If you have a beautiful outdoor space, then you will want to use it even as the weather gets cold. One of the best and most popular ways to increase the versatility of an outdoor patio area is by purchasing an outdoor heater. Most patio heaters can be powered by either gas or electricity and are a great way to have an entertaining area that is usable year-round.
There are a ton of outdoor heating options on the market today. From picking which type of power source you need for your patio to finding a heater that is the right size for your personal space; shopping online can be tricky. The buyer’s guide below is here to help you find the best outdoor heating solution for your home.
1. Devanti 2000w Electric Portable Patio Strip Heater (Top Pick)
The Devanti 2000w is an electric-powered heater that is made for energy conservation. This heater uses halogen technology to create a warm and inviting outdoor entertainment area for you and your guests. It has a tilting head that can move up to 45° and is placed on a sleek skinny stand to conserve space for seating, grilling, or other outdoor activities.
The stand’s height is adjustable between 1.8m and 2.1m, with a 1.8m cord; giving you the freedom to place the heater right where you need it. This model is designed for three heat settings; 650W, 1350W, and 2000W. The model has a pull cord on-off switch and a heat level indicator light to help you easily control the temperature in your outdoor space. As an added bonus, this model also has a safety feature built-in that shuts the heater off if it tips over.
What We Like:
- Tip-over safety shut-off
- Adjustable
- Heat level Indicator
What We Don’t Like:
- Only suitable for small spaces
2. Devanti Commercial Outdoor Gas Patio Heater
The Devanti Commercial Outdoor Heater will bring you an astounding amount of heat and has an attractive industrial design. This powerful natural gas heater is able to put out up to 10kw at a time. It measures 51.5cm (D) by 131cm (H) and can not be adjusted. This heater uses propane and has a 9kg gas tank secured safely inside to keep accidents from occurring.
This free-standing heater is able to heat spaces up to 30m and is made of stainless steel for durability. It has a push-in ignition, two heat levels to choose from, and you can lock the hinged door leading to the gas chamber. As an added safety precaution, this model also features oxygen detection. If the heater senses that the oxygen in the area is low, then it will automatically shut off.
What We Like:
- Oxygen Meter
- Larger Heating Area
- Push Ignition
What We Don’t Like:
- Less suited to small spaces
3. UFO Blackline Wall and Ceiling Mounted Infrared Heater
The UFO Blackline is a wall and ceiling heater made to conserve floor space. This mountable heater can be placed horizontal or vertical to keep your outdoor area feeling spacious and open. This heater uses infrared technology to create heat and is a great choice if you have a suitable wall to mount it on.
This wall-mounted heater can be attached to a variety of surfaces and measures 88 cm by 9 cm by 19 cm. This makes it a versatile outdoor heater that can be used in a variety of unique situations. To make things even easier, it comes with a remote that lets you adjust heat levels from a distance and turn the model on or off. This model is designed to start heating immediately and can reach up to 2000w.
What We Like:
- Infrared heating
- Remote controlled
- Mountable
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs to be wall or ceiling mounted
4. BIO 1800W Electric Radiant Outdoor Strip Heater
The Bio 1800w is another wall mounted heater that can also be attached to your ceiling. This is a corded heater that is made for use in small spaces; The 30° adjustable brackets help to angle the heater perfectly no matter where you place it. It can easily be moved from inside your home, to outdoors when you feel you need a bit of extra heat and can reach up to 1800w.
This is one of the few heaters that are completely resistant to water. This model measures 20cm wide by 89cm long and can be adjusted to stick out from your wall by 12cm. The cord is 160cm long allowing you to easily mount it to your ceiling without worrying about daisy-chaining cords together
What We Like:
- Mountable
- Sleek, stylish design
- Adjustable
What We Don’t Like:
- Low heat output
5. Heller HPH2000 Electric Patio Heater 2000W
The Heller HPH2000 is a stylish freestanding heater, made for saving space. This patio heater can reach up to 2000w and has an adjustable height. The stand can be adjusted between 1.3m to 2m to help you find the perfect angle. It has a maximum heating area of 20m to 25m and a pull cord switch for easy control. This heater has three heating settings to pick from; 650w, 1350,w, and 2000w.
It is easy to use in outdoor areas and features a tip-over shut off to keep you and your family safe. The power cord measures 2.8m. This heater can be bought in both black and grey to meet your patio’s colour scheme.
What We Like:
- Freestanding
- Heat settings
- Adjustable height
What We Don’t Like:
- Best for small spaces
6. Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Heater
The solo stove is an excellent heater for those who want an outdoor heater with a bit of flare. This fire-pit style outdoor heater is great for keeping you warm and provides the option of toasting marshmallows or cooking sausages. The heater features an open flame that radiates heat. This heater uses stainless steel to safely contain flames and can be easily moved from your patio to your garden with ease.
This model uses wood as a heat source and is made for outdoor entertaining. It has a low smoke output and measures 38cm by 32 cm with a weight of just 6.8kg. The Solo Stove just needs wood inserted into the base plate and you to do the lighting. The model is designed to pull in fresh air from the bottom to keep the fire burning brightly.
What We Like:
- Wood fuel but low smoke
- Portable
- Great for heat or cooking
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires wood
- Open flames
7. Companion COMP232 Portable Camping LPG Gas Heater
The Companion COMP232 is another industrial-grade gas heater. It can easily be fueled by propane and carried with you to your worksite when you don’t need it on the patio. It is one of the few gas heaters complete with a carry handle and is able to reach 3165w. It is a POL regulated device and a 1500mm hose. It has three heat settings to let you find the perfect temperature for you.
The model measures 41cm by 19 cm by 33cm. The Companion is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor that will shut the model off when conditions begin to become unsafe. It also has an auto-tilt shut-off and an easy to start Piezo ignition. As an added safety bonus, the model is coated and has a grill to keep small hands away from the heater. This is perfect if you need a heater outdoors.
What We Like:
- Made with safety in mind
- Portable
- Large heating area
What We Don’t Like:
- Not good for small patios
Outdoor Heater Buyer’s Guide
Picking an outdoor heater for your living space might be easier than you realize. To get a heater that you love, you will want to keep a few points in mind. First, decide how much you are willing to spend on a model as heaters come at several different price points.
Next, think about how much time you actually spend outdoors, and remember that some outdoor heaters can be used inside as well. If you are looking at patio heaters, take some measurements so you know just how much space the outdoor heater will need to cover.
Patio or Garden
Outdoor heaters come in a wide variety of options; some are best for an open outdoor area, while others are designed specifically for a more enclosed patio space. What type of outdoor heater appeals to you, ones that you use out in your yard, partially on the worksite, or one that just warms a small patio? Once you have decided where you want to use the heater, it will be easier to narrow down your options.
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Power
What type of power source are you comfortable with for an outdoor heater? Some models will use gas, while others will use electricity. There are even outdoor heaters that use wood. Gas heaters are easier to place, while an electric patio heater needs to be plugged in.
Style
The final thing you should think about is what style of heaters you want to look for. Some outdoor heaters are bulky and robust while others are made with glass or other stylish materials. Stainless steel is a great choice if you want to look for durable patio heaters, while ceiling-mounted models are usually sleek.
