Have you ever wanted an outdoor heater, or wondered what they are?

Then this post was made for you!

Read this guide to find out more about patio heaters, what they are, how each type works, and other important and interesting information you should know before purchasing an outdoor patio heater. Here you can also see 15 short reviews on best outside heaters for each category and type of patio heater.

best-outdoor-patio-heater

Top 15 Best Outdoor Patio Heaters For Sale

Best Natural Gas Patio Heater

Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Infrared Patio Heater

The Bromic patio heater runs on natural gas and therefore needs to be connected to the household supply line. It is recommended you leave the installation to a professional, for your safety. Once that is done, however, you can enjoy the 39,800 BTUs of heating power, which will warm up a space of about 200 square feet.

Platinum Smart-Heat™ Gas Heater

You can also use this heater in restaurants and other commercial purposes, as its elegant and contemporary design fits well into elegant ambients. This heater can also be mounted on ceilings as well as walls, though that requires an additional part, though beware the heater should be placed at least 8 feet from the floor.

Platinum Smart-Heat™ Gas Heater review

For a more detailed review of this model, you can read this post on natural gas patio heaters, and for other devices from this brand, read this post on Bromic heaters.

Pros:

  • elegant design
  • good heating output
  • adjustable mount bracket
Cons:

  • min. distance 8 feet
  • not weatherproof
  • no remote

Best Outdoor Electric Patio Heater

Sundate Outdoor Electric Patio Heater

This electric infrared patio heater has 3 heat settings, which correspond to these heating powers: 500W, 1000W and 1500W. It can warm up to its full heat in a matter of seconds, and the timer feature allows you to set the device to automatically turn off in a given time.

Sundate Outdoor Electric Patio Heater

The LCD display and the remote controller that come with the heater will help you adjust the heating setting and conditions to your preferences. This aluminum heater is lightweight enough to be mounted on any wall, and the safety features like the overheating sensor and the waterproof display ensure your safety for a time to come.

Sundate Outdoor Electric Patio Heater review

For more information on this device, read this post on electric patio heaters.

Pros:

  • 3 heat settings
  • waterproof LCD display
  • remote controller
  • timer option
Cons:

  • aluminum
  • plastic parts

Best Propane Patio Heater

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-C Tabletop Heater

This Hiland propane heater is small enough to fit on a table (23 x 23 x 12 inches), and it is easy to transport and relocate when necessary or even put into storage. It produces about 11,000 BTUs of heat, which is sufficient to warm up a small sitting area. It uses a 1-pound liquid propane tank and ignites at the press of a button.

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-C Tabletop Heater

You can use this tabletop propane heater on your porch or patio or another outdoor area. Gas heaters are not meant for indoor use, but if you decide to use one in enclosed spaces, ensure good ventilation of the room. It comes with a cover to protect it from weather and dust.

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-C Tabletop Heater review

For more information about this model of heater, read this post about propane outdoor heaters. For more about the Hiland brand and what they offer, read this post about AZ Hiland patio heaters.

Pros:

  • stainless steel
  • cover included
  • portable
Cons:

  • not weatherproof
  • low heating output

Best Tabletop Patio Heater

Star Patio Electric Tabletop Infrared Heater

This elegant black lamp is, in fact, an electric heater that will fit into any elegant home decor with no problem. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, because it is powered by electricity, and is therefore safe for closed spaces. It emits no noise, no fumes, and no odor.

Star Patio Electric Tabletop Infrared Heater

Star Patio heater offers you efficient and instant infrared heating, with a heating output of about 5100 BTUs. The halogen heating element has an estimated lifespan of approximately 5000 hours, but only has one heating setting. The reflecting shader top will protect the heater from the weather, so you can use it outdoors.

Star Patio Electric Tabletop Infrared Heater review

If you want to learn more about this particular model, read this post on tabletop outdoor heaters.

Pros:

  • electric
  • elegant design
  • weatherproof
  • long-lasting heating unit
Cons:

  • only 1 heat setting
  • no remote control

Best Stainless Steel Outdoor Heat Lamp

Hampton Bay Stainless Steel Patio Heater

This stainless steel propane gas heat lamp uses a 20-pound standard liquid propane tank, which will last up to 8 hours. The tank can be stored inside the base of the heater, with the door for easy access. It starts at the push of the ignition button, and the heat it produces reaches up to 48,000 BTUs, so you can warm up a fairly large patio with this heater.

Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater

Hampton heater has wheels on the side of the base, which allow you to easily move the device from one location to the next. There is also the anti-tilt safety mechanism, which will turn off the heater in case it tilts or tips over. This device’s dimensions are 32.2 x 32.2 x 87.2 inches, and it weighs 6.5 pounds.

Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater review

For more details about this model, read this post on stainless steel patio heaters. For more information about the Hampton brand, read this post on Hampton heaters.

Pros:

  • good heating output
  • stainless steel
  • has wheels
Cons:

  • needs a propane tank
  • heavy
  • not entirely weatherproof

Best Portable Outdoor Heater

Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater MH18B

This heater has a design that focuses on practical transport, and the sturdy handle and stable heater body make its easy and versatile use a priority. It is made of metal and plastic exterior, and the tank is meant to be placed at the back of the heater. This heater uses liquid propane gas, but it does not come with a tank included.

Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater MH18B

You can use this heater primarily outdoors, and it will heat up a space of up to 450 square feet, as it produces from 400 to 18,000 BTUs of heat. The temperature can be regulated between low, medium and high, using the simple control knob. If you are using gas heaters in closed spaces, ensure good ventilation.

Mr. Heater Portable Propane Heater MH18B review

Read a more detailed review in this post about portable outdoor heaters.

Pros:

  • portable
  • sturdy
  • adjustable heating
Cons:

  • needs a propane tank
  • not meant for small closed spaces

Best Tall Standing Patio Heater

Garden Sun Floor Standing Patio Heater

The Garden Sun propane heater is made from stainless steel and will last through most weather conditions. It needs a liquid propane tank, and it uses a standard 20-pound one, which can be stored inside the base of this heater, with an easy access door. To turn it on, simply choose a setting and press the ignition button.

GardenSun 41,000 BTU Patio Heater

You can adjust the heating on this device by simply turning the heat adjustment knob at the head of the heater, and you can turn it off the same way. This heater produces about 41,000 BTUs of heat, and the warming range is up to 15 feet. Please only use a gas heater in open spaces and outdoors.

GardenSun 41,000 BTU Patio Heater review

Read a more detailed review of this product in this post about standing patio heaters. For more information about the Garden Sun brand and what they offer, read this post on Garden Sun heaters.

Pros:

  • good heating output
  • adjustable heat
  • stainless steel
Cons:

  • needs a propane tank
  • not weatherproof

Best Ceiling Mounted Patio Heater

Ener-G+ Ceiling Electric Patio Heater

This electric heater is shaped like a lamp and is made to be hung from the ceiling on a chain that allows you to adjust the height it is hanging at. This heater is lightweight and elegant and it is possible to transport it with little issue except for the fact you need a hook to hang it from. It also has an LED light that provides ambient lighting.

Ener-G+ Ceiling Electric Patio Heater

The Ener-G+ heater uses the gold tube technology for the heating element, which will last you for about 5000 hours of heating. You can use this indoor-outdoor heater in any space you wish, and without worrying about the weather. The 3 heat lamps are activated separately via a remote controller and go from 700W to 1500W.

Ener-G+ Ceiling Electric Patio Heater review

For a more in-depth review of this model of ceiling mounted electric hanging heater, read this post about hanging overhead outdoor heaters.

Pros:

  • remote control
  • LED light
  • 3 heating units
  • lightweight
  • weatherproof
  • electric
Cons:

  • ceiling mounted
  • needs an electric socket

Best Wall Mounted Outdoor Heater

Sunpak Natural Gas Infrared Patio Heater

This heater can be installed either on a ceiling or on a wall, and you can adjust the mounting angle up to 30°. Since it burns gas to produce heat, like all other gas heaters it should be used outdoors, dues to harmful fumes. If you decide to use one indoors, ensure good ventilation of the room.

The S25, S34 Standard Series

Sunpak natural gas heater produces 25,000 BTUs of heat and warms up a 10 feet range of space. It needs to be connected to the household gas supply line, and you should let a professional handle that installation. The heating starts at the press of the ignition button, but note that this heater does not have a remote control.

The S25, S34 Standard Series review

You can find more details on this model in this post about outdoor infrared heaters. Should you want to learn more about the Sunpak brand and see what else they offer, read this post on Sunpak heaters.

Pros:

  • mount adjustability
  • uses natural gas
Cons:

  • no remote
  • outdoor use only
  • basic design

Best Pyramid Outdoor Heater

Hanover HAN0202HB Mini Modern Pyramid Heater

This small tabletop pyramid heater uses a 1-pound liquid propane tank to produce up to 5,000 BTUs worth of heat. This heater emits efficient warmth within a 4.5-foot radius, which means it is sufficient to warm up a small sitting area, like a balcony for instance. Just place it on your patio table and enjoy sitting outside.

