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 about the garden.
Gas patio heaters can pump out lots of warmth over a larger area, but it will require a regular refill of natural gas or propane. It's an excellent choice for large gardens that have lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. These are cheaper than gas-powered models and, in the event you pick wisely, have lower running costs too. You don't need to replenish a tank of propane, and there's no assembly required.
The most effective ones have a remote control to make operation easy and an LED light built in to create ambiance. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It uses a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave energy over a table sized area. It has easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is another excellent alternative. It uses an aluminum reflector to direct the beams of heat on your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a soft, clean glow. However the Herschel is sleeker and is more suited for modern-day garden spaces or if you're looking to integrate it with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated with home automation systems that allow you to select your preferred temperature and brightness. This could help you save money over time.
It is important to know that infrared heaters are efficient but only heat objects and people in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. Also, it will not heat your patio or garden when the winds blow the heater around.
On the other side, gas heaters can provide warmth to a greater area if they aren't moved and are fitted with a wind shield to keep them in position. They're usually located in pub gardens. They provide a cozy 'burning log' effect that is attractive in a variety of decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce lots of noise and smog when the flame burns. Electric heaters are less environmentally friendly than propane, and requires refilling after running out. You should also remember that a gas-powered heater produces greater heat than an electric model, and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As the summer winds down and evenings turn colder, it might be the time to purchase an outdoor heater that will keep you outdoors longer. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on whether you want electric or gas, from small tabletop models to large floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase, but they can also be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of energy they use and the heat they generate". A typical cylinder of calor gas is priced at PS90 new or PS50 to refill and lasts approximately 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and human. This means that they are much 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 model to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that allows you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used in an open or closed space. They are also smaller than gas models and they can be easily moved. This is great when you have to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they require to be plugged in and you'll need an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead certified to work with outdoor equipment. To comply with safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an extension lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be careful not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but don't want to be limited by its location or to reduce your costs. These heaters for patios are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be operated by a switch or remote. They're also cheaper to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is nice-looking choice that won't look out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating protects it from dust from the wind and rain (although we wouldn't recommend using a high-pressure hose on it). This model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, as well as an automatic timer that ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
Another option for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the position of a gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. This is available in two sizes and boasts many features, including remote control and a timer shut-off function and 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to give you peace of mind. But, we don't recommend that you let it get wet for too often as this can impact the performance and longevity of the heater.
This portable patio heater is a favorite among those who prefer to control their heating. It's easy to use with an adjustable remote, two heating settings, and the ability turn on and off the light from an extended distance. la hacienda electric patio heater comes with an integrated safety feature that turns off the unit when it's knocked over.
Unlike a gas patio heater electric models don't release any carbon monoxide, so they're a great choice for families with pets or small children who aren't old enough to recognize the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for gazebos and large outdoor spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15m2. They're very lightweight and easy to move around and many come with the option of a remote so that you can adjust settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When summer is over and the kids are back at school it's time to consider adding some warmth to your outside space. If you're looking for a stand-alone model or one that can be wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to pick from within the electric range.
This popular option offers the advantages of a gas heater along with low running costs. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a pedestal, which makes it perfect for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens where a freestanding unit might seem too large. It has a remote control to adjust the heat. Users describe it as being a Goldilocks choice, because it's just warm enough to decrease the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for confined spaces such as covered porches or garages, because they don't emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on contrary, must be placed in an open area with adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. They're also more difficult to transport as they require access to an electrical outlet. This is especially important if you reside in an region where energy costs are high.
Electric heaters aren't as powerful as gas heaters however, there are plenty of choices in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be attached to parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a great option. It comes in two sizes and comes with a variety of features, including 360deg rotation and simple heat settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it is able to withstand light rain and splashes of liquid.