Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly option that won't add to your electric bills. It has different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a good choice for large gardens that include lots of seating outside and sofas. However, they'll require frequent refills with natural gas or propane. This is a great solution for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and couches.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than gas-powered models and in the event you pick wisely they will have lower operating costs as well. You won't have to refill a tank of propane and there's little assembly required.
electric patio space heater have a remote control that makes operation easy and an LED light that is built-in for ambience. One of our top picks from German company Herschel utilizes circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared warmth over a table-sized space and includes easy-to-use settings for heat and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is another great option. It uses an aluminum reflector that focuses the beams of heat on your favorite area.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a crisp warm glow, however the Herschel has a more modern look that's more suited to modern garden rooms or if you want to blend it with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated with home automation systems, allowing you to select the desired intensity and temperature. This can help save energy over time.
You must be aware that infrared heaters are efficient but they only heat things and people in direct contact with the heater. They cease to work when you move away. Also, it will not heat your garden or patio if the wind blows the heater around.
Gas heaters, on contrary, can heat a larger area in the event that they are not moved. They can also be fitted with an enclosure to ensure they stay in place. These heaters are often found in pub garden and provide a warm "burning log" effect that works well in any design.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient and can also generate more noise and smog. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, but they must be refilled after running out. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer winds down and the evenings become chilly, it might be time to invest in an outdoor heater that will keep you outdoors longer. There are many options available, whether you choose electric or gas, from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to buy however, they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most wasteful both in terms of energy they consume and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg calor cylinder gas is priced at PS90 new or PS50 to refill, and will last about 13 hours of heating.
Unlike gas, however electric heaters make use of radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than the air. This means that they are much cheaper to run and leave a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They're also much simpler to use. You just connect them to the power source and turn them on, whereas you may have to build a fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be utilized in many different settings, including restaurants, bars and private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch, which allows you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used either in an open or closed space. They are also smaller than gas models and they can be easily moved. This is very beneficial for when you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
The disadvantage of these heaters is that they require to be plugged in to the power source, which means you'll need a power socket nearby and an extension cable that's certified to work with outdoor devices. To ensure safety standards are met the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need to be sure not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but do not wish to be limited by its location or to cut costs. These heaters for patios are powered by electricity and are able to heat quickly. They can be operated with a remote or switch. They are also less expensive to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish selection that will look fantastic with your furniture made of rattan. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating protects it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we don't recommend using a high-pressure hose on it). This model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted according to your needs, as well as an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the position of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and has many features, such as a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to give you peace of mind. But, we don't recommend that you let it get wet for too much as this could affect the performance and life of the heater.
A top choice among many customers This portable heater for patios is a budget-friendly choice for those who prefer to control their heating. It's user-friendly with an adjustable remote, two temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from an extended distance. It also has a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit if it's tipped over.
As opposed to gas patio heaters electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, so they are a great option for pet owners or small children who aren't old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are ideal for large outdoor gazebos or spaces, as they are able to quickly warm up an area up to 15 square meters. They're very lightweight and easy to move around, and a lot of them come with an remote control so that you can change settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in different styles, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular option is a great way to combine low operating costs with the functionality of heating. It can be mounted on a wall or on a pedestal base which makes it suitable for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios, as well as smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may appear too large. It has an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the heat. It is described by some as an Goldilocks choice because it's warm enough to decrease the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of an electric patio heater is that it can be put in a confined area, such as garages or covered porches, because it doesn't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that can be harmful to your health. Gas heaters, on the contrary, should be placed in an open area with sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. Electric models are also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly important when you live in an location where the cost of energy is high.
Electric heaters aren't as powerful as gas ones, but you can find many options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols and you can also find heaters that operate with rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a great option. It's available in two sizes and offers various features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it's resistant to splashes of water as well as light rain.