The best patio heaters keep you toasty and cozy in your outdoor spaces during the cold months — without needing to pile on sweaters and blankets. Plus, they keep your patio furniture warm, start up quickly, and don't produce smoke like a fire pit.
After talking to experts and testing 10 patio heaters for heat output, safety, and ease of use, our best overall pick is the East Oak Patio Heater. This heater uses propane to powerfully and quickly heat large spaces. If you prefer an electric model, we recommend the Westinghouse Electric Outdoor Patio Heater thanks to its fast heating and lightweight design.
Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.
Top picks for patio heaters
Best overall: East Oak 50,000 BTU Patio Heater - See at Amazon
Runner-up: AmazonBasics Patio Heater - See at Amazon
Best electric: Westinghouse Electric Outdoor Patio Heater - See at Wayfair
Best tabletop: Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Patio Heater - See at Amazon
Best pyramid: Fire Sense Pyramid Flame Patio Heater - See at Amazon
Best pellet: Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater - See at Solo Stove
Best portable: Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater - See at Amazon
Best overall
The mid-priced East Oak came out on top for its powerful heat output, easy install and overall use, and stable, nice-looking design.
What we like
What we don't like
This stylish model doubles as a table. The East Oak Torch Propane Patio Heater excelled in all our tests, coming out as a top performer in terms of design, ease of use, and heat output. It's also the best propane patio heater we tested. This dome-style patio heater has a classic barrel-style base that holds a 20-pound propane tank, and it comes in a variety of color options to match your decor. I tested the black model, which was surprisingly stylish with its contemporary matte finish, and I love that the top of base doubles as a small table where you can put a drink or small plate — the surface doesn't heat up during operation, so you could even rest your phone there if you wanted.
It's easy to set up. This patio heater took around 30 minutes to set up, and I appreciated its clear, illustrated instruction manual and well-labeled hardware. The heater was a bit wobbly when it was first assembled, but it was much more stable once I filled its base with sand and installed a 20-pound propane tank. The unit also comes with mounting hardware in case you want to secure it directly to the ground, and on the off chance that it does tip over, it has an automatic shut-off for safety. It's also the only model I tested that offers flame-out protection, automatically cutting off the gas supply if its fire goes out.
Ignition is simple, but reaching the controls might be difficult for shorter people. I was able to ignite this heater on the first try, and unlike other models, the ignitor doesn't need a battery for operation, meaning it's ready to go right out of the box. It's worth noting that the heater's controls are somewhat high off the ground — I'm 5' 5" and could just reach them. This means that they're out of reach of children, but shorter adults might have trouble operating the control dial.
It's powerful. In addition to being well-designed, the East Oak Patio Heater also excels at its main function: heating up your outdoor space. It gave off an impressive amount of heat on its high setting, increasing the temperature in my testing area by 20 degrees in just 30 minutes. I was able to feel the warmth from around 6 or 7 feet away, making it a top performer in terms of both heat output and coverage area. It will certainly keep you toasty warm, even on the chilliest evenings, and it's a top choice for larger outdoor entertaining spaces.
Runner-up
The powerful AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater blasts out 46,000 British thermal units (BTU) of heat that covers the surrounding air like a warm blanket. It's sturdy and easy to use.
What we like
What we don't like
This is the best patio heater under $150. The AmazonBasics Patio Heater was our tester Steph's "panic purchase" during the pandemic when the weather started to turn colder. Living in Canada, it was comfortable enough to sit outside even during the chilly fall and early winter. It provides a consistent amount of heat that spreads over a large enough area to keep a small group of people comfortable when the weather is chilly. At 46,000 BTU, the Amazon Basics Patio Heater has a slightly lower heat output than East Oak, but the base does have wheels that make it easier to reposition on your patio. Price wise, it's marginally cheaper, available for just under $150.
