Are you looking for an outdoor heater that won’t break the budget?
Then you should read this post!
In this post, you can learn more about cheap patio heaters, what types there are, and where you can find them. You can also read detailed reviews on 5 different types and models of heaters. All of the models revied in this post regularly cost under 100 dollars on Amazon (amazon.com).
Cheap Outdoor Heaters And More About Them
How Cheap Are They?
Just because they cost under 100 US dollars, does not mean these heaters are of lesser quality than others. Some are made in metal like most heaters, and some are among the stronger heaters with more heating output, while others produce average or basic heating.
Why Are They Cheap?
Several models are heating fixtures that are attached to a propane tank, right on top, and use that gas to produce heat. Some are electric, which are fairly easy to produce for simpler models. As they have no stand and only basic functional design, they don’t need to cost more than they do.
What Types Are There?
Among the cheapest heaters out there, you will firstly find the gas heaters, the ones that need to get affixed to a propane tank to work. And then there are the electric, particularly the wall-mounted ones.
Where To Buy Cheap Heaters?
All of the models listed in the reviews below, you can buy online, on Amazon (amazon.com). You can certainly find other models, even the costlier ones can be on sale for less occasionally, but these ones have their regular price under 100 dollars.
Best 5 Affordable Outdoor Patio Heater Reviews
Best Cheap Gas Outdoor Patio Heater
Mr. Heater Corporation Tank Top
Powerful Heating Output
You can adjust the heating output of this heater between three heat settings: 29,000, 36,000 or up to 45,000 BTUs of heat. This makes it a very powerful heater that emits warmth in a 360°radius.
360° Heating Head
The 360° burner head spreads heat equally in all directions, and that means no cold patches in parts of the room or area. The bracket keeps the burner safe and ensures you won’t accidentally touch it, especially because it produces 540 degrees of heat.
Quiet And Easy To Use
With a push of a button, you can start the heating with no electricity being necessary for this. That means you can take this heater with you on camping and such, as it is portable and you only need a propane tank to use it with.
Installation On A Tank
Mr. Heater mounts to a 20-pound standard propane tank. To manage the installation properly and safely, make sure you either have a professional do it, or you read the instructions first very carefully. In case it tilts or tips off, the safety mechanism will turn off the heating.
Outdoor Use Only
This heater is for outdoor use only. That is the case because this is a gas heater. It burns propane gas in order to produce heat, and burning gas also produces emissions of smoke, odor, and most importantly fumes. Carbon dioxide, which is produced from burning gas, is dangerous in closed and unventilated spaces.
- affordable
- great heating output
- portable
- 3 heat settings
- must be installed on a gas tank
- for outdoor use only
Best Cheap Portable Propane Outdoor Heater
Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
Heating Output
This heater produces up to 2,890 BTUs of heat, with 847 Watts of power. The individual regulator knob turns the heater on or off, and adjusts the burning output between low, medium and high heating output.
Safety Features
The auto shut-off mechanism will shut down the gas supply valve in case the flame goes out. This will prevent the gas from leaking unnecessarily, which can be dangerous when it happens. The safety grid on the aluminum reflector keeps objects and people from touching the heating head.
Outdoor Use Only
Texsport portable outdoor heating device is made for outdoor use primarily. That is because gas heaters are not safe to use in closed or non-ventilated spaces. The large paddle-foot base improves the stability of this device.
Design And Portability
This heater uses a standard 1-pound disposable liquid propane tank, which is not included with the heater. The portability of this device is greatly increased by the stainless steel carry handle.
Made Fully In Metal
This product is made fully of metal, and its dimensions are 17.7 x 16.1 x 11.2 inches, and it weighs 1 pound. The burner is made from durable stainless steel, as is the finish of the heater. Steel is the primary material, but this hardware is made in copper for affordable conductivity.
- lightweight
- portable
- 3 heat settings
- uses 1-pound propane tanks
- low heating output
- low heating coverage
- needs to be installed on a propane tank
Best Cheap Medium Power Propane Patio Heater
Dyna-Glo TT15CDGP Propane Tank Top Heater
Heating Output
This heater can produce from 9,000 up to 15,000 BTUs of heat. That puts it among the heaters with average heating power, and fit for medium to larger-size areas. Thanks to its steel heat reflector, it warms up the space of up to 700 square feet.
