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A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Outdoor Patio Heaters

Summer nights have turned to fall nights, which tend to have a bite to the air and a dip in the temperatures. Instead of bringing that perfect outdoor evening inside because of the chill, consider using a fantastic outdoor patio heater to prolong your outdoor enjoyment. You can stay warm and cozy while still breathing in that crisp fall evening air.

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

No surprise here: there are lots of options in determining which are the best outdoor patio heaters. You’ll want to consider your space and use as you figure out which will be the best fit for you – perhaps you want an outdoor patio heater that stands on the floor, sits on a tabletop, or is mounted on the wall. In this article, we’ll give you an outline of some of the best outdoor patio heaters on the market today, so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and space.

Slate Grey
AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater
AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater

  • Quiet, floor standing model
  • Various powder-coated finishes
  • Propane gas-powered, simple Piezo one-button ignition
  • 46,000 BTU to heat an area about 18’ in diameter
  • Auto shut-off tilt valve
  • Water or sand base reservoir system for stability
  • 89” tall x 18” wide

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wheels for easy mobility
Pyramid Patio Propane Heater
Pyramid Patio Propane Heater

  • Floor standing
  • Neutral and hammered metal finishes with quartz glass
  • Propane gas powered
  • Electronic igniter
  • 40,000 BTU
  • Auto shut-off tilt valveWheels for easy mobility
  • 90” tall

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free shipping
Hiland HLDS01-WCGT Propane Patio Heater
Hiland HLDS01-WCGT Propane Patio Heater

  • Floor standing
  • Hammered bronze w/ black
  • Propane powered
  • 41,000 BTU to heat up to 20 square feet
  • Anti-tilt, auto shut-off device
  • Comes with burner cover and regulator
  • CSA approved
  • 87” tall

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Considerations for Choosing the Best Outdoor Patio Heater for You

  • Tip 1: Location. Determine where you will want the outdoor patio heater to be situated. This will depend on your outdoor space. You might need a floor standing, tabletop, or even wall-mounted model, so knowing where your heater will be located is important for making your buying decision.
  • Tip 2: Dimensions. Of course, you’ll need to take into consideration the dimensions of any outdoor patio heaters you’re looking at, to make sure they will fit your space and avoid any low-hanging objects (e.g., hanging flower baskets, wind chimes, lights, etc.).
  • Tip 3: Heat Output. Take note of the square footage that you will want your patio heater to cover. This will be an important consideration when looking at the best outdoor patio heaters, so that you can match the heater to your space.
  • Tip 4: Power Source. Whether you want your outdoor patio heater to run off electricity or propane gas (or something else), you’ll need to be sure you have access to the appropriate power source.

Related: A Quick Guide to The Best Pellet Stoves on the Market

Top 3 Outdoor Patio Heaters

1.AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

Available in a variety of powder-coated finishes (from hammered black to slate grey to Bahama blue…and many in between), the AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater is a durable floor-standing model. As a commercial-grade gas-powered heater, it is powerful, with a heat output of 46,000 BTUs, which can comfortably heat an area about 18 feet in diameter.

The AmazonBasics uses a simple startup Piezo ignition system, which requires a standard gas cylinder and a single push of a button. A large variable-heat control knob allows users to adjust the heat output from low to high as meets their comfort needs. A key safety feature is its auto shut-off tilt valve, which will give users peace of mind while operating the heater. A base reservoir system, which can be filled with water or sand, helps to provide stability via a low, heavy, and steady base weight on this taller model. Measures should also be taken to secure the heater when it is not in use. It is 89” tall by 18” wide at its widest point.