It's powered by propane and features simple controls. The mushroom-top unit has a single control knob with an ignition setting and two adjustable heat options, low and high. The heat controls are placed at the top of the unit, which requires short people like Steph to stand on their toes to reach but keeps the controls out of kids' hands. It operates on a propane tank, the same kind you may use to operate your BBQ. The stainless steel design is weather-resistant, so there's not really any need to store it away for the winter.
It makes being outside more comfortable during cool weather. Even a powerful patio heater like the AmazonBasics unit won't turn your deck into a summertime oasis when the weather is freezing. Still, it can offer a hint of warmth, making it easier to spend more time outside in the cooler months.
Read our full AmazonBasics Patio Heater review.
Best electric
The Westinghouse Infrared 1500 Watt Electric Patio Heater is a great choice for those who want a patio heater without having to fuss with propane, but it does have a shorter heating radius. Its weatherproof design can be used safely outdoors, on screened-in porches, patios with an overhang, or outdoor seating areas very close to a house.
What we like
What we don't like
Electric patio heaters are lightweight and heat quickly. "The Westinghouse Infrared 1500 Watt Electric Patio Heater is a light and powerful electric heater that heats small areas well and has a small, portable footprint. Unlike most propane tower heaters, the electric patio heater has minimal assembly, and you'll never run out of fuel.
It's versatile. It also can be used in areas with an overhang and closer to buildings, which propane heaters can not. That is useful for people with smaller yards like mine who may not have the option of moving an outdoor dining table or seating away from their house.
The Westinghouse heater is powerful, but only heats a small area. It was capable of raising the temperature around 30 degrees after 10 minutes. Even after two hours of running at night, the heater maintained a 27-degree improvement over the ambient temperature. However, the heater only heats a small space, up to about three feet. That means it's most useful for those who only need to generate enough heat to keep one or two people comfortable outdoors, and only if they sit very close to one other. I thought this heater was a good choice when working and eating outside alone, but I wouldn't use it when entertaining. If you are looking for a heater that can warm a crowd or a large patio, this isn't the heater for you." — Jamie Davis Smith, Reviews contributor
Read our full Westinghouse Electric Patio Heater review.
Best tabletop
The Cuisinart Tabletop Patio Heater is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go. It’s just the right size to warm up an outdoor dining space.
What we like
What we don't like
It's compact and quiet. If you have limited space on your patio, Cuisinart's Portable Tabletop Patio Heater. This compact design weighs just 11 pounds (without a propane tank) and can easily be moved around, and you could even pack it up in your car to take camping or on other outdoor adventures. It runs on 1-pound propane tanks, which screw into the base, and it was also the quietest of all the propane models I tested, so it won't disturb your conversations as you relax outside.
It's easy to carry around. This tabletop patio heater had a surprising number of screws to assemble, but the whole process only took around 10 minutes — much faster than any of the full-size models. I loved that I could easily lift and carry the heater around my outdoor space, and it lit up on the first try. However, I did find that I needed to hold the base steady as I pressed the control knob in, as it requires enough pressure that you might accidentally tip the unit over.
It's the perfect size for small spaces. Despite its compact form, the Cuisinart heater proved to be just the right size to warm up a dining table or small conversation area. It raised the temperature in the immediate area by 5-10 degrees, and its warmth could be felt from around 3 feet away. It did give off a slight chemical smell the first time I used it, but this was likely due to manufacturing residue burning off the burner and wire guard, as there wasn't any odor on subsequent uses. Overall, it's a solid pick for smaller outdoor spaces or taking on the go.
Best pyramid
With its stainless steel exterior and sleek glass tube, the Fire Sense Pyramid Patio Heater is a stylish option for your outdoor living space, but it’s not the most powerful when it comes to heat output.
What we like
What we don't like
Pyramid patio heaters are stylish. If you want a patio heater that will be an accent piece in your outdoor living space, the Fire Sense Pyramid Heater is worth considering. This pyramid-style heater was, by far, the most stylish option among the six heaters I tested. In addition to its sleek stainless steel exterior, it has a glass tube that runs up the center of the pyramid, showing off a tower of flames. I was so impressed by the design that I sent videos of it to several friends, all of whom agreed that it was much more aesthetically pleasing than a regular dome-top heater.
