Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it also protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around your garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out a lot of warmth over a larger area, but it will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. It's a great option for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters that we tested were infra red models. They are more affordable than gas-powered models and depending on the model you choose they will have lower operating costs too. You don't need to refill a tank with propane, and there's no assembly involved.
The best ones feature a remote control for easy operation as well as an integrated LED light to create ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel makes use of a circular carbon filament to release mediumwave infrared warmth across a table-sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is a different alternative. It utilizes an aluminum reflector that focuses the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a soft light that is clean and fresh. However the Herschel is sleeker, making it more suitable for modern gardens or if you're trying to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be used with home automation systems that enable you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer, which could save even more energy over the long haul.
It is important to know that infrared heaters work but only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. It will also not heat your patio if the wind blows it around.
Gas heaters, on contrary, will heat an area larger in the event that they are not moved. They are also equipped with shields to help keep them in place. They're often found in pub gardens and provide a cozy burning log effect that is attractive in a variety of decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and produce lots of smog and noise when the flame is burning. Electric heaters are less environmentally friendly than propane, but they is required to be replenished when it is empty. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer slows down and evenings get a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are many options available depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to large floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
amazon outdoor electric patio heaters Fireplaces And Stoves are more expensive to buy however they can be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of the amount of energy they use and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Unlike gas, however electric heaters make use of radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than the air. Therefore, they are less expensive to run and have an incredibly 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'll need to create a fire or wait for a propane heater to warm up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a range of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch that permits you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used in a closed or open space. They're also smaller than gas models and are able to be moved around which is ideal if you have to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they require to be plugged in, which means that you'll need an outlet for power and an extension lead designed to be used with outdoor equipment. To comply with safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll have to be careful not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing where it could pose an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a lover of the style of the gas heater but don't want to be restricted by where it can be positioned or are looking to reduce your expenses, these freestanding electric patio heaters are a good alternative. These heaters for patios are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be controlled with a remote or switch. They're also less expensive to run than gas-powered equivalents.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that looks great with your rattan furniture. It's also weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating protects it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we don't suggest using a high pressure hose on it). The model also comes with 3 heating levels to suit your needs, aswell with a timer that shuts off between 1-9 hours.
This electric model from Blumfeldt is another option for those who do not want to be limited by the location of a heater for their patio. It comes in two sizes and has numerous features, including a remote control and a timer shut-off function and 360deg oscillation. It also has splash-proofing to provide you with peace of mind. However, we do not recommend that you let it get wet for too often as this can affect the performance and life of the heater.
A top choice among many customers, this portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer to control their heating. It's simple to use with an adjustable remote, two temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from a distance. It has a built in safety feature that shuts the unit off if it is tipping.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide like gas patio heaters, making them an ideal choice for pet owners or young children who haven't yet reached the age where they can understand the dangers associated with being close to a flame. These models are great for gazebos and large outdoor spaces, as they are able to quickly warm up an area of up to 15 square meters. They are also lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have an remote that lets you adjust the temperature from 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 heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in various designs that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a great way to combine low operating costs with the utility 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 and smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may appear too big. It comes with a remote control to adjust the heat. Users say they find it to be a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut through the chill, without becoming too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for small spaces like garages or covered porches, because they don't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Contrary to gas heaters, they are best installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation or they risk contaminating your home.
The downside is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly important for those who live in an area where energy costs are expensive.
Another disadvantage of electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas heater but there are a lot of options in the PS50-PS200 price range to choose from. Some can be attached to parasols and awnings. Others are powered by 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 has various features that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heating settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it's resistant to splashes of water as well as light rain.