You’re out on your patio, surrounded by friends, fairy lights, and a crisp evening breeze. The sun has set, but the party doesn’t have to be over if you have an outdoor heater. These heat-emitting beauties not only keep you warm but also create a captivating ambiance that’s perfect for storytelling and making memories. The best patio heaters keep you warm well into the night, allowing you to entertain and spend time outside long after cold weather creeps in.
Investing in an outdoor heater is a game-changer for making the most of your outdoor space year-round. By providing consistent and adjustable warmth, they extend the usability of your patio during colder seasons, enabling you to entertain, relax, or dine in comfort. Their ability to create a cozy atmosphere makes outdoor gatherings a pleasure, regardless of the weather.
With various styles and designs to choose from, these devices are the fashion-forward accessories your patio never knew it needed. Best of all, these outdoor heaters are super easy to use. Just flip a switch or turn a knob, and voilà, you’ve got instant warmth. No more huddling around a campfire or wearing ten layers of clothing just to enjoy your outdoor space. Patio heaters are the ultimate MVPs, and they’re versatile enough to fit any setting, from a romantic dinner for two to a full-blown garden party.
Ready to take your outdoor gatherings to the next level? StudyFinds has collected the best patio heaters to transform your backyard, according to experts. Share your favorite memories from cold nights on your patio in the comments below!
The List: Best Patio Heaters, According to Experts
1. Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Standing Patio Heater
Number one in the list of expert recommendations for best patio heaters is Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Standing Patio Heater. “This sleek, propane-powered patio heater performed impressively throughout the three-week testing period. We found the heater’s materials to feel long-lasting and appreciated its classy appearance. It features an automatic tip-over shut-off, propane tank straps, wheels, and a fitted cover. We were impressed by how easy this heater was to use—simply press the ignition button and flames immediately appear in the innermost contained tube. The tower emits heat from all sides and was most evident at 2 feet away, though we could still feel warmth at 4 feet away,” says Real Simple.
Bring the cozy cafe vibes to your backyard with the right patio heater choice. “If you’re looking for an all-around winner, the best patio heater we tested was the Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater. Alongside its effective warming capabilities, it comes in a sleek design in different colors, allowing you to choose the one that suits your patio design best. Overall, assembly wasn’t too difficult, though we did experience some hiccups. First, the screw holes that connected the poles were a bit off-center, so we needed to widen them with a drill to get the screws to fit. And while it comes with a two-sided screwdriver, we found it easier to use our own. Once assembled, the patio heater was very easy to use thanks to a push-button ignition,” adds BHG.
Curious about the secret to enjoying those starry nights outdoors without freezing your toes off? “The Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater is our top pick for the best propane patio heater, overall, because it checks so many boxes. This tower heater has a BTU of 42,000 and is nearly 60 pounds, making it extremely durable, even if you accidentally bump into it or when it’s incredibly windy out. When testing this heater out, we were most impressed by how quickly it heats up and how well you can see the flames, so you have a clear indication of whether it’s on or not. On top of that, the propane tank setup was easy to figure out and use. In addition to its heating abilities, the patio heater is also constructed from high-quality materials that can withstand elements and last a long time,” writes People.com.
2. Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Portable Propane Heater
Experts also rave about the Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Portable Propane Heater. “Tower propane heaters typically cost well over $100 but, you don’t have to spend a lot to find a good budget-friendly option. After testing several models, we were most impressed with the Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Portable Propane Heater for a budget-friendly option…It’s easy to turn on and off, has wheels that make moving it around a breeze, and it comes with flanges so you can easily move and secure it in a grassy area. Overall, it provides outstanding heat and is an excellent option for those who may be buying a propane heater for the first time,” says People.com.
Winter doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got the best patio heater by your side. “The Sunjoy Avanti is a 47,000 BTU propane heater. Like the other mushroom-style propane heaters, it’s a relatively simple design that uses standard 20-pound propane tanks. It’s easy to assemble, weighs less than 30 pounds, and you can have it ignited and pumping out heat in no time at all. It also features an automatic shutoff for if it tilts, and the igniter is positioned near the top so that shorter children can’t play with it. Reviewers praised Sunjoy’s heat output, with most saying it comfortably threw heat at least six to nine feet and would last for 6 to 10 hours on a single tank,” shares USA Today.
