That's particularly important if you reside in a region that has high energy costs.
Electric heaters may not be as powerful as gas heaters however, there are plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some are suitable for hanging from awnings or parasols and you can also find a couple that work off a rechargeable battery.
If you're looking for an infrared device that is affordable to run it's a good choice. It's available in two sizes and comes with a range of features, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use temperature settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it is able to withstand moderate rain and splashes liquid.