We are in the middle of the winter and enjoying your time outside has become a challenge. It might be cold but this doesn’t mean we have to stay inside until the spring comes. As the temperature decreases, an outdoor patio heater is a terrific way to extend the season of your porch, deck, or patio. Patio heaters provide radiant heat, which warms people in the same manner as sitting in the sun does. There are many types of patio heaters, including electric, natural gas, and propane heater models.
Today’s homeowners are using their outside areas more and extending usage earlier in the spring and later in the fall. A run-on patio heater to the point that they were practically hard to buy when the weather cooled in the fall. But don’t worry, you are still on time to get your hands on one of them. Our team has prepared a list of the 6 best patio heaters of 2022.
Patio Heaters Types
- Freestanding. For big outside settings, this is the ideal patio heater. A pole, base, heat reflector, and heating source are usually included (gas or electric).
- Mounted. If you don’t want your heater to be the focus of attention, this is the best option. They’re designed to be permanently put in out-of-the-way places (such as a high wall near the ceiling.)
- Tabletop. These are significantly smaller and more portable than their mounted and free-standing counterparts. They’re generally electric, and they come in a wide range of styles.
- Infrared. With these heaters, the energy economy is paramount. They aren’t particularly portable, but they heat up rapidly and are ideal for families with young children.
Heat Sources
- Propane. This is the most often used fuel, and it warms up rapidly. This is a common feature in free-standing heaters.
- Natural Gas. If you’re a homeowner, the cheapest and cleanest alternative is a natural gas-powered heater. Ideal for use in the great outdoors.
- Electric. While electric heaters are by far the handiest, they are often less power-saving than propane or natural gas heaters. If you’re not cautious, your power bill will go through the sky.
Best Overall: Hampton Bay Patio Heater
The Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU patio heater is a terrific blend of affordability, efficiency, and elegance. The sleek stainless steel design conceals a regular propane tank that’s as simple to light as your gas barbecue. It has a heating capacity of 200 square feet, which is sufficient for most outdoor settings.
This is a higher unit at just over 7 feet, which might pose issues when it’s windy. There isn’t much to shield the heating elements if it tips over, and damage is likely. During windy circumstances, weighting the foundation down with a couple of small sandbags can help relieve the problem.
Best Electric: Fire Sense Electric Patio Heater
This Fire Sense electric model offers a few essential characteristics that distinguish it from other electric choices. It may be adjusted in height from 6 to over 7 feet, making it a versatile solution for a range of locations. The 4-foot chord allows it to be used with any regular power outlet, including on an enclosed porch.
The heat output isn’t as high as with gas patio heaters. To heat your space, you’ll need to sit near to the unit or acquire many units. It’s a tad pricey, especially when you consider that you’ll need more than one to provide the same output as a cheaper gas patio heater.
Best Natural Gas: Tungsten Bromic Black Patio Heater
This is a pricey patio heater that requires connection to an existing natural gas line, but it is one of the most dependable natural gas installation options. It’s perfect for mounting on a ceiling or a wall. It includes a separate control panel that lets users to adjust the temperature and settings without having to come too near to the unit’s coils. Each patio heater can heat up to 200 square feet, but many units can be connected to a single control panel if necessary.
Best Wall-Mounted: Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Heater with Remote
This Dr Infrared wall or ceiling-mounted patio heater is a versatile solution if you want a patio warmer that saves space. This plug-and-play heater provides fast (and odorless) infrared heat, and the supplied remote allows you to simply set the temperature. It is a wonderful alternative for both indoor and outdoor use because it does not require gas.
The Dr Infrared Electric Carbon Infrared Space Heater has three heat settings to accommodate a range of needs: 900W, 1200W, and 1500W. It’s composed of durable metal and operates quietly, so it won’t interrupt your gathering. Just keep in mind that it’s best used in compact, partially or completely enclosed settings.
Best Heat Focusing: Baga Goodies Heat-Focusing Propane Patio Heater
The Mirage 38,200 BTU propane patio heater offers a huge heat output and some added features that will help it perform well in your space if you want to focus your heat on a specific area. The base, which holds the propane, is weighted to keep it steady even in windy conditions and features wheels to make it easier to move.
Although it comes with a cover, it does not protect the heater’s base. However, if you want to extend the life of your patio heater, you may get one that is suitable. Because this heater is nearly $700, it’s worth paying a little additional money up front to keep it in the best possible condition for numerous seasons.
Best Budget: MODEGOL Portable Patio Outdoor Heater
If you need some heat but don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of installing a bigger patio heater, a portable heater is an economical solution. It attaches to the top of a normal propane tank and provides 360-degree heat with the ability to swivel up to 180 degrees to direct the heat. This heater is also half the price of many larger models, making it our top budget option.
This item has a more utilitarian appearance than many others and will not add much beauty to your outside area. This is the gadget for you if you want to give heat that is both easy and portable. Keep this in mind if you want to create a warm, pleasant outdoor paradise.
