Best Patio Heater Reviews 2023

Fall is fast approaching, and, before we know it, summer nights will turn cold. Don’t let the cool weather put a crimp in your outdoor entertaining and enjoyment. The addition of a patio heater can extend your enjoyment of the outdoors with family and friends. We know finding the right one to fit your space and lifestyle can seem overwhelming. We have taken the guesswork out of picking the perfect accessory for your outdoor space to keep you comfortable when there is a chill in the air. We think we have a little something for everyone. Take a look at five of the best patio heater brands and see what takes your fancy.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Power
Size
Radius
Materials
Our Top Choice
Fire Sense Wall-Mounted Patio Heater
Since 1998, Fire Sense has been warming-up outdoor living spaces with high quality products. The Infrared Patio Heater is a budget friendly favorite and a great alternative to gas-type heaters.
Small, wall-mounted unit. Economical to run. Can be used indoors or outdoors. Easy mount bracket included. Stainless steel housing.
Recommended for sheltered use. No on-off switch. No temperature control.
Electric-110v
1500 Watts
7.5” x 22” x 4.5”
9ft
Stainless Steel
Best Value
AmazonBasics Havana Commercial Patio Heater
AmazonBasics offers consumers a less expensive alternative to brand products. The Commercial Patio Heater is an exceptional alternative to pricier outdoor heaters.
Available in 3 colors, High BTU output, Piezo ignition, safety shut-off, wheeled base.
Heating varies among reviews.
Natural gas
46,000 BTU
18” x 33” x 89”
18 ft.
Steel, powder-coated bronze
Dayva Premier Outdoor Patio Heater
Since its inception in 1983, Dayva has grown to be a reputable industry supplier. The Dayva Premier Patio Heater is for the discerning consumer with an eye for high-end quality.
Features modern design. Powder-coated finish. Concealed wheels in base. Safety pilot control. Push-button start. 20 foot warmth radius.
Lower BTU’s than some other models. High price point.
Gas
40,000 BTU’s
91” x 34” x 21"
20 ft.
Powder-coated stainless steel
AZ Patio Quartz Glass Tube Heater
AZ Patio Heaters is a leading manufacturer of outdoor heaters. The eye-catching, modern design of the Quartz Glass Heater will add an elegant touch to your outdoor space.
Anti-tilt safety device for added safety. Easy access to propane tank. 1 year warranty. Unique design.
6 foot heat radius. Assembly can be difficult.
Propane
40,000 BTU’s
38.5” x 21.5” x 21”
6 ft.
Hammered Bronze
GardenSun Basic Tabletop Heater
Take the heat with you! The GardenSun Tabletop heater offers you superb portability without compromising on quality. GardenSun are experts in furnace technology and steel manufacturing.
Easily portable. Stainless Steel housing. Push button ignition. Natural gas or butane fuel.
Gives off a smaller heat radius than a free-standing unit.
Propane or Butane
11,000 BTU’s
35” x 20.8” x 20.8”
75 sq. ft.
Stainless Steel

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What is the Best Patio Heater?

As you can see from our guide, patio heaters come in many variations, from what type of fuel they use to design elements that can complement your outdoor setting. We have compiled a list of our top picks to heat a variety of spaces. We took into consideration fuel preferences, design features and budget. The brands chosen are from leaders in the outdoor heating industry, with top-notch reviews from consumers.
Our Top Choice
The Fire Sense Infrared Patio Heater will blanket you in a 9ft radius of warmth. The wall-mounted unit can hang unobtrusively out of the way and extend your enjoyment of the outdoors when the weather gets cold. If you don’t want one that mounts on the wall, check out the Fire Sense Hanging Halogen Heater.

Fire Sense Indoor/Outdoor Wall-Mount Infrared Heater - Available in Black or Silver


Features
Fire Sense has been a top name in the indoor/outdoor heating industry since 1998. They not only offer one of the widest selections of patio heaters in the market, but their products are designed in the U.S. with a focus on innovative design elements and top-notch product quality. In addition, all of their products are backed by a one-year warranty, exceptional customer service and a full line of replacement parts to keep your unit running at peak-performance.

Fire Sense’s Infrared wall-mounted heater is a top choice for warming your outdoor space. This heater is a great alternative to gas-type units that have a tendency to emit fumes. It is easy on the wallet, running off of a standard household 110v current. Fire Sense boasts that this little heater is less expensive to run than standard free-standing propane heaters. The included wall-mount, adjustable bracket and 6 foot cord make it easy to install. Stainless steel construction tops off the durable design, making it unobtrusive for any décor.

