Best Patio Heaters: 8 Models Compared
Compare eight outdoor patio heater models with different fuel types, heat outputs and designs. Review coverage, portability and practical features to find a model suited to your outdoor space.
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The best patio heater makes a cool outdoor seating area more comfortable, but the right model depends on fuel type, placement, available clearance and the size of the area you want to warm. Propane tower heaters spread heat around an open patio, while electric infrared models provide more targeted warmth near a seating area.
Compare rated output together with coverage, stability, weather protection and installation requirements. Always follow the manufacturer’s clearance and outdoor-use instructions; a patio heater warms nearby people and objects but will not make an exposed patio feel like an indoor room.
Best Patio Heaters Comparison
| Model | Fuel | Rated output | Best for | Important check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels View on Amazon | Propane | 46,000 BTU | Patios needing a movable, full-size propane heater | Requires a propane cylinder |
| EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater View on Amazon | Propane | 50,000 BTU | Larger open patios where a high-output propane tower fits safely | Large footprint |
| EAST OAK 1200W Patio Heater View on Amazon | Electric | 1,200 W | Warming legs under a table on a sheltered patio | Lower listed output than full-size towers |
| EAST OAK 1500W Portable Tower Patio Heater View on Amazon | Electric | 1,500 W | Small patios where close-range electric warmth is preferred | Best for a limited zone |
| Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Outdoor Propane Heater View on Amazon | Propane | 47,000 BTU | Users wanting a conventional outdoor propane tower | Bulky to store |
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater View on Amazon | Electric | 1,500 W | Covered patios needing heat in one predictable area | Installation location is permanent |
| Fire Sense 62785 All Seasons Patio Heater View on Amazon | Propane | 48,000 BTU | Open-air entertaining spaces that need a movable propane heater | Requires propane management |
| Cuisinart COH-500 Portable Tabletop Patio Heater View on Amazon | Propane | 11,000 BTU | Small outdoor seating areas needing localized propane heat | Limited heating zone |
Which Outdoor Patio Heater Should You Choose?
The best patio heater for you starts with the patio layout and permitted clearances. Check those first, then choose propane or electric heat. Output numbers are useful for comparison, but wind, seating distance and heater format determine how warm people actually feel.
- Best all-round freestanding propane heater: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU is a conventional wheeled tower for open patios. View on Amazon
- Best high-output propane option: EAST OAK 50,000 BTU suits larger open areas that can accommodate its footprint and clearances. View on Amazon
- Best lower-output electric option for a sheltered zone: EAST OAK 1200W avoids propane cylinders but warms a more focused area. View on Amazon
- Best portable electric tower: EAST OAK 1500W targets close-range warmth on a small patio with a suitable outlet. View on Amazon
- Best tabletop propane heater: Cuisinart COH-500 is intended for localized warmth in a small outdoor seating area. View on Amazon
Best Patio Heaters: Product Reviews
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
- Fuel: propane
- Rated output: 46,000 BTU
- Format: freestanding tower
- Mobility: wheeled base
This full-size propane tower pairs a high listed output with a broad reflector and wheeled base. It is intended to warm an open seating area rather than one person at close range. The trade-offs are cylinder storage, a tall footprint and the need to follow the specified clearances on every side.
What stands out
This is the reference point for full-size propane towers: 46,000 BTU, a wide reflector and wheels. Full-size towers like this typically take a standard 20-lb cylinder in the base, so budget for refills and a safe storage spot.
- High listed heat output
- Wheels aid movement
- Simple freestanding format
- Requires a propane cylinder
- Needs outdoor clearance and stable placement
Who might consider it?
Patios needing a movable, full-size propane heater.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
- Fuel: propane
- Rated output: 50,000 BTU
- Format: freestanding tower
- Ignition: listed piezo system
The EAST OAK propane tower is aimed at larger outdoor seating areas where broad, high-output heat matters more than compact storage. Its wheeled base helps with repositioning, but wind can still reduce perceived warmth. Confirm the current ignition system, included hardware and cylinder requirements before ordering.