Slate Grey
AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater
AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater

  • Quiet, floor standing model
  • Various powder-coated finishes
  • Propane gas-powered, simple Piezo one-button ignition
  • 46,000 BTU to heat an area about 18’ in diameter
  • Auto shut-off tilt valve
  • Water or sand base reservoir system for stability
  • 89” tall x 18” wide

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2. Hiland HLDSO1-WGTHG Pyramid Patio Propane Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

The Hiland Pyramid is a radiant-style patio heater that comes in a variety of neutral or metallic finishes. The model is an elegant two-piece quartz glass tube heater, and it’s designed with wheels to facilitate easy mobility around your outdoor space. The Hiland runs off propane gas and has a butane heat output of 40,000 BTUs.

An easy access door at the base of the outdoor patio allows for quick and easy cylinder changes when the propane runs low. The outdoor patio heater is easy to operate, with a dependable electronic igniter to make firing up the heat simple and fast. This model comes equipped with a safety auto shut off tilt valve, so if it tips over for some reason (e.g., high winds) during operation, the heater will automatically shut off to prevent fire damage. The Hiland Pyramid heater is 90” tall.

wheels for easy mobility
Pyramid Patio Propane Heater
Pyramid Patio Propane Heater

  • Floor standing
  • Neutral and hammered metal finishes with quartz glass
  • Propane gas powered
  • Electronic igniter
  • 40,000 BTU
  • Auto shut-off tilt valveWheels for easy mobility
  • 90” tall

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3. Hiland HLDSO1-WCGT Propane Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

This floor-standing outdoor patio heater stands 87” tall in a sophisticated hammered bronze finish with black detailing. The Hiland includes two wheels for easy mobility around and throughout your patio – as your outdoor party moves throughout the evening, so, too, can your heat source!

The Hiland is also designed with a matching adjustable table for conveniently accessible drinks or other small objects. It runs off propane gas to produce a powerful amount of heat output – 41,000 BTUs to heat a space up to 20 square feet. There is an easily accessible door to swap out propane cylinders as needed, and a 33” aluminum shield reflects the heat downward where it’s needed. This model can burn up to 10 hours on a single 20-pound propane cylinder. It also includes an anti-tilt safety device, which automatically shuts off the heater if it tips.

free shipping
Hiland HLDS01-WCGT Propane Patio Heater
Hiland HLDS01-WCGT Propane Patio Heater

  • Floor standing
  • Hammered bronze w/ black
  • Propane powered
  • 41,000 BTU to heat up to 20 square feet
  • Anti-tilt, auto shut-off device
  • Comes with burner cover and regulator
  • CSA approved
  • 87” tall

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Other Outdoor Patio Heaters to Consider

Versonel Electric Wall Mount Infrared Indoor-Outdoor Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

The versatile Versonel heater can be used inside or outside, as needed. This is a good option for fully covered patios, for example. As a wall-mount heater, the Versonel is easy to install, coming with a universal wall- and ceiling-mounting bracket and a 6-foot-long electric cord. As an infrared heater, the Versonel is efficient in heat production and output and can save users 30%-40% on electricity when compared to a traditional electric heater. What’s more, the infrared heat produced is reflective and thus odor-, chemical-, and fume-free. This heater is slated to operate up to 10,000 hours in its lifespan.

electric
Electric Wall Mount Infrared Heater
Electric Wall Mount Infrared Heater

Perfect for Covered Indoor and Outdoor Environments - Garages, Outdoor patios/decks with roofs and more

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Sunjoy Lawrence Floor-Standing Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

The Sunjoy is a free-standing heater that stands 88” tall (the umbrella is nearly 32” in diameter) with an elegant bronze hammered finish over a stainless steel double-layer protective head and high quality iron base. The heater has wheels for easy transportability and mobility. The lighting mechanism includes an easy-to-operate valve knob and ignition button. Powered by propane gas and with 47,000 BTU heat output, the Sunjoy is able to blast heat over a large area, up to almost 10’ in radius. It also comes equipped with three anchoring arms to secure the heater’s standing stability, and also a safety shut-off valve in the off chance of tipping.

