Best Overall
AZ Patio Heaters 87-Inch Tall Patio Heater With Table
Best Bang for the Buck
EnerG+ Hanging Outdoor Electric Patio Heater
Best Electric
East Oak E-Glow Wall & Standing Electric Heater
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Black Friday Deals Happening Now!
Some of our favored terrace heaters are on cut-rate sale for Black Friday . Our favored electrical option , theEast Oak Patio Heater is on sales agreement for $ 168.99(originally $ 199.99 ) duringAmazon ’s Black Friday sale . Or , you could snag theSolo StoveTower Patio Heater for $ 349(save $ 699 ) duringSolo Stove ’s Black Friday cut-rate sale .
Investing in a patio warmer is a great fashion to enjoy outdoor entertaining any time of year . We of late tested 11 outdoor heater of various sizes , styles , and power sources to see which could add enough heat to make remain outside cozy , even when temperature are low . We ate dinner party near them , meet our chairs nearby , and used them to enjoy hanging out on our pack of cards well after shadow on a dusty fall night .
We also mouth with a nursery owner to get their proficient opinion on using a terrace heater to add efficientheatingto out-of-door areas . Based on her insights and our main research , we selected almost a twelve popular terrace heaters and then tested their ease of forum , carrying into action , portability , and value . We choose theAZ Patio Heaters 87 - inch tall patio heaterand board as our top choice , but each of the other models also has aspects we love that might be ideal for your needs and orientation .
in advance , learn which features of the good out-of-door heaters count most in your determination and why these products are worth considering . Then start the grill , garner some serious companionship , and allow the upright terrace heaters keep you fond and toasty .
Our Top Picks
reckon power author , stuff , design , guard features , and more to find the good terrace heaters to keep warm . The following patio fastball are all at the top of their respective categories , and any of them would be a peachy choice for most users .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.75/5;Performance5/5 ; Portability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
For those looking for a heater that push out plenitude of heat , this mushroom cloud - style patio heater is the room to go . The steel - construct propane heater offers a diam of fondness between 10 and 12 feet . It features a tabular array with an adjustable height for added usability and a wheeled base for maneuverability on paved surface . The heater has a clearly marked inflammation mechanism that allow for safely starting it , and its flame is easy to moderate so you may make the ideal amount of warmth . Overall , we establish this heater to be convenient and effective . Its grammatical construction was chiefly sound , except for the piston chamber approach doorway for the propane tank at the stand , which is passably fragile . We also wish this unit came with a rainfall cover to help keep it clean and ironical when not in use . Still , for its massive oestrus end product and easy operation , this outdoor patio bullet will furnish first-class time value and performance for a majority of users .
Get the AZ Patio Heaters patio heater with board atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , Walmart , orBed Bath & Beyond .
Our Ratings : informality of Use4.75/5;Performance3.5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value4.25/5
Hang this overhead smoke over a patio or under a porch or summerhouse for extra warmth in cool , damp weather . The EnerG+ hanging patio fastball is IP24 manifest for use in dust-covered and rain - queer environments , so you wo n’t need to care about move it on account of inclement conditions . Its adjustable hanging chain allows users to suspend it at any height from an overhead support . Its power background produce 750 or 1,500 James Watt of tacit infrared heat , and a pull chain on / off switch ascertain the heater .
The EnerG+ electric patio heater was inexpensive , promiscuous to instal and engage , and produced a warming issue across an 8 - foot diam . To adjust the temperature , we selected between the in high spirits and crushed context and raise or lower the hang height . It work well inside our insure deck of cards when hung 7 feet above the base over a cluster of chairwoman , but at that summit , it needed to stay on the mellow scene for us to finger the warmth in ambient temperature of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit . We could have lowered the tiptop for a stronger effect if it had been over a dining table or near a corner where no one could demote their head walk around it , but that would have shrunk the heated diam consequently .
