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If you want to spend more time outdoors in cooler weather, consider a patio heater for your home or business. Patio heaters, also known as outdoor or outside heaters, help you extend your outdoor living and entertaining season. When the colder seasons arrive, these recommendations of the best outdoor heaters will help you stay warm.
HVACDirect.com has reviewed our six favorite patio heaters for fall, winter and spring. We've looked at both ceiling-mounted and freestanding patio heaters that have uses for residential homes, restaurants, outdoor event venues and other areas. Our experts will help you find the best outdoor electric patio heater or gas heater for your space and budget.
What Are the Best Patio and Outdoor Heaters?
Ceiling-Mounted Patio Heaters
Ceiling-mounted heaters are unvented and must have a continuous supply of fresh air to operate safely. They should not be mounted in areas lacking a free flow of air. For the ceiling mounted gas heaters from Sunpak and Bromic, you will need a gas line routed to the installation site. The Infratech patio heater is all-electric and can be plugged into an outlet.
Sunpak TSR Stainless Steel Patio Heater with Remote - Gas
Best Feature: Dual-Stage Heat Output
The Sunpak TSR is dual-stage heater, meaning it operates at two thermal settings: 34,000 BTUs for the high setting and 25,000 BTUs for the low setting. This allows the consumer to have more control over the heat output and not feel stuck in a one-setting-fits- situation. It comes with a remote, plus a handy wall-mounted control.
Bromic Smart Heat Platinum 500 30 Inch Gas Patio Heater - Gas
Best Feature: Swivel Head
This space-age designed heater can be swiveled to aim the heat where you want it. And by heat, we mean heat - 38,800 BTUs, to be exact. Plus, it has wind baffles that will help ensure that the heat doesn't go flying off in the breeze. Sure-start electronic ignition gets the heat going fast, making this our best natural gas patio heater for all-purpose use.
Infratech WD Series 6000-Watt Dual Element - 240V Electric
Best Feature: 6,000 Watts of Power
This outdoor heater is all-electric and then some. Two quartz electric elements generate up to 6,000 watts of chill-blasting comfort, and sophisticated electronic controls make sure the output doesn't exceed the need. This may be the best patio heater for wind, because unlike gas heat, electric heat is unaffected by the wind. This allows for predictable spot or zone coverage. The elements are rated for 5,000 hours of continuous use, and the body is constructed of high-quality stainless steel.
Freestanding Patio Heaters
Freestanding outdoor heaters are popular both for homes and restaurants because of their portable versatility. They are most commonly available as propane heaters, but there are options to convert to natural gas, too.
Bromic Tungsten Freestanding Portable Patio Heater - Gas
Best Feature: Wide Heat Distribution
This handsome freestanding heater is as portable as they come, yet throws out a heat field 13 feet wide and 17 feet deep. The tilting head directs the heat where you want it. The gas source is a stowed-away five-gallon propane tank, and you can upgrade to a 10-gallon tank for season-long operation with a single trip to the propane supplier. Trouble-free electronic ignition gets the party started, and a regulator valve adjusts the heat delivery from 21,300 BTUs to 38,500.
Sunglo A270 Stainless Steel Freestanding Propane Gas Heater
Best Feature: 304 Stainless Steel Construction
This U.S.-made beauty puts out a whopping 40,000 BTU heating an area up to 15 feet in diameter. Your guests will not only feel the heat but be made thoroughly comfortable by it. Quality 304 stainless steel construction means this model will grace your patio or outdoor kitchen for years to come and look good doing it. A 20-pound propane tank allows up to 10 hours of constant operation.
Hiland 94-Inch Commercial-Grade Triangle Glass Tube Propane Heater
Best Feature: Commercial Grade
At 94 inches, this is the tallest heater in our freestanding group - and with 42,000 BTUs, it's also one of the most powerful. The glass tube in the center helps distribute the heat evenly, and the wheels make it easy to simply move the whole unit to where the heat is needed the most. This is a commercial-grade heater built for frequent or even constant use, and it should easily satisfy the needs of even the most demanding consumer.
Before you start your search, make a list of your needs and wants regarding a patio or outdoor kitchen heater. Jot down how often you cook or entertain on the patio and how deep into the season you'd like to go. Other important factors are where you live, the direction your patio faces and the amount of wind your area receives. Use this info to shop for your perfect patio heater or chat with one of our experts by phone, email or instant chat.
Patio Heater Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a patio heater on a covered porch?
Gas patio heaters should only be used in open-air spaces so the burnt gases can vent safely. A patio cover is okay as long as the sides are open - but you should never use gas outdoor heaters on enclosed porches. An electric patio heater is safe for enclosed areas as it does not produce greenhouse gases or carbon emissions.
Do patio heaters work in winter?
The best patio heaters using propane or natural gas are powerful enough to heat your porch or deck during the cold winter months. While electric heaters are safer, most emit a softer heat that is not as strong as their gas-powered brethren, making them a better option for chilly spring and summer nights or fall afternoons.
Can I leave a patio heater outside?
Patio heaters can stay outdoors as long as they are sheltered from direct contact with rain and snow. While they can resist incidental water exposure, prolonged rain can deteriorate the heater and increases the risk of electrocution with electric heaters.
