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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
When the weather turns chilly, a patio heater is a quick and easy way to create the ambiance of a fire without the hassle of actually starting one. They make it possible to keep an outdoor party going without sacrificing comfort or warmth. These days, homeowners are "using their outdoor spaces more and extend usage earlier in the spring and later in the fall," says design expert Tim Bakke.
To help you find the best patio heaters, we tested a variety of electric and propane options at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as in our own backyards. We evaluated them based on heating performance, safety features, value, setup, and ease of use. We also timed how long it took to put together, measured how far the heat was felt, and recorded the effects on our body temperature. After our lab tests, we continued testing 8 models in our homes across the country for two months to evaluate their long-term durability and performance.
Best Overall
AZ Patio Heaters Outdoor Patio Heater With Table
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Home De Pot
Built-in wheels
Easy assembly
Features a table
No cover included
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
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Budget
Hanover 800-Watt Electric Patio Heater
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The Home Depot
Simple to set up and use
IP rating of 65
360 degree heat distribution
Needs an elevated location
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
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Tabletop
Star Patio Electric Tabletop Patio Heater
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Amazon
Simple to turn on/off
Heats up quickly
Withstands moderate breeze
Only one heat setting
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
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Best Splurge
Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater
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Frontgate
Portable and easy to move
Simple to operate
Heats reasonably well in the cold
Stylish-looking
Lacks auto shutoff
Lacks included cover
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
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The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa
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The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa
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The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa
Best Pyramid
Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
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Amazon
Sleek Design
Doesn't budge easily
Heat is felt pretty far
Difficult to assemble
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
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The Spruce / Cecilia Delapaz
Best Portable
Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater
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Amazon
Portable design
Auto-shut off feature
Easy to assemble
Heat is not as strong
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
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Wayfair
Heats quickly
Remote control
3 heat settings
Stylish
Confusing assembly
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
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best for Large Groups
Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
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Amazon
Plenty of heat
Built-in wheels
High-quality materials
Tip-over shutoff
Price depends on color
The Amazon Basics 46,000-BTU patio heater is an affordable option that can effectively heat up a large outdoor space. While testing, we also appreciated its durable, powder-coated design. However, before we were able to put the unit to the test, we experienced some difficulty during the setup process. The top piece arrived damaged and required hammering to fit in place, and the included wrench did not fit the screws for the propane tank mechanism. The instructions were also difficult to follow because they included typos and grainy images.
Although there were some initial challenges, once set up, the heater functioned efficiently and was simple to get to work. During our tests, we were able to feel the heater's warmth from as far away as nine feet on a day with temperatures as low as 51 degrees and 11 miles-per-hour winds. Unlike the other units we tested, the heater's on/off instructions were clearly printed on the device, making it very convenient. We also appreciated the automatic shutoff, which we felt added a significant layer of security.
This is a propane heater, so you must purchase separate propane to use. Fortunately, propane is sold in most hardware stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Just keep in mind it adds to the overall cost.
Price at time of publish: $132
Dimensions: 33 x 18 x 89 inches | Material: Aluminum, plastic, steel | BTU: 46,000 | Heat Range Diameter: 9 feet
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The Spruce / Rachel Christensen
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The Spruce / Rachel Christensen
Compare
Overall Rating | Setup | Heating Performance | Ease of Use | Safety | Value | ||
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Best Overall:
AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater With Table
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Home Depot | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
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Best Budget:
Hanover 800-Watt Electric Patio Heater
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Home Depot | 5 | 3.8 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | |
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Best Tabletop:
Star Patio Electric Patio Heater
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Amazon | 5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | |
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Best Splurge:
Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater
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Frontgate | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | |
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Best Pyramid:
Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
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Amazon | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | |
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Best Portable:
Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater
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Amazon | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4.3 | 4 | |
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Best Electric:
EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater
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Amazon | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
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Best for Large Groups:
Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater
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Amazon | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Our top pick is the AZ Patio Heaters Propane Patio Heater, one of the most durable options with a high heat output. This heater also comes with a built-in table for added style and comfort. For a budget-friendly alternative, we recommend the Hanover 800-watt Electric Patio Heater for its ease of assembly, simplicity, and 360-degree heat distribution.
