Best Outdoor Patio Heaters for Cozy Evenings and Extended Seasons

Outdoor patio heaters help extend the time you can comfortably spend outside when the weather turns cold. They come in different styles, like propane, electric, and natural gas models. Each type offers a way to add warmth to patios, decks, or any outdoor space.

Patio heaters work by producing heat that spreads around the seating area. Some use flames, while others rely on electrical elements. Choosing the right heater means considering how much warmth you need, how big your outdoor space is, and how easy the heater is to move and set up.

When buying a patio heater, it’s important to look at fuel type, heating power, safety features, and design. Fuel type affects how long the heater can run and whether you need a gas connection or just a power outlet. Safety features like automatic shut-off can prevent accidents. We tested many models to find the best outdoor patio heaters that balance heat, safety, and ease of use.

Best Outdoor Patio Heaters

We have tested and reviewed a range of outdoor patio heaters to find the most reliable and efficient options. Our list highlights products that offer good heat output, safety, and value for your outdoor space.

1) Amazon Basics Patio Heater

This patio heater is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable warmth outside without fuss.

Pros

• Strong heat output that covers a wide area
• Easy to move thanks to built-in wheels
• Safety features like tilt auto-shutoff and weighted base

Cons

• Assembly can be tricky and time-consuming
• Requires a propane tank, which is not included
• Some instructions lack clear details

We found the Amazon Basics heater puts out good heat quickly, making chilly evenings outside much more comfortable. The wheels help a lot when moving it around the patio, which is great if you want to change its spot.

This heater stands tall and feels sturdy with its powder-coated finish, but assembly took us more time than expected. The manual was missing clear step-by-step instructions, so having extra help or a guide handy is useful.

Overall, it’s a dependable heater for general outdoor use, especially if you like something easy to move and strong enough to warm a decent sized space. Check it out if you want something that works well without too many extras.

2) EAST OAK Patio Heater

We recommend this heater for anyone who wants strong, reliable heat and easy movement on their patio.

Pros

• Powerful heat that covers a wide area
• Durable double-layer stainless steel burner
• Wheels make it easy to move around

Cons

• Not safe to use in rainy weather
• Taller design can make covering tricky
• Ignition button may sometimes fail

Using this heater felt solid from the start. It gave off plenty of warmth that filled the space well, perfect for hanging out on cooler nights. The double-layer burner really seems built to last.

Assembly took about 30 minutes, and we liked how the wheels let us roll it where we needed. The table design on top was handy for placing drinks or snacks while relaxing outside.

We noticed the igniter needed extra attention occasionally. Also, you want to keep it covered and dry when not in use, since it’s not rainproof. Still, the safety features that cut off gas if tipped over gave us peace of mind.

Overall, this heater stands up to use in various outdoor spots and created a cozy atmosphere for our gatherings.

3) Amazon Basics Patio Heater

This heater delivers solid warmth and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for keeping outdoor areas comfortable.

Pros

• Heats well up to 9 feet around
• Easy to move with built-in wheels
• Simple one-button ignition

Cons

• Assembly can take some time
• Propane tank not included
• Some parts and instructions could be clearer

We found this heater gives good heat quickly without much fuss once it’s up and running. The wheels work great for moving it around, which helps when you want to change your outdoor setup. The one-touch ignition is convenient and works well most of the time.

It took a bit of patience to put together, especially if you are doing it alone. The instructions could be clearer, and you might want a second set of hands. Having your own propane tank ready is important since it doesn’t come with one.

The design feels sturdy with a nice powder coating that stands up to outdoor use. Safety features like the tilt shutoff and weighted base add peace of mind. Overall, it performs consistently and looks good on a patio or deck.

4) EAST OAK Pyramid Patio Heater

We find this heater a reliable way to keep outdoor spaces warm and cozy for longer seasons.