What stands out
At 50,000 BTU this is the highest-rated heater here, but the step up from 46,000–47,000 BTU is modest. Choose it for a large open patio, not because the number is higher.
- 50,000-BTU listed output
- Protective burner mesh
- Wheeled base
- Large footprint
- Propane refills and storage required
Who might consider it?
Larger open patios where a high-output propane tower fits safely.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
EAST OAK 1200W Patio Heater
- Power: 1,200W electric
- Heat type: infrared
- Format: under-table, double-sided
- Fuel storage: none
This 1,200-watt electric heater is designed to stand under or beside a table and radiates from both sides, so it warms legs and feet rather than the air above the table. It needs no propane cylinder and is listed as IP65 water-resistant. It cannot match the broad coverage of a full-size propane tower, so placement and distance from the seated user matter.
What stands out
1,200 W is the lowest output in this comparison. It suits one or two seats close to the heater on a sheltered patio, not a group spread around a table.
- No propane cylinder
- Compact footprint
- Quick electric start
- Lower listed output than full-size towers
- Requires a suitable outlet
Who might consider it?
Covered or sheltered seating areas with a suitable power source.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
EAST OAK 1500W Portable Tower Patio Heater
- Power: 1,500W electric
- Format: portable tower
- Heat type: infrared
- Use: focused seating zone
The 1,500-watt tower places focused electric heat around seated-body height while using much less floor space than a mushroom-style propane heater. It is convenient where a suitable outdoor electrical supply is available. Plan the cord route carefully and check the circuit and weather-protection requirements in the manual.
What stands out
At 1,500 W, this tower draws about as much as a plug-in heater can take from a standard 120 V household outlet. Put it on a circuit without other heavy loads and plan the cord route so no one trips over it.
- No fuel cylinder
- Narrow footprint
- Portable format
- Best for a limited zone
- Cord placement needs planning
Who might consider it?
Small patios where close-range electric warmth is preferred.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Outdoor Propane Heater
- Fuel: propane
- Rated output: 47,000 BTU
- Format: freestanding tower
- Mobility: portable base
The Sunjoy Avanti follows the traditional propane-tower format, combining a broad reflector with a listed 47,000-BTU output. It can suit open entertaining areas with enough operating clearance and storage space. Like similar towers, its real-world comfort depends heavily on wind, outside temperature and seating distance.
What stands out
The Sunjoy sits between the Amazon Basics and EAST OAK towers on output (47,000 BTU). In practice, the choice between these three depends more on price, finish and wheels than on the small BTU differences.
- Strong listed output
- Traditional reflector design
- Moveable format
- Bulky to store
- Performance can drop in wind
Who might consider it?
Users wanting a conventional outdoor propane tower.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
- Power: 1,500W electric
- Heat type: carbon infrared
- Settings: three listed levels
- Mounting: wall or ceiling
The DR-238 is designed for a fixed wall or ceiling position, making it useful where floor space is limited and the seating zone stays in one place. Carbon infrared heat is most effective within its intended line of sight. Installation height, electrical access and mounting clearances should be planned before purchase.
What stands out
The DR-238 is the only mounted heater here, so it takes up no floor space. The trade-off is a fixed position: it only heats the zone it points at, so plan seating and mounting height together.
- No floor footprint
- Multiple heat settings
- Focused radiant heat
- Installation location is permanent
- Coverage depends on mounting position
Who might consider it?
Covered patios needing heat in one predictable area.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
Fire Sense 62785 All Seasons Patio Heater
- Fuel: propane
- Rated output: 48,000 BTU (current listing)
- Format: freestanding tower
- Mobility: wheels
The Fire Sense 62785 is a conventional wheeled propane tower for users who want broad overhead heat and familiar controls. The wheels help with seasonal repositioning, but the tall body still requires a stable, level surface. Check wind guidance, clearances and cylinder compatibility in the current manual.
