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The best patio heaters are pricey to run and don't kick out as much heat as you might expect, according to our research.
But if you're still set on buying one, we've tested a selection of electric patio heaters, with a couple of gas ones thrown in for comparison.
We focused on electric patio heaters as they're considered more energy efficient than gas equivalents.
Gas patio heaters waste a lot of energy heating up air rather than people, and also release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when in use.
Our test results show the most energy-guzzling patio heaters warm best, and that even the most efficient use a lot of energy.
You'll save money — and stay warmer — if you put on extra layers rather than using an outdoor heater.
That said, there was one patio heater we tested that gave the most impressive balance of warming, convenience and energy efficiency.
Compare results and prices at a glance in our table below, or read on for our full reviews.
We've separated the two gas patio heaters from the electric patio heaters below because they're much more expensive to run and even worse for the environment.
To see how the gas patio heaters fared, scroll down to the end of our electric patio heater reviews.
Electric patio heater | Cable length (from base) | Cost per hour (max setting) | Heating (max setting) | Where to buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice: Heatlab Electric Infrared Slimline Patio Heater | 170cm | 68p | Good | Available from: Primrose (£194.99) (Out of stock) |
Blumfeldt Hot Roddy Electric Patio Heater | 30cm | 84p | Good | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009982 |
Heatlab Streamline Rotating Electric Patio Heater | 150cm | 46p | Average | Available from Primrose (£64.99) (Out of stock), Heatlab (£69.99) |
La Hacienda Standing Electric Patio Heater | 40cm | 80p | Good | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009984 |
Heatsure Standing Electric Patio Heater | 30cm | 79p | Good | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009985 |
Kettler Kalos Copper Lantern Electric Patio Heater | 180cm | 73p | Poor | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009986 |
Argos Home Electric Patio Heater | 30cm | 74p | Average | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009987 |
Date tested: October 2022. Page last checked: February 2024. We're not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available. Cost per hour (max setting): electric patio heaters use an electricity unit price 24.5p/kWh.
Available from Primrose (£194.99) (Out of stock)
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Good balance between heating and running costs
Cable length (from base) 170cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 68p
Max power output 1.8kW
Size (H x W x D) 160 x 58 x 16cm
Need to know 12kg weight, two heat settings, IP55 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped
This electric patio heater stood out as having a good balance between running costs and heating capability.
When using it on the highest setting, our testers felt nicely warmed two metres away from the heater, and a little bit up to three metres away.
The only other electric heater that kept us warm at a further distance was the Burda Tower Heater, but it is more expensive per hour to run on its highest setting.
The lowest setting kept us warm up to a metre away and costs 35p per hour to run.
You only need four screws to attach the heater body on to the weighted stand. We'd recommend having two people to tackle this task, as the base is quite heavy.
Despite the weight of the base, it was easier to tip over than others we tested, so it's worth positioning it in a sheltered area or away in high winds.
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Pros
Cons
Our verdict Good heating on the highest setting
Cable length (from base) 30cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 84p
Max power output 2kW
Size (H x W x D) 211 x 52 x 52cm
Need to know 8.2kg weight, three heat settings, adjustable height and head angle, IP34 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped
The Blumfeldt is very similar in design to the patio heaters from Aldi, Argos and Heatsure, but we found the build quality to be slightly better.
It heats well from up to two metres away on the highest setting.
We weren't impressed with the lowest setting — we felt a rapid drop-off in warmth when we moved more than a metre away from the heater.
The actual cable length is 180cm, but because it attaches to the heating head instead of the base, the useful amount of cable from the base is only 30cm.
This makes plugging it in more of a faff compared with electric heaters we tested.
Available from Primrose (£64.99) (Out of stock), Heatlab (£69.99)
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Elevate the heater for maximum benefit
Cable length (from base) 150cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 46p
Max power output 1.2kW
Size (H x W x D) 82 x 27 x 27cm
Need to know 4kg weight, two heat settings, IPX4 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped, rotating header head (can oscillate through 60 degrees)
This is the cheapest electric patio heater we've tested to run and it heats well from up to two metres away on the top setting.
Its lower setting is noticeably weaker, though, and while the rotation means it can heat a larger area, you'll feel cold when the heater isn't pointing at you.
Its short height means you'll have to elevate it if you want to feel the heat on on your upper body and face, rather than just your legs.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict OK
Cable length (from base) 40cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 80p
Max power output 2kW
Size (H x W x D) 202 x 50 x 50cm
Need to know 9.5kg weight, two heat settings, IP24 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped
The highest setting was OK up to two metres, but our testers couldn't feel it warming them past that.
The lowest setting on this heater only just kept us warm at a one-metre distance.
