Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has a variety of temperature settings, and it shields your body from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great choice for large gardens that include lots of seating outside and sofas. However, they will require regular refills using natural gas or propane. It's a good option for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are cheaper than gas-powered models, and, if you choose wisely, they have lower operating costs as well. There's also no assembly required and you don't have to refill a propane tank.
The most effective ones have a remote control that makes operations easy, and an LED light integrated to provide ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel utilizes circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared warmth across a table-sized area. It is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is a different alternative. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to focus heat beams over your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a clear warm glow, however the Herschel is more sleek that is better suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking to blend it with your outdoor furniture. It can also be used with home automation systems to allow you to choose your preferred brightness and temperature and save more energy in the long term.
You must be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but only heat objects and people in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effectiveness when you move away. It also won't heat your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other the other hand, gas heaters heat up a larger space if they're not moved and are equipped with a wind shield to keep them in place. They are usually found in pub garden and create a cozy "burning log" effect that looks great in any design.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient, and they can also produce a lot more smog and noise. Unlike propane that is stored in a cylinder and requires refilling after it has run out Most electric heaters do not require refilling at all and are more eco-friendly. It is important to remember that a gas heater generates a higher level of heat than an equivalent electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As the summer winds down and the evenings become chilly, it might be the time to purchase an outdoor heater that will keep you outside for longer. If you decide to go with electric or gas, there's plenty on offer including small tabletop models to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked garden.
While gas heaters can be cheaper to purchase than some electric models but they are costly to operate - in fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most inefficient in terms of both the amount of heat they produce and the energy they use". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and will last for 13 hours.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and humans. As a result, they are less expensive to run and leave less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them in and they'll start to turn on.
Electric heaters that are suitable for outdoor use can be used in a variety of settings, including restaurants, bars and private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open spaces, and some are equipped with a built-in dimmer switch to allow you to adjust the intensity of the light. They are also smaller than gas models and can be moved easily. This is great for when you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
The drawback of these heaters is that they require to be connected, which means that you'll require an outlet for power and an extension cable that's certified to work with outdoor equipment. Most electric heaters aren't allowed to use an extension lead greater than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. It is also important be cautious about blocking any sockets that are located outside or leaving the extension lead trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used for those who like the design of a gas-powered heater but don't want to be limited by its location or to cut costs. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and heat up quickly. They can be operated with a remote or switch. They are also less expensive to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish choice that will look amazing with your rattan furniture. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating means that 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 also comes with 3 heating levels to suit your space, as well being a timer shutoff between 1 and 9 hours.
This electric model from Blumfeldt is a different option for those who do not want to be limited by the position of a patio heater. It is available in two sizes and has many features, such as a timer remote control, a remote control, and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, although we wouldn't advise letting it get too wet as this may impact on the performance and longevity of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers, this portable patio heater is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to control their heating. It's easy to use, with an adjustable remote, two temperature settings, as well as the ability to turn on and off the light from a distance. electric patio heater hanging comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit off when it is tipped.
In contrast to a gas patio heater, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide. Therefore, they're a great choice for those with pets or children who aren't old enough to recognize the dangers of being close to flames. These models are also ideal for gazebos and large outdoor spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They are also lightweight and easy to move. Some have an remote that lets you adjust the temperature from your seat.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that is wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to pick from within the electric range.
This popular choice is a great way to combine low operating costs with the benefits of heating. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a pedestal, which makes it perfect for gazebos, covered porches and small gardens in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It has an adjustable remote control to regulate the heat. It is described by some as a Goldilocks choice because it's just warm enough to reduce the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of using an electric patio heater is that it can be placed in a small space, such as garages or covered porches, because it doesn't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. Gas heaters, on contrary, should be installed in an open space with adequate ventilation to prevent them from contaminating your home.
However, the downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. They're also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. That's particularly important when you reside in an area that has high energy costs.
Another drawback of electric heaters is that it's not as powerful as a gas one, but there are plenty of options within the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from parasols or awnings, and you can even locate a few that run off a rechargeable battery.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a great choice. 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 rated IP44 which means that it is able to stand up to small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.