best Electric Patio Heater Electric Patio Heaters

It has a variety of temperature settings, and it protects your body from overheating. It is also easy to move around the garden.

Gas patio heaters are a good option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas. But, they'll require regular refills with propane or natural gas. This is a great solution for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and couches.

1. Infrared heaters

Most of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra red models. These heaters are cheaper than gas-powered models, and, if you select wisely, they have lower operating costs as well. You don't need to refill a tank of propane, and there's no assembly required.

The top ones come with a remote control to make operations easy, and an LED light that is built-in to create ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel utilizes a circular carbon filament to radiate mediumwave infrared heat across a table-sized area. It includes easy-to-use settings for heat and a 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is another great alternative. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to focus the beams of heat on your favorite spot.

Both models are energy efficient and emit a soft and clean glow. However, the Herschel is more sleek and is more suited for modern garden rooms or if you're trying 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 heating devices are effective but only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you leave. It will also not heat your garden or patio if the wind blows the heater around.

On the other hand, gas heaters will heat up a larger space if they're not moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to ensure they stay in position. They are often located in pub gardens and offer a warm 'burning log' effect that looks good in most decors.

Propane patio heaters can be less efficient, and can also produce a lot more noise and smog. Electric heaters are greener than propane, but they must be refilled after it runs out. Also, keep in mind that a gas-powered heater produces more heat than a comparable electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.

2. Gas heaters

It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer slows down and evenings get a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for a longer time. Whether you opt for gas or electric there's plenty to choose from in the form of small tabletop units to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor electric heater patio spaces such as a decked garden.

While gas heaters are cheaper to purchase than electric models however, they can be costly to run. In fact, according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful when it comes to both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder of calor gas is priced at PS90 new or PS50 to refill and will last about 13 hours of heating.

Unlike gas, electric heaters use radiant heat to warm objects and people rather than air. As a result, they are less expensive to run and have a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They're also much simpler to use. You just plug them in and turn them on, whereas you might need to make a fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.

Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Certain models come with a built-in dimming switch that permits you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in an open or closed space. They are also smaller than gas models and are able to be moved around which is ideal for when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.

The disadvantage of these heaters is that they need to be plugged into and you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead certified to work with outdoor equipment. To meet safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an extension lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll have to be cautious not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing where it could be an injury risk.

3. Freestanding heaters

These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal for those who like the design of a gas heater but do not want to be limited by its location or to reduce your costs. These heaters are powered by electricity and heat up quickly. They can be operated via a switch or remote. They're also less expensive to operate than their gas-powered equivalents.

This one from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating protects it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we don't recommend using a high-pressure hose on it). The model also comes with 3 heating levels to suit your needs, aswell as a timer shutdown between 1 and 9 hours.

Another option for those who do not want to be restricted by the position of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and has many features, such as a timer remote control, a remote control, and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, though we don't advise letting it get too wet, as this can impact on the performance and lifespan of the heater.

A popular choice with many customers, this portable patio heater is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to control their heating. With a remote, 2 temperature settings and the capability to turn the light on and off from an extended distance, it's easy to operate. It also has an inbuilt 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, which is why they are a great option for those with pets or children who aren't old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are ideal for large outdoor gazebos or spaces, as they are able to quickly heat an area up to 15m2. They're lightweight and easy to move around, and a majority of them have the option of a remote so that you can adjust settings from your chair.

4. Wall-mounted heaters

When summer is over and the children are back in school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outside space. electric patio heater free standing heaters are electric patio heaters any good available in a variety of styles including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.

This popular choice combines low operating costs with the utility of a heater. It can be wall-mounted or placed on a pedestal base which makes it perfect for covered porches and gazebos and smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the temperature. People have said that they consider it an ideal Goldilocks choice, since it's just warm enough to cut the chill without getting too hot.

The main advantage of electric patio heaters is that it can be placed in a small space, like a covered porch or garage as it doesn't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that can be harmful to your health. Gas heaters, on contrary, must be placed in an open space with sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.

However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial when you live in an area where energy costs are expensive.

Another drawback to electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas one however there are plenty of options in the PS50-PS200 price bracket to choose from. Some can be attached to parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.

This is a good option for those looking for an infrared heater that is affordable to operate. It's available in two sizes, and comes with a range of features like 360deg rotation and simple heat settings. It's also classified as IP44 which means that it can withstand moderate rain and splashes liquid.