Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has a variety of temperature settings, and it also protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth across a larger area, but it will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. This is a great option for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered models and depending on the model you choose, have lower running costs too. There's also no assembly required and you won't have to refill a propane tank.
The top ones come with a remote control to make the operation simple and have an LED light built in to create ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel, uses circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared warmth across a table-sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heat settings and a 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is a different alternative. It makes use of an aluminum reflector that focuses the beams of heat on your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm light that is clean and fresh. However, the Herschel is more sleek, making it more suitable for modern gardens or if you're trying to integrate it with your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems that enable you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy in the long run.
It is important to keep in mind that although infrared heating is effective, it only warms objects and people directly in front of the heater and will not be effective in the event that you move away. It also won't warm your patio if the winds blow it around.
Gas heaters, on the contrary, can heat an area larger if they are not moved. They can also be fitted with an enclosure to keep them in position. They're often found in pub gardens and provide a cozy 'burning log' effect that is attractive in all decors.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient and can also create more noise and smog. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, but they is required to be replenished when it is empty. It is important to remember that a gas heater produces a higher level of heat than an equivalent electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to invest in patio heaters as the summer winds down and evenings become colder. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on whether you want gas or electric, from small tabletop models to large floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces such as a decked backyard.
While gas heaters are more economical to buy than some electric models, they can be expensive to run - in fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful regarding both the amount of heat they generate and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling, and will last approximately 13 hours.
Unlike gas, electric heaters use radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Therefore, they are much less expensive to run and have an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. Simply plug them into the outlet, and they'll start to turn on.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in open or closed spaces, and some come with an integrated dimmer switch that will enable you to control the intensity of the light. They're also more compact than gas models and are able to be moved around which is ideal if you have to move the heater from one area of your garden to another.
electric patio heater hanging fireplacesandstoves are connected to the power source and require an extension cord approved for outdoor use. The majority of electric heaters aren't allowed to have an extension lead longer than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. You'll also need to be aware of blocking any outdoor sockets nearby or leaving the cable trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a lover of the design of the gas heater, but don't want to be limited by where it can be positioned or want to cut costs and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an alternative. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. They are also less expensive to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that will look amazing with your furniture made of rattan. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't recommend aiming a high-pressure hose at it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to your needs, and an automatic timer that ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
Another alternative for those who don't want to be restricted by the position of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and comes with a variety of features, such as a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, although we wouldn't recommend getting it too wet, as this can impact on the performance and longevity of the heater.
A top choice among many customers the portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who like to be in control of their heating. With a remote, two heat settings and the ability to switch the light on or off from the distance, it's easy to use. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the device off if it's tilted.
In contrast to a gas patio heater electric models don't release any carbon monoxide, so they're a great choice for pet owners or children who aren't old enough to comprehend the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are ideal for large outdoor gazebos or spaces, as they are able to quickly heat an area of up to 15 square meters. These models are light and easy to move. Some even come with an remote that lets you adjust the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When summer is over and the kids are back at school it's time to consider adding some warmth to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that can be wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to choose from in the electric range.
This popular choice is a great way to combine low operating costs with the functionality of a heater. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a pedestal, which makes it ideal for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It also has the option of adjusting the heat. The majority of users describe it as being a Goldilocks choice, because it is just warm enough to ease the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of using an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a confined space, like a covered porch or garage as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. By contrast, gas heaters are best placed in open areas with adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial for those who reside in a region that has high energy costs.
Electric heaters aren't as powerful as gas heaters but there are plenty of choices in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be hung from parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a good option if you want an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It's available in two sizes and comes with a range of features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also rated IP44, which means it's able to withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.