Outdoor Use
It is recommended to use this heater in open spaces and outdoor only. That is because gas heaters emit dangerous carbon monoxide emissions, which are harmful in large concentrations, so gas heaters should only be used outdoors or under good ventilation.
Design And Features
With a zinc-plated support stand, this heater will sit firmly on top of a 20-pound liquid propane tank which it needs to be installed on for burning. A propane tank is not included with the purchase of this heater.
Anti-Tilt Safety
This heater has the anti-tilt safety feature, which turns off the heater when it tilts or tips over, to ensure safety in case of windy conditions and such. The double-layer mesh burner makes for a sturdy main part of the heater.
Adjustable Heat
The Dyna Glo cheap gas heater has 3 heat settings: low, medium and high, (from 9,000 to 15,000 BTUs) as well as the option to turn it off on the same knob. It heats up a radius of about 15 feet.
- good heating range
- simple to use
- adjustable heat
- anti-tilt safety
- needs a propane tank
- can only be mounted to 20-lb tank
- basic industrial design
Best Cheap Wall-Mounted Patio Heater
King Electric RSH1215 Radiant Heater
Wall-Mounted Heater
This heater is designed to be mounted on a wall or a ceiling using the universal mounting bracket. The extruded aluminum housing is durable and lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about it damaging your walls or falling down once you mount it.
Cheap Electric Wall Heater
This 1500-Watt heater is powered by electricity. This means that the running cost of this heater is a lot less than what it is for gas heaters (seeing as you don’t need to buy a replacement propane tank every so often).
Indoor And Outdoor Use
Electric heaters are safe for indoor use as well as outdoor use because as they are powered by electricity, they are clean and safe and don’t emit any smoke or odor or fumes (no carbon monoxide danger). This device’s dimensions are 36 x 9 x 5 inches, and it weighs 8 pounds.
Adjustable Thermostat
This cheap infrared heater has the on/off function and adjustable thermostat. The anti-freeze function means you can use it outside safely, but as it is not made from stainless steel, you might want to keep it away from rain and snow.
How It Works
The infrared quartz heater transfers warmth to objects and beings without heating the surrounding air. This means a minimal waste of energy, and it is suited for patios, garages, workshops, gazebos, and other areas.
- lightweight
- mounts on the wall or ceiling
- safe for indoor and outdoor use
- infrared electric heating
- not weatherproof
- aluminum & plastic
Best Cheap Free Standing Electric Heater
Hiland HIL-PHB-1500 Electric Heater
Ground Cage Stand
A cage-like construction is what makes the design of this heater unique and interesting. It almost looks as if it was a wall-mounted heater mounted on a portable but sturdy and stable metal construction in black color.
Indoor And Outdoor Heater
Being an electric heater, this heater is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. For added safety measures, there is the anti-tilt safety mechanism, which will turn off the device in case it tilts or tips over.
Cheap To Use
Electric heaters do not cost much to operate. In fact, they are the cheapest of all heaters, as they don’t need any fueling materials or replacement tanks, and no constant ventilation. That also eliminates the fuss and time you would have to spend or re-installing tanks on the heater.
Safe Heating
Unlike gas heaters, it emits no harmful fumes, smoke or odor, and it works silently and cleanly in any room or area you place it in. The carbon fiber infrared heating element is powered by electricity and produces 1500 Watts of heating power.
Assembly Required
This cheap infrared heater needs to be assembled before you can use it. The sturdy metal construction which carries it will keep it safe and stable, so you don’t have to worry about your heater tipping over. This device’s dimensions are 25.6 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches, and it weighs 13 pounds.
- sturdy metal cage
- safe for indoor and outdoor use
- infrared electric heating
- aluminum casing
- assembly required
- not weatherproof
Conclusion: Which Cheap Outdoor Patio Heater To Buy?
In my opinion, the best cheap garden heaters are the Texsport Portable Patio Propane Heater and the King Electric RSH1215 Radiant Heater. The Texport is a portable lightweight heater with 3 heat settings and uses a 1-pound propane gas tank. The King infrared heater is powered by electricity and is designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling. The King is also safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
For more information on other types of heaters, you can read this post about tabletop patio heaters or this one on outdoor electric heaters. If you want to learn more about patio heater in general and what other types exist, read this post on outdoor heaters.