Best Patio Heaters 2025
A selection of the best types of heaters to warm your patio all year round
If you’ve ever dreamt of being outside long into the evening without spending hours building a fire in a fire pit or watching your gas heater guzzle propane, then electric heaters are for you.
Not only are they cost-effective (and the most eco-friendly patio heater), but outside electric heaters are also the most efficient. Why? Because they create radiant heat.
That means they heat only objects and people rather than the air around them. Meaning you need less power to provide the same kind of warmth as gas.
In other words, start browsing our list of outside electric heaters and figure out which will work with your patio, balcony, terrace or garden.
Our pick of the best electric patio heaters
- Briza Infrared Electric Patio Heater 1500W – Best Overall
- Dr Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater – Best Wall Hung Heater
- Infrared Radiant Heater with Remote – Best Free Standing Heater
- Electric 1500W Ceiling Mounted Heater – Best Patio Ceiling Lamp
- Outdoor Electric Umbrella Heater 1500W – Best for Umbrellas / Parasols
- 34 Electric Table Top Patio Heater – Best Electric Table Heater
Briza Infrared Electric Patio Heater 1500W – Best Overall Outdoor Electric Heater
Briza Infrared Electric Patio Heater 1500W
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The Briza heater offers dual mounting options, easy remote control, safety features, carbon infrared technology, 4-season protection, 3 heat levels, and a built-in timer for convenient, efficient heating indoors or outdoors.
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Out of all the outdoor electric infrared patio heaters on our list, this one wins the title for sheer adaptability.
Weighing just 3kg, it’s easy enough to move to adapt to your patio or balcony, whilst its height of 110cm up to 215cm allows it to deliver a pleasant warmth to its surroundings.
The main highlight is its adaptability—it includes hardware for wall or ceiling mounting and an adjustable tripod stand for easy portability.
No longer will your guests be fighting for the spot directly in the path of the heat. Instead, the heater will spread radiant heat to everyone sitting nearby.
It has 3 heating levels, the highest of which is 1,500W – which isn’t the highest but wll still do the of heating up a decent sized area of your patio or garden.
The carbon heater provides effective radiation with infrared technology, and it doesn’t glow a bright distracting light. You also have a timer shutdown of between 1 and 9 hours if you use it indoors and are concerned about safety.
It is splash-proof, so you won’t have to worry about every little sign of rain, but you will need to bring it in or put it safely away when not in use.
Pros
- Portable and compact
- IR ComfortHeat technology and heat output of 1500 watts
- 3 level of heat makes it adaptable for summer or winter evenings
- Remote control means you don’t have to get up to control the temperature
- Splash-proof against splash and jet water
- Set an automatic shut-down of between 1 to 9 hours
- 3 different mounting methods
Cons
- Cannot be left outside year-round. Needs to be put undercover or shed when not in use.
- Heat output could have been higher up to 2000W
Dr Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater – Best Wall Hung Electric Heater
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater for Patio & Backyard
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This IP55-rated infrared heater provides instant, odorless heat with 3 power settings (900W-1500W). Wall or ceiling mounted, it’s ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Durable, weatherproof aluminum ensures efficiency and longevity.
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If you have a small patio or space and don’t want to drag out a portable patio heater every time you feel a chill, then the Dr Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater is for you.
Easily mounted onto a ceiling or wall of an outdoor structure or garden wall, its’ plug and go nature makes it easy to use straight out of the box.
It provides a powerful heat of up to 1500W, giving you a wide area of warmth, whether horizontal or vertical. So if you don’t have the space, this wall-mounted patio heater is perfect for sticking on the side of a window or wall.
This is sold as an all-weather patio heater which is IP55 approved for both indoor and outdoor use. All that means is that it can withstand splashes and light to medium rain.
We would always recommend that in lashes of rain and storms, all electrical equipment should be brought inside or kept under cover, despite the fact this is advertised as being able to be outside throughout the year. Do it if you want, but don’t be surprised if, at this price range, it only lasts you a couple of years.
Thankfully, because of the easy installation, you can bring it in and out of the shed or garage when you need it and just plug and play when you need it most.
