Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you electricity bills - it has various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Fireplaces And Stoves can put out a lot of warmth over a larger area, but it will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. It's a good option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered versions and, assuming you choose wisely they'll have lower running costs too. You don't need to replenish a tank of propane and there's not much assembly involved.
The most effective ones have remote controls to make operations easy, and an LED light built in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes circular filaments to disperse infrared mediumwave energy over an area of the size of a table. It has easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which utilizes an aluminium reflector to focus on a narrow beam of heat over the area you prefer to be in.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy and clean glow. However, the Herschel is more sleek and more suited for modern-day garden spaces or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems, allowing you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature. This can help save energy over time.
It is important to keep in mind that even though infrared heating is efficient but it only warms the objects and people directly in front of the heater and will lose its effect in the event that you move away. It also won't provide heat to your patio if winds blow it around.
Gas heaters on the other hand will heat up a larger area if they are not moved. They can also be equipped with an enclosure to ensure they stay in place. They are often found in pub gardens and provide a cozy burning log look that's great in a variety of decors.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient and can also create more smog and noise. Electric heaters are less environmentally friendly than propane, but they must be refilled when it is empty. Also, keep in mind that a gas heater generates a higher level of heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer winds down and the evenings become chilly it's the perfect the perfect time to get an outdoor heater that will keep you outdoors longer. There are many options available depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models up to floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.
Although gas heaters are more economical to buy than some electric models however, they can be 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 generate and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling, and will last approximately 13 hours.
Unlike gas, electric heaters use radiant heat to warm objects and people instead of air. Therefore, they are much cheaper to run and have an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They're also much simpler to use. Simply plug them in and switch them on, while you might need to make a fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, such as bars, restaurants, and 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 in an open or closed space. They're also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around which is ideal when you need to move the heater from one part of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they have to be plugged in and you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension cable that's rated to work with outdoor devices. To ensure safety standards are met electrical heaters aren't able to be sold with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be sure not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could pose a trip hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal if you like the style of a gas heater but do not want to be limited by its placement or wish to cut costs. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. They are also less expensive to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish option that will look great with your rattan furniture. It's also weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating means it's safe against windblown rain and dust (although we wouldn't suggest aiming a high-pressure hose at it). The model also comes with three heating levels to fit your needs, aswell being a timer shutoff between 1 and 9 hours.
Another option for those who don't want to be restricted by the positioning of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and boasts numerous features, including a remote control as well as a timer shut off function, and a 360deg oscillation. It is also splash-proof to give you peace of mind. However, we do not recommend that you let it get wet for too much as this could affect the performance and life of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers This portable heater for patios is a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer to control their heating. With a remote, two heating settings, and the ability to switch the light on and off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It also has a built-in safety feature that turns off the unit when it's tipped over.
Unlike a gas patio heater electric models don't release any carbon monoxide, so they're an ideal choice for families with pets or small children who aren't old enough to recognize the dangers of being close to flames. These models are great for gazebos or large outdoor spaces, as they can quickly heat up an area up to 15 square meters. They're very lightweight and easy to move around, and many come with an remote control so that you can change settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in a variety of styles, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular model offers the advantages of a gas heater with low operating costs. It can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor, making it perfect for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens where a freestanding unit may appear too big. It has a remote control to adjust the temperature. Users say they find it to be a Goldilocks option, as it's just warm enough to cut the chill without getting too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for confined spaces such as garages and covered porches because they don't emit harmful gases such as 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 those powered by gas. Electric models are also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. That's particularly important when you reside in a region that has expensive energy charges.
Another disadvantage of an electric heater is that it's not as strong as a gas one however there are plenty of options within the PS50-PS200 price range to pick from. Some can be used to hang from parasols or awnings, and you can even find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a good choice. It's available in two sizes, and has a variety of features including 360deg rotation and simple heating settings. It's also classified as IP44, which means it's able to withstand splashes of water and light rain.