There is something so tranquil about sitting out in the garden in the evening. The roads are quiet, the sky is dark, and the mood is more peaceful. However, one aspect of sitting outside that makes the experience a little less enjoyable can be the cold. So, we've put together our favourite outdoor patio heaters.
No matter what time of year, British evenings tend to get a bit chilly. So if you spend a lot of time outdoors, rather than shivering under a blanket, why not consider investing in an outdoor heater? They make a great alternative to a fire pit.
Best outdoor patio heaters at a glance:
• Editor's pick: Warmlite WL42009 Quartz Portable Patio Heater - View on Amazon UK
• Best luxury style gas outdoor patio heater: Dellonda Propane Gas Pyramid Patio Heater - View on Amazon UK
• Best small electric heater: Lume Table Electric Heater - View on Homebase UK
Electric or gas, outdoor patio heaters will allow you to host BBQs for longer, sit out in the evening until later, and will keep the cold at bay all year round so you can make the most of your beloved outdoor space and precious time in the garden.
The best outdoor patio heaters UK
Editor's pick for best outdoor patio heater
AmazonThis portable patio heater is a compact choice, ideal to warm smaller areas of up to 15 square metres. While this can be moved around when used as a freestanding heater, you can also choose to wall mount this. The head of the heater can be up to 45-degrees so you can position the warmth where you need it. This boasts three different heat settings; 650W, 1350W, and 2000W, with a rapid heat up function meaning you won't have to wait long to feel the benefits.
Customer Review: "Really good heat output heating the air around but not making the heat uncomfortable. Feels like natural sunshine on you. Very simple to assemble and good position adjustment."
Pros
- Three heat settings
- Adjustable head tilt
Cons
- Short power cable
| Power: | 2kW |
| Lamp life: | 5,000 hours |
Best floor outdoor electric heater
Next - we have this pick from Swan. Enjoy your garden, patio or terrace in any season with the Swan Al Fresco SH16310N Portable Patio Heater. Lightweight and portable, this will keep you warm on a cold night. It's been designed for peace of mind. In case it's knocked or blown over, it switches off immediately. Plus, it's IP24 certified, so it'll withstand a light drizzle**.**
Customer Review: "This heater is easy to assemble and looks good once it's built. It heats up very quickly and gives off a decent heat if you're close to it. Plus, it's kinder to the environment than the big gas heaters. Overall, we're very pleased with it. Although, it has a limited range compared to a gas heater. You need to sit quite close to it."
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
Cons
- Limited range
| Power: | 2kW |
| Dimensions: | H98 x W18 cm; 6kg |
Recommended outdoor patio heater
When the weather starts to get a bit chilly this will take the edge off nicely. The best thing about it is that you don't have to wait long until it heats up fully. It comes with a 1.8-metre power supply cord and a 360-degree tip-over safety feature.
Customer Review: "I bought this to be placed under an outside dining table for that little extra warmth at night. It has just the right output - so as to prevent burning. The heat radiates outward at just the correct distance and wattage. I highly recommend for this purpose other than that additional heaters would be required."
Pros
- Good output
- Remote control
Cons
- Shorter cable
| Power: | 1200W |
| Dimensions: | 68.2 x 35.7 x 29.6 cm; 9kg |
Best small electric heater
www.homebase.co.uk
Don't be fooled by this charming and classy little table heater - it really does bring the heat. Its heavy-duty stainless steel finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. It's IP44 rated and has infrared halogen elements that heat objects rather than air.
Pros
- IP44 rated
- Heats well
Cons
- No customer review
| Power: | 1.5kW |
| Dimensions: | H66 x W44cm; 10.5kg |
Best electric hanging outdoor patio heater
www.primrose.co.uk
Enjoy a late-night drink or gathering in the garden any time of year without having to worry about being chilly with this 1500W infrared hanging heater. It's IP4 rated and has a classy vintage black design. The heater itself is highly effective and will last up to 3,000 hours. This heater will be a source of both heat and light that will get your friends talking.
Customer Review: "Plenty of heat from a relatively small unit"
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Plenty of heat
Cons
- Small power cord
| Power: | 1.5kW |
| Dimensions: | H31 x W41 cm; 2.5kg |
Best classic gas outdoor patio electric heater
If you are looking for a gas heater that'll take centre-stage on your patio, look no further than this classic outdoor patio heater which you'll recognise in style from your favourite beer garden. Made from a choice of silver or bronze powder-coated hammered metal, this free-standing heater can be fueled with propane, butane, or LPG gas and even comes with wheels so you can move your warmth to where you need it with ease.
Customer Review: "Easy to put together (does need two people at a couple of points). Looks really classy in the bronze Hammerite. The cover is very thin and light - let’s see how it stands up to a Scottish winter, but so far so good."
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Powder-coated finish
Cons
- Lightweight
| Power: | 5kW-12kW |
| Dimensions: | H224 cm |
Best luxury style gas outdoor patio heater
AmazonIf you are looking for a gas heater, this luxurious, large gas heater will provide you with plenty of heat over an 8-square metre range. Constructed from heavy-duty but elegant stainless steel, this heater is made to last.
