The 9 Best Patio Heaters for Year-Round Patio Enjoyment

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If you want to enjoy your outdoor space year-round, adding a heat source is a smart move for those cooler afternoons or evenings.

While many people opt for a fire pit, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Outdoor heaters offer a great alternative for staying warm without the hassle of starting a fire or dealing with smoke and ash. A patio heater keeps you cozy without taking over your outdoor area or requiring constant maintenance.

To make your search easier, Nomanzy has compiled a list of the best outdoor heaters of the year.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall:
  Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater at Wayfair $290
• Best Propane:
  Hampton Bay Patio Heater at Amazon $187
• Best Electric:
  EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater at Amazon $208
• Best Value:
  Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater at Amazon $141
• Best Oscillating:
  Westinghouse Infrared 5100 Electric Patio Heater at Walmart $169
• Best Tabletop:
  Star Patio Electric Patio Heater at Amazon $140
• Best Wall-Mounted:
  Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater at Amazon $126
• Best with Table:
  EnerG+ Electric Tabletop Patio Heater at Amazon $240
• Best Hanging:
  EnerG+ Hanging Electric Outdoor Heater at Walmart $152

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Best Overall

Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater

If you’re looking for a stylish and reliable way to keep your outdoor space warm, this patio heater is a great choice. It’s tall and sleek, and it radiates heat from all sides, making it perfect for cozy gatherings on your patio or backyard. With just the push of a button, you’ll get instant warmth—no fussing around. The heat is strongest when you’re about 2 feet away, but it’s still noticeable even at 4 feet, so it can keep everyone comfortable.

After using it for six months, there’s been no decline in quality or appearance, which is impressive. The setup is fairly straightforward, though aligning the screws with the pre-made holes can be a bit tricky. You might need a drill for that, but once it’s set up, it’s smooth sailing. It also comes with some handy features, like an automatic shut-off if it tips over, straps to secure the propane tank, wheels to easily move it around, and a fitted cover for protection when it’s not in use.

Best Propane

Hampton Bay Patio Heater

This propane patio heater offers a great balance of power and ease of use. It heats up fast, and you can feel the warmth from as far as 8 feet away, making it ideal for gatherings around your patio table. One of its standout features is how simple it is to set up, although removing the protective film on the stainless steel parts can be a bit tricky. It also has built-in safety features, so if it accidentally tips over, it shuts off immediately.

We love how easy it is to move around thanks to the wheels, and even on windy days, the design keeps the heat flowing smoothly. It’s efficient with fuel and offers reliable warmth when you need it most. However, just be cautious when unpacking the fuel line—cutting the zip tie too quickly might cause a puncture.

Best Electric

EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater

Tired of running out for propane on a cold evening? This electric patio heater could be a game-changer. It offers three heat settings—low, medium, and max—so you can easily adjust the warmth to your liking. We found it heated up quickly, raising our body temperature by 27°F during testing, which is pretty impressive for an electric model. Although the heating range is a bit limited to just under 3 feet, it still manages to warm up a small group quite comfortably, especially for those sitting together.

This heater is also lightweight and easy to move around, so you can reposition it without much hassle. Safety-wise, it performed well in our tip-over tests, and no external parts became dangerously hot, which is a relief if you have pets or kids running around. With its tall design, it provides nice head-to-toe warmth while seated. The added bonus? You can control it from a distance with a remote. It might cost a bit more, but for frequent outdoor gatherings, it’s a solid investment.

Best Value

Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater

If you’re looking to enjoy your patio year-round, this powerful propane heater can help turn your outdoor space into a cozy retreat. With a heat output of 46,000 BTU and a range that extends up to 9 feet, it’s perfect for warming larger areas like patios or decks. We tested it on a cool day, and it provided enough heat for us to comfortably read outdoors without feeling the chill. While it may not have a long lifespan—possibly a year or two—it’s still a great value, paying for itself with just a few uses.

Safety is a priority with this heater, featuring an automatic shut-off if it tips over and an easy ignition button to get things started quickly. However, we found the assembly process to be a bit frustrating. The instructions were tricky to follow, and setup took over two hours. But once it was up and running, it worked flawlessly.

Best Oscillating

Westinghouse Infrared 5100 Electric Patio Heater

When you want to keep everyone warm in an even way, an oscillating heater can be a game-changer. This model is designed to move from side to side, spreading heat evenly across your outdoor space. We tested it and found that it raises body temperature quickly—by nearly 7°F on the highest setting. It’s a great choice for smaller gatherings where people are sitting close to the heater, as it effectively warms up an area up to 3 feet away.

Setting it up is a breeze, with the heater simply clipping into place at the base. We also loved that it comes with a built-in remote and a convenient holder, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing it. Though the buttons are easy to press, they can be a bit hard to see if you’re seated. During our stability test, the heater barely budged, showing that it’s a solid and stable choice for your patio.

