Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you electric bills. It has different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It is also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great choice for large gardens that include plenty of seating outdoors and sofas. However, they will require frequent refills using natural gas or propane. It's a great option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These are cheaper than gas-powered versions and, assuming you choose wisely, have lower running costs as well. It's also easy to install and you don't have to refill your propane tank.
The best ones have a remote control that makes the operation simple and have an LED light that is built-in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It uses a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave heat over an area of the size of a table. It comes with easy-to-use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is another great option. It uses an aluminum reflector that focuses heat beams over your favorite area.
Both models are efficient and emit a crisp, cosy glow, but the Herschel is more sleek that's more suited to modern gardens or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems to allow you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature and save more energy over the long haul.
You should be aware that infrared heaters are efficient but only heat objects and people in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effectiveness when you move away. Also, it will not heat your patio or garden if the wind blows the heater around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will warm up a much larger area if they aren't moved, and they can be equipped with a wind shield to keep them in place. They are often located in pub gardens. They offer a warm burning log look that's great in most decors.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient, and can also generate more smog and noise. Contrary to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that requires refilling when it runs out, most electric heaters don't require refilling and are more environmentally friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to invest in patio heaters as the summer is winding down and evenings turn a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are many options available, whether you choose electric or gas, from small tabletop models to large floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
While gas heaters are more economical to buy 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 generate and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
patio heater electric infrared like gas use radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and humans. Electric heaters are cheaper to run, and they have a lower carbon footprint. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them in and they'll turn on.
Electric heaters that are suitable for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings including restaurants, bars and private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open areas, and some come with built-in dimmer switches to enable you to alter the brightness of the light. They are also smaller than gas models and they can be easily moved. This is great if you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they require to be plugged in, which means that you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead that's rated to work with outdoor devices. To ensure safety standards are met electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an extension lead over 1.8m and you'll have to be sure not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could be an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal for those who like the design of a gas-powered heater but do not want to be restricted by its location or to lower your expenses. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and easy to operate at the flick of a button or remote. These are also cheaper to operate than their gas-powered equivalents.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that will look fantastic with your furniture made of rattan. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against windblown rain and dust (although we wouldn't recommend aiming an hose with high pressure at it). The model also has three heating levels to fit your space, as well being a timer shutoff between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is a different option for those who do not want to be limited by the location of a heater for their patio. It comes in two sizes and has many features such as a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, but we wouldn't recommend letting it get wet, as this could impact on the efficiency and life span of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers, this portable patio heater is a good budget-friendly option for those who like to control their heating. It's easy to use, with an adjustable remote, two heat settings, and the ability turn on and off the light from a distance. It also has a built-in safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's tipped over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios. This makes them a great choice for people with pets or children who have not yet reached the maturity level to be aware of the dangers that come with being close to a flame. These models are also ideal for large outdoor gazebos and areas because they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy to move. Some even come with a remote so you can control the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and the kids are back to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in various styles including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular option is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater along with low running costs. It can be mounted on the wall or on a pedestal, which makes it suitable for covered porches, gazebos and small gardens, in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It has a remote control to adjust the temperature. The majority of users describe it as being a Goldilocks choice, as it is just warm enough to decrease the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for small spaces, such as garages and covered porches since they don't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on the contrary, should be placed in an open space with adequate ventilation to prevent them from contaminating your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. That's particularly important if you live in an area with expensive energy charges.
Another disadvantage of an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one however there are plenty of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to choose from. Some are suitable for hanging from parasols or awnings, and you can even find a couple that work off a rechargeable battery.
If you're looking for an infrared system that's affordable to run it's a great option. It's available in two sizes and offers many options such as 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heating settings. It's also classified as IP44 which means it can withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.