Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has multiple heat settings, and it protects you from overheating. top rated electric patio heaters 's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great option for large gardens that have plenty of seating outdoors and sofas. However, they will require regular refills with propane or natural gas. It's an excellent choice for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra red models. They are more affordable than gas-powered models and in the event you pick wisely they'll have lower running costs too. It's also easy to install and you won't have to refill your propane tank.
The best ones have a remote control that makes operations easy, and an LED light that is built-in for ambience. One of our top picks from German company Herschel makes use of circular carbon filaments to radiate mediumwave infrared heat across a table-sized area. It is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which utilizes an aluminum reflector to create on a narrow beam of heat to the area you prefer to be in.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a clean warm glow, however the Herschel is more sleek that's more suited to modern gardens or if you want to incorporate it into your outdoor furniture. It can be used with home automation systems, allowing you to select your preferred brightness and temperature. This can help save energy over time.
It is important to keep in mind that while infrared heat is effective, it only warms objects and people in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work when you move away. It will also not warm your garden or patio when the winds blow the heater around.
Gas heaters on the contrary, can heat an area larger when they aren't moved. They can also be equipped with shields to keep them in position. They are often found in pub gardens and have a cosy burning log look that's great in a variety of decors.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient and can also generate more noise and smog. In contrast to propane that is stored in a cylinder and will need to be refilled when it is depleted, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more sustainable. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces a higher level of heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to purchase heaters for your patio as Summer winds down and evenings become a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. No matter if you choose electric or gas, there's plenty on offer including small tabletop models to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as decked gardens.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most wasteful both in terms of energy they use and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and humans. Electric heaters are less expensive to run, and have a smaller carbon footprint. They're also much simpler to use. You just connect them to the power source and turn them on, whereas you may have to build an outdoor fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open spaces, and some are equipped with built-in dimmer switches to allow you to alter the brightness of the light. They are also smaller than gas models, and can be easily moved. This is very beneficial for when you need to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
The downside of these heaters is that they require to be plugged in and you'll need to have a power socket nearby and an extension lead certified to be used with outdoor equipment. To meet safety standards electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll need be careful not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could pose an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a lover of the design of the gas heater but do not want to be restricted by where it can be set up or want to reduce your expenses, these freestanding electric patio heaters are a good alternative. These heaters for patios are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be controlled with a remote or switch. They're also more affordable to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish option that looks great with your rattan furniture. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against dust and wind-blown rain (although we wouldn't suggest aiming an hose with high pressure at it). The model also has 3 heating levels to suit your needs, aswell being a timer shutoff between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is a different option for those who don't want to be limited by the location of a patio heater. It comes in two sizes, and has many options, including a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, though we don't advise letting it get wet, as this could impact on the efficiency and life span of the heater.
A top choice among many customers This portable heater for patios is a good budget-friendly option for those who like to be in control of their heating. With a remote, 2 heat settings and the ability to switch the light on or off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It also comes with an inbuilt safety feature that shuts off the unit if it's knocked over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide like gas patio heaters, making them a fantastic choice for pet owners or young children who have not yet reached the maturity level to understand the dangers associated with being too close to a fire. These models are ideal for gazebos or large outdoor areas, since they are able to quickly heat an area of up to 15m2. These models are light and easy-to-move, and some even come with a remote so you can alter the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and the kids are back at school it's time to think about adding some heat to your outside space. Whether you're after a freestanding model or one that can be mounted on the wall, there are plenty to choose from in the electric range.
This popular model is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low running costs. It can be mounted on the wall or on the floor, making it ideal for gazebos, covered porches and small gardens in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the temperature. Users say they find it to be a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to reduce the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for spaces that are small such as garages and covered porches since they don't emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Gas heaters, on the other hand, must be placed in an open space with adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
However, the downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. They're also more difficult to transport as they require access to an electricity outlet. That's particularly important when you live in an area with expensive energy charges.
Another drawback of electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas one but there are a lot of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to choose from. Some are hung from parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great choice for those looking for an infrared heating system that's cost-effective to run. It's available in two sizes and comes with a range of features, including 360deg rotation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also classified as IP44 which means that it can withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.