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
How We Tested the Patio Heaters
After researching the top electric and propane options on the market, we tested 44 patio heaters and put them to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and in our own homes for a three-week period. First, we unpacked and assembled each patio heater, noting how long it took, what tools were required, and how clear the instructions were. After making sure we understood the instructions, plugged the patio heater in, or added fuel, we tested it while taking note of the temperature and speed of the wind outside.
Each patio heater's heating performance, safety features, and ease of use were analyzed, including how simple it was to activate the heater (pull the plug or push a button), how far the heat spread, and how topple-prone the unit was. The final test involved giving the heater a light push and seeing if it would remain upright or topple over.
When testing the electric heaters, we sat three feet away and took our baseline body temperature using an infrared thermometer. Then, to see how much of an impact the different heat settings had on our core body temperature, we left the heater running for five minutes at each setting and recorded the change. Finally, we assessed the patio heater's value by comparing the retail price with its overall quality. We analyzed each product's scores and insights, as well as our additional research, to create this list of the best patio heaters. At the end of our lab testing, we used the 8 electric heaters in our homes across the country to evaluate their performance over time.
What to Look For in a Patio Heater
Power Source
Patio heaters are available in three varieties: electric, propane, and natural gas. Electric heaters are generally the easiest to install, but they may not produce as much heat as propane or natural gas heaters. Propane heaters, on the other hand, are versatile and simple to connect to a 20-pound tank. However, natural gas heaters typically call for the installation of a dedicated gas line, which can rack up significant costs.
Range
Most patio heaters provide heat in a space around 9 feet in diameter. As expected, smaller units don’t reach as far, while large units can reach farther. Consider the size and layout of the space you want to heat. If your landscape includes something close to a wall, a wall-mounted or directional unit might be best. Consider a tabletop option like the Star Patio Electric Patio Heater for a small seating area. It's compact and can easily be placed on any elevated surface for more concentrated heat on the upper body.
Heat Output
The actual heat of the patio heater is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). The higher the number, the more heat the unit gives off. A good patio heater can typically produce a maximum of 30,000-50,000 BTU per hour. Our splurge pick, the Frontgate Patio Heater, may be more expensive than some, but its 48,000 BTU output makes it well worth the cost for a warm and inviting outdoor space. Propane and natural gas heaters tend to give off more heat but may not last as long as their electric-powered counterparts.
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The Spruce / Henry Wortock
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Are patio heaters safe on decks?
The base of a freestanding patio heater shouldn’t get hot, so most patio heaters are safe to use on wooden decks (as long as they aren't left unattended). Always double-check the instruction manual to be sure.
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How do I choose the right patio heater fuel source?
There are three common fuel sources for patio heaters: liquid propane, natural gas, and electricity. To figure out which is right for you, think about what’s most readily available, convenient, and affordable.
- Propane: Many heaters are powered by 20-pound liquid propane tanks. The fuel is quite affordable, but you have to refill your tank, which typically entails taking a trip to a local convenience store, gas station, or home improvement store.
- Natural gas: This is another option, but it's only practical if you already have a natural gas line installed in your home. Even if so, you may require additional lines, which a professional should do and which can be costly. Also, adding another appliance to your gas line can add to your utility bill.
- Electric: Generally, these are the most convenient patio heater models. Most simply plug into standard 120-volt outlets, although some may require adding a dedicated line to your hardwiring. Also, frequent use of an electric patio heater may increase your electric bill.
- Propane: Many heaters are powered by 20-pound liquid propane tanks. The fuel is quite affordable, but you have to refill your tank, which typically entails taking a trip to a local convenience store, gas station, or home improvement store.
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Which patio heaters give off the most heat?
Propane and natural gas-fueled patio heaters give off much more heat than electric models. The amount of heat produced by propane and natural gas heaters is around 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs per hour, while electric patio heaters give off around 5,200 BTUs per hour.
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Can a patio heater be used in an enclosed area?
Only electric patio heaters are suitable for use in an enclosed area. Propane and natural gas heaters require proper ventilation to operate safely and should not be used in an enclosed area.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Daniela Galvez is a Senior Editor for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement, gardening, and lifestyle. For this roundup, she researched different patio heaters and used our test results to compile this list. She also considered the best use for each patio heater based on tester feedback and experience.
What is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.