Best Electric Patio Heaters

A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you electricity bills - it has different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It's also easy to move around your garden.

Gas patio heaters can pump out lots of warmth across a larger area, but they will require a regular refill of propane or natural gas. This is a great option for large gardens that are equipped with lots of outdoor seating and couches.

1. Infrared heaters

The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are more affordable than gas-powered models and, if you select wisely they will have lower operating costs too. You don't need to refill a tank with propane and there's little assembly involved.

The top models come with a remote control for easy operation, as well as a built-in LED light that provides ambience. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It utilizes a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave heat over a table sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. Another great option is the Westinghouse 1500W infra-red heater, which uses an aluminium reflector to focus the beam of heat over the area you prefer to be in.

Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy light that is clean and fresh. However the Herschel is more sleek, making it more suitable for modern garden rooms or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems that allow you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature which can save more energy in the long term.

It is important to remember that although infrared heating is efficient, it only warms objects and people who are directly in front of the heater and will not be effective when you move away. Additionally, it won't heat your patio or garden if the winds blow the heater around.

Gas heaters, on the contrary, can heat a larger area when they aren't moved. They can also be equipped with shields to ensure they stay in place. These heaters are often located in pub gardens and provide a warm "burning log" effect that looks great in any design.

Propane patio heaters are less efficient and can also create more smog and noise. Unlike propane, which is stored in a cylinder and requires refilling when it is depleted the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling and are more environmentally friendly. Also, keep in mind that a gas heater generates more heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.

2. Gas heaters

As Summer winds down and the evenings become a little chilly it's the perfect time to invest in a patio heater electric infrared heater to keep you outside for longer. There are a variety of options available depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.

Gas heaters are more expensive to buy however, they can also be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most wasteful both in terms of the amount of energy they consume as well as the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.

Unlike gas, however electric patio heater indoors heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Electric heaters are more affordable to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They're also much simpler to use. Simply connect them to the power source and turn them on, whereas you'll need to create an open flame or wait for a propane model to heat up.

Electric heaters for outdoor electric heater patio use can be used in a variety of settings including bars, restaurants and private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that permits you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around, which is great when you need to move the heater from one part of your garden to another.

These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord rated for outdoor equipment. Most electric heaters aren't permitted to use an extension lead greater than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. You'll also need be cautious about blocking any sockets in the vicinity or leaving the extension lead trailing.

3. Freestanding heaters

If you're a fan of the design of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by the space it can be set up or want to cut costs and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an option. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. They're also cheaper to run than their gas-powered counterparts.

This model from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place in your rattan garden furniture and is fully weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating protects it from dust from the wind and rain (although we wouldn't suggest using a high pressure hose on it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to your requirements, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.

This electric model from Blumfeldt is a different alternative for those who don't wish to be restricted by the placement of a patio heater. It comes in two sizes and includes many features such as a timer remote control, a remote control, and 360-degree oscillation. It also has splash-proofing to ensure your safety. However, we do not recommend getting it wet too much as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.

The portable patio heater is popular with those who want to control their heating. It's simple to use and comes with a remote control, 2 temperature settings, as well as the ability to turn on or off the light from a distance. It also has an inbuilt safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's tipped over.

As opposed to gas patio heaters, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, so they're a great choice for families with pets or small children who are not yet old enough to recognize the dangers of standing too close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or spaces as they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have remotes that let you control the temperature from the comfort of your chair.

4. Wall-mounted heaters

After the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's the perfect time to think about adding some heat to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that is wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to choose from in the electric range.

This popular choice combines low operating costs with the benefits of heater. It can be hung on the wall or on a pedestal, making it ideal for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens, where a Freestanding Electric Patio Heater unit might appear too big. It has an adjustable remote control to regulate the heat. People have said that they consider it to be a Goldilocks option, as it's just warm enough to reduce the chill without getting too hot.

Electric patio heaters are perfect for small spaces, such as covered porches or garages, because they don't emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters should be placed in open areas with adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.

Electric models are more expensive than those powered by gas. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is especially important when you live in an area with expensive energy charges.

Electric heaters are not as powerful as gas heaters but there are many options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be used to hang from parasols or awnings, and you can also locate a few that run with rechargeable batteries.

This is a great option for those looking for an infrared heater that's inexpensive to operate. It's available in two sizes and has a range of 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 and light rain.