Safety shut off valve
Sunjoy Lawrence Floor-Standing Patio Heater
Sunjoy Lawrence Floor-Standing Patio Heater

Wheels included for easy transport and mobility

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Portable Table Top Pyramid Glass Tube Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

As its name suggests, this Hiland heater is a great option for smaller spaces where a tabletop patio heater is needed. This smaller pyramid model stands at 39” tall. It has a rust-deterring hammered bronze finish and a quartz glass tube, through which you can watch the flame. After being lit easily via an electronic ignition, this model runs off propane gas (recommended 1-pound tank) and has a heat output of 10,000 BTUs.

Hammered Bronze finish
Portable Table Top Pyramid Glass Tube Patio Heater
Portable Table Top Pyramid Glass Tube Patio Heater

It is portable and has anti-tilt safety devices.

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Sundate Electric Outdoor Halogen Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

The Sundate heater uses three halogen fire tubes that last up to 5,500 hours to provide cozy heat to your indoor or outdoor space within seconds. You can choose between three variable heat levels to match the weather and your personal preferences. The design involves a pull switch control as well as an adjustable height standing iron pole (1.3m-2m) for a more versatile experience. The heater is easily portable and has a stable base to put your mind at ease. It is weather- and dust-proof and includes an explosion-proof net and tip-over switch as desirable safety features. Gas or flammable fuels are not required, and the power supply cord is a generous 2.1m.

3 halogen fire tubes
Sundate Electric Outdoor Halogen Patio Heater
Sundate Electric Outdoor Halogen Patio Heater

Apart from adjustable iron pole as standing support, the heater is portable with a stable base which is a decorative alternative for your house.

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PAMAPIC Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

This powerful, commercial-grade propane umbrella heater, the PAMAPIC outdoor patio heater, puts out a steady 46,000 BTUs to heat a space up to 20’ in diameter via stainless steel burners and a double-mantle heating grid. The design uses a built-in tank chamber with a door for easy access and propane replacement. The PAMAPIC is all about usability, as evidenced by its easy-to-use Piezo igniter, convenient wheel assembly with complimentary fixed feet for stability, and peace-of-mind tip-over protection system. The model, standing 88” tall and 32” wide at its umbrella, includes a zippered cover for all-season protection when not in use.

outdoor patio cover
PAMAPIC Patio Heater
PAMAPIC Patio Heater

Heat range up to 18 feet in diameter.; puts out 46,000 BTU's of steady warmth

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FireSense 61436 Stainless Steel Pro Series Patio Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

Constructed out of heavy-duty, thick-gauge (#304) stainless steel, the FireSense is designed to be a powerful and reliable heating source. It’s designed to be ideal for residential users who want the best outdoor patio heater. With 46,000 BTUs and a five-piece heavy gauge reflector, the FireSense will keep you toasty in all kinds of weather. An electronic single-stage ignition system allows for easy startup and operation, and the head assembly is also designed with an easy access panel to exchange components as needed. It measures 89” tall by 33” wide at its widest point.

Stainless Steel
Fire Sense 61436 Stainless Steel Pro
Fire Sense 61436 Stainless Steel Pro

No.304 Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Construction

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Variable Propane Forced Air Heater

Propane Forced Air Heater 150x150

This mega-heat-blaster puts out 60,000 BTUs, heating up to an unbelievable 1,500 square feet. It is easily transportable, with an easy-to-grip handle, and has an adjustable-angle base to position the airflow accurately and as needed. There are three heating options with the Variable Propane heater, so that you can adjust for optimal heat. On one 20-pound propane tank, it can operate for up to 11 hours. Ideal for semi-enclosed patios, construction, open garages, open barns, etc.

60000 btu heat output
Propane Forced Air Heater
Propane Forced Air Heater

Operates up to 11-hour on 20-pound propane tank

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Related: Best Infrared Space Heater for the Colder Weather

We hope this buying guide has provided some information that will be helpful as you choose the perfect fit from among the best outdoor patio heaters on the market. When you consider your space and your heating needs within that outdoor space, you should be able to find the best patio heater to extend your living area outdoors even into the colder months.