You could probably keep it out for multiple months and just bring it in when you know you won’t be dining al fresco in the snow.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove from the wall if need be
- Can be placed vertically or horizontally
- Multiple 3 heat settings gives you up to 1500W of directed infrared heat
- All weather patio heater able to be left out for convenience
- Stylish and modern design
Cons
- Not as powerful as some of the others on this list
Infrared Radiant Heater with Remote – Best Free Standing Heater
Patio Heater for Outdoor,1500W Electric Infrared Radiant Heater with Remote
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This 35" infrared heater warms up instantly, covers 250 sq. ft., and features adjustable power settings, a 24-hour timer, safety protections, and eco-friendly, electric-only operation for indoor and outdoor use.
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One of these powerful freestanding electric patio heaters can quickly warm up 250sq. ft.
These are perfect for larger patio gatherings, gazebos and parties because they are versatile enough to move around to where they can be the most effective. Not typically for outdoor use, so you will have to store it in doors when not in use.
The heater comes with multiple heat settings of 500W for summer evenings, 1000W for autumn afternoons and 1500W for those snuggly winter nights.
It’s durable and long-lasting, if not particularly stylish, and the overheat protection and auto off tip over features means it’s family-friendly and safe.
As a side bonus, these provide a soft glow of light and heat. Of course, this is also technically a downside, depending on whether you have separate outdoor lighting already organised for your entertainment space.
Not the cheapest on the list, can be moved around easily and will see you through some colder garden days.
Pros
- Portable Patio Heat Lamps
- Able to cosily warm a 250 sq. ft.
- 3 multiple heat settings of 500W, 1000W, 1500W
- In-built safety features mean they will shut off automatically if they start to overheat
- Give you light as well as heat
Cons
- Gives you light as well as heat
- Not the most beautiful lamps you’ll ever see
Electric 1500W Ceiling Mounted Heater – Best Electric Patio Ceiling Lamp
Electric Outdoor Patio Heater, 1500W Ceiling Mounted Heater
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Infrared patio heater warms in 3 seconds, offers 600W-1500W settings, provides 360° heat, features overheat protection, IP34 waterproofing, quiet operation, and includes an adjustable hanging chain for indoor or outdoor use.
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If you are looking for style, look no further than this 1500W Electric Hanging Heater. The painted aluminium housing gives this an industrial style and feels that it works with almost any décor.
The adjustable stainless steel chain makes it easy to carry, change the height, or completely move location if need be.
With an IP34 certified it is weather and dust resistant. It’s ideal for indoor and outdoor use, such as gazebos, patios, balconies, workshops, garages etc…
However, this ceiling lamp is usually best placed right over the outdoor dining table, providing your guest with a subtle warm heat.
Will it heat up a large space on its own? Well, it’s certainly powerful enough that 8 people around a table will enjoy dinner in comfort.
If you are looking for something that gives more widespread or directional heat, you may want to partner this with a free-standing heat lamp.
That said, in a covered patio area or a gazebo, one of these lightweight hanging heat lamps should easily heat 20 to 40 square meters, so you really only need an extra lamp if you don’t plan on putting this in a sheltered spot.
As with all electrical heat lamps, this emits zero carbon emissions and no odours, chemicals or fumes. This is as an environmentally garden heater as you’ll get, mostly because the carbon fiber heating tubes provide efficient heating with a generous lifespan.
Plus, it looks nice. What’s not to love?
Pros
- Weather and dust resistant
- No emissions, chemicals or fumes
- Warm, comfortable heat that covers 10 square meters in an open space, 20 to 40 square meters in a covered space
- Stylish design
- Lightweight and easy to assemble or move
- 360 reflection heat with no dead angles
Cons
- You need a ceiling to hang it on. This may sound obvious, but DO NOT place it on the floor, facing upwards.
- On the higher price range
Outdoor Electric Umbrella Heater 1500W – Best Heater for Umbrellas
Electric Umbrella Heater | Infrared Heating | Suitable for Patio
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This energy-efficient infrared parasol heater features a carbon fiber heating tube, three adjustable heat modes (500W-1500W), IP34 waterproofing, easy tool-free installation, and provides instant warmth for patios, decks, and even plants.
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Say you know exactly where everyone is going to be hanging out. Say that spot is on the table outside, with the parasol or umbrella sitting unused.
Wouldn’t it be great if that parasol wasn’t wasted space? Wouldn’t it be great if it could offer wonderful heat in the winter instead of providing cooling shade in the summer?