Check out some of its key features:
  • Heating radius is unaffected by wind and 100 percent heat generation within seconds
  • Available in black or stainless steel to complement your ambiance
  • Silent operation and emits no harmful UV rays
  • Astounding lamp life of 5000 hours or roughly 200 days continuously on
  • ETL approved and 90 percent energy conversion
Best Value
For the budget-minded consumer, the AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater gives you all the bells and whistles as more expensive alternatives but for a fraction of the cost. Push-button ignition, variable temperature control, a large heating radius and built-in safety features packaged into an attractive unit that’s available in 3 appealing colors. Not sure about AmazonBasics? Want even more color options? You may want to check out the Thermo Tiki Propane Outdoor Heater.

AmazonBasics Commercial Natural Gas Patio Heater - Available in 3 Colors


Features
AmazonBasics is backed by Amazon’s long-time reputation in the industry and offers off-brand products for less. When budget-conscious shoppers want great products for less, AmazonBasics has become a go-to option for the savvy shopper. Consistently positive reviews on their products helped us place this at the top of our product picks.

The Commercial heater from AmazonBasics has a modern design, and is available in three popular colors; Havana bronze, slate gray and stainless steel. They added thoughtful features such as a base that can be weighted for stability, and auto-shut-off in case the unit does tip. A wheeled base makes this easy to move around your outdoor space. A 46,000BTU heat output is on the highest end of the scale covering an impressive18 foot radius.
Check out some of the other features,
  • Uses natural gas,
  • powder-coated finish,
  • base does not heat up,
  • variable temperature control,
  • Piezo starter.
Commercial grade materials and sleek modern design elements are the mark of this expertly crafted patio heater. Sure to add an elegant aesthetic to any outdoor space, the Dayva Premier Heater will keep you and your guests comfortable with an impressive 20 foot warmth radius.

Dayva Premier Outdoor Natural Gas Patio Heater – Commercial Grade


Features
Dayva is a worldwide supplier for outdoor products to national chains, hotels, restaurants, and retailers. Since its start in 1983, it has seen rapid growth providing high quality products with refined taste. Their extensive experience in the commercial market ensures a reputable, quality built product.

The Dayva Premier Commercial grade Patio Heater is one of the finest you can outfit your home or business with. The unit has unique modern styling that is complementary to most environments. Backed by a one year warranty and robust construction to withstand the elements, this patio heater with its large warmth radius will wrap you in comfort on cool nights.

Here are some other noteworthy features.
  • Powder-coated stainless steel,
  • Push-start electric ignition,
  • Safety-tilt feature,
  • Concealed wheels,
  • Variable heat control.
The AZ Patio Heater with Quartz Glass and unique pyramid shape will add an elegant touch to any outdoor space. This heater has both functional and aesthetic value. If you love the look of this one, but would like something more high-end then you may want to check out the impressive AZ Round Decorative Fire Pit.

AZ Patio Heaters Quartz Glass Heater with a Hammered Bronze Finish


Features
With over a decade of experience in the outdoor heater industry AZ Patio Heaters has dedicated themselves to developing and manufacturing reliable, quality products for any outdoor space. They pride themselves at being able to offer their customers a full-line of replacement parts to keep their units running for years to come.

The AZ patio heater is one of their more decorative and unique products. The inner tube is made of Quartz Glass that lights up with a warm orange flame. Placed on your deck, around your pool or at your dining establishment, these units are constructed to be a part of the outdoor décor, not an eye-sore. They will keep your guests warm with 40,000 BTU’s and use a standard propane tank that is easily accessible.

Take a look at some of the other features this patio heater has.
  • Wheeled base,
  • variable temperature control,
  • CSA approved,
  • 1 year warranty,
  • replacement parts available.
The take-me-anywhere tabletop heater from GardenSun allows you to extend your outdoor adventures well into the cooler seasons. Made from high quality stainless steel and equipped with safety features found in larger models, this little guy will warm up your nights. If you like the tabletop feature but would love something a bit more decorative, you should take a look at GardenSun’s Pyramid Heater.

Garden Sun Table Top Propane Powered Patio Heater With Push Button Ignition & 11,000 BTU - Available in 3 Colors


Features
GardenSun Heater has been manufacturing steel and developing furnace technology for over 10 years. They strive to bring affordable, high-quality, durable heaters to the consumer market that meet all stringent safety guidelines. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of their business and backs all of their products with great support.

Their Tabletop Heater packs a lot of quality in a little package and weighs in at just under 20lbs. Furthermore, it is not bogged down with obtrusive power cords making it convenient for portable use. It will keep you warm with 11,000 BTU’s that give off an impressive 75 sq feet of heat. The stainless steel housing makes this unit durable and weather resistant. The simple push-button start and built-in safety features give you peace of mind knowing that you will always be able to fire it up when needed.
Here are some of the other features,
  • anti-tilt shut-off,
  • can use propane or butane gas,
  • also available in black, green or copper finishes.

How Do I Choose the Best Patio Heater?