What stands out
The current Amazon listing for the 62785 states 48,000 BTU, slightly above the Amazon Basics and Sunjoy towers. In practice that difference is small; compare price, finish and electronic ignition rather than heat output.
- 48,000-BTU listing
- Wheeled base
- Broad reflector
- Requires propane management
- Tall units need stable placement
Who might consider it?
Open-air entertaining spaces that need a movable propane heater.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
Cuisinart COH-500 Portable Tabletop Patio Heater
- Fuel: propane
- Rated output: 11,000 BTU
- Format: tabletop
- Use: close-range zone
The compact Cuisinart tabletop heater is intended for localized warmth around a small outdoor table or close seating group. Its lower output and smaller reflector will not heat the same area as a full-size tower. Confirm that the table is stable, heat-resistant and large enough to meet the required clearances.
What stands out
At 11,000 BTU the Cuisinart delivers roughly a quarter of a full-size tower’s output. That is enough for people sitting around one small table, not for an open patio.
- Small footprint
- Portable design
- Lower fuel demand than tower models
- Limited heating zone
- Table must be stable and suitable
Who might consider it?
Small outdoor seating areas needing localized propane heat.
Affiliate link · Confirm the selected model and included accessories on Amazon.
How to Choose a Patio Heater
The best patio heater for your space depends on where you will use it, the size of the occupied seating zone and the fuel or electrical setup you can support safely.
Propane vs. Electric Patio Heaters
The fuel type decides which is the best patio heater for your space: it sets where you can place the heater and how it feels in use.
- Propane patio heater: the most output, with no outlet needed. Towers suit open patios and gardens, but they need open-air ventilation and the clearances in the manual, and you have to buy and swap cylinders.
- Electric patio heater: plug in and switch on, with no cylinder or combustion. Output is lower, so it warms people close to the heater. Models rated for outdoor use can suit a covered patio or balcony, within the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tabletop propane: a compact option for a small seating area, with the same ventilation rules as larger propane heaters.
Planning evenings outside in the colder months? Add some atmosphere with outdoor string lights, and see our outdoor Halloween decorations for autumn gatherings.
Best Patio Heater for a Covered Patio
A roof, pergola or awning changes which heater you can use. When you look for a patio heater for covered patio use, the safest choice is usually electric:
- Mounted infrared heater: the Dr Infrared DR-238 hangs on a wall or ceiling, takes up no floor space and warms the seating zone it points at. Check the mounting clearances to the ceiling in the manual. View on Amazon
- Under-table electric heater: the EAST OAK 1200W warms legs and feet under a dining table and needs no gas cylinder. View on Amazon
- Propane patio heater: only if the manual allows the location, every overhead and side clearance can be met and the space stays open to fresh air. Never use a propane heater in an enclosed or screened-in porch.
Keep any patio heater for covered patio use well away from curtains, umbrellas, cushions and outdoor rugs. For more ways to make a covered seating area comfortable in the colder months, see our tips to enjoy your patio during winter.
Outdoor Patio Heater Size: How Much Heat Do You Need?
Heat output is only part of the story, but it helps to match the type of outdoor patio heater to the number of people and the size of the seating area:
- One small table or a balcony (1 to 4 people): a tabletop propane heater such as the Cuisinart COH-500 or a 1,200 to 1,500 W electric heater. View on Amazon
- A dining or lounge set (4 to 8 people): one full-size propane tower of about 46,000 to 50,000 BTU, such as the Amazon Basics, placed next to the group rather than in a corner. View on Amazon
- A large open patio or garden party: two heaters on opposite sides of the seating area usually give more even warmth than one bigger heater.
Manufacturers of full-size propane towers often advertise a heating circle of roughly 15 to 20 feet in diameter. Treat that as a best case in calm weather: wind, open sides and cold ground reduce the warm zone quickly. A windbreak, a hedge or a wall on one side makes any outdoor patio heater feel more effective.
