The 8 Best Patio Heaters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

AZ Patio Heaters Outdoor Patio Heater With Table

4.6

View On Home Depot View On Walmart View On Azpatioheaters.com

Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Heating Performance
  3/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

If you're in need of an aesthetically pleasing heat source for your outdoor space, we recommend the AZ Propane Patio Heater, the top patio heater we tested. Unlike regular units that simply provide warmth for your surroundings, this one also doubles as a table for your drinks. We also appreciated the easy assembly process: The clear labels and pictures made it simple to follow along, and we were able to put it together in just one hour. The propane tank's installation was also incredibly straightforward, and turning it on was a breeze.

Once assembled, we put the heater through its paces on a 41-degree day with 10-mile-per-hour winds, and it heated up without any trouble. When turned on, the heat is supposed to expand 10 to 12 feet, but in the conditions under which we conducted the tests, the heat was only detectable up to a distance of about 7 feet at the highest setting (which was still impressive). When set to the lowest setting, the maximum distance we were able to stand away and still feel the heat was about 3 feet.

The portability of this patio heater is a major plus. The wheels allowed for effortless transport on hard surfaces, grass, and even over a set of four-inch stairs. The heater is quite high, but the flames seemed contained and remained steady even while placing drinks on the table. Plus, the fact that you can feel the warmth from all sides was an added bonus. Whether you're having a small get-together or a romantic dinner for two, this heater is sure to make your outdoor experience that much more enjoyable. So cozy up to your friends and let the heater's warmth do the rest.

Price at time of publish: $182

_{Dimensions: 87 x 17 x 17 inches | Material: Steel | BTU: 48,000 | Heat Range Diameter: 10-12 feet}

Best Budget

Hanover 800-Watt Electric Patio Heater

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  3.8/5
• Safety
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Setup
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5

You don’t need an expensive patio heater to keep your surroundings warm. This Hanover outdoor heater packs a lot of heat into a small package, costing a fraction of the price of comparable models. We should point out that all outdoor heaters, including this one, work best in temperatures no lower than the mid-40s. We faced unseasonably cold weather and a slight breeze during our outdoor test—it took a minute and a half to feel any warmth, but once it kicked in, it effectively warmed anyone sitting nearby. However, the heat only reached a distance of about 3 feet, which was less than the advertised range of 44 square feet. We also found that the slightest breeze prevented us from feeling any heat from the heater.

We acknowledge that the weather conditions may have impacted the unit's effectiveness. However, we loved how easy it was to move the heater around. We also still recommend this product for its ease of assembly (which took only six minutes from out of the box to operation), simplicity (a single on-off toggle switch and one heat setting), its IP rating of 65 (meaning it's considered dust-tight and reasonably protected against water), and most of all, its 360-degree heat distribution, which effectively warmed folks sitting a short distance away from the unit.  Because of its small stature of 24 inches, this heater works best when placed at waist height on an elevated surface such as a patio table.

All things considered, we believe that this electric infrared heater is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an affordable outdoor heating solution.

How It Performed Long-Term

We've been using the electric heater for the past two months, and our findings from the first round of testing still hold: it's not very effective at warming a large area unless you're in close proximity. In response, we've used the heater under the outdoor table, and up to five people are able to feel the warmth. Despite its heating limitation, we find that it is proportionate to its size. For the price, it's still a decent option for heating an outdoor space with minimal fuss.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 8 x 24 x 8 inches | Material: Aluminum housing with 304 stainless steel mesh | BTU: 2,729 | Heat Range Diameter: 44 square feet}

Best Tabletop

Star Patio Electric Tabletop Patio Heater

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  3.5/5
• Safety
  4/5
• Value
  4/5
• Setup
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5

Want to heat things up at your next outdoor party without having to deal with push-start buttons? The Star Patio Electric Tabletop Heater is the way to go! The infrared device has a single power setting of 1,500 watts, which the manufacturer claims produce 5,100 BTUs, enough to heat a space measuring 12 square feet. Don't bother looking for buttons. Simply give the included pull string a fast tug, and you're ready to stay warm. It's worth noting that we did find the length of the string a bit excessive, but other than that, it was easy to use.

