The Best Patio Heater Reviews: Reviews & Recommendations

Buying the best patio heater is a beautiful way to extend the time you can spend with friends and family outside any time of the year. Patio heaters are made to add enough heat to make it comfortable to spend time outside even when it's cold. Grill some burgers and tiki torches, and let your patio heater keeps everyone warm and toasty while you do it. Let's explore the best products below! 

1. Best Overall: Pamapic Patio Heater

2. Best Value: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Heater for Patio

3. Best Propane: Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater

4. Best Portable: Mr. Heater MH4B-Massachusetts/Canada Portable LP Heater

5. Best Powerful: Outland Living Firebowl 883 Propane Gas Fire Pit

• Source of power

Patio heaters run on electricity, propane, or natural gas. Patio heaters that use electricity are usually the simplest to set up, but they may not give off as much heat as those that use propane or natural gas. Natural gas almost always needs a line to be put in, but propane gives you the best of both worlds by being easy to connect to a 20-pound tank.

• Heat output

British Thermal Units, or BTUs, measure how hot the patio heater is. The number shows how much heat the unit gives off when used. Propane and natural gas produce more heat but are less efficient and have a shorter lifespan than electric appliances.

• Safety

Anything with enough heat to warm up a patio has some safety issues. Manufacturers reduce the risk of burns by making patio heaters out of materials that stay cool to the touch or by putting the heat source far above normal reach  (in the case of tower-style heaters). 

1. Pamapic Patio Heater

Best Features

• Includes a rain cover

• Adjustable heat setting

• Wheeled base for moving

The flames in the Pamapic Flame Patio Heater dance up and down the transparent glass tube in the middle. This propane heater is 89.4 inches tall and has different settings for how much heat it puts out. At the bottom of the pyramid is a solid cabinet made to hide a 20-pound propane tank.

View on Amazon

In order to avoid toppling, this pyramid heater has a broader base and a safety shutoff. It weighs 19.8 pounds without the tank. It gives off 42,000 BTUs of heat and has wheels to make it easy to move. The top reflector shield sends out heat, and a metal cage keeps the quartz glass tube safe. The heater also comes with a zippered cover to prevent it from dust and weather when it's not in use.

2. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Heater for Patio

Best Features

• Indoor/outdoor use

• Quiet

• Great maneuverability

If you want a space-saving patio heater, this one from Dr. Infrared can be mounted on the wall or the ceiling. This plug-and-go heater gave off instant, odorless infrared heat, and the remote that came with it made it easy to control the heat. It doesn't need gas so that you can use it indoors and outdoors.

View on Amazon

The Dr. Infrared Electric Carbon Heater has three heat settings: 900W, 1200W, and 1500W, so it can be used for many purposes. It is made of strong aluminum and runs quietly, so it won't disturb your group. Remember that it works best in small spaces that are either fully or mostly closed off. 

3. Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater

Best Features

• Heat up to 200 sq. ft.

• Durable construction

• Highly effective

The Hampton Bay patio heater is an excellent mix of style, price, and how well it works. The sleek stainless steel design has a conventional propane tank that can be ignited with the same ease as a gas barbecue. It can heat an area of around 200 square feet, which is enough for most outdoor areas.

 

 View on Amazon

This unit is just over 7 feet tall, which can be a problem when it's windy. If it does fall over, there isn't much to keep the heating elements from getting damaged. You can fix this problem when it's windy by putting a couple of small sandbags at the base to make it heavier. 

4. Heater MH4B-Massachusetts/Canada Portable LP Heater

Best Features

• Affordable

• Easy to use

• 3,800 BTUs per hour

The Mr. Heater Portable LP Heater's height is slightly under 11 inches, making it ideal for heating small places like the area beneath a patio table. It hooks up to a 1-pound propane cylinder and can heat up to 3,800 BTUs. The heater is only 5.85 pounds and has an easy-to-use sparking button that you push and hold down.

View on Amazon

Mr. Heater has a safety feature that turns off if it falls over. Additionally, it has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that will shut down the heater if the oxygen level dips below 18.5 percent. With this ODS sensor, you can use the space heater on a patio or in a tent without worrying about running out of oxygen. 

5. Outland Firebowl 863 Portable Diameter

Best Features

• Includes rain cover

• Excellent heat output

• Safe to use 

Outland Firebowl 863 Portable Diameter comes with a 10-foot propane hose so that a propane tank can be placed out of sight while people enjoy the glowing flames and lava rocks inside. The fire bowl can produce up to 58,000 BTUs of heat, and the amount of heat can be changed to match the temperature outside. When heated, the lava rocks will keep the heat and send it out. This patio heater is 9.25 inches tall, has a 21-inch diameter, and weighs 26 pounds, so it is small and easy to move around. It comes with a cover and straps to make it even easier to move around. 

View on Amazon

 

1. Where do I put my patio heater?

When you set up your patio heater, you should put it on a flat, stable surface, so it doesn't fall over. A three-foot distance away from flammable materials like plants, clothes, and even propane tanks is also recommended. Put the heater close to where you sit or eat outside. It will let you get the most heat out of it, and if it gets too warm, you can turn it down, which will also save fuel.

2. How many BTUs does my outdoor heater need?

When it comes to patio heaters, no one size works for everyone. Patio heaters using natural gas or propane can be anywhere from 5,000 to 40,000 BTUs. Choose the option that gives off the most heat at your desired level.

3. Are propane heaters worth the money?

Patio heaters are well worth the money. They have different forms and sizes and can be used for many different things. Despite the initial expense, the investment pays off in the long run. People who like to spend time outside in the winter definitely need patio heaters. 

The best patio heater makes your outdoor space feel warm and cozy even when it's cold outside. We have looked into and evaluated many designs from the best brands, looking at how easy they were to put together and use, how much heat they put out, and how long they lasted. We hope it is helpful for you to make a decision.