Best Tabletop

Star Patio Electric Patio Heater

A tabletop heater can be the perfect companion when you want to keep warm while dining outdoors. This electric heater does the job well, providing a noticeable warmth despite its compact size. We tested it on a chilly morning, and in just five minutes, our body temperatures rose by nearly 2°F, making us feel cozy. Even though it only has one heat setting, the warmth was felt up to 4 feet away when used in an enclosed space. It’s incredibly easy to use, thanks to a pull cord that powers it on, eliminating the need for buttons or switches.

The heater’s height is ideal for tabletop use, and it’s sturdy enough to withstand moderate wind without tipping. However, we did notice that it can topple if bumped too hard, but thankfully, it has an automatic shutoff feature for safety.

Best Wall-Mounted

Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

When safety is a top priority, a wall-mounted heater can be a smart choice. This model keeps heat away from your pets or children while still warming up your outdoor space efficiently. We tested it on a patio, and its infrared heating was noticeable within minutes, even on the lowest setting. Once mounted securely, the heater’s range extends up to 10 feet, making it great for outdoor gatherings. The included remote control makes it easy to adjust heat levels without getting up. Installation may be tricky on stone or brick walls, but its performance and sturdy design make it worth the effort.

The heater’s durable aluminum frame and waterproof design ensure it can handle tough weather conditions. For added flexibility, you can use a tripod instead of wall mounting, making it more portable. Whether mounted or on a stand, this unit promises consistent, safe heat for your patio.

Best with Table

EnerG+ Electric Tabletop Patio Heater

If you’re looking for a patio heater that does double duty, this electric tabletop heater is a great option. It not only keeps you warm but also serves as a stylish and stable side table. We tested this model on a small patio and loved how it provided warmth to our legs while offering a convenient spot for drinks. The heat isn’t super powerful, so you’ll need to sit close to feel the warmth, but the design is perfect for small gatherings. The table’s sturdy construction ensures it won’t tip over easily, even with a few bumps. Its soft, velvet-like material around the heating unit also adds an extra safety layer, keeping it cool to the touch.

The heater’s compact size makes it a good fit for cozy outdoor spaces, and while the heat output is moderate, it adds just the right amount of warmth for casual outdoor lounging.

Best Hanging

EnerG+ Hanging Electric Outdoor Heater

On chilly evenings, having a hanging heater in your outdoor space can make all the difference. This electric hanging heater offers both warmth and a touch of ambiance with its built-in LED light. We installed it under a gazebo using the included chain and hook in just a few minutes. With the remote control, adjusting between heat settings was easy without needing to leave our seats. Within two minutes, the heater had warmed up the area beneath us, reaching a comfortable temperature that could be felt up to 10 feet away. While we enjoyed the LED lights, we would have liked more options to adjust their brightness. The weatherproof design makes it a great fit for damp environments, so no worries if it rains.

This hanging heater evenly distributes warmth in all directions, making it ideal for covered patios, pergolas, or gazebos.

How We Tested the Patio Heaters

We set up each patio heater in real outdoor conditions to see how well they perform. Our team used them in various weather, like chilly mornings and windy evenings, to see how fast they heat up and how far the warmth reaches. We paid attention to how easy they were to use, including the setup process and controls. For safety, we tested how stable they were and whether they had safety features like automatic shut-off if tipped over. We also used infrared thermometers to measure heat output and compared it across different models. Finally, we tested their durability by leaving them outside for extended periods to see how they handle outdoor elements.

What to Look for in a Patio Heater

When choosing a patio heater, think about how much space you need to heat. Larger areas might need a more powerful heater with a wider range, while smaller spaces can get by with a compact model. Safety features are also important, especially if you have kids or pets. Look for heaters with automatic shut-off if they get knocked over. Ease of use is another key factor—remote controls or simple switches make a big difference. If you plan to leave the heater outdoors, make sure it’s weatherproof so it can handle rain or wind. Lastly, consider the heater’s fuel type (electric, propane, or natural gas) based on what’s convenient for your space.

FAQs

How much space can a patio heater warm up?
It depends on the heater. Most patio heaters can cover about 10 to 12 feet, but larger models can heat up to 20 feet.

Can I use a patio heater on a covered porch?
Yes, but make sure there’s enough ventilation. Some heaters are specifically designed for covered areas, like electric or infrared models.

Do patio heaters work in the wind?
Some heaters are designed to withstand wind, but strong gusts might reduce their effectiveness. Heaters with wind-resistant designs tend to perform better in breezy conditions.

Are patio heaters safe for kids and pets?
Many heaters come with safety features like automatic shut-off when tipped over, but it’s always a good idea to supervise when kids or pets are around.

How do I clean and maintain my patio heater?
Regularly check for dust and dirt on the heater. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and make sure the fuel connections or electrical parts are in good condition. For gas heaters, ensure the propane tank is stored safely.