Pros

• Heats up quickly and stays warm for a good area
• Durable stainless steel and aluminum hold up well outside
• Easy to start with a single button and offers good temperature control

Cons

• Not safe to use in rain without cover
• Needs clearance around it to avoid heat damage to items nearby
• Somewhat heavy and bulky to move despite having wheels

The EAST OAK Pyramid has a unique shape that looks great on our patio. The flame glows nicely inside its glass tube, adding a relaxing ambiance to the yard. We noticed the heat spreads well sideways, which helps warm up seating areas fast.

Assembly was straightforward with clear instructions. It took us less than an hour to get it ready and running. The safety features, like automatic shutoff if tipped, give us peace of mind when using it around kids and pets.

It’s best to keep it covered during rain and not store items too close. Overall, this heater balances style, power, and safe use in a way that’s hard to beat for backyard heating needs.

5) Nfccra Infrared Tower Heater

This heater is a solid choice when you need quick, quiet warmth that works well inside or outside without wasting much energy.

Pros

• Heats up instantly and gives off a natural, sun-like warmth
• Safe to use with tip-over and overheat protections built in
• Weatherproof design handles outdoor use without issues

Cons

• The heater is tall and slim, which means it might tip if bumped hard
• Heat settings are limited to three, which may not fit all preferences
• Power cord length could be longer for more placement flexibility

We found the Nfccra heater heats very fast — you feel the warmth the moment you turn it on. The heat feels smooth and natural, not too dry or noisy. This made evenings on our patio more comfortable without having to bundle up.

It works well in different spots around the house, too. The IPX5 rating means it can handle rain and humidity without risk. We moved it between the garage and outdoor deck without worry about damage.

The safety features gave us peace of mind, especially the automatic shut-off if the unit tips over. It’s light enough to carry but built sturdy. Running costs are low compared to propane heaters, which is a nice bonus. Overall, this heater delivers reliable warmth wherever you need it.

Buying Guide

When we shop for an outdoor patio heater, we focus on the size of the area we want to heat. Larger spaces need more powerful heaters or multiple units. Small heaters work well for close, personal warmth.

Fuel type is important too. We usually choose between propane, natural gas, electric, or wood-burning heaters. Each has pros and cons, like cost, ease of use, and availability.

Safety features matter. Look for heaters with stable bases, tip-over switches, and protective screens around the flame. These keep us safe while using the heater outdoors.

We also consider how easy the heater is to move and store. Some units are lightweight or have wheels, which helps when we want to rearrange our outdoor space.

The heating range is another key point. It tells us how far the warmth will reach. We pick a heater with a range that fits our space so no one feels cold.

Here is a quick table to compare key features:

Feature	What to Look For
Fuel Type	Propane, natural gas, electric, or wood
Heating Power	Enough for the size of your patio
Safety	Stable base, tip-over switch, flame guard
Portability	Wheels or lightweight design
Heating Range	Suitable for your outdoor area size

By checking these points, we can find a heater that fits our needs and keeps our patio warm efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to heat an outdoor patio?

Use radiant (infrared) heaters aimed at seating areas, add windbreaks (screens or shrubs), use multiple smaller heaters rather than one huge one, and position heaters overhead or slightly behind seating for even warmth.

How many square feet will a 1500 watt infrared heater heat?

Approximate coverage varies with wind and layout, but expect roughly 20–60 sq ft of comfortable, targeted radiant warmth outdoors. (Less if it’s windy or you need whole-area heating; more if sheltered.)

How much does it cost to run a 2000 watt heater for 24 hours?

A 2000 W heater = 2 kW. Running 24 hours uses 48 kWh.
Cost = 48 kWh × your electricity rate. Example: at $0.15/kWh → $7.20; at $0.30/kWh → $14.40.

Do patio heaters use a lot of electricity?

They can — typical electric patio heaters run 1000–3000 W, so they use as much power as other high-draw appliances. Running them for long periods adds up, but short, targeted use (or radiant heaters) is more efficient.

Which is better, an electric heater or an infrared heater?

They serve different needs: infrared (radiant) heaters warm people and surfaces directly and are generally more efficient for outdoor patios; electric (convective) heaters warm the air and work better in enclosed spaces. For most outdoor patios, choose infrared.