Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has multiple heat settings, and it also protects your body from overheating. It is also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can push out lots of warmth across a larger area, but they will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. This is a great option for large gardens that have many outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters we test were infra red models. Best patio heater electric are cheaper than gas-powered models, and, if you select carefully, they have lower operating costs as well. You won't have to refill a tank of propane, and there's no assembly involved.
best electric heater patio feature a remote control for easy operation as well as an integrated LED light that provides ambience. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It uses circular filaments to disperse infrared mediumwave heat over a table sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which utilizes an aluminium reflector to direct on a narrow beam of heat over your favourite spot.
Both models are efficient and emit a clean warm, cozy glow, but the Herschel is more sleek which is more suitable for modern gardens or if you're looking for a way to blend it into your furniture for your outdoor space. It can also be paired with home automation systems that allow you to choose the brightness and temperature you prefer, which could save even more energy in the long term.
You must be aware that infrared heaters work but they only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. It also won't heat your patio if the winds blow it around.
On the other the other hand, gas heaters warm up a much larger space if they're not moved and are equipped with a wind shield to ensure they stay in position. They are often located in pub gardens. They provide a cozy burning log effect that is attractive in all decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce a lot of noise and smog when the flame is burning. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, which requires refilling after it runs out. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces greater heat than an electric model, and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer begins to wind down and the evenings get a little chilly it's a good the time to purchase a patio heater to keep you outdoors longer. Whether you opt for electric or gas, there's plenty on offer including small tabletop models to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas like a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more expensive 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 produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and human. Electric heaters are less expensive to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They're also a lot easier to use. Simply plug them in and switch them on, while you might need to make an open flame or wait for a propane model to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a variety of settings, from restaurants to bars to private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open areas, and some come with built-in dimmer switches to enable you to adjust the brightness of the light. 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.
The disadvantage of these heaters is that they need to be plugged into and you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead that's rated to be used with outdoor equipment. To ensure safety standards are met electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an extension lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be cautious not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become a trip hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal if you like the style of a gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by its placement or wish to cut costs. They're powered by electricity, so they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate with the flick of a button or remote. They're also less expensive to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish choice that looks fantastic with your furniture made of rattan. It 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 an hose with high pressure at it). The model also has three levels of heating to fit your space, as well being a timer shutoff between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is a different option for those who don't wish to be restricted by the position of a heater for their patio. It is available in two sizes and boasts many features, including remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It also has splash-proofing to ensure your safety. But, we don't recommend letting it get wet too much as this could impact the performance and longevity of the heater.
A top choice among many customers This portable heater for patios is a good budget-friendly option for those who want to be in control of their heating. With a remote, two heating settings, and the ability to switch the light on or off from an extended distance, it's easy to operate. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit if it's tipped over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide, unlike gas patio heaters, making them an ideal option for those with pets or children who have not yet reached the maturity level to understand the dangers associated with standing too close to a fire. These models are ideal for gazebos or large outdoor spaces, as they can quickly heat up an area up to 15m2. They're light and easy to move around, and many come with an remote control so that you can adjust settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and children are back in school, it's time to consider adding some heat to your outside space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that's wall-mounted, there's plenty to choose from in the electric range.
This popular choice is a great way to combine low operating costs with the utility of a heater. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on a pedestal base which makes it suitable for gazebos and covered porches and smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may look too big. It has an adjustable remote control to regulate the temperature. The majority of users describe it as a Goldilocks choice because it's just warm enough to reduce the chill but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are perfect for small spaces such as covered porches or garages, because they don't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Contrary to gas heaters, they are best placed in open areas with adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also more difficult to transport as they require access to an electricity outlet. This is especially important for those who live in an region where energy costs are expensive.
Another drawback to an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one, but there are plenty of options within the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols, and you can also find heaters that operate off a rechargeable battery.
If you're looking for an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a good choice. It comes in two sizes and comes with a range of features like 360deg rotation and simple heating settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it is able to withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.