Patio heaters are used throughout the entire year, in contrast to air conditioners, which are often used in the summer. Yes, although the use of patio heaters will likely peak in the winter, evenings in the spring and summer offer cooler temperatures and brisk winds. We asked Joseph Boodanian, the director of HVAC training at UEI College, which has been a leader in training top HVAC technicians for more than 40 years, to help us make sense of the confusing world of patio heaters. Here is everything you need to know about patio heaters, from the many varieties to the finest ones to buy.
The lockdowns led us to reevaluate our backyards and patios in an effort to make them more habitable, especially in the cooler weather. Many people have never desired to be outside as much as they have in the previous year. You may decide to continue enjoying your outdoor area even when the days and nights get colder by choosing to invest in one of these top patio heaters of 2022.
12 Best Patio Heater for Outdoor Entertaining 2022
You should take a few factors into account while choosing an outdoor gas heater. You’ll see my top recommendations for the year once I’ve shown you what’s most crucial. Even when it’s freezing outside, a high-quality national patio heater creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your outdoor space. Many models from the best brands were looked at and tested for their use, heat output, and durability. The Frontgate Commercial outdoor gas heater umbrella, which is portable, reliable, and can heat a huge area, is our top option overall. The top patio heaters are listed below.
What Kind of Power Source Should a Patio Heater Have?
Power source
Electric, propane, or natural gas commercial gas heater outdoor are available. Although they are typically the simplest to install, patio heaters powered by electricity may not produce as much heat as those powered by propane or natural gas. Unlike propane, which gives you the best of both worlds and only needs a simple connection to a 20-pound tank, natural gas almost always needs a line.
Range
The majority of patio heaters can heat an area with a diameter of around 9 feet. As might be predicted, smaller units have a shorter range while bigger units have a greater range. Take into account the shape and dimensions of the area you wish to heat. It could be advisable to use a wall-mounted or directed unit if your object is close to a wall. An overhead unit over the table might be ideal for eating establishments.
Heating up
British Thermal Units, or BTUs, are used to measure the patio heater’s real heat output. The device emits more heat when it is in operation. The higher the number, the Propane and natural gas tend to provide more heat than their electricity-powered counterparts, but they may not be as efficient or last as long.
Frontgate is one of the few outdoor heaters that consistently ranks at the top of industry standards. It’s one of the finest patio heaters for the money under $500 to ward off chilly summer nights or piercing winter frost. Although not the most portable device, it is simple to set up and can be moved with little trouble to offer the best heat.
Features
- 46,000 BTU heat output
- It uses a regular 20-pound liquid propane gas tank as fuel.
- 33 Dimensions: “42 lbs., W x 18″D x 89″H.
- 2,250 square feet of space are covered.
pros
- Tip-over protection is one of the safety features.
- Due to wheels, mobile
- It’s simple to repair broken parts.
Cons
- Good only in expansive open areas.
2. Best Splurge Patio Heater
With 150,000 BTUs, the SunFire 150 Radiant Heater is the ideal choice for anybody wishing to warm up a sizable area. It has 3,500 square feet of heating coverage and is delivered completely constructed. It “heats just like the sun,” according to the product description, and for those particularly chilly evenings, that’s a significant benefit.
Features
- 150,000 BTU of energy is produced
- by diesel or the No. 2 fuel type.
- 192 pounds, 29″W x 35″L x 41″H
- 3,500 square feet of space are covered.
pros
- Despite its size,
- it is shockingly silent and quite warm.
- US-made products
Cons
- Diesel fuel has an unattractive appearance and is hazardous to the environment.
- difficult to convey.
3. Best Budget Patio Heater
Boodanian remarks, “Seems like a heck of a lot of heat for a small bit of money.” And he is not mistaken. This infrared heater is hard to say no to because of how much heat it puts out, how light it is, and how well it works in general. The pricing makes this a wonderful place to start if you’re not sure which infrared patio heater to buy. Dr. Heater wanted to be named the best patio heater overall, but Frontgate’s status as an icon made it impossible for him to win.
Features
- 900, 1200, and 1500W of heat output.
- Electric
- Size: 34.6″W x 3.33″D x 6.27″H, 6 lbs.
- 150 square feet of space are covered.
pros
- good almost everywhere.
- Components are simple to replace.
- suitable for indoor use
Cons
- A temperature gauge might not be precise.
- Noisy
- little area of coverage.
4. Best Natural Gas Patio Heater
AZ Patio Heaters has been producing high-quality, stylish devices since 2002. The business places a strong emphasis on quality control, and in the odd event that something should go wrong with your heater, AZ Patio Heater’s exemplary track record of customer care will undoubtedly find a solution that meets your needs.
Features
- Heat output: 40,000 BTU
- Natural gas is the preferred fuel, but a regular 20-pound liquid propane gas tank is also an option.
- 19 Dimensions “65 lbs., W x 19″ D x 89” H.
- 2,000 square feet of space are covered.
pros
- available in a variety of finishes.
- Beautiful design
- There are several upgrades and accessories available (for a cost).
cons
- Assembly is necessary; confusing instructions
- Radiant heat has a limited range.
- Once built, relocation is challenging.
5. Best Propane Patio Heater
We wanted to choose a gas heater that stood out because almost every gas heater can be converted from natural gas to liquid propane. The Bromic BH0510001’s Tungsten Core will continue to produce clean, focused heat for many years. It isn’t very difficult to look at because of its clean appearance.
