Best Patio Heater (Reviews & Buying Guide) in 2020

Overall, patio heaters are not cheap purchases. It’s essential to get the right product for your specific needs. You want something that is reliable, long-lasting, and will be able to adequately heat the space that you have in mind. You also need to consider what other purchases need to be made alongside the heater. Do you need extension cords? A fire-safe outlet? A propane tank?

There are multiple questions to consider when making this purchase, as well as looking forward to potential challenges that could arise. We compiled common concerns you might have when looking for your new patio heater.

Benefits of Patio Heaters

You spend a lot of time beautifying your patio during the warm months. Why let all that work go to waste during the cold months? You don’t want to miss out on enjoying your patio, especially if you live in an area that is cold the majority of the year.

These heaters are specifically designed to keep the area warm so you can continue to have fun outside, work in your garage, or sit on your front porch. Designed with different areas in mind, you can find a product that will allow you to continue doing what you love to do even when it's cold outside.

The Most Common Types of Patio Heaters

Most patio heaters are tall, thin, and use propane to heat the area. They are suitable for outdoor use only and often require you to purchase your own propane tank. Designed with aesthetics in mind, it is not hard to find an attractive patio heater that blends in with the rest of your patio decor.

Other types are smaller and ceramic, built for both indoor and outdoor use. These are plugged into outlets and run off a battery to heat the area. They tend to be shorter and squattier, and are also much lighter than traditional patio heaters.

What to Consider When Buying Patio Heaters

The main consideration is space. How big of an area do you need to heat? Do you have a large patio and often have outdoor gatherings? Or do you like to sit outside and read and just need something for personal heat? Choose a product that will easily heat the area you have in mind.

Another major consideration is additional equipment you might need to use. Do you already have a propane tank? Will it fit inside your patio heater? Or do you prefer the type of heater that sits on top of your propane tank? If you don’t go with propane, you will need to ensure you have an outlet that can handle the power of a patio heater. At 1500W, these use up a great deal of power that may end up damaging your circuitry.

Care and Maintenance of Patio Heaters

Since you are making such a large purchase, it's important to ensure it will last you a long time. There are some tips to keep in mind when prolonging the life and use of your patio heater.

• Ensure you will have a reliable fuel source for the patio heater, whether that is consistently replacing your propane, or having a fire-safe outlet.
• Look for a no-tip patio heater, or place it in a safe area. Strong winds or accidents could knock it over and permanently damage your purchase.
• Double-check that the product you are buying is fashioned to prevent rust or other damaging weather effects to get the most life out of your heater.

Best Patio Heaters FAQs

When looking for the ideal patio heater for your needs, you may have specific questions based upon cost, materials required, usage, and other technical specifications. Here we’ve compiled a few common questions that those looking to purchase patio heaters often need answered.  Keep these in mind when selecting which product is right for you.

Q. How much does it cost to operate a patio heater?

A: It depends on the usage of the heater and the local cost of propane. If you have a heater that goes into an outlet, it will increase your electric bill, depending on use.

Q. Where can patio heaters be used?

A: They are designed for the patio. However, depending on size, they can be used in the garage, on the front porch, or indoors if you have a small, versatile unit.

Q. What’s better, a propane or kerosene heater?

A: Propane is overall safer, more common, and easier to refuel.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick is the Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater. It’s rust-resistant, has a safety fixture to stop it from toppling over, and has wheels for easy portability. For the price, it is sturdy and can heat a large area. Its highly powerful heat output is fueled by a propane tank that you’ll need to provide, but overall, it is not as expensive as other products.

Final Thoughts

The Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater is an excellent all-around heater. For the extra price, go with the Hiland Pyramid Patio Heater if you want style and aesthetic. But if you have a smaller space and are looking for something more affordable, the Lasko Ceramic Space Heater is your best bet.

Sources:

1. Patio Heater - Wikipedia
2. Propane vs. Electric Patio Heaters - Do It Your Self