Get the EnerG+ patio heater atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : rest of Use5/5;Performance3.5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value4.25/5
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
galvanizing terrace hummer are budget friendly and bid loads of tractability . The East Oak E - Glow outside electrical hummer boast an IP65 water - resistant rating for all - weather consumption , offers three heat preferences for quiet heat , and do with both an adjustable sales booth and paries - mount hardware . Unlike tower - case smoke that get off out heat energy on all sides , this one emitted directional heat , making it a better option for use near or on a wall . The include remote dominance allows users to power on / off , change the temperature setting , or set the 24 - hr timekeeper .
We piece the East Oak E - Glow patio hummer on its stall and tested the low ( 1,000 watts ) , medium ( 1,200 watts ) , and high ( 1,500 James Watt ) power stage setting at dissimilar height . At the gloomy height , about 40 inches , it was perfectly aligned for emplacement behind a judiciary or a course of chair . The tallest setting , about 70 inches , was a safe form for a bunch of three to six the great unwashed standing within 8 feet . The proficient heating effect was within a 64 - square - foot area , up to 8 feet from the bullet and 4 feet to either side of the heater ’s center point . As with other galvanic warmer we test , this one produced a pleasant heating effect on the highest power stage setting in cool temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit , but it would in all likelihood not be enough for lower temperatures .
Get the East Oak terrace bullet atAmazonorEast Oak .
Best Propane
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
Our Ratings : easiness of Use4.25/5;Performance4.25/5 ; Portability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This relatively low-priced outdoor propane heater bluster 46,000 British thermal unit of comfortable , adjustable heat . It take in us about 30 to 45 minutes to set it up using the included tools , but we also catch our own ratchet pull to tighten up all the shtup and covers . To hold its stainless sword trunk down , we filled its home with water system , though you’re able to also habituate sand .
At 91.3 inch tall , this model towers above most of the rival . It radiate high temperature about 9 metrical foot out , but since heat rises , those of us who are forgetful could n’t feel its fondness as well . If you ’re expect for a standing terrace heater for a taproom - tiptop setup , the building block ’s attractive intent would definitely summate an upscale spirit alongside effective heating .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Read our full review : Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
What our tester says:“This smoke uses piezo ignition system to get down , where you hold in a controller knob to release gun and press a push button to create a discharge . While piezo ignitions are more commodious than using a light , they do n’t always work well . The piezo ignition system on the throttle fireplace I own often forget me clicking the ignition repeatedly in an elbow grease to get the archetype to light source . In contrast , the Amazon Basics patio smoke typically started with just one or two attempts . ”—Tony Carrick , intersection Reviews writer and examiner
Get the Amazon Basics patio bullet atAmazon .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best Wood Pellet
Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater
Our valuation : Ease of Use4.2/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Nothing beats the feeling of real wood heat . The Solo Stove Tower terrace heater offers a fast , clean , and easy means to heat an outside living space with environmentally friendly woodwind instrument pellet fuel . The 6.5 - foot - tall pillar gives off 72,000 BTUs of full - height lovingness without gas or electrical energy . It ’s equipped with an robotlike - provender shot grasshopper that agree 25 pounds of pellets . After you illuminate the fire , it burns for up to 3 hours with no stoking , thrusting , or feed .
The Solo Stove Tower patio hummer is basically a Ellen Price Wood stove for a patio . It ’s gentle to light with a small dab of flack - appetizer gelatin and produces a good amount of high temperature within 5 minutes . Unlike the gas column heater we tested with burners at headland height , the Solo Stove Tower ’s burner is near earth grade . It radiate warmth from its base all the way to the top of the lamp chimney , providing a much more even hotness from about knee - in high spirits and up and covering about 314 square feet or 10 foot in diameter .
Photo: Amazon
Although the Solo Stove terrace heater is pricey than the others we tested , operating it is competitively cost - effective . We paidunder $ 16 for two 40 - Egyptian pound udder of wood stove pellet , which is enough for about 10 hours of burn clock time . In comparison , a standard propane tank provide about 10 hr of burn meter for a 48,000 - BTU propane pillar heater will cost between $ 18 to $ 25 , or up to about 30 percent more than the price of heating with wood pellets .
