Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly option that won't cost you electricity bills - it has multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It is also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but it will require a regular refill of propane or natural gas. It's a great option for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. These heaters are cheaper than gas-powered models, and, if you select wisely they will have lower operating costs as well. There's no need to replenish a tank of propane and there's little assembly required.
The top ones come with remote controls to make operations easy, and an LED light built in for ambience. One of our top picks from German company Herschel, uses circular carbon filaments to emit mediumwave infrared heat over a table-sized area and comes with easy-to-use heat settings and a 360deg oscillation. Another great option is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which uses an aluminium reflector to direct a focused beam of heat over the area you prefer to be in.
Both models are efficient and emit a crisp warm glow, however the Herschel is more sleek that is better suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking for a way to blend it into your furniture for your outdoor space. It can be used with home automation systems, which allow you to select the desired temperature and brightness. This can help save energy over time.
You should be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but they only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. Also, it will not warm your garden or patio when the winds blow the heater around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will provide warmth to a greater area if they aren't moved, and they can be equipped with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. These heaters are often found in pub garden and create a cozy "burning log" effect that works well in any décor.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient and can also create more noise and smog. Electric heaters are less environmentally friendly than propane, but they requires refilling after it runs out. You should also remember that a gas-powered heater produces greater heat than an equivalent electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. patio heat lamp electric 's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer winds down and evenings become colder. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on whether you want electric or gas, from small tabletop models up to floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of the amount of energy they consume as well as the heat they generate". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling, and will last approximately 13 hours.
In contrast to gas electric heaters make use of radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than the air. This means that they are less expensive to run and have a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use - simply plug them in 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 used in a variety of settings, such as bars, restaurants, and private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open spaces, and some come with an integrated dimmer switch that will allow you to adjust the brightness 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 plugged in and require an extension cord that is rated for outdoor equipment. To meet safety standards electrical heaters aren't able to be sold with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be cautious not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could be an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the style of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by the space it can be set up or you want to keep your costs down and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are a great option. They're powered by electricity, so they're quick to heat up and easy to operate with the flick of a button or remote. They're also more affordable to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that looks amazing with your furniture made of rattan. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year round. 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 has three heating levels that can be adjusted according to your requirements, as well as an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.
Another option for those who don't want to be restricted by the position of a gas patio heater is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes, and includes many features such as a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, though we don't advise letting it get wet, as this could affect the efficiency and life span of the heater.
A top choice among many customers, this portable patio heater is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to be in control of their heating. It's user-friendly, with a remote control, 2 temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from a distance. It also has an integrated safety feature that turns off the unit when it's tipped over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios. This makes them an ideal option for those with pets or children who have not yet reached the maturity level to understand the dangers associated with being close to a fire. These models are ideal for gazebos or large outdoor spaces, as they are able to quickly warm up an area up to 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move around, and a lot of them come with the option of a remote so that you can change settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After summer is over and the kids are back to school, it's time to consider adding some heat to your outside space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that is mounted on the wall, there are plenty to pick from within the electric range.
This popular choice is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater along with low operating costs. It can be mounted on a wall or on the base of a pedestal which makes it suitable for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios, as well as smaller gardens where a freestanding model could look too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the heat. Users say they find it to be a Goldilocks choice, since it's just warm enough to cut the chill, without becoming too hot.
The major benefit of using an electric patio heater is that it can be placed in a confined space, like a covered porch or garage as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that are dangerous to your health. Gas heaters, on the other hand, must be placed in an open space with adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas ones. They're also more difficult to transport as they require access to an electricity outlet. electric patio heater lamp is particularly crucial when you reside in a region that has high energy costs.
Electric heaters aren't as powerful as gas ones however, there are many options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be attached to parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great option for those looking for an infrared heater that is affordable to run. It's available in two sizes and offers many options that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It is also rated IP44 which means that it can withstand moderate rain and splashes liquid.