Best Patio Heaters 2025
A selection of the best types of heaters to warm your patio all year round
Depending on where you live in the world, you might find that a patio heater is a luxury you don’t need.
If you have a living room, why not shut the doors at the first sign of a breeze and just open them up again when the seasons start to get longer again?
But even Australian’s love getting a bonfire going in the summer, and Norwegian spend most of their winters outside. Surely, there must be a reason behind their madness?
Here’s 5 benefits to owning a patio heater, from health benefits to practical reasons, that will make you a convert.
1. Extend the outdoor season
What’s one of the best part of summer? If you don’t say BBQ, long evening chatting with your friends, or socialising with a loved ones under the stars, then we can’t help you.
Being outside is the best part of summer, and whilst there’s plenty of opportunity to extend the season through exercises and heading off to adventures, there’s also outdoor patio heaters.
They won’t get your heart rate up. But you will be able to cosy up with a glass of mulled wine with friends, staring at the stars and keeping your toes cosy with a portable under-table patio heater.
2. Extend your home and space
Depending on where you live you might have acres of space or, more likely, a modest home that just about fits your family. And if you are really lucky you’ll have a small patio, possibly a large garden, maybe even a little balcony to enjoy in the summer.
And then you close your doors in winter and barely see that space again. And why is that?
Because the cold draws you inside? Well, it doesn’t have to. Most good electric heaters can easily heat at least 15 square meter in space, whilst some gas meters have a range of 50 square meters.
You get a whole new room to entertain and enjoy, or even a cosy nook to get away from the kids with a good book and a glass of wine.
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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3. Stylish Centre-Piece for your entertainment area
Most people buy garden heaters for their practicality, but did you know that there’s a whole load of beautiful and stylish garden heaters to suit all homes?
If you love having matching pillows and blankets on your sun loungers, you’ll love finding a beautiful garden heater that will add that touch of luxury and class to your garden.
Maybe you want to go old-school and buy a cast iron Chimenea, or maybe you want a modern gas fire pit table where you can entertain and have the glow of embers into the long nights.
You can even get works of art that you use are a fire bowl to give your space some extra drama.
Whatever your setting or budget, you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.
Wiosi Medium Clay Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace with Chimney Rain Lids and Solid Metal Stand
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This medium 16"x16"x32" clay chiminea adds rustic charm and warmth to your backyard. Handmade for durability, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, providing both decoration and practical use.
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4. Portability and versatility
Following on from this last point, there are so many different types of outdoor patio heaters in the market, it would be crazy to think that you wouldn’t be able to find something useful.
If you just want a little gas fire pit that you can put on your table for that extra glow, there’s a heater for that.
Maybe you just need a portable gas heater that you can take with you camping or just to warm up your conservatory in the winter? There’s a heater for that too.
It’s not all big machinery that requires a PHD in mechanics, and its not all expensive gas mushroom heaters that require care, love and big gas bottles.
It may just be that you want the best electric heating lamp out there, that you can move around your patio at will, and then put away when you don’t need it.
Don’t let the thought of all the different types overwhelm you.
Read our quick beginners guide to buying a patio heater, find one that you think you’ll like or want, and then start your research.
It’s a purchase you only need to do once, and then you can enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.
Outdoor Heaters for Patio, 1500W Portable Heater with Overheat Protection
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This 1500W garage heater quickly heats 200 sq. ft. with PTC ceramic technology. It features 3 modes, overheat protection, quiet operation, and a portable design for use in various spaces.
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5. Get happier in nature
In many Scandinavian countries, and if you go far enough north, you may not see the sun for 6 months of the year. Do they spend the whole time inside hiding away in their homes?
No. Because there’s many advantages to being outdoor, and the biggest one is health.
It’s simply good for your body and mind to spend some time outdoors everyday, especially if it’s cold and dark.
As human beings we crave the fresh air, and it’s good for our mental health to socialise and enjoy nature. Do both at the same time, and it can make a long winter fly by and so much more enjoyable.
And whilst the Norwegian may go a little far by saying that “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes”, they might be onto something when they invented the idea of friluftsliv – or outdoor living.
Take it from them, if they can socialise in minus 32, most of us can get a patio heater and watch the frost envelop our garden from a cosy little nooks.
Why not browse our list of best patio garden heaters and make the most of your outdoor space, today.
TIKI 25-Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit, Wood Burning
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Enjoy a smokeless, cozy outdoor experience with the TIKI fire pit. Crafted from durable stainless steel, it offers warmth, ambiance, and easy portability. Includes a stand, cover, and optional accessories.
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FAQs
Why should I invest in a patio heater?
A patio heater extends outdoor comfort in cooler months, allowing you to enjoy your patio, deck, or backyard year-round while providing warmth for gatherings and relaxation.
What types of patio heaters are available?
Patio heaters come in propane, natural gas, and electric infrared models, each designed to suit different outdoor spaces and heating needs.
How much area can a patio heater warm?
Coverage depends on the heater type and BTU rating, but most propane or gas models heat up to 200-300 sq. ft., while infrared electric heaters provide targeted warmth in smaller areas.
Are patio heaters energy efficient?
Yes! Infrared heaters directly warm people and objects rather than heating the air, making them highly efficient. Gas models provide powerful heat but may cost more to run.
Can a patio heater increase my home’s value?
Yes, a well-maintained outdoor space with a heater adds appeal, functionality, and potential resale value by making your patio usable in all seasons.
Are patio heaters safe to use?
Modern patio heaters include safety features like tip-over protection, automatic shut-off, and cool-touch exteriors, making them safe for residential use when properly installed and maintained.
Can I use a patio heater under a covered patio?
Yes, but ensure proper ventilation for gas models. Electric infrared heaters are ideal for enclosed or covered patios as they do not produce emissions.
Do patio heaters require a lot of maintenance?
Basic maintenance includes cleaning the burner, checking for gas leaks (for propane models), and covering or storing the heater when not in use to extend its lifespan.
Are patio heaters portable?
Yes! Many propane and electric heaters are lightweight or include wheels for easy movement, allowing flexible placement based on your outdoor setup.
Can I use a patio heater in the rain?
Many outdoor heaters have weather-resistant designs, but it’s best to use a cover when not in use to prevent rust and extend durability.
