We hope you love the products we recommend. TheMeatHouseBlog.com may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from Amazon Associates or other vendors. Read more here.
Choosing the right patio heater for our backyard was a little daunting. We weren’t sure if we preferred a freestanding heater that we could move around with my family or a wall-mounted unit that we could hang in the pool house for the kids to assemble around after an evening swim.
Our family loves hosting gatherings in the gazebo starting in the early spring, so ultimately, we chose multiple wall-mounted units, but that doesn’t mean that freestanding units aren’t great, too. The best patio heaters are the ones you’re able to fit into your budget, and that meet your specific needs.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Soft glow adds warmth, ambiance to outdoor spaces
- Convenient remote control to adjust temperature
- Suitable for pool areas
- Your choice of black or white finishes
The Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart Heat patio heaters are good quality space heaters that perform well in outdoor settings. Just one of these heaters warms up to 160 ft² of space.
The parabolic reflector at the back of the unit directly lost infrared energy back down for optimal energy efficiency. The high-performance mesh screen over the heating element ensures effective heat distribution so everyone on the patio can enjoy the warmth.
Top 5 Best Patio Heaters Reviews
The Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart Heat patio heaters are good quality space heaters that perform well in outdoor settings. Just one of these heaters warms up to 160 ft² of space.
The parabolic reflector at the back of the unit directly lost infrared energy back down for optimal energy efficiency. The high-performance mesh screen over the heating element ensures effective heat distribution so everyone on the patio can enjoy the warmth.
They mount perfectly overhead with the included mounting brackets, and you can put them anywhere. They work well on ceilings, but you can easily mount them to pergolas too since the material used is corrosion resistant.
Who Should Get This?
It’s a great option for families who are short on space but want to include aspects of warmth in their backyard. Hanging a heater from a ceiling leaves room elsewhere.
Pros
- Soft glow adds warmth, ambiance to outdoor spaces
- Convenient remote control to adjust temperature
- Suitable for pool areas
- Your choice of black or white finishes
Cons
- Mounted unit can’t be moved after installation
- Frequent or extended use may affect power bills
The Bromic Heating Tungsten 500 Smart-Heat Natural Gas Patio Heater is a great answer for cold areas in your home or business. It looks great in any setting but lends itself well to modern styling or industrial decor.
Natural gas and propane are easy to find and cheap to use, so the unit is cost-effective and energy-efficient. It can be wired to smart system controls and features a wireless remote so you can set your desired temperature and let the unit monitor the temperature itself.
Who Should Get This?
Perfect for modern industrial decor, this natural gas patio heater resembles a speaker and can be mounted to any wall. Upgrade to a ceiling mount for an additional charge.
Pros
- 43,000 BTUs are ideal for large spaces
- Set your temperature and forget it
- Brackets allow pivoting for directional heat
- Your choice of propane or natural gas
- Upgrade to wireless remotes for easy controlling
Cons
- Unit is not mobile once installed
- Use of natural gas or propane can cause odors
This unit is perfect for small settings that need a boost of warmth from time to time. It’s sleek and stylish but features a telescopic neck to adjust the height for more direct heat if needed. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on your small apartment balcony in comfort while reading a book or just enjoying the weather.
This heater is lightweight and portable, so move it from place to place or take it with you to casual get-togethers with friends or family to stay warm in all weather. It’s reliable, and you’ll be able to depend on it for warmth without a sweater for years to come.
Who Should Get This?
Perfect for intimate settings and small areas, you can feel warm on your balcony or porch all year round. You’ll love being able to relax with comfort and warmth.
Pros
- No odors from propane or natural gas
- Choose from black or stainless steel finishes
- Operates at 90% heating efficiency
- Warms up to a 9 foot blanket of heat
- Perfect for small balconies, decks, and patios
Cons
- Users have complained that it’s too bright
- Electric bills may take a hit with extended use
4. RADtec Designer Series 82 1/2-Inch 3200W Electric Infrared Patio Heater: Best Patio Heater
The RADtec Designer Series provides modern, sleek-looking space heaters that fit beautifully into contemporary decor styles to keep you comfortable all year round so you enjoy your patio, deck, or terrace no matter what the temperature is outside.
You can be confident in hosting posh get-togethers while this outdoor space heater works quietly in the background as the units emit no noise or fumes. It’s controlled by a remote that lets you set timers for 2/4/6/8 hours.
It radiates infrared heat with no glow and is almost 100% efficient, storing heat in the built-in ceramic plates rather than continuously using energy.
Who Should Get This?
Perfect for modern, eco-friendly homes, this patio heater fits anywhere a home or business owner needs to make guests feel comfortable.
Pros
- Choose 1 of 2 sizes to customize experience
- Available in packs of 2 for easy ordering
- Hang from walls or ceilings
- Generates direct heat without propane or natural gas
- Ideal for residential and business use
Cons
- Electric patio heater may affect power bills
- Unit is splash resistant but not waterproof
5. Aura Carbon Series Electric 27-Inch Patio Heater: Best Patio Heater for the Money
The Aura Carbon Series Electric Patio heater is an ideal choice for any outdoor area. It’s perfect for ambiance and easy to direct the infrared heat to the specific area you want to be warmed up.
Since this heater runs on electricity, you don’t need to worry about natural gas or propane hookups, or special safety measures. It is cETLus-rated for wet and dry use, and the anodized aluminum casing is dustproof and waterproof so that the weather won’t diminish its performance.
Installation is a breeze. Just mount the unit to a wall or ceiling using the included brackets.
Who Should Get This?
This budget-friendly space heater is perfect residential and commercial properties with a spacious outdoor balcony or deck. It’s easy to install and operate, ensuring minimal startup and maintenance costs.
Pros
- Choose 1500W or 3000W for convenience
- Waterproofing is good in rain, by a pool
- No gas emissions protect your family and environment
- Choose from 6 heat levels to stay comfortable
- Durable aluminum and stainless steel construction
Cons
- No safety shut off for electricity
- Stationary unit does not move once installed
Best Patio Heater Overall
When the sun goes down in the spring and fall, the temperature usually goes with it. Sometimes that means the end of a great party, informal get-together, or family dinner but no more. By choosing the Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat 56-Inch 6000W Dual Element 240V Electric Infrared Patio Heater for your outdoor entertaining area, you benefit from long-term cost savings thanks to the energy-efficient ceramic infrared elements and a sleek design that complements your decor.
