The best patio heater of 2021

Patio heaters 

If you want to expand your living space during the chilly months, a patio heater is the perfect way to do so. They’re built to withstand pretty low temperatures and some can radiate heat for a considerable distance.

While patio heaters are relatively inexpensive, they’re still an investment, so choosing the right one is crucial. You want a heater that’ll last for a long time and emit steady warmth without malfunctioning. The Amazon Basics Propane Patio Heater is one example of a heater that performs well and has longevity.

What to know before you buy a patio heater 2021

Heat capacity

Not all patio heaters are created equal when it comes to heat capacity — this aspect is perhaps the most important. After all, you’re buying a patio heater to stay warm outside — the heat is the whole point. That said, you don’t want a patio heater that makes you and your loved ones too hot.

So, how do you choose a patio heater with the right heat capacity? Use the BTU (British thermal unit) — a measurement of heat capacity. You can calculate the BTU by multiplying the measurement of the length, width and height of your patio. From there, figure out how many degrees in Fahrenheit the temperature should be raised. Estimate the temperature that would be comfortable and multiply the difference between the two temperatures by the area of the patio. The final sum generated is the BTU necessary to adequately heat your patio.

Mounting options

You have a few options when it comes to how your patio heater is mounted. Freestanding mounted models allow you to move the patio heater around the patio. They’re designed with wheels on one side of the base. Wall or ceiling mounted patio heaters are permanently installed. If you have multiple wall or ceiling-mounted units, you can hardwire them together into circuits. Some models give you the ability to control the heaters separately or together with a remote control, dimmer or switch.

Bear in mind that the type of mounting is largely dependent on the type of fuel that powers the patio heater. In general, propane tanks fuel tabletop and freestanding patio heaters, while natural gas is the usual fuel for permanent mountings.

Stability

If your patio heater falls down, it could start a fire in addition to potentially inflicting injury. This is the reason why stability should be one of your top priorities when shopping for a patio heater. Test heaters at stores by gently pushing on them. You should rule out any models that sway or fall over. Look for references to stability in product descriptions and reviews if you’re shopping online.

Patio heater 2021 fuel sources

Patio heaters use one of three types of fuel as a power source.

Propane

Compatible with 20-pound propane tanks of the portable variety or bulk tanks kept on your property, propane patio heaters heat up quickly. However, you’ll need to replace the tanks when they’re empty, and using them in covered spaces is risky.

Electric 

You can safely use electric patio heaters in enclosed spaces. They’re also portable and user-friendly. One drawback of electric heaters is the long-term costs. Their dependence on electricity also means they require access to an outlet.

Natural gas

The upfront expense of natural gas patio heaters is more expensive than other options because they must be professionally installed — this is imperative for safety reasons since these heaters utilize natural gas lines. Two benefits of natural gas patio heaters are their easy maintenance and low long-term costs.

Patio heater cost 

Prices for patio heaters vary widely depending on the type of fuel, construction materials and features — but in general, they range from $150-$500.

Patio heater FAQ

Is getting a warranty important for patio heaters?

A. Yes, it is. Since you’ll use the heater outside, it’s going to sustain a lot of stress from the elements. Make sure you choose a model that has an accompanying residential — not commercial — warranty.

Are patio heaters safe?

A. As long as you follow all instructions and safety precautions, your patio heater should be safe. It’s always wise to read reviews of buyers’ personal experiences with heaters and to ask what kind of safety features are built into any heaters you’re considering.

Which patio heater should you get?

Best of the best patio heater 

Amazon Basics Propane Patio Heater: available at Amazon

Our take: The practical features that help make this patio heater a bestseller include a powder-coated finish that holds up well against the outdoor elements, convenient push-button start Piezo ignition system, automatic shut-off tilt valve for safety and wheels for easy portability.

What we like: You can add weight to improve stability using the included waterbox. The powder-coated finish, aluminum and steel construction contribute to the patio heater’s durability.

What we dislike: A few buyers reported that the heating element melted the rim and/or the paint while in operation.

Best bang for your buck patio heater 

PAMAPIC Propane Patio Heater: available at Amazon

Our take: The double-mantle heating grid and stainless steel burners make the heater durable, while tip-over protection system helps keep you and your loved ones safe.

What we like: The built-in tank chamber is easily accessible via the door and the pulse ignition is dependable. This patio heater emits warmth up to 18 feet.

What we dislike: Some buyers indicated quality control issues including missing parts, bolts falling out after just a few uses and screw holes cut incorrectly.

Honorable mention patio heater 

hOmeLabs Gas Patio Heater: available at Amazon

Our take: This gas patio heater is built to last; it’s constructed from high-grade steel with a hammered bronze finish and a double-layer of rust-resistant protective mesh.

What we like: The one-step ignition system is user-friendly and the heat-control knob allows you to adjust the heat settings to your liking. You can fill the 18.1-inch diameter base reservoir with sand or water to enhance stability.

What we dislike: Some products have a defective valve or won’t start at all, according to a few buyers.

Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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