Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it shields your body from overheating. It's also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters can push out a lot of warmth across a larger area, but they will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. This is a great choice for large gardens with plenty of outdoor sofas and seating.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are more affordable than gas-powered models, and, if you select wisely to begin with they will have lower operating costs as well. There's no need to refill a tank with propane and there's little assembly required.
The best ones have a remote control that makes operations easy, and an LED light integrated to create ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It utilizes circular filaments to disperse infrared heat across an area that is the size of a table. It has easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is another excellent alternative. It utilizes an aluminum reflector that focuses the beams of heat on your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a clear, cosy glow, but the Herschel has a more modern 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 with home automation systems that allow you to select your preferred intensity and temperature. This could help you save money over time.
It is important to keep in mind that even though infrared heating is efficient, it only warms objects and people who are directly in front of the heater and will not be effective when you move away. It also won't heat your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will provide warmth to a greater area if they aren't moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. They are often located in pub gardens. They have a cosy "burning log" effect that is attractive in most decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce a lot of smoke and noise when the flame burns. Contrary to propane which is stored in a cylinder and requires refilling after it has run out the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling and are more environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces a higher level of heat than an electric model, and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer winds down and evenings turn chilly it's the perfect time to invest in an outdoor heater that will keep you outside for longer. If you decide to go with electric or gas there's plenty of options available, from small tabletop units to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas such as a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however, they can also be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient, both in terms of energy they use and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Unlike gas, however electric heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Therefore, they are less expensive to run and have a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. Plug them into the outlet, and they'll start to start to turn on.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that allows you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used in an open or closed space. They're also more compact than gas models and can be easily moved around which is ideal when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
The disadvantage of these heaters is that they need to be plugged in and you'll need a power socket nearby and an extension cable that's certified to be used with outdoor equipment. To comply with safety standards, most electric heaters can't be supplied with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll have to be sure not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable in a trail where it could pose an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized to complement the look of a gas heater, but don't want to be limited by its placement or wish to cut costs. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be operated with a remote or switch. They're also more affordable to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a elegant and stylish piece that won't appear out of place amongst your rattan furniture and is weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't suggest aiming a high-pressure hose at it). The model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your space, as well being a timer shutoff between 1-9 hours.
electric patio heater infrared fireplacesandstoves.uk by Blumfeldt is another option for those who do not wish to be restricted by the placement of a patio heater. It comes in two sizes and has multiple features, such as remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, although we wouldn't recommend getting it wet, as this could affect the efficiency and life span of the heater.
A top choice among many customers, this portable patio heater is a good budget-friendly option for those who prefer to be in control of their heating. With a remote, two heating settings, and the ability to switch the light on and off from a distance, it's very simple to use. It has a built in safety feature that turns the device off if it's tilted.
As opposed to gas patio heaters electric models don't release any carbon monoxide, which is why they're a great choice for pet owners or children who are not yet old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or areas because they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15m2. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some even come with a remote so you can alter the temperature from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some warmth to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a stand-alone model or one that can be mounted on the wall, there are plenty to choose from in the electric range.
This popular option combines low operating costs with the benefits of a heater. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on the base of a pedestal which makes it suitable for covered porches and gazebos, as well as smaller gardens where a freestanding model could look too big. It has an adjustable remote control to regulate the temperature. The majority of users describe it as an Goldilocks choice, as it's warm enough to reduce the chill but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are ideal for spaces that are small like garages or covered porches, because they don't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on other hand, must be placed in an open area with sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also less portable as they require access to an electrical outlet. That's particularly important for those who reside in a region that has high energy costs.
Another disadvantage of an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one, but there are plenty of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols and you can also find heaters that operate off a rechargeable battery.
This is a good option when you're looking for an infrared heating system that's cost-effective to run. It's available in two sizes and has a range of options that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heating settings. It's also classified as IP44, which means it's able to withstand splashes of water and light rain.