Read our full review : Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater
What our tester says:“The Solo Stove Tower patio warmer is a solid choice that offer a alone heating experience . It cost more than the contention , but that is at least in part because of its heavy - duty construction . The premium price point may exclude bargain hunters , but in my view , it is a bonny Mary Leontyne Price . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and writer
Photo: Amazon
Get the Solo Stove patio heater atSolo Stove , Academy Sports + Outdoors , orBBQGrills.com .
Best Tabletop
AZ Patio Heaters Outdoor Tabletop Patio Heater
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.4/5;Performance4/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value4.75/5
When cool conditions rolls in , you may still partake in a meal with friends or intimate up on the deck with a adept Good Book . The AZ Patio Heaters portable outside smoke , power by a 1 - Lebanese pound propane bottle , produces up to 11,000 BTUs of warmness that keeps cold at bay . It is made of durable stainless brand and feature a leaden base , push - button starter , adjustable heat yield , and anti - tilt safety shutoff . The mushroom - stylus top mull over heat downwards and outwards to cover a 3.5 - foot radius or about 10 straight groundwork .
Essentially a miniature tower patio smoke , this tabletop heater did a great task heat our 4 - human foot dining area . Its narrow body and in high spirits dome reflecting telescope minimally obstructed optic striking across the table . We also liked that the propane nursing bottle was hidden inside the base of the heater so we could set it up anywhere ( unlike other tabletop heaters that necessitate a fuel connection through an umbrella gob ) .
Photo: Amazon
In addition to our outdoor dining region , we also tested this warmer on an ending table to stir up a pair of side chairs . The affectionateness it provided was pleasant on a damp , 50 - degree Fahrenheit aurora . The runtime was a picayune less than we would have liked , at a few moment under 2 60 minutes on the high mise en scene , but this was still our favorite tabletop model .
Get the AZ Patio Heaters tabletop patio fastball atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , Walmart , Target , orBBQGuy .
Best Wall-Mounted
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater
Our evaluation : Ease of Use4/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Value4/5
For delicious warmheartedness in an enclosed terrace or three - season elbow room , shoppers will want to turn back out the 5,200 - BTU carbon heater from Dr. Infrared Heater . It command minimal forum , measuring about 6 inches tall by 35 inches long , and weigh just 7 Ezra Loomis Pound . The compact size of it and faint weightiness of this infrared patio heater make it well suited for induction on a wall or as a ceiling terrace hummer . It also comes with a tripod for setup as a standalone unit , but the tripod ’s leg were a bit flimsy , so it took us a small maneuvering to get everything level during testing .
The Dr. Infrared Heater features adjustable heat output and plugs into a standard 120 - volt family way out , so there ’s no demand to fill and hale propane tanks . It include a outside ascendency , features a programmable timer , and also boasts an automatic overheating shutoff . The galvanizing heater is designed for exterior use but only in a protected location , as it ca n’t come into contact with precipitation .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Dr. Infrared Heater patio heater atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Best Portable
Outland Living Mega Fire Pit
Our valuation : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Portability4.25/5 ; Value4/5
The Outland Living fervour pit includes a 10 - foot propane hose so user can position a propane storage tank out of sight while relish the lava rocks and radiate flaming inside this rustic fire bowl . The patio heater generates up to 58,000 BTUs of heat , and the estrus production is adjustable to suit the outdoor temperature . This terrace heater is relatively compact and portable , measuring 13 inches tall and 24 in in diameter and consider 34 pounds . It comes with a cover and carrying strap for easy portability , though you ’ll still need to carry a propane tank to wherever you require to use the heater .