Let us introduce you to the range of Electric Patio Parasol and Umbrella heaters.
These three foldable heating panels each operate independently of each other, so you don’t have to use them all at once if you’re only sitting on half the table or just some of your guests are feeling the chill.
The arms can enclose any size pole of 1 to 2 inches in diameter and require no tools to install, however you might need an extension cord to reach the area you intend to use it.
The good news is that because the heat is right above you, and each element has three heat settings (500W, 1000W and 1500W) what you get is three good heaters that make for one powerful heat.
That heat is focused on the table and surroundings, so anyone outside that 10 to 14 square meters won’t feel quite as cosy.
Pros
- 3 individual folding arms, each with individual settings and heat
- Perfect heater for Pergolas, Parasols and Umbrellas
- Automatically shuts off if heating panels are down
- No cover needed – fully waterproof and covered as an umbrella heater
- No tools required, simple clasp installation
- Long lasting shock resistant halogen bulbs
- Can clasps around most umbrella stands of anywhere between 1 to 2 inches
- Anti heat cover avoids scalding injuries
- Safe out of reach for children and pets
- 3 heat settings for each of the heaters
- Concentrated heat on the guest will keep everyone warm
Cons
- Heats up an area of around 12 square feet of people sitting around a table, and not much beyond
34 Electric Table Top Patio Heater – Best Electric Table Patio Heater
34 Electric Table Top Patio Heater, 360 Heat
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This 1500W infrared tabletop heater warms in 3 seconds, heating people, not air. Stylish, lightweight (17.5 lbs), and durable, it suits patios, balconies, garages, and more with a 6.5ft heating radius.
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This is a little bit more of an unusual option, but take a moment to appreciate this beautiful piece of outdoor heating.
What you have here is a stylish contemporary lamp style heater that provides 360 degree heat with up to 6.5ft heating radius.
Standing at 34″ tall with a 22″ base, this is the perfect size to place on a garden table for a small gathering of friends as you wander around, nipping at the nachos.
Unfortunately it only comes with one heat setting at 1500W and the 5.2ft power cable will need an extension lead to use it in the garden safely.
But that’s ok because infrared heating is meant to heat up the lower part and the core of the bodies around them – keeping them warm. You also don’t want much higher heat for fear of burns, especially is sitting nearby.
With its lamp like design this is the perfect solution to prolong your evenings.
Who doesn’t love items that have more than one use?
Pros
- Stylish outdoor heating lamp
- Provides 360-degree heat to anyone around it
- Will comfortably warm guests using the table to rest drinks and snacks
- Not a huge power outage, but it will heat a 6.5ft radius on a cool summer evening
- Sturdy steel and aluminium design makes it long-lasting and waterproof
Cons
- Short lead means you need an extension lead
- Best for small spaces and small gatherings – perfect space-saving balcony patio heater
Summing UP – What is the best electric outdoor heater?
If you are still asking this question, then you haven’t had a chance to look at all the options yet.
The best electrical heater is the one that fits your space. If you have a small balcony or terrace maybe a table top or under the table heater is all you need. If you have a larger space, then you can’t beat our best choice above.
Are electric heaters for patios any good?
They can be, as long as you pick ones with infrared technology. This radiant heat will ensure that only people and objects get the full effect of the heat, meaning the heat isn’t being wasted trying to heat up the air around it.
What’s best – gas or electric patio heater?
Electric heaters may be a bigger investment to start with, but they only cost around 15% of the cost of running a gas heater.
They are also more environmentally friendly and less wasteful, though (granted) not always as powerful. That said, at a button switch, you get instant heat rather than waiting for the gas heater to warm the air around it.
Find out more in our eco-friendly patio heaters post, where we find out which is best for heat and the environment.
Do outdoor electric heaters work in the winter?
It depends on the patio heater. A winter electric heater with quartz infrared technology must emit a minimum of 1500W of heat to warm a space of at least 10 square meters, possibly double that if in a more sheltered spot, gazebo or pergola.
Do patio heaters use a lot of electricity?
The average patio heater will use up to around 15KW of energy an hour. Depending on where you live, this might change how much running costs. On average, in the US, most patio heaters will cost around $0.20 to $0.60 an hour.