Hanover HAN0202HB Mini Modern Pyramid Heater

The simple and safe ignition allows you to start the heater by pressing a button. You will need to press the ignition button while holding down the heat adjustment knob on your preferred setting. You can later use that same knob to regulate the heat intensity. This device is made from steel and aluminum and is mostly weather-resistant.

Hanover HAN0202HB Mini Modern Pyramid Heater review

If you want to read more information on this model of small pyramid heater, read this post on pyramid outdoor patio heaters.

Pros:

  • small
  • portable
  • weather-resistant
Cons:

  • low heating output
  • needs a propane tank

Best Commercial Outdoor Heater

Surjuny Electric Wall-Mounted Infrared Heater

The Surjuny indoor/outdoor electric heater is designed to be mounted on a wall. The infrared heating unit consumes about 30% less power than some other heaters, which means it will cost you less to use it. It has the instant-heat feature, which means it will warm up to its full heat within seconds of turning it on. The built-in thermostat will turn it off to prevent overheating.

SURJUNY Patio Heater

Being as it is an electric heater, you can safely use it in enclosed spaces as well as open ones, since it emits no odor or harmful fumes. The LCD display and remote control let you easily and conveniently adjust the heating between 3 settings, the highest of which is 1500W. This heater is silent and weather-resistant, and you can set the timer to turn it off automatically.

SURJUNY Patio Heater review

For more information on this electric heater and a detailed review of similar models, you can read this post about commercial restaurant heaters.

Pros:

  • weather-resistant
  • electric
  • timer
  • LCD display
  • 3 heat settings
  • remote control
Cons:

  • wall-mounted
  • some assembly required

Best Cheap Short Outdoor Heater

Napoleon Tabletop Patio Heater

Napoleon Skyfire 11 is a stainless steel propane tabletop heater. It has the standard lamp-shape like most propane table lamps, with a plain metallic finish. This heater uses a 1-pound liquid propane gas tank, but the device provides the option to use the included adapter for connecting to a standard 20-pound propane tank.

Napoleon Skyfire 11 Patio Heater

This tabletop propane heater produces up to 11,000 BTUs worth of heat, but the small tank will last you for only about an hour on high heat. It is among the more affordable outdoor patio propane heater options, and it relatively easy to assemble.

Napoleon Skyfire 11 Patio Heater review

If you want to find out more details about this model, read this post about short patio heaters. In case you want to know more about the Napoleon brand and see what else they offer, I suggest you read this post on Napoleon heaters.

Pros:

  • stainless steel
  • cheap
  • tabletop
Cons:

  • low heating output
  • short heating time on 1-lb. tank

Best Patio Umbrella Heater

Fire Sense Indoor/Outdoor Infrared Patio Umbrella Heater

This infrared heater is made in a unique design intended to be fitted on a patio umbrella. It consists of three heating heads, vaguely resembling a ceiling fan. It runs on electricity and can be plugged into a standard household outlet. Each of three heating heads has a power of 500 Watts and combined they give 1500W of infrared heating power that is unaffected by wind.

Fire Sense Umbrella Halogen Patio Heater

This heater has a power cord 8 feet long, so it should be able to reach from the nearest socket to your patio umbrella. You need to mount this lightweight heater on the umbrella post and don’t worry, each of the 3 heads can be folded down for storage before closing your umbrella.

Fire Sense Umbrella Halogen Patio Heater review

In case you want to know more about this model, you can read this post about umbrella patio heaters. For more information on the Fire Sense brand and other devices they offer, read this post about Fire Sense heaters.

Pros:

  • electric infrared heater
  • 3 separate heating heads
  • folds down
  • mounts on umbrella post
Cons:

  • some assembly required
  • no remote control

Best Mushroom Heater

Endless Summer Outdoor Patio Heater

This propane mushroom heater is designed like a lamp with a wide shade cover and a wide base for storing a propane tank that it is fueled by. It requires electricity to start up, but it uses liquid propane gas to produce heat. The tank is stored inside the chamber with an easy access door at the base of the stand.

Stainless Steel Triple Dome Commercial Grade Patio Heater

Endless Summer heater produces 40,000 BTUs of heat inside a 20-foot radius. This makes it suitable for medium-sized patios and balconies. Please note that this is a gas heater, which means it burns gas and emits fumes that can be harmful in large concentrations. Therefore, if you are using this heater in closed spaces, ensure good ventilation at all times.

