Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly option that won't add to your electric bills. It has various heat settings and overheat protection. It is also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters are an excellent choice for large gardens that include lots of seating outside and sofas. But, they'll require frequent refills with propane or natural gas. This is a great option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and couches.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. They are more affordable than gas-powered versions and, assuming you choose wisely they'll have lower running costs too. There's no need to refill a tank of propane, and there's no assembly required.
The best ones have remote controls to make the operation simple and have an LED light that is built-in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It uses circular filaments to emit infrared mediumwave heat over a table sized area. It is easy to use heating settings and 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is another excellent alternative. It utilizes an aluminum reflector that focuses the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are efficient and emit a clean warm glow, however the Herschel is more sleek which is more suitable for modern garden rooms or if you're looking to incorporate it with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated with home automation systems, which allow you to select the desired temperature and brightness. This can help save energy over time.
It's worth bearing in mind that although infrared heating is effective but it only warms the objects and people in the vicinity of the heater. It will lose its effect in the event that you move away. Also, it will not heat your garden or patio in the event that the wind blows the heater about.
Gas heaters on the contrary, can heat a larger area in the event that they are not moved. They are also equipped with an enclosure to ensure they stay in place. These heaters are often found in pub garden and provide a warm "burning log" look that is suitable in any décor.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and can produce a lot of smoke and noise when the flame is burning. Contrary to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that requires refilling after it has run out Most electric heaters do not require refilling at all and are more eco-friendly. Also, keep in mind that a gas heater generates more heat than an equivalent electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer begins to wind down and the evenings become a little chilly it's a good the perfect time to get a patio heater to keep you outside for longer. No matter if you choose electric or gas there's plenty of options available including small tabletop models to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor areas such as a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to buy, but they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient, both in terms of the amount of energy they use and the heat they produce". electric patio heater uk or PS50 to refill and lasts about 13 hours of heating.
Unlike gas electric heaters make use of radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Electric heaters are more affordable to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They're also a lot easier to use. Simply plug them in and turn them on, whereas you might need to make a fire or wait for the propane model to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in open or closed spaces, and some come with built-in dimmer switches to let you adjust the intensity of the lighting. They are also smaller than gas models and are able to be moved around which is great when you need to move the heater from one area of your garden to another.
The downside of these heaters is that they have to be plugged in and you'll need to have an electrical outlet nearby and an extension lead that's designed to work with outdoor devices. To comply with safety standards, most electric heaters can't be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll have to be sure not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable in a trail where it could be an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but don't want to be limited by its location or to reduce your costs. They're powered by electricity, so they're quick to heat up and are simple to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. They're also more affordable to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that will look amazing with your rattan furniture. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and wind-blown rain (although we don't recommend using the hose of a high-pressure model at it). This model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to your requirements, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is another alternative for those who do not wish to be restricted by the location of a patio heater. This is available in two sizes and comes with many features, including a remote control, a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your safety. However, we don't recommend getting it wet too much as this could affect the performance and life of the heater.
A top choice among many customers, this portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer to control their heating. With a remote, two temperature settings and the capability to switch the light on or off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It also has an integrated safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's knocked over.
As opposed to gas patio heaters electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they're an ideal choice for pet owners or small children who are not yet old enough to recognize the dangers of standing too close to flames. These models are also great for gazebos and large outdoor spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move about, and a majority of them have an remote control so that you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your kids have returned to school, it's time for you to consider adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in various styles, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a great way to combine low operating costs with the utility of heating. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a pedestal, which makes it suitable for gazebos, covered porches and small gardens where a freestanding unit may appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control to regulate the heat. Some users say it's an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to reduce the chill, but not too hot.
The primary benefit of electric patio heaters is that it can be set up in a restricted space, such as garages that are covered as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide and other gases that are dangerous to your health. Contrary to gas heaters, they must be installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also less mobile and require an electricity outlet. electric patio heater uk is particularly crucial for those who live in an area with expensive energy charges.
Electric heaters aren't as powerful as gas heaters but there are plenty of choices in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some are suitable for hanging from awnings or parasols, and you can also find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared system that's affordable to run it's a good option. It's available in two sizes and comes with various options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heat settings. It's also certified IP44, which means it's resistant to splashes of water as well as light rain.