Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has a variety of temperature settings, and it protects you from overheating. It's also easy to move around your garden.
Gas patio heaters are an excellent option for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and sofas. However, they will need to be refilled regularly with natural gas or propane. It's a great option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. They are less expensive than the gas-powered models and, if you pick wisely, they have lower operating costs too. You don't need to replenish a tank of propane and there's little assembly required.
The best ones have remote controls to make operations easy, and an LED light integrated to create ambiance. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes circular filaments to emit infrared heat across a table sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heating settings and a 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is a different option. It utilizes an aluminum reflector to direct the beams of heat on your favorite spot.
Both models are efficient and emit a clean, cosy glow, but the Herschel has a sleeker look that's more suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking to blend it with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems, allowing you to select the desired temperature and brightness. This could help you save money over time.
It is important to remember that while infrared heat is effective but it only warms the objects and people who are directly in front of the heater and will cease to work when you move away. Also, it will not warm your garden or patio if the wind blows the heater about.
On the other the other hand, gas heaters heat up a larger area if they aren't moved and are equipped with a wind-shield to keep them in place. They are typically found in pub garden and provide a warm "burning log" effect that works well in any décor.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce lots of smoke and noise when the flame is burning. In contrast to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that will need to be refilled after it has run out, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all, and are more sustainable. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer winds down and evenings become somewhat chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are many options available regardless of whether you opt for gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models up to floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
While gas heaters can be more economical to buy than some electric models but they are costly to run. In fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most inefficient when it comes to both the amount of heat they create and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Unlike gas, however, electric heaters use radiant heat to warm objects and people instead of air. electric patio heater uk means that they are much less expensive to run and have an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them in, and they'll start to turn on.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings such as bars, restaurants, and private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch that allows you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used either in an open or closed space. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around, which is great when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they need to be plugged in, which means that you'll need a power socket nearby and an extension lead that's rated to be used with outdoor equipment. To meet safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need to be careful not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could be an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan of the design of the gas heater but don't want to be limited by the space it can be set up or want to cut costs, these freestanding electric patio heaters are a good option. These heaters for patios are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be controlled by a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is a stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place with your rattan garden furniture and is weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we don't recommend using the hose of a high-pressure model at it). The model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your needs, as well as a timer shutdown between 1 and 9 hours.
Another option for those who don't want to be restricted by the location of the gas patio heater is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and has many features such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, though we don't recommend letting it get too wet as this may affect the performance and lifespan of the heater.

A top choice among many customers This portable heater for patios is a good budget-friendly option for those who prefer to be in control of their heating. It's user-friendly with an adjustable remote, two heat settings, and the ability turn on and off the light from a distance. It also has an inbuilt safety feature that turns off the unit when it's tipped over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide unlike gas heaters for patios. This makes them an ideal option for those with pets or children who haven't yet developed the maturity to understand the dangers associated with standing too close to a flame. These models are ideal for gazebos and large outdoor areas, since they can quickly heat up an area of up to 15m2. They are also lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have a remote so you can control the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer has ended and your kids have returned to school, it's time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in a variety of styles including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater and low operating costs. It can be mounted on a wall or on a pedestal base which makes it suitable for covered porches and gazebos and smaller gardens where a freestanding model might look too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the temperature. Users describe it as a Goldilocks choice, because it is just warm enough to decrease the chill but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for confined spaces, such as covered porches or garages, because they don't release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. By contrast, gas heaters must be installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial if you reside in an area that has high energy costs.
Another disadvantage of electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas one but there are plenty of options within the PS50-PS200 price range to choose from. Some can be hung from parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great option if you want an infrared heating system that's cost-effective to run. It comes in two sizes, and has a variety of features, including 360deg rotation as well as easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it's able to withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.