Features
- 39,800 BTU of heat output.
- It uses a regular 20-pound liquid propane gas tank as fuel.
- Dimensions: 85 x 27 x 19 inches “H, 125 lbs.
- 1,800 square feet of space are covered.
pros
- Combines fashion with function
- Powerful, direct focus heat
Cons
- Heavys
- Expensive
Best Radiant Electric Patio Heater
When used in conjunction with other units It needs installation by an expert. “Minimalist is good,” says Boodanian. “It doesn’t seem ugly.” It won’t resemble the large item at the restaurant in any way. ” The game has changed thanks to infrared heaters like this one. Because they are strong and dependable, you hardly ever even notice them. The Platinum Smart line does its job well, just like all of Bromic’s other products. Don’t ask it to perform anything else.
Features
- Heat output of 2,300W
- Electric
- Size: 7″W x 2″D x 33″H, 16.5 lbs.
- 65 square feet of space are covered.
Pros
- Beautifully designed
- Corrosion-proof outer material
- Lightweight and small
cons
- Should be used in tandem with other units
- Requires a professional to install
7. Best Wood Pellet Patio Heater
In a market full of retro stoves that look good but don’t work well, the Lil’ Timber takes a different approach. It blends a daring design with durability over many years. It’s also important to mention that Lil Timber won since it is the most easily available. In comparison to propane, wood pellets are a low-carbon alternative fuel that is simple to turn on and off.
Features
- 72,000 BTU of energy produced
- Pelletized wood as fuel
- Measurements: 20″ x 72 lbs., W x 11″ x 84″ H.
- 300 square feet of space are covered.
Pros
- Emits zero smoke
- Easy to move around
- Radiates heat from top to bottom
cons
- Bad for areas prone to wildfires
- The fuel itself can be bulky to handle and hard to get your hands on
8. Best Heater for Small Patios
In fact, the 314 Display Infrared Electric Patio Heater is ideal for my California house because it is stylish, secure, and plugs into an outlet. On a chilly night in February, when we played poker with the men at a table, the 314 Display wonderfully warmed us from head to toe.
Features
- Heat output of 6,483 BTU
- Electric
- Size: 6.5″ wide by 16″ deep by 32.5 “H, 17 pounds
- 330 square feet of space are covered.
Pros
- A fantastic warranty is included.
- excellent client service.
- Different heat settings
Cons
- The disadvantages of whisper-quiet operation
- There is only a five-foot power cord.
9. Best Portable Patio Heater
Except for Mr. Heater’s Big Buddy, portable, tough, powerful, and compact don’t typically match well. The Big Buddy is the outdoor heater that gets the least attention. The design of this device, which makes me think of the Milwaukee brand construction radio, shouts, “I will not be overcome!” It is simple to start up and has three heat settings. Bring it with you inside if you need a burst of heat.
Features
- 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU of heat output.
- Liquid Propane
- 19 Dimensions “42 lbs., W x 12″D x 17″H.
- 450 square feet of space are covered.
Pros
- Built to last
- Portable
- Good in all weather conditions
cons
- Multiple complaints about the push start igniter
10. Best Tabletop Patio Heater
When it comes to outdoor heating, both experts and customers are familiar with the famous brand Fire Sense Patio Heaters. New safety measures have seen more competition in a category of heaters that were previously pointlessly risky. The elegant stainless steel body has a one-touch piezo igniter to start the flames.
Features
- 10,000 BTU Heating Capacity
- Fuel: a 1-pound cylinder of propane
- Size: 35″H x 21″W x 13″D “H, 17 lbs.
- 500 square feet of space are covered.
pros
- Made to last
- Portable
Cons
- in all weather situations.
- Several issues regarding the push-start igniter
11. Best Patio Heater With a Table Top
Although I don’t usually have such a strong obsession with concealing my appliances, I really like the playful, minimalist look of this. The Ener-G+ performs best when teamed up with other heating devices or, in milder climes, alone by taking advantage of the one law of heat (it rises). That so many models are making the effort to keep our shins toasty is much appreciated.
Features
- Energy generated: 5,100 BTU
- Electric
- Measurements: 27.8″ x 45.8 lbs., W x 27.5″D x 29.5″H.
- The area covered is 60 square feet.
Pros
- Unique design
- Discreet and effective
- Safe, low maintenance, and tough enough to leave outside
cons
- Pricier than most infrared electric heaters its size
- Some assembly required
12. Best Pyramid Patio Heater
You pause when you see the Capri-A-Line and exclaim, “Look at the fire display on that one!” They will be amazed by the spinning flame at the center of this model, which is the best in its field. As one of the few outdoor heating manufacturers with a retail location, it distinguishes itself from the competition. The stand is made of solid steel, which makes it strong, and steel casters can be added if needed to make it mobile. With a wide heat dispersion, the device releases infrared heat in all directions.
Features
- Heat output: 42,000 BTU
- Natural gas is the fuel type. However, liquid propane tank hookups are optional.
- Dimensions: 89 x 24.80 x 24.80 “H, 70.90 lbs.
- 36 square feet of area are covered by this.
Pros
- Made to last
- Good heat dispersion
Cons
- Wheels cost extra
- Natural gas means you should hire a professional