We decided to put the electric heater to the test on a chilly 35-degree morning outside of our Des Moines lab. Armed with an infrared thermometer, we took some readings and were blown away by the results. This tiny heater gave us a toasty boost by raising our surface body temperatures by nearly 2 degrees in just five minutes of use. Even though it's relatively compact, we could feel the heat from as far as 18 inches.

The unit is tall enough to provide adequate heating and stable enough to withstand moderate wind gusts without toppling over. However, we discovered that a significant table bump could cause it to topple. Fortunately, this heater has a handy shut-off feature for such situations.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to enjoy the warm heat emanating from this trusty little heater. Just be ready for it to smell a little strange when you turn it on for the first time. 

How It Performed Long-Term

After a few months of using this electric heater in one of our homes, we've noticed that its heat output is less effective on windy days. When used in an enclosed patio, however, the heat was felt from a distance of about 4 feet. Despite the heater's output issues, we appreciate its simplicity. It can be easily activated with a simple pull of the cord since no settings or remotes are available on this particular model. Another great feature of this heater is that it operates quietly.

Price at time of publish: $170

_{Dimensions: 16.9 x 16.9 x 26.5 inches | Material: Not listed | BTU: 5,100 | Heat Range Diameter: 12 square feet}

Best Splurge

Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater

4.7

View On Frontgate

Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Heating Performance
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Safety
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

If you’re willing to spend a little extra for a versatile and stylish patio heater that can be used beyond just a patio setting, look no further than this one from Frontgate. Despite its height of nearly 7.5 feet, we found it easy to move around from spot to spot thanks to its wheels and sturdy construction. In fact, only one person was needed to move the heater from the back patio to the driveway. Additionally, since most of the weight is on the bottom, it would take a lot to tip it over, so we are confident that a wind gust won't be a problem.

Even though it was cold when we tested the heater, it kept us warm quickly. We had no problems with the heater's performance even when the temperature dropped to 31 degrees, despite the manual's warning that its efficiency decreased below 40 degrees. After heating up for a few minutes, it produced a considerable amount of heat in all directions. We found that the "sweet spot' appeared to be about 2 feet from the heater, with 4 feet and 3 inches being the farthest we felt the heat. But again, this was on a night when the temperature was well below the recommended low range.

The Frontgate is an elegant product with controls with a solid feel. There was nothing flimsy about this unit. The assembly was easy and took less than an hour. The most time-consuming part was removing the plastic seal from the metal shield. We didn't have to go digging around for tools because they were all included in the box.

While most of the patio heaters we tested had safety features like an automatic shutoff built in, this one did not. There is also no cover, which is recommended to protect it from the elements and will add to the already expensive cost. However, we recommend the Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater as a versatile product to suit your outdoor gatherings, wherever you decide to locate it.

Price at time of publish: $499

_{Dimensions: 89 x 33 x 18 inches | Material: Not. listed | BTU: 46,000 | Heat Range Diameter: Not listed}

Best Pyramid

Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Setup
  3/5
• Heating Performance
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Safety
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

If you’re looking for a patio heater that won’t ruin the aesthetic of your outdoor space, check out the Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Heater. For less than $300, you can get an efficient yet stylish heater that will make those late-night outdoor gatherings very cozy. We do have to warn you that setting it up was a bit of a challenge. While the tower arrived neatly arranged in the box with tools and screws in a separate container, the instructions were more illustrations than words. Because the illustrations lacked in detail, assembling the heater took much longer than expected, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, once assembled, the heater element worked flawlessly.

When the Thermo Tiki heater was turned all the way, it provided a six-foot radius of warmth—beyond that distance, it was less effective. However, we think the Thermo Tiki heater is surprisingly powerful for such a slender tower. It's also worth noting that because of the tower's tall, narrow design, the heat was concentrated at face height when we were seated at a table, causing a noticeable difference in warmth between our upper and lower bodies.

The Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Heater has a pyramidal shape that is remarkably sturdy and won't budge if bumped. The heater's strap for securing the propane tank gives users peace of mind even though it lacks gas leak sensors. Overall, this patio heater is an excellent choice for those in search of a stylish and efficient outdoor heating solution.

Price at time of publish: $281

_{Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 90 inches | Material: Steel, aluminum | BTU: 38,000 | Heat Range Diameter: 15 feet}

Best Portable

Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater

4.2

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

• Setup
  5/5
• Heating Performance
  4/5
• Ease of Use
  3/5
• Safety
  4.3/5
• Value
  4/5

After testing the BALI OUTDOORS Patio Heater, we found it to be a great portable propane option for those looking to add some warmth to a small outdoor space. One of the standout features of this heater is its auto shut-off feature, which activates if the device tips over. While we didn't intentionally knock it over, we appreciated the added safety measure and see how it could be especially helpful in smaller patios.

Putting the heater together was a breeze. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and all of the parts were packaged together for a smooth installation process. Once assembled, we found the heater easy to use, with heat settings that can be adjusted once you know how to turn it on. To use, simply turn the knob until you hear a click, and the heater light will turn on.

That being said, we did find that the amount of heat this device puts off is minimal. It's enough to keep you warm on a chilly fall or spring night, but it's definitely not suitable for snowy winters on the patio. When sitting within 2 feet of the heater and facing it directly, we did feel some warmth, but the heat quickly dissipated beyond that. However, because it only weighs 14 pounds, you can easily move it around your backyard to keep it close to where you are sitting or bring it with you on a camping trip. 

At its price point, this patio heater is what you would expect from a small tabletop unit. It's not a powerful heater by any means, but it can be useful for those who enjoy spending time outdoors in a small setting.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 34 inches | Material: Not listed | BTU: 10,000 | Heat Range Diameter: Not listed}

Best Electric

EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater

4.3

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Our Ratings

• Heating Performance
  4/5
• Safety
  4/5
• Value
  2/5
• Setup
  4/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5

If you're looking for a quick way to warm up guests on your patio or deck during chilly weather without the use of propane, we recommend this electric heater. During our testing, we used this model on its lowest setting and observed an impressive rise in surface body temperature from 65.7 to 92.7 degrees. The tower is over 50 inches tall, so it can warm a person from the ground up even if they are sitting down, unlike the tabletop heater we tested. Plus, we were able to feel a decent amount of heat while sitting 32 inches away from the unit.

Thanks to its simple two-button remote, we also liked that we didn't have to get up from our comfy patio or deck seats to turn it on. (The ON button activates the 500-watt low setting; a second click toggles the heat to the medium 1,000-watt setting; and a third click throttles the heat to the 1,500-watt high; the OFF button turns the system off.) However, it would have been nice if the device had a remote-specific storage area or a clip for attaching the remote. Although there is a shelf for the remote, it can easily be knocked off.

Despite weighing 18 pounds, the device shouldn't tip over in light to medium breezes. The assembly process, which involved putting together the base and threading the power cord through the shaft, took us approximately 23 minutes. All the necessary hardware, including screws, washers, and an Allen key, is included, but a Phillips screwdriver is not. Although the assembly was not difficult, the diagrams were not foolproof, and we assembled the unit backward. All in all, it's a great electric heater for intimate gatherings with your closest pals. Although it may not warm up a large crowd, it gets the job done for those sitting within a few feet of it.

How It Performed Long-Term

After two months of regular use, we're still impressed with its heat output, particularly when sitting near it. We found that sitting about 2 1/2 feet away on low to medium settings was the most comfortable. However, at a distance of about 4 feet or more, we had to switch to the max setting to feel a noticeable and sustained level of heat. While we still wouldn’t recommend the heater for a large gathering, we think it works best for a small to medium patio with up to 4 people.

Price at time of publish: $299

_{Dimensions: 51.5 x 11 x 11 inches | Material: Aluminum | BTU: 5,100 | Heat Range Diameter: 10 feet}