Ah! It’s that time of the year again. Summer is over and winter is fast approaching. You know what that means, right? You cannot fully enjoy your outdoor spaces due to the cold. You can’t have dinner with your family on the deck, balcony, or terrace of your home; it’s too chilly outside. It’s even worse if you come from those regions that become extremely cold during the winter season. Well, don’t worry, we have a solution! You can now enjoy your outdoor spaces during the cold season for longer by investing in a patio heater! Whether it’s near the pool area, in the backyard, or on the balcony, a patio heater will allow you and your loved ones to have fun with your open spaces even after summer is gone.

Don’t confuse a patio heater with a space heater, they are totally different. Patio heaters have no fans to direct air to a certain location. Instead, they utilize radiant heat technology to heat physical objects rather than air. This means that you’ll enjoy the breeze while at the same time remaining warm. They are silent, and you won’t be disturbed while you’re relaxing in your patio chair on a chilly night. In addition, patio heaters aren’t meant just for warmth, they are attractive centerpieces that will add ambience to your open and outdoor spaces.

By the way, if your garage gets extremely cold during the winter season, a garage heater may come in handy.
Price
How much should you spend on a patio heater? Well, patio heaters aren’t cheap. A good-quality patio heater will cost you between $100 and $500. The price depends on the features. For instance, a model that can provide warmth for a large radius will cost you more than one whose heat cannot reach as far. Similarly, you’ll pay more for a model that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Be wary of cheap patio heaters in the market. They are made of poor materials that are prone to rusting and do not last for long. You’ll not go wrong with a product from our trustworthy featured brands.
Features
The type of fuel used by the patio heater is an important factor to consider. There are generally three types of fuel used: electric, natural gas and propane. Natural gas has lower operation costs, but you must have a gas line connected to your home and invite the services of a plumber to fix one. However, they cannot be moved from one place to another once fixed. With propane gas heaters, you’ll need to regularly change the gas tank, but they are easy to install. They can be expensive to maintain due to having to change the gas tank. Electric patio heaters utilize a heating bulb to provide warmth. All that you need is to plug them into an electric line and you’re good to go. However, the majority of open spaces lack plugs. Choose the one that will suit your needs and style.

Here are other important features to look for in a patio heater:
  • What’s its size?
  • What radius does it cover?
  • What’s the construction material?
  • What’s its power level?
  • What’s the length of the warranty?
  • What’s its style – standalone, tabletop or mountable?
Choose the one that meets your needs and style.
Construction and Design
Before purchasing a patio heater, it is important to determine what size you’ll need. Check the size of your outdoor space before going to the market. This will give you a rough idea of the size of heater you’ll need. Apart from providing warmth, your patio is also a source of beauty, so decide what size will provide the ambience you want. It’s also important to check the size of the gas tank. A small-size tank will require regular replacement, which might be an inconvenience. You may also look at the heater’s weight if you plan to move it from one point to another.

It is also important to note the radius within which your heater can offer warmth. Your choice will depend on the places you want to warm. If your space is large, a heater that can heat a large radius will be ideal. If your space is small, the radius may not be a crucial factor to consider.

The construction material is also an important aspect to consider. You’ll want a heater that will last. One that is made of metals such as steel will last longer. Also, if you’re concerned about attractiveness, check the coating material. Make sure it looks nice.

Patio heaters are available in various styles, but the most common ones are standalone/ground, tabletop and mountable. Standalones are tall and tend to provide lots of heat, making them ideal for large spaces. Tabletops resembling lamps are ideal where tables are involved. If your space is small, you might want to consider the mountable models, which are mounted on walls or the ceiling.
Performance and Ease of Use
The main purpose of purchasing a patio heater is provision of warmth. Therefore, you need to check the power level. Power is mostly given in terms of watts and BTU. The higher the watts or BTUs, the higher the heat produced. A heater that has more than 1000 watts or 40,000 BTUs will provide enough warmth for your space.

It is important to note that propane and natural gas patio heaters should only be used in outdoor spaces. However, various electric heaters are ideal for semi-outdoor spaces.

If your heater will be portable, it’s important to consider some safety aspects, such as auto shutoff in case of excess heating. Check if your heater comes with a tilt-over protection; you don’t want your heater to catch fire if knocked over. Check for cool-touch glass to protect your kids and pets if they touch it while it’s hot.

Ensure you clean your heater regularly using a soft, damp cloth. Using an abrasive cleaner can scratch it, making it unattractive. We recommend a heater that comes with a cleaning and maintenance manual.

Finally, check the length of the heater’s warranty. One with a lengthy warranty ensures you’ll be protected for long from any manufacturer’s faults.

Get the Best Patio Heater of 2023!

Don’t let the cool weather stop your enjoyment of the outdoors with family and friends. We hope that you found something in our top five to warm you up on cool days. Each of these brands is sure to extend the use of your outdoor space well into the colder months.

Our Top Choice
Fire Sense Wall-Mounted Patio Heater
Best Value
AmazonBasics Havana Commercial Patio Heater
Dayva Premier Outdoor Patio Heater
AZ Patio Quartz Glass Tube Heater
GardenSun Basic Tabletop Heater