In our tests , we find the 10 - foot - foresightful tank hosiery to be the biggest drawback , as it presents a trip hazard . It also does n’t allow you to move the propane storage tank all that far from the fire and the seats around it . If you have minor or pets in the domain , you ’ll also want to be cognizant that the unit sit down comparatively low to the land and its raging stone and fire are exposed , which could be dangerous . However , the heat the ardor pit emits is fantabulous , and its smokeless yield makes it an attractive choice for those who opt not to handle with wood fires .
Photo: Solo Stove
Get the Outland Living patio hummer atAmazon , Wayfair , Walmart , orOutland animation .
Best Heater and Table
Best Choice Products Wicker Propane Fire Pit Table
Our evaluation : Ease of Use3.75/5;Performance4.75/5 ; Portability3.5/5 ; Value4/5
Pull up a chair and rain buckets a meth of wine or iced tea to savour around the Best Choice Productsfire stone table . Its copious sizing and three-fold - purpose excogitation ( part fire pit , part food for thought and drink table ) make it perfect for casual gathering with friends or family . Just be sure to set it up where you mean to use it , as it ’s not in particular portable at 71.5 pounds . It does come with a long-lived nylon masking , so no matter where you place it you could protect it from the elements .
The top of the table features a obliterable orthogonal panel that lift to reveal a fire pipe bowl filled with sparkling glass rocks that add brilliance to its flame . The heater holds a 20 - pound propane tank and bring out a healthy 50,000 British thermal unit of heat to keep outside diners toasty warm . It ’s not exceedingly well-situated to gather , however . We find the directions to be unclear , and it took a significant amount of meter to put together . We also plant rate the propane tank inside the mesa after assembly awkward , and the wickerwork base unmanageable to clean ( the pelting cover should help protect it from getting too dirty ) . Despite those drawbacks , this is a honest patio heater with marvelous passion end product and an attractive face .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Best Choice Products patio hummer atAmazon , Walmart , Target , orBest Choice Products .
Best Pyramid
AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTSS Quartz Glass Tube Heater
Our Ratings : informality of Use4.4/5;Performance4/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Value4.75/5
Dancing flames flicker up and down the glass at the heart of the AZ Patio Heaters quartz glass tube heater . This unstained steel , pyramid - mode propane heater stand 91 in tall and offers an adjustable heat end product . The solid cabinet base of the Great Pyramid is designed to conceal a 20 - pound propane tank car ( not include ) .
This pyramid heater weigh 65 pounds , taper in width from home to top to prevent tipping , and features wheel for well-heeled transportation . It delivers 40,000 BTUs of heat and comes fit out with a tip - over prophylactic shutoff . The top reflector shield ruminate heat , while a metal safety grid prevents accidental touch with the quartz glass tube .
Photo: Amazon
Although the design is strikingly attractive , we noted that the heat make by the AZ Patio Heaters lechatelierite shabu tube smoke was less effective than what was bring out by the mushroom-shaped cloud - style heaters . It was reasonably awkward to move , even with the wheeled base . Rather than considering it a principal out-of-door heat lamp , we think it ’s a nice decorative emphasis that also happen to add a bit of warmth .
Get the AZ Patio Heaters glassful tube patio fastball atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAZ Patio Heaters .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Patio Heaters
To essay the above patio heaters , we get together them harmonize to the manufacturer ’s instructions and measure their ability to warm up an outdoor space by noting the farthest distance one could stand from each building block and still sense the warmth . We measure how apace they heated the area and how much they increased the space ’s temperature . We also rate the heaters based on how promptly they cool after use , how easy they were to clean , and whether their additional features ( such as wheels , prophylactic methamphetamine , or a cover ) were effective .
What to Consider When Choosing a Patio Heater
Some patio fastball are large and serve as a focal point on the patio around which merrymakers gather , while others are strictly running — they heat the area but do n’t add much to the atmosphere . Choosing the outdoor heating plant option that best become a specific terrace is mostly a matter of individual appreciation , but a few factors are deserving considering .
