Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it also protects you from overheating. It's 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. However, they'll require regular refills using natural gas or propane. This is a great solution for large gardens with many outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are more affordable than the gas-powered models and, if you choose carefully, they have lower operating costs too. There's also little assembly required and you don't have to refill your propane tank.
The top ones come with a remote control for easy operation as well as an integrated LED light to provide ambience. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel utilizes a circular carbon filament to radiate mediumwave infrared heat over a table-sized space and comes with easy-to-use heat settings and a 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which uses an aluminum reflector to create the beam of heat to the area you prefer to be in.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm, clean glow. However the Herschel is more modern and is more suited for modern gardens, or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can be used with home automation systems that allow you to select your preferred temperature and brightness. This could save energy over time.
It's worth bearing in mind that although infrared heating is efficient however, it only warms objects and people in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work if you move away. It will also not heat your patio or garden in the event that the wind blows the heater around.
Gas heaters, on the contrary, can heat an area larger if they are not moved. They can also be equipped with an enclosure to help keep them in place. They are usually found in pub garden and create a cozy "burning log" effect that works well in any design.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient and can also produce a lot more smog and noise. Contrary to propane which is stored in a cylinder that will need to be refilled when it is depleted Most electric heaters do not require refilling and are more sustainable. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce more heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer is winding down and evenings turn somewhat chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. Whether you opt for gas or electric there's plenty of options available in the form of small tabletop units to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor areas such as decked gardens.
While gas heaters can be cheaper to purchase than some electric models, they can be expensive to run. In fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most inefficient when it comes to both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they use". A typical cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill, and will last about 13 hours of heating.
Unlike gas, however electric heaters make use of radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Therefore, they are less expensive to run and have a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use - simply plug them in and switch them on, while you'll need to create a fire or wait for a propane heater to warm up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open spaces, and some are equipped with a built-in dimmer switch to allow you to control the intensity of the light. They're 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 part of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord rated for outdoor equipment. The majority of electric heaters aren't allowed to use an extension lead greater than 1.8m. This is to be in line with safety standards. You'll also need to be aware of blocking any outdoor sockets nearby or leaving the cable trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the style of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted in the way it can be positioned or are looking to keep your costs down with these freestanding electric patio heaters are an alternative. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and are able to heat quickly. They can be operated by a switch or remote. These are also cheaper to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a elegant and stylish piece that won't appear out of place amongst your rattan garden furniture and is weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against windblown rain and dust (although we don't recommend using a high-pressure hose at it). The model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your needs, as well being a timer shutoff between 1 and 9 hours.
Another alternative for those who don't want to be restricted by the position of the gas patio heater is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and has many features such as a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, but we wouldn't recommend getting it wet, as this could affect the performance and lifespan of the heater.
This portable heater for patios is popular with those who prefer to manage their heating. With a remote, two heat settings and the ability to switch the light on and off from a distance, it's very easy to use. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the device off if it's tilted.
In contrast to a gas patio heater, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they're a great choice for families with pets or children who are not yet old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or areas, since they can quickly heat up an area up to 15 square meters. They are also lightweight and easy-to-move, and some even come with a remote so you can adjust the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and the kids are back to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outside space. Whether you're after a freestanding model or one that's wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to pick from within the electric range.
This popular model is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low operating costs. It can be mounted on the wall or on a pedestal, which makes it suitable for covered porches, gazebos and small gardens in which a freestanding model might seem too large. It comes with an adjustable remote control to regulate the heat. Users say they find it to be a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut the chill, without becoming too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for small spaces, such as garages and covered porches because they don't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters should be installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. They're also less portable as they require access to an electricity outlet. This is particularly crucial if you reside in an area where energy costs are high.
best electric patio heaters fireplacesandstoves of an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one, but there are a lot of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols and you can even find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared system that's affordable to run it's a great choice. It's available in two sizes and offers many options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also rated IP44, which means it can withstand splashes of water and light rain.