Running Costs: Propane vs. Electric Patio Heater
Running costs depend on local prices, but you can estimate fuel use yourself:
- Propane patio heater: a standard 20-lb cylinder holds roughly 430,000 BTU of energy. A tower running at 46,000 BTU on its highest setting therefore uses a full cylinder in about 9 to 10 hours; on a lower setting it lasts longer.
- Tabletop propane heater: an 11,000 BTU tabletop model uses far less fuel per hour, but check which cylinder size it takes before you buy.
- Electric patio heater: a 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour at full power. Multiply that by your electricity rate to see the cost per hour.
An electric patio heater is usually cheaper and easier for short sessions close to the heater. A propane patio heater makes more sense for longer evenings with a larger group in an open space.
Patio Heater Safety and Storage Checklist
- Stable, level surface: tall towers can tip over in wind; use the base weight or anchoring the manual describes.
- Leak test after every cylinder swap: brush soapy water on the connections; bubbles mean a leak. Close the valve and reconnect before lighting.
- Keep the clearances: respect the distances in the manual to ceilings, walls, plants, umbrellas and furniture.
- Store propane cylinders outdoors, upright and in a ventilated spot, never in a garage, basement or shed.
- Electric heaters: use an outdoor-rated outlet with GFCI protection and follow the manual on extension cords.
- Off-season storage: let the heater cool, disconnect the cylinder or power, clean the reflector and store the heater covered and dry. Our checklist to winterize your garden helps you prepare the rest of your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best patio heater?
It depends on your patio. For an open patio, a full-size propane tower such as the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU or the EAST OAK 50,000 BTU is the best patio heater for a group. For a covered patio, a mounted infrared heater such as the Dr Infrared DR-238 is usually the better choice, and for one small table the Cuisinart tabletop heater is enough.
Which patio heater is best for a covered patio?
An electric infrared model is usually the safest patio heater for covered patio use, because it produces no combustion gases. Mount it within the clearances in the manual and keep it away from fabrics and cushions.
How long does a 20-lb propane tank last in a patio heater?
At about 46,000 BTU on the highest setting, a 20-lb cylinder lasts roughly 9 to 10 hours. On lower settings it lasts longer. Keep a spare cylinder if you use your propane patio heater often.
Is a higher BTU rating always better?
No. BTU is a fuel-input rating, not a guarantee of comfort. Heater design, wind, seating distance and the shape of the space all affect perceived warmth.
Can a propane patio heater be used under a covered patio?
Only when the specific manual permits the location and every required overhead and side clearance can be met. Never use one in an enclosed space.
Are electric patio heaters cheaper to run?
Operating cost depends on local electricity and propane prices, power level and run time. An electric patio heater avoids cylinder refills but may warm a smaller zone.
Do patio heaters work in windy conditions?
Wind carries heat away and can make any outdoor heater feel less effective. Follow the manufacturer’s wind limits and shut the heater down if conditions are unsafe.
How should a patio heater be stored?
Let it cool, disconnect or secure the energy source as the manual directs, cover or store it in a dry place and check components before the next use.
Should I choose a propane or electric patio heater?
Propane towers suit open areas and can be moved independently of an outlet, but they require fuel storage, larger clearances and strictly outdoor use. Electric infrared heaters are convenient for focused zones with suitable power and an installation position allowed by the manual.
Is 50,000 BTU noticeably warmer than 46,000 BTU?
The difference in the rating alone does not determine comfort. Burner design, reflector shape, wind and seating distance can matter more than a relatively small difference in BTU input.
Do infrared patio heaters warm the air?
Infrared heaters mainly transfer radiant energy to people and nearby surfaces rather than trying to heat all the surrounding air. That can work well for a defined seating zone, although wind and distance still affect comfort.
Final Thoughts
Choose the best patio heater by fuel type, usable seating zone and required clearances—not by output alone. Full-size propane towers suit open patios that can safely accommodate them; electric infrared models are convenient for focused zones with reliable power; tabletop designs work best at close range.
Before ordering, verify the current model, included accessories, energy requirements and installation guidance on the seller and manufacturer pages. Product bundles and availability can change.
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