The 9 Best Patio Heaters, Tested and Reviewed
There's no better way to celebrate warm weather than with an outdoor hangout. Still, you may find that it's a bit too chilly to host guests outside, especially when the sun goes down. Investing in a quality patio heater ensures that you can enjoy your outdoor space year-round, whether you're having a casual dinner al fresco or entertaining guests on the weekend.
When choosing the perfect patio heater for your space, there are several factors to consider, including size, output, heat type (electric or propane), and of course, safety. To find the best options on the market right now, we tested 18 propane models and 27 electric models in our Des Moines lab. For expert tips, we consulted Jennifer Schallmoser, media relations specialist for the National Safety Council (NSC), and Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
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The sleek tower efficiently heats from all sides and features an automatic tip-over shut-off, propane tank straps, wheels, and a fitted cover.
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You might experience difficulties aligning the screws with the premade holes.
This sleek, propane-powered patio heater performed impressively throughout the three-week testing period. We found the heater’s materials to feel long-lasting and appreciated its classy appearance. It features an automatic tip-over shut-off, propane tank straps, wheels, and a fitted cover.
We were impressed by how easy this heater was to use—simply press the ignition button and flames immediately appear in the innermost contained tube. The tower emits heat from all sides and was most evident at 2 feet away, though we could still feel warmth at 4 feet away. After six months of frequent use, we've observed no changes in quality or appearance. Given its ease of ignition, we think this is a great choice for quick tasks, like when you're grilling and need a few minutes of extra warmth.
While the setup was straightforward overall, we did encounter difficulties aligning the screws with the premade holes. We ended up drilling the holes so the screws could fit and used a step ladder to access the top part of the tower. For those who want an easy setup with no extra tools, opt for another patio heater on our list.
Output: 42,000 BTU | Fuel: Propane | Dimensions: 23 by 23 by 89 inches
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Wade Review / Jennifer May
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It has a high heat output and far reach suitable for large spaces.
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The instructions are difficult to follow, which makes the initial setup challenging.
For those who want to bask outdoors year round, this powerful patio heater from Amazon can transform your outdoor space into a cozy paradise. With an output of 46,000 BTU and a heat field of 9 feet, this pick is well suited to warm a large outdoor patio or deck. In our testing, we were able to read outside on a brisk day without worrying about getting chilly. While we don't anticipate that this basic model will last more than a year or two, even after a few successful uses, we believe it pays for itself.
This patio heater features an automatic tilt shut-off valve, ETL certification, and an easy ignition button. Though it performed well through the three-week testing period, the initial setup process was challenging and took over two hours. We found the instructions to be a bit hard to follow, though once we finished setting the heater up, it started working immediately.
Output: 46,000 BTU | Fuel: Propane | Dimensions: 32.12 by 32.12 by 91.3 inches
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