Another perk of gas patio heaters is that they don't require an electrical cord so you can set up your heated seating area anywhere in your garden. The heater has a few heat output controls and entirely enclosed gas cylinder chambers with a safety tip-over switch. This pyramid patio heater is available in black or stainless steel.
Customer Review: "Lighting is easy and looks good with the flame in the tube. I assembled on Saturday afternoon and had a query for the seller. I emailed them late Saturday afternoon and had a reply back by 7pm, excellent customer service. Overall, great service, a wonderful heater."
Pros
- Cover included
- Tricky assembly
Cons
- High cost
| Power: | 13kW |
| Dimensions: | H227 x W52 cm; 32kg |
Best electric mounted outdoor heater
www.primrose.co.uk
Another space-saving option is this wall mounter heater from Heatlab. This unit has a carbon fibre heating element including three heat settings: 700W, 1400W or 2000W so you can stay ultra toasty. Additionally, it can be remote-controlled and heats an area of 10 square metres. In terms of cost, this heater has an effective running cost of 9.8p per hour so that you can stay out all night long.
Customer Review: "Excellent product. Quick to warm up and a cosy light around the area too."
Pros
- Three heat settings
- Remote controlled
Cons
- Not entirely waterproof
| Power: | 2kW |
| Dimensions: | L96 x W19 cm |
If you have selected your ideal outdoor patio heater, it is good to know some safety measures and other advice to confidently and safely use your heater. We've answered your burning questions on outdoor patio heaters.
FAQs
Is an outdoor patio heater safe?
According to Patio Heater Expert, "The answer is yes. Patio heaters, especially well-made ones, have a safety mechanism that automatically shuts off the gas supply if the unit is tilted. There is a one-push auto shut-down button on the device to ensure that you can turn the heater off in the case of an emergency."
You can read the full guide to heating for beginners here.
Modern Gardens contributor, Rachel Andrews-Ingram gives some advice on how to keep your patio safe: "Keep electric cables tucked away to avoid tripping accidents. If you choose a floor or tabletop heater, make sure children are prevented from touching the heating element, and keep pets away. Repairs or maintenance should always be carried out by an electrician."
What do I look for in an outdoor patio heater?
Heating element: Check it emits the type of heat you need for your situation
Reflector: A good reflector will both reflect and focus the heat where it’s needed
Low glare elements: These make the heater more comfortable to sit beside
Element size: This can affect how many people can benefit from the heat
Should I get a gas, halogen or electric outdoor heater?
Not sure whether to go with gas, halogen or electric, but don't worry. With the help of Modern Gardens contributor, Rachel Andrews-Ingram, we've got some thoughts on all. Which is best: halogen or electric? Plus, some pros and cons...
Go electric!
Rachel believes that electric patio heating is "the simplest way of heating your outdoor space."
The price will range from £30 to £1000. With a running cost of around 50p k/Wh - due to rising energy prices, they're about the same to run as an equivalent gas heater. This has not always been the case. Unlike gas or oil heaters, "there's no extra cost or inconvenience of having to buy bulk canisters that need replenishing."
However, you will require an electric supply nearby. Hopefully, many of you will have already taken the plunge and got some wiring out in the garden. Most outdoor heaters are "finished in a powder-coated steel, aluminium or stainless steel" - which offers protection from the elements, even our unpredictable weather in the UK.
If you're looking for something bulky, substantial and that will emit a lot of heat, then it's worth choosing a heater with "a large kilowatt (kW) output". Rachel adds: "the higher the figure, the more warmth it'll generate."
Say hi to halogen
Perhaps, you should consider halogen or 'infrared'. They run on "low wattage, which means you won't end up with a big electricity bill." Plus, they're a great choice for all you eco-conscious gardeners out there: they are low-emission.
Rather than warming the air, "infrared heaters emit energy that is absorbed by surrounding objects, giving an even and consistent heat." This makes them efficient because time and energy aren't wasted heating cold air. Essentially, a halogen heater is an infrared heater with "halogen gas in its bulb element to increase its output and light."
Tungsten and quartz-element halogen heaters "glow orange or gold, and produce a focused heat that doesn't spread particularly far." So, you and your lovely guests at your garden party will have to sit a little close to this kind of heater. However, be careful. You can "get a burning sensation if you stay close for too long."
Alternatives include: ceramic-plate infrared heaters - which don't use halogen, don't glow and produce "long-wave infrared heat, which warms evenly and gently."
Don't rule gas out
Though natural gas heaters require installation, they will be the second-most-affordable option to operate year-round, due to rising energy prices. However, gas heating requires the most expensive initial cost. Gas heaters need to be hooked up to your natural gas line, so a professional needs to be hired for installation - or you may have to fork out for bulky, inconvenient canisters to keep a propane heater going. They may be pricey, but they're flexible and effective.
Don't be fooled by an IP rating - an outdoor patio heater won't last forever if exposed to the elements.
What to read next:
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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, and has been contributing to publications across Bauer Media since 2020. Specialising in sustainable living and health, she lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and outdoors.