It's stable and easy to move. This heater's pyramid-shaped design also offered a few other benefits. Thanks to its four legs and wide base, it's very sturdy and doesn't need a sandbox in the bottom. It comes with hardware to mount the heater to decking or stake it into the ground, but I didn't feel the need to add these extra security measures, as it wasn't wobbly at all, even on windy days. This model is also easy to move around on its large wheels, and I never had any issues lighting it, as it always sparked up on the first try.
It's a pain to put together. That said, there are a few notable downsides to keep in mind before you purchase this heater. First, it's much more complex and time-consuming to assemble than a dome-style heater. The instructions were poorly written, and all the screws are "pre-installed," which means they're already screwed into their respective holes. I had to manually unscrew each one before I could assemble the piece — I highly recommend using a power drill for this task, otherwise you'll be there all day.
It's not as powerful as other models. The other major downside is that, despite being similar in size, this heater didn't give off nearly as much heat as other propane-powered models. It was only able to raise the temperature in my testing area by about 5 degrees, likely due to its smaller heating element and heat deflector. So while it's undeniably a winner in terms of appearance, it's not the best option for really cold days or warming large outdoor areas.
Best pellet
Unlike most patio heaters, this one burns wood pellets instead of propane fuel. The Tower Patio Heater is a sturdy and powerful option that can heat a large area and offers the cozy ambiance of a wood-burning fire.
What we like
What we don't like
This heater combines intense warmth with cozy vibes. While propane patio heaters are convenient and easy to use, they just don't offer the same ambiance as a wood-burning fire. If you like the coziness of a crackling flame, you may want to splurge on the Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater, which runs on wood pellets instead of propane. It does take longer to heat up (and shut down), but this sturdy heater is unbeatable if you want a warm, homey vibe on your patio.
Setup is quick. The base of this heater arrives fully assembled, so you really just have to install its chimney and heat deflector, making it faster to set up than other full-size models. My test unit did arrive looking a little worse for wear — it had a few dents on the hopper from being banged around during shipping. The marks didn't impact its functionality, but customer service still offered to send replacement parts free of charge.
A full hopper lasts three hours. In terms of operation, the unit's hopper can hold 25 pounds of wood pellets for up to three hours of operation, and there's a shutoff handle inside the hopper that lets you start or stop the gravity-fed pellet feeder. To start the stove, the brand recommends using a fire-starting gel, which gets the pellets burning in around 10 minutes.
It's the most powerful patio heater we tested. During testing, I found that the stove takes around 30 to 45 minutes to reach its maximum heat output, and it was able to raise the temperature in my testing area by 15-20 degrees. The warmth could also be felt up to 8 feet away, making this one of the most powerful options I tested. When you want to turn the heater off, you simply close the pellet feed, and the fire will burn out in around 10 minutes. It's not quite as convenient as a propane heater, but it's faster and easier to put out than a regular fire pit.
It's very heavy. The Solo Stove is much heavier than other models, weighing over 100 pounds. This makes it harder to move around your outdoor space, but the weight also makes it incredibly sturdy. The unit would be nearly impossible to tip over, which is a good thing considering it doesn't have any safety features like its propane counterparts.
Best portable
The Mr. Heater Buddy Patio Heater is a compact, portable heater perfect for personal use and heating up small outdoor spaces. Its rugged design also makes it suitable for camping.
What we like
What we don't like
You can take this patio heater anywhere. This little, lightweight device from Mr. Heater is an excellent option if you're short on space or want an outdoor heating option while you're on the go. It's only 14 inches wide, making it suitable for tabletop use, too. On mild winter days, I place the Buddy Heater under my patio table as a supplemental heating device to my AmazonBasics unit. It heats the surrounding area fairly quickly and runs for up to three hours — the single control knob allows you to choose between low and high heat. You'll benefit most if you're sitting in front of the heater.