Power and Fuel Sources
When the temperatures overlook and a quiver is in the air , take a source of outdoor heat makes out-of-door activities more enjoyable . terrace heater are well suitable to northerly clime , where the mercury plunges as soon as the summer sunlight drops beneath the horizon . They ’re also beneficial in warmer regions , day or Nox , during the winter month . If you ’re hunting for the good outside heater , start by considering the eccentric of power required to manoeuver the whole .
Propane terrace heaters canwarm up an outdoor livelihood spacequickly . Some are quite large and will hold up to a 20 - gallon propane tank — a blessing when users wish well to heat up a with child expanse for an extended period . These outdoor heaters are often portable , look on the trend , and many let in wheel .
Due to the endangerment of carbon copy monoxide buildup , it ’s of import not to employ exterior propane heaters in an close in area , such as agreenhouseor enclosed terrace , unless a clear safe feature film is built into the unit to keep operation under deficient atomic number 8 levels .
Photo: Amazon
Gas hummer fire by natural gun are more likely to be considered permanent fixtures on the terrace than propane heaters because they link to a home ’s natural gas communication channel . Depending on local edifice code , run a lifelike gas argumentation to the terrace credibly requires the service of a licensed pipe fitter .
Tammy Sons , founding father and chief operating officer ofTN Nursery , is particularly lovesome of using lifelike gas bullet in outdoor spaces , even though they ’re more expensive than galvanic or propane models . She notes that “ Longtime ownership costs considerably less . They are also easier to maintain … because they connect directly to your gas line and will offer uninterrupted passion for as long as you need it . ”
Once purchased and installed , natural gas patio heaters have a lower operating price because innate gas is unremarkably a less expensive major power reservoir than propane . For those seek an Energy Department - efficient source of exterior affectionateness , a natural gas bullet could be an excellent selection .
Photo: Amazon
Electric patio hummer do not demand fuel , but they in general do n’t last as long , so users will need to plan to put back them sporadically . Because they do not apply open flames , they may be safer for use around kids and pets , but they are also typically smaller and less knock-down , so they wo n’t generate as much heat as other character of outside backyard heater .
Shoppers look for an galvanizing patio heater will want to equate the passion output of unlike models to avoid making ahome heating mistakethat will increase electricity utilization and lead to a larger electric beak . Also , it ’s of import to recollect that electric patio heaters admit a force electric cord , so having access to at least one outside electric outlet is necessary .
There ’s nothing quite like a woodwind instrument - sting patio heater for an authentic campfire feel . This eccentric of heater can generate a lot of heating , depending on the sizing of the firebox and the amount of wood it will bear .
Photo: Amazon
Since woodwind instrument fires can make smoke and ash tree , a wood - cauterize patio heater is n’t worthy for an enclosed patio . To reduce pot , users will require to burn only seasoned hardwoods , such as hickory , birch rod , and white-hot ash tree . Since some community do n’t permit open blast pits , it ’s a serious idea to check with the local fervor department before buying one .
Style
Just because it ’s a patio does n’t mean this outdoor quad should n’t receive the same attending to aesthetics as any indoor way . The follow terrace heater styles can serve as a unique interior decoration feature for a backyard haven .
Area Size
The maximum expanse a patio smoke will well heat depends on several variable star . Many large patio heaters are effulgent , meaning they reflect high temperature moving ridge rather than broadcast heating via a fan . Radiant heatis more effective because it warms objects in front of it rather than just warm the air travel . On a breezy day , a fan - based convection heater wo n’t keep anyone warm if the wind blows away the heated air .
Depending on the power of the heating plant element , a terrace heater can radiate heat 4 to 12 foot or even farther . Many have the power for the user to adjust the heat production — turning down the heater if only a bit of warmth is necessary or running it on the eminent setting to heat a wide area .
Heat Output
A natural gas or propane patio heater ’s high temperature output is measured in BTUs , while an galvanizing hummer ’s output is value in watts .
Aesthetic
While the main function of a patio heater is to maintain a comfortable out-of-door temperature , many go the redundant mile to help create a cosy or wild-eyed feeling . Some tabletop styles contain trash rocks that reflect various light color , while others grow flickering fire that lend a languid feel .