Which patio heater options are guaranteed to take your backyard movie nights up a notch? “You don’t need to splurge on the most expensive model to get an effective patio heater—the Sunjoy Avanti Propane Heater does the job just as well. We found the heater to be not only sturdy and attractive but also functional and easy to use. The only downside to this patio heater is that assembly is somewhat complicated. Even with illustrations, it took us about 1.5 hours to set up. While the assembly instructions lacked detail, however, we found the operating instructions very easy to understand. The heater’s push button starter/spark switch is built-in, and it starts easily with a few clicks,” writes Real Simple.
3. Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
Number three in the list of expert recommendations for best patio heaters is Amazon Basics Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels. “For those who want to bask outdoors year-round, this powerful patio heater from Amazon can transform your outdoor space into a cozy paradise. With an output of 46,000 BTU and a heat field of 9 feet, this pick is well-suited to warm a large outdoor patio or deck. In our testing, we were able to read outside on a brisk day without worrying about getting chilly. This patio heater also features an automatic tilt shut-off valve, ETL certification, and an easy ignition button. Though it performed well through the three-week testing period, the initial setup process was challenging and took over two hours. We found the instructions to be a bit hard to follow, though once we finished setting the heater up, it started working immediately,” says Real Simple.
Imagine sipping hot cocoa under the stars, thanks to the mobility of this fantastic patio heater. “For those with a big backyard, this propane model from Amazon Basics is the best patio heater we tested that effectively heats a large patio. We felt the warmth from 9 feet away on a windy 50-degree day, something that impressed us immediately,” writes BHG.
Say goodbye to chilly evenings and hello to endless outdoor fun with this propane-powered gem. “The Amazon Basics 46,000-BTU patio heater is an affordable option that can effectively heat up a large outdoor space…Unlike the other units we tested, the heater’s on/off instructions were clearly printed on the device, making it very convenient. We also appreciated the automatic shutoff, which we felt added a significant layer of security. This is a propane heater, so you must purchase separate propane to use. Fortunately, propane is sold in most hardware stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. Just keep in mind it adds to the overall cost,” advises The Spruce.
4. EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater
Number four in the list of expert recommendations for best patio heaters is EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater. “If you’re looking for a quick way to warm up guests on your patio or deck during chilly weather without the use of propane, we recommend this electric heater. During our testing, we used this model on its lowest setting and observed an impressive rise in surface body temperature from 65.7 to 92.7 degrees. The tower is over 50 inches tall, so it can warm a person from the ground up even if they are sitting down, unlike the tabletop heater we tested. Plus, we were able to feel a decent amount of heat while sitting 32 inches away from the unit. Thanks to its simple two-button remote, we also liked that we didn’t have to get up from our comfy patio or deck seats to turn it on,” writes The Spruce.
No need to be a tech genius – this patio heater’s ignition is as easy as pie. “When it comes to electric options, the best patio heater we tested is from EnerG+. We were able to feel the heat from this unit almost 3 feet away, and when we measured our surface body temperature, it changed from 65.7 to 92.7 degrees. The assembly was quick—just under 25 minutes. Since there’s no propane involved, we simply needed to put together the base and thread the power cord. The instruction’s illustrations were a bit difficult to follow, however, and we did accidentally assemble it backward on our first attempt. It included everything we needed for assembly except a Phillips screwdriver, which we had to provide ourselves. Once set up, it was easy to turn on either from the unit itself or its included remote,” says BHG.
Dreaming of a year-round barbecue spot? “If the thought of running out to buy propane on a frigid winter evening sends a chill down your spine, you might consider an electric patio heater like this model from EnerG+. During our testing, this infrared heat increased our body temperature by 27 degrees. While it has a limited heating field (under 3 feet), its impressive heating performance compensates for the lack of distance. We feel this heater would be especially suitable for groups of people sitting outside together—its tall design would provide head-to-toe warmth when seated,” shares Real Simple.
5. East Oak Patio Heater
The East Oak Patio Heater is another top recommendation by experts. Why? “Safety should be a top concern as you search for a patio heater, especially for those with children or pets. The East Oak Patio Heater is equipped with additional safety features including tilt shut-off and an automatic gas stop system if the flame extinguishes. It also has brackets on the base you can attach to your patio or deck for even more stability. The setup took just 30 minutes, making it one of the quickest assemblies of the heaters we tested. The hardware was numbered in a blister pack with each step having a different number for its pieces, making the process extremely straightforward. This pick also has an impressive heat output of 50,000 BTU, which extended to a 6-foot field around the heater during our testing. It also offers intuitive functionality—just turn the knob to the high location and hold it down while pushing the ignition button once or twice,” says Real Simple.