It's my personal favorite. I recommend this space-saving heater to anyone wanting to spend more time outside, as it will help keep you warm without gobbling up valuable real estate.
How we test patio heaters
To create our guide on the best patio heaters, we researched top-rated models, including propane, electric, and wood pellet options. We reviewed nine products during two separate testing rounds.
After setting up each patio heater, we evaluated its appearance, stability, portability, and safety features. We also considered how easy it was to get them ready for use — whether that meant attaching a propane tank or filling a hopper with wood pellets — and light the heater.
To assess each model's heating abilities, we ran the units on their highest setting for at least one hour. Using a thermometer, we monitored the temperature 3 feet away from the heater, taking measurements every 15 minutes. We also measured the furthest distance away that we could feel the heater's warmth, and we made note of how much propane (or other fuel type) each model went through during testing.
We also spoke with three experts to learn more about patio heater safety and features: Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief with the Montreal Fire Department; Dan Mock, brand manager for Mister Sparky, an electrical services company; and Thomas Bonfiglio, CEO and founder of Triple T Hospitality.
What to look for in a patio heater
Type: Here's a quick breakdown of the most common types of outdoor patio heaters on the market:
- Pyramid: A tall, freestanding outdoor heater with a triangular shape that usually runs on propane. Flames run up a center column from the bottom to the top of the heater.
- Dome-top: Also known as mushroom-top heaters, these models are tall and skinny with a big metal disk on top that deflects heat downward to distribute it evenly over a large area. They also run on propane and have a similar heat output to pyramid-style units.
- Tabletop: Compact, portable gas heaters that are small enough to fit on a patio table, like the Mr. Heater Buddy Heater.
- Electric heaters: These hanging lamp or freestanding-style infrared heaters require a power outlet and put out a lot less heat than propane-powered heaters. They offer plug-and-go convenience and can be placed in enclosed areas, unlike propane models which require proper ventilation.
While most outdoor patio heaters use propane or electricity as an energy source, natural gas heaters also exist, but they require professional installation into an existing gas line, so we don't expect to test these anytime soon.
Certifications: Matthew Griffith, prevention section chief with the Montreal Fire Department, said shoppers should look for patio heaters with certifications from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). These independent certification bodies test and ensure various appliances meet specific safety standards.
Griffith said many inexpensive products don't have these safety certifications, which can be quite expensive for brands to obtain."There's a reason one company can sell it at half the price," he said. Though a product with safety certifications often costs more, Griffith said it's important to prioritize safety over price.
Heat output: You're buying a patio heater to keep warm when it gets cold, so heat output should be a key consideration. Most manufacturers list heat output in British thermal units (BTU) and estimate the square footage a heater can handle in ideal conditions. The higher the BTU of a heater, the more heat it will produce and the larger an area it will cover.
You can estimate the BTU you need to heat your outdoor area by multiplying the cubic footage of the space by your desired temperature increase. My patio is about 1,500 cubic feet (assuming a height of around 5 feet — I'm short, so I don't need to heat the air too far above my head), and if I want to hang out outside in the fall when it's 50 degrees outside, I'll probably want to raise the temperature by at least 10 degrees. That means I'll need a heater that puts out at least 15,000 BTU.
Bigger spaces or colder climates will require more BTU to heat comfortably. If you live in a colder area or want to entertain guests, we recommend looking for a heater that produces 40,000 BTU or more, enough to heat around 2,000 square feet comfortably. Dome or pyramid-shaped heaters are typically larger and have a higher BTU output, so they can usually heat a larger area than tabletop patio heaters. These tall patio heaters are often seen at restaurants because they can keep a large number of guests comfortable at one time.
Thomas Bonfiglio, CEO and founder of Triple T Hospitality, said that the high heat output is one of the reasons he chose pyramid and dome-top heaters for his New York and New Jersey restaurants. "Diners who may still not be comfortable eating inside anywhere can have a pleasant experience outside for many months," Bonfiglio said.
