Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has multiple heat settings, and it shields you from overheating. It is also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas. But, they'll require regular refills with propane or natural gas. It's a good option for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered models and depending on the model you choose they'll have lower running costs as well. You won't have to refill a tank with propane and there's little assembly involved.
The best ones feature remote controls for simple operation as well as an integrated LED light to provide ambience. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It makes use of circular filaments to disperse infrared mediumwave heat over a table sized area. It has easy-to-use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is another excellent alternative. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to focus heat beams over your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy light that is clean and fresh. However, the Herschel is more sleek and is more suited for modern-day garden spaces, or if you're looking to integrate it with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems that allow you to select your preferred brightness and temperature. This could save energy over time.
It's worth bearing in mind that although infrared heating is effective however, it only warms objects and people who are directly in the vicinity of the heater. It will not be effective in the event that you move away. It won't also warm your patio if the winds blow it around.
On the other the other hand, gas heaters warm up a much larger area if they aren't moved and can be equipped with a wind-shield to ensure they stay in position. They are typically located in pub gardens and provide a warm "burning log" effect that works well in any design.
Propane
patio heater electric infrared heaters are less efficient, and can also produce a lot more noise and smog. In contrast to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it runs out Most electric heaters do not require refilling at all, and are more eco-friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate more heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer begins to wind down and the evenings get colder, it might be the time to purchase an outdoor heater that will keep you warm and comfortable. If you decide to go with gas or electric there's plenty to choose from in the form of small tabletop units to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas like a decked garden.
While gas heaters are cheaper to purchase than electric heaters, they can be expensive to run. In fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful in terms of both the amount of heat they create and the energy they consume". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Electric heaters like gas use radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and humans. Therefore, they are much less expensive to run and leave a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. Plug them in, and they'll start to turn on.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of settings, from restaurants to bars to private gardens. Certain models come with a built-in dimming switch that allows you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models and they can be easily moved. This is a great feature when you have to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
The heaters are connected to the power source and require an extension cord that is rated for outdoor equipment. To comply with safety standards, most electric heaters can't be supplied with an attached lead over 1.8m and you'll need be sure not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could pose an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a lover of the design of the gas heater but don't want to be limited by where it can be positioned or want to cut costs, these freestanding electric patio heater (
Read the Full Guide) electric patio heaters are an alternative. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. They are also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place in your rattan garden furniture and is weatherproof for use all year round. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't recommend aiming the hose of a high-pressure model at it). This model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your requirements, as well as an automatic timer that ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the location of the gas patio heater is this
electric patio heater infrared model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and comes with numerous features, including a remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, though we don't recommend getting it too wet as this may affect the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers the portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer to control their heating. With a remote, two heating settings, and the ability to turn the light on and off from the distance, it's easy to use. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the device off if it's tipped.
Unlike a gas
patio heater electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide. Therefore, they're an ideal choice for those with pets or children who aren't old enough to understand the dangers of standing too close to flames. These models are great for gazebos or large outdoor areas, since they are able to quickly warm up an area of up to 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have an remote that lets you 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 warmth to your outdoor space.
electric outdoor heaters for patio heaters are available in various styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low operating costs. It can be hung on the wall or on a pedestal, which makes it ideal for covered porches, gazebos and small gardens, where a freestanding unit may seem too large. It has a remote control to adjust the heat. The majority of users describe it as a Goldilocks choice, as it's just warm enough to reduce the chill but not too hot.
The major benefit of an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a small space, like garages or covered porches since it doesn't emit pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that can be harmful to your health. Gas heaters, on the other hand, must be placed in a space that is open and has adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. They're also less portable as they require access to an electricity outlet. This is particularly crucial when you live in an region where energy costs are expensive.
Another drawback of an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas heater but there are a lot of options in the PS50-PS200 price bracket to pick from. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols, and you can even find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared system that's affordable to run it's a good choice. It's available in two sizes and offers a range of options such as 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heat settings. It's also certified IP44 which means that it is able to withstand
small electric patio heater drops of rain and splashes of liquid.