Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it shields you from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are an excellent option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas. However, they'll require frequent refills with propane or natural gas. It's a good option for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we test were infra red models. They are less expensive than the gas-powered models and, if you choose carefully, they have lower operating costs, too. There's no need to refill a tank with propane, and there's no assembly involved.
The best ones feature a remote control for easy operation and a built-in LED light to create ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel makes use of a circular carbon filament to radiate mediumwave infrared heat over a table-sized area and is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. Another great option is the Westinghouse 1500W infra-red heater, which uses an aluminum reflector to create a focused beam of heat over your favourite spot.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm and clean glow. However, the Herschel is more sleek and more suited for modern garden rooms, or if you're looking to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems that allow you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature and save more energy in the long term.
It's worth bearing in mind that even though infrared heating is effective however, it only warms objects and people in front of the heater and will lose its effect if you move away. Additionally, it won't heat your patio or garden if the winds blow the heater around.
Gas heaters, on contrary, will heat more space if they are not moved. They can also be fitted with a shield to help keep them in place. They are typically located in pub gardens and create a cozy "burning log" look that is suitable in any design.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce lots of smog and noise when the flame burns. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, but they is required to be replenished after it runs out. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer winds down and the evenings become a little chilly it's a good time to invest in an outdoor heater that will keep you outdoors longer. There are many options available, whether you choose gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to large floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as a decked backyard.
While gas heaters can be cheaper to purchase than electric heaters however, they can be costly to run. In fact, according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most inefficient regarding both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they consume". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and human. Electric heaters are cheaper to run, and they have a lower carbon footprint. They're also much simpler to use. Simply connect electric patio heater infrared to the power source and switch them on, while you may have to build an open flame or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of settings, from restaurants to bars to private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch that allows you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They're also more compact than gas models and are able to be moved around which is ideal when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
These heaters are plugged in and require an extension cord approved for outdoor use. To ensure safety standards are met the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an extension lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll have to be sure not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable trailing where it could be an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used to complement the look of a gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by its placement or wish to lower your expenses. They're powered by electricity, so they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate at the flick of a button or remote. They're also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
The model from Kettler is a elegant and stylish piece that won't appear out of place amongst your rattan furniture and is fully weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating protects it from windblown dust and rain (although we wouldn't recommend using a high pressure hose on it). The model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, as well as an automatic timer that ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
Another alternative for those who don't want to be restricted by the positioning of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and has many options, including a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It is also splash-proof to provide you with peace of mind. However, we do not recommend letting it get wet excessively as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A top choice among many customers This portable heater for patios is a good budget-friendly option for those who like to be in control of their heating. It's simple to use and comes with an adjustable remote, two temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from the distance. It has a built in safety feature that turns the unit off when it is tilted.
Unlike a gas patio heater electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they're an ideal choice for families with pets or children who aren't old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or spaces, as they are able to quickly heat an area up to 15 square meters. click to find out more and easy to move around and many come with an remote control so that you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in various styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular option is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater along with low running costs. It can be mounted on a wall or on a pedestal base which makes it perfect for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios, as well as smaller gardens where a freestanding model might look too big. It also has an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the temperature. Some users say it's a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut the chill without getting too hot.
Electric patio heaters are ideal for spaces that are small, such as covered porches or garages, since they don't emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on the contrary, must be placed in an open area with adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. Electric models are also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. This is especially important for those who live in an region where energy costs are expensive.
Another drawback of electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas heater, but there are a lot of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some are hung from parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared system that's affordable to run it's a good choice. It's available in two sizes, and has a variety of features including 360deg rotation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also rated IP44, which means it's able to withstand splashes of water and light rain.