Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it shields your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can push out lots of warmth across a larger area, but will require a regular refill of natural gas or propane. This is a great option for large gardens that are equipped with many outdoor sofas and seating.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. These are cheaper than gas-powered models and, assuming you choose wisely, have lower running costs too. You don't need to refill a tank with propane, and there's no assembly involved.
The best ones have a remote control that makes the operation simple and have an LED light integrated for ambience. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes circular filaments to emit infrared mediumwave heat over an area of the size of a table. It has easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heating System is another excellent option. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to focus heat beams over your favorite location.
Both models are efficient and emit a crisp warm, cozy glow, but the Herschel has a sleeker look that's more suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking to blend it with your furniture for your outdoor space. It can be used with home automation systems, which allow you to select the desired brightness and temperature. This can help save energy over time.
It's worth bearing in mind that while infrared heat is effective but it only warms the objects and people who are directly in front of the heater and will lose its effect in the event that you move away. It will also not heat your patio or garden when the winds blow the heater around.
Gas heaters, on the other hand will heat up a larger area in the event that they are not moved. They can also be fitted with shields to ensure they stay in place. They are typically located in pub gardens and provide a warm "burning log" look that is suitable in any décor.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce a lot of smoke and noise when the flame is burning. Electric heaters are greener than propane, and requires refilling after it runs out. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces a higher level of heat than a comparable electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer winds down and evenings turn a little chilly, it might be the time to purchase an outdoor heater that will keep you warm and comfortable. There are many options available, whether you choose gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models up to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces such as a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase, but they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most wasteful both in terms of energy they use and the heat they generate". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Unlike gas electric heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects instead of air. Electric heaters are cheaper to run, and have a smaller carbon footprint. They are also much easier to use. You can simply plug them into the outlet, and they will begin to heat up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, including bars, restaurants and private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open spaces, and some come with built-in dimmer switches to let you control the intensity of the light. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved. This is great when you have to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord approved for outdoor use. Most electric heaters are not permitted to have an extension lead that is longer than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. Also, you'll need be cautious about blocking any outdoor sockets nearby or leaving the extension lead trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used if you like the style of a gas heater, but don't want to be restricted by its location or to reduce your costs. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and are simple to operate with the flick of a button or remote. They're also cheaper to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating shields it from windblown dust and rain (although we don't recommend using a high pressure hose on it). This model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your space, as well being a timer shutoff between 1 and 9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is another alternative for those who do not want to be restricted by the placement of a heater for their patio. It comes in two sizes and includes many features, such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, although we wouldn't recommend getting it too wet as this may impact on the performance and longevity of the heater.
The portable patio heater is popular with customers who like to manage their heating. It's easy to use, with an adjustable remote, two heat settings, and the ability turn on and off the light from the distance. It also comes with an integrated safety feature that turns off the unit when it's tipped over.
Unlike a gas patio heater electric models don't release any carbon monoxide, which is why they're a great choice for families with pets or children who are not yet old enough to comprehend the dangers of standing too close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move about, and a lot of them come with the option of a remote so that you can alter 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 time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in various styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular model offers the advantages of a gas heater along with low operating costs. Recommended Web site can be mounted on a wall or on a pedestal base which makes it suitable for gazebos and covered porches and small gardens in which a freestanding model may appear too large. It also has an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the heat. Users say they find it an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's just warm enough to reduce the chill without getting too hot.
Electric patio heaters are perfect for small spaces such as garages or covered porches, because they don't release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on contrary, must be installed in a space that is open and has adequate ventilation to prevent them from contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. They're also less portable, requiring access to an electrical outlet. That's particularly important if you reside in a region that has expensive energy charges.
Another drawback to an electric heater is that it's not as strong as a gas one however there are plenty of options within the PS50-PS200 price bracket to pick from. Some are hung from parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great choice for those looking for an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It's available in two sizes, and comes with a range of features like 360deg rotation and easy-to use temperature settings. It's also rated IP44, which means it's resistant to splashes of water and light rain.