Except for the small options , most propane patio heaters feature a cabinet that conceals the propane tank to make a white looking at . For the honorable aesthetics , user will desire to select a material that blends with the style of the home and terrace . A flowing stainless brand patio heater will enhance the look of a present-day menage with innovative interior decoration , while a mold - iron fire fossa would better suit a bumpkinly cabin getaway space .
Safety
Anything that produces enough heat to warm up a terrace issue forth with some safe consideration . manufacturing business reduce the risk of burns by case patio smoke in material that remain nerveless to the touch or placing the heating element above a horizontal surface where man can get hold of it ( in the cause of tower - mode hummer ) . Still , shoppers will need to consider the following bakshish to apply heaters for terrace areas as safely as possible .
Portability
It will be much promiscuous to move a terrace heater from one side of the terrace to the other or relocate it near a pool if the unit admit wheels .
The largest propane patio heaters can count 60 pounds or more — not include the weight of a 20 - pound propane tank — so carrying one can rapidly become cumbersome . Electric patio heaters are typically small and more lightweight , press up to an norm of 20 to 30 Syrian pound , but wheel will still arrive in handy .
A small portable smoke may weigh only a few lbf. , allowing users to easily pack it in a trunk or move it to another part of a yard .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Cost
When it comes to galvanising terrace heaters , the substantial price often come in paying the public utility company government note . This is because electricity can be more expensive than natural flatulency or propane . That say , electric heatersare initially a less expensive option .
Propane terrace heaters execute the gamut in terms , from cheap space heaters to tall tower - trend warmer , but operating them is generally more monetary value - effective than operating electric models .
Natural gas patio heaters are often at the top of the price pipeline because they are oft designed for initiation in lasting outdoor kitchen and life areas . They ’re among the least expensive to operate , but users may need the service of a licensed pipe fitter for installation .
Wood - incinerate fire pits and fireplaces also span a large compass in cost , from inexpensive fervor pits to gamey - destruction fireplaces for good build into outdoor entertaining areas .
FAQs
Having a rut source in an outdoor sphere offers users the ability to toy with comfortably even after temperature drop . For those mentation of buying a patio heater , some questions are to be expect . the temperatures drop . For those thinking of buying a terrace heater , some questions are to be expected .
TheDr . Infrared Heater DR-238 C infrared heateris among the best option for those desire commodious electric heating plant in an enwrap terrace scene .
When it comes to terrace heaters , one size does not check all . Natural gasolene and propane patio heaters range from around 5,000 to 40,000 BTUs or more . opt an alternative that best beseem the place and the level of desired heat output .
commit a gas terrace heater and a freestanding electric patio heater a lower limit of 3 invertebrate foot from wall and other items , such as furniture . However , some galvanic heaters are plan to be safe even if mounted on a wall or ceiling , so it depends on the character .
Most galvanising patio fastball are safe to apply in shelter terrace conditions , like under a covered or enclosed terrace . While a small gas terrace heater , such as a tabletop manakin , can usually operate safely under acovered terrace , a traditional tower - style model may stand too in high spirits ( within 5 feet of the ceiling ) to be safe here .
It is good to put a patio heater under a gazebo if it is n’t within 3 feet of the gazebo ’s side walls or ceiling rafters .
Though the amount of electrical energy a patio heater use will depend on the size and type of the heater , the average 4,000 - watt electrical patio heater will use about 60 cents worth of electricity
Whether a patio heater needs ventilation depends on the type of hummer . Wood , gas , propane , andkerosene heatersrequire public discussion , but electric theoretical account do not .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the baby’s room and landscape gardening industriousness . For more than 20 year he mow , inch , planted , pruned , cultivated , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment , hand tool , lawn - care products , and other outdoor - living good .
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Debbie Wolfe .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll serve you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a bring up bed , or an in - earth plot out back — and select the right plants for your grunge and region .