Fuel type: Whether you choose an electric or propane or natural gas patio heater may depend on your setup and preferences.
- Propane: Propane-powered heaters typically produce more heat than electric heaters because they aren't limited by the circuit system of your home. That, of course, means there are some additional safety considerations for propane heaters since they won't shut off automatically like an electric heater will when a circuit is overloaded. Most propane patio heaters are compatible with standard 15- to 20-pound propane tanks, but some portable versions work with smaller, 16-ounce canisters. Small and large propane tanks are readily available at most hardware stores; it typically costs about $20 to $25 to refill or buy a 20-pound propane tank at Home Depot. How much gas your patio heater uses depends on its heat output, what setting you're using, and the surrounding air temperature. (The colder it is, the more gas you'll use to heat the area.) AmeriGas says that you can expect to generate 22,000 BTU per hour for each pound of propane. So if you have a 40,000 BTU patio heater, it'll burn through about 2 pounds of propane every hour you're operating it on its highest setting. Gas-powered patio heaters create flames, producing a natural, fireplace-like glow. Bonfiglio said he settled on gas models for his restaurant because of their ability to diffuse heat evenly without adding unnecessary bright light.
- Electric: Electric heaters are usually cheaper and safer to operate because they produce less heat. They also don't require regular trips to the hardware store for fuel refills. But the heat isn't very powerful or far-reaching if you're looking to keep a crowd warm. Keep in mind that using an electric heater frequently will cause your power bill to increase. Depending on your local utility's energy sources, an electric heater may be more environmentally friendly than a propane or natural gas heater, especially if it uses renewable energy sources. However, if your home isn't equipped with an outdoor outlet, a gas heater may be your only option.
Controls: Bonfiglio also chose patio heaters with controls that are high up and out of reach to customers, which keeps diners safe and the atmosphere consistent. If your household has children or pets, consider a patio heater with out-of-reach controls to prevent accidents. Most tall, freestanding patio heaters naturally have controls that are high up. My AmazonBasics patio heater has controls so high that I need to stretch to reach them.
On the flip side, if you don't have wayward hands in your home, you might find it a pain to break out the step ladder whenever you want to turn on your patio heater. Some models come with remote controls for easier operation, or you may opt for a tabletop unit.
Portability and storage: Experts told us you can store most propane heaters outside all year round. Add a cover to prevent unnecessary wear and tear during rainstorms and cold winter months. We recommend choosing a model with wheels if you're opting for a standalone unit like a dome-top or pyramid heater so that it's easy to wheel out of the way when not in use. If you're storing a portable patio heater indoors, remove the propane attachment before doing so.
Patio heaters FAQs
Are outdoor patio heaters worth it?
We think patio heaters are worth it if you use your outdoor spaces in the fall, winter, and early spring. During testing, we found that they reliably raise the temperature by about 16 degrees, which makes a huge difference when you're trying to stay warm outside.
Are patio heaters safe?
To make sure your patio heater is as safe as possible, Griffith says to always follow manufacturer recommendations and to keep your heater away from anything combustible. Be sure to allow 4-5 feet of space in all directions, including vertically.
Are electric patio heaters safer than propane patio heaters?
Electric patio heaters are generally safer than propane patio heaters, since they're restricted to electrical outputs and include built-in safety features. But, still be careful when using an electric patio heater. Dan Mock, brand manager for Mister Sparky, an electrical services company, advises being careful about the placement and taping down wire to avoid tripping.
Is a higher BTU better for patio heaters?
A higher BTU output means that your patio heater will cover a larger area and put out more warmth, but it will also consume fuel faster than a model with lower output.
How long will a patio heater run on a 20-pound propane tank?
It depends on heat output and the weather, but patio heaters using a 20-pound propane tank will generally run for about nine to 15 hours.
How many square feet will a 40,000 BTU patio heater heat?
While it depends on output and reach, a patio heater with 40,000 BTU should comfortably heat about 2,000 square feet,
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.