Experience the magic of a winter wonderland right in your own backyard. “The setup was straightforward, and the instructions were clear. The unit itself was very lightweight without the propane tank attached, but we found it awkward to move, especially for shorter people. We also liked that the base doubles as a small table, a feature we appreciated,” says BHG.
Why settle for ordinary when you can make a statement with this sleek and portable patio heater? “Propane patio heaters can be a pain to set up, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with outdoor appliances. If the setup is your biggest concern, the East Oak Outdoor Patio Heater is our top recommendation. We found that the setup was incredibly straightforward, and the instructions are easy to follow, making the whole process a lot easier than we expected. While you do need to provide your own screwdriver, the patio heater also comes with a wrench for assembly, which we appreciated. In addition to assembly, we liked this heater as an excellent lightweight option, which makes it easier to move around (especially with the built-in wheels). With that said, the lightweight design makes the heater feel a little less durable compared to other options on our list,” adds People.com.
6. Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
According to experts, this model will only add to your patio’s aesthetic. “You can get an efficient yet stylish heater that will make those late-night outdoor gatherings very cozy. We do have to warn you that setting it up was a bit of a challenge…Overall, this patio heater is an excellent choice for those in search of a stylish and efficient outdoor heating solution,” says The Spruce.
Your outdoor space deserves the best, and that’s exactly what this heater delivers. “Pyramid heaters add a stunning ambiance to any backyard space and give off that luxe restaurant feel. If you want to add this more elevated patio heater to your backyard, we recommend the Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater. This heater has a 6-foot heating radius (which is great for this type of patio heater) and features a top that is similar to a tower heater, which supports its heating efforts. It’s also super sturdy so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over, thanks to the anti-tip base. With that said, the setup can be a bit tricky — especially for those who aren’t visual learners — since the instructions aren’t very clear and illustration-heavy. And, although it is easy to use, the temperature dial isn’t very intuitive and features the high setting immediately to the left, so you have to dial it down a lot if you don’t want the heat on full blast at first. All that to say, we found that this is the best option for this style and it’s as functional as it is beautiful,” writes People.com.
“If you want a sleek heater that doesn’t sacrifice performance for aesthetics, opt for the Thermo Tiki Propane Patio Heater. We felt that it had an impressive heating performance and were amazed by its modern appearance. Compared to some of the clunkier heaters we tested, this one would likely blend in well with your patio decor. While its shape is tall and narrow, we found the pyramid design to be stable—even after bumping it a few times, the heater stayed upright with minimal wobbling,” notes Real Simple.
7. Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater
Last, but not least, this model landed on reviewers’ lists as well. “We were impressed by the Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater’s stellar clear setup, ease of use, and value overall. The components all felt high-quality, and the knobs felt tight and secure. Setup took 50 minutes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. All the assembly tools are included with the heater and the pieces were clearly labeled, which made for a stress-free assembly process. At an outdoor temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit, we could feel the warmth from the heater at around 4 feet away. We found the heat ‘sweet spot’ to be about 2 feet out, though the instructions state reduced efficiency once temps are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat was also evenly distributed around the heater,” says Real Simple.
Never worry about freezing your fingers while enjoying a book outdoors again. “The best patio heater we tested with wheels is from Frontage. Turning this patio heater on was intuitive, so we think it’s a great pick for beginners. Everything is labeled on the heater, which means you won’t need to keep the manual nearby to remember how to turn it on. Once on, it only took a few minutes for the unit to warm and produce an ample amount of heat, though we needed to be fairly close (two feet) to feel the strongest warmth,” adds BHG.
Tired of blankets and layers? “If you’re willing to spend a little extra for a versatile and stylish patio heater that can be used beyond just a patio setting, look no further than this one from Frontgate. Despite its height of nearly 7.5 feet, we found it easy to move around from spot to spot thanks to its wheels and sturdy construction. In fact, only one person was needed to move the heater from the back patio to the driveway. Additionally, since most of the weight is on the bottom, it would take a lot to tip it over, so we are confident that a wind gust won’t be a problem. Even though it was cold when we tested the heater, it kept us warm quickly. We had no problems with the heater’s performance even when the temperature dropped to 31 degrees, despite the manual’s warning that its efficiency decreased below 40 degrees,” mentions The Spruce.