Stainless Steel Triple Dome Commercial Grade Patio Heater review

Should you want more information on this heater and similar models, read this post about mushroom heaters. In case you want to know more about the brand and other devices they offer, read this post on Endless Summer heaters.

Pros:

  • stainless steel
  • has wheels
  • adjustable heat
Cons:

  • large
  • heavy
  • needs electricity to start

Best Wood Pellet Patio Heater

Q-Stoves Wood Pellet Outdoor Heater

Wood pellets are an eco-friendly alternative to gas, as they are made from compressed sawdust that is leftover from furniture production. They are also a little bit safer than burning gas, as well as easier and cheaper to replace. The heater itself disassembles into several pieces for easier transport.

Q-Stoves Wood Pellet Outdoor Heater

The vintage heater design is well-suited for historic ambients or hunting cabins, but you can also take it with you on camping and skiing. It is made from stainless steel and resistant to high temperatures, with a glass window for you to observe the fire as it burns. This heater produces 106,000 BTUs of heat within a 10-foot radius and takes 20 pounds of pellets at a time.

Q-Stoves Wood Pellet Outdoor Heater review

For a more detailed review of this model and a look at similar heaters of this type, read this post about wood pellet heaters.

Pros:

  • steel with glass
  • good heat intensity
  • fueled by wood pellets
Cons:

  • bulky
  • heavy

What Is Important When Buying Patio Heaters?

Different types

There are several types of heaters you can choose from. There the electric ones which use electricity to produce heat, there the gas-powered ones that burn either natural gas from the gas supply line or liquid propane gas from tanks, and then there are the heaters that burn wood pellets for heating.

natural-gas-outdoor-patio-heater

Indoor-Outdoor Use

Some heaters can be used both indoors and outdoors. Electric ones are safest in this case, since they give off no emissions and work cleanly and silently. Gas heaters burn gas and as a result emit smoke, odor, and more importantly, carbon monoxide fumes, which can be detrimental to the health of people and animals, or potentially even lethal. This is why gas heaters should only be used outdoors in open areas, but if you do use them in enclosed spaces please ensure constant good ventilation of the room.

Safety Features

Most quality heaters have basic safety features like the anti-tilt safety and the overheat sensor. The anti-tilt mechanism turns off the heater in case it tilts or tips over, thus preventing contact between the working heating unit and other objects and surfaces. The overheat sensor detects excess heat and turns off the device to reduce energy consumption and potential damage.

portable-outdoor-patio-heater

Portable And Weatherproof

The weatherproof trait is something that you should definitely look for if you plan on installing your heater in an area where it could be exposed to the elements (rain, salt, sand, snow, rust…). If it is weather-proof, it means it is also water-proof, but not vice-versa. If you want a heater that is not resistant to weather, or you are worried about leaving it in bad weather, then consider how portable it is, and how easy or fussy it will be to put it into storage and take it back out again.

Covers And Accessories

In case your heater is not weather-proof, or in case you get a lot of snowfall or salty and sandy winds, and you are worried about the potential damage to your heater, consider getting a cover. Especially for heaters that have no protective top, and are exposed to dust and rain, which should be protected by pulling a vinyl or PVC cover over them. The covers are almost always sold separately.

mini-small-outdoor-patio-heater

Prices And Where To Buy

All the models of outdoor patio heaters reviewed in this post are currently available for purchase online, on Amazon (amazon.com). Their princes range by types and models and even brands, but you can find some simpler designs starting under 100 dollars, but some go over 1,000 dollars.

Benefits Of Having An Outdoor Patio Heater

Enjoy Your Patio All Year Round

By buying an outdoor heater, you can extend the season of entertaining your family and friends in your backyard. You can also enjoy quiet evenings on your balconies and gazebos while staying warm no matter the weather.

mushroom-heater

Take The Heat With You

When you choose heaters instead of fixed heating systems, you have the option of removing them into storage when they are not necessary, or you may even bring them along when you need them somewhere else. The smaller and more portable models can be brought to camping, vacationing skiing, used in garages and workshops, and so on.

Conclusion: Best Outdoor Heaters To Buy

Each model reviewed here is made of quality materials and works like it is described in the reviews. Before choosing the best patio heater for yourself, consider the conditions you mean to use it in, and what requirements it needs to fulfill for you. I recommend you start by determining what purpose you need the heater for, and then find the best one by the category and type.

To learn more information about different types of outside heaters, read this post on outdoor electric heaters, or this one on outdoor gas heaters. You might also be interested in commercial heaters and portable outdoor heaters.

15 Top Outdoor Patio Heaters For Sale In 2022 Review & GUIDE