The usable length of cable from the base on this heater was short, but a little longer than that on the heaters from Argos, Blumfeldt and Heatsure.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Middle of the road
Cable length (from base) 30cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 79p
Max power output 2kW
Size (H x W x D) 130 x 60 x 60cm
Need to know 8.45kg weight, three heat settings, adjustable height and head angle, IPX4 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped
While this electric patio heater is very similar in design to the Blumfeldt, we found a few misaligned screw holes when joining the pole sections together.
Like most electric patio heaters we tested, it's OK on the highest setting, warming us from up to two metres away, but dropping off past this.
Only 30cm of the cable protrudes from the base once you've run the cable down the pole, which isn't very convenient when trying to plug it in.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Glorified hand warmer
Cable length (from base) 180cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 73p
Max power output 2kW
Size (H x W x D) 98 x 29 x 23cm
Need to know 5.15kg weight, one heat setting, IP55 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped, also available in small (73cm tall, 1.5kW) and medium (84cm tall, 1.8kW) sizes
It's useful that this electric patio heater can heat in every direction at at the same time, as you'll need to huddle in close to get any warmth from it at all.
It made our testers feel warm from up to a metre away, but nothing much further away.
This is the same as most of the electric patio heaters we tested on their lowest settings, but the Kettler costs more to run for this equivalent amount of heating.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Lower build quality than other, similar, heaters we tested
Cable length (from base) 30cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 74p
Max power output 2kW
Size (H x W x D) 210 x 50 x 50cm
Need to know Three heat settings, adjustable height and head angle, IP34 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped
Similar to the Aldi, Blumfeldt and Heatsure models, but the Argos heater we tested had poorer build quality than the others.
There were sharp metal protrusions in the hole of the base where the pole fits in.
The lowest setting barely warmed our testers from a metre away, while the highest setting kept us warm from well up to two metres away before the heat started dropping off.
Also available from Groundlevel (£125)
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Doesn't heat as well as the other electric patio heaters
Cable length (from base) 175cm
Cost per hour (max setting) 65p
Max power output 1.5kW
Size (H x W x D) 140 x 20 x 30cm
Need to know 7.7kg weight, two heat settings, IP44 rated, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped, includes remote control to choose colour of LED light, built-in Bluetooth speaker
It doesn't need much assembly, the extra features built into this patio heater work, but it doesn't do its main job as well as the other electric patio heaters we tested.
Our testers couldn't really feel this heater from a metre away on the lowest setting.
On the highest setting they could feel it from one metre away but not from two metres, which most other electric patio heaters we tested could reach.
Compare results and prices at a glance in our table below, or read on for our full reviews.
Gas Patio heater | Cable length (from base) | Cost per hour (max setting) | Heating (max setting) | Where to buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Outsunny Outdoor Gas Patio Heater | Cable not needed | £6.04 | Excellent | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009989 |
Amazon Basics Gas Patio Outdoor Heater | Cable not needed | £8.05 | Good | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009990 |
Date tested: October 2022. Page last checked: February 2024. We're not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available. Cost per hour (max setting): gas patio heaters use a unit price of £4.03/kg based on the average price of 10 propane patio gas canisters (10kg to 19kg) sold at popular retailers.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict A pain to assemble, but toasty once running
Cable length (from base) No cable needed
Cost per hour (max setting) £6.04
Max power output 11.2kW
Size (H x W x D) 190 x 50 x 50cm
Need to know 13kg weight, continuous dial for heat setting, comes with dust cover, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped, also available in black and/or 225cm tall model
This gas patio heater keeps you warm from up to two metres away on the lowest setting.
Once cranked to its highest it kept us toasty from all the way up to three metres away, and even a little bit further.
However, it was a pain to build: it required a lot of screws, and some of the metal panels had sharp metal edges that could be dangerous. We recommend wearing gloves when handling.
It's also expensive to run, costing £6.04 per hour and using 1.5kg of patio gas per hour on its highest setting.
This is dramatically more than even the most expensive electric patio heater we tested (which cost 94p per hour to run).
Pros
Cons
Our verdict Warm, but expensive
Cable length (from base) No cable needed
Cost per hour (max setting) £8.05
Max power output 46,000 BTU (approximately 13.5kW)
Size (H x W x D) 226cm x 45cm x 45cm
Need to know Weighs 18.1kg, continuous dial for heat setting, inbuilt safety switch that turns heater off if tipped, available in a range of colours
Of the two gas patio heaters we tested, this one was much easier to assemble, with clear instructions and a good finish on the metal parts.
It took longer to heat up, but once going it was OK on the lowest setting, and kept our testers warm up to three metres away on the highest setting.
However, it was the most expensive heater we tested to run – costing around £8 per hour on the top setting and using 2kg of patio gas per hour.
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Some models don't heat further than a metre. The best patio heaters provide some warmth up to 3 metres away.
All heaters we've tested so far cool down completely after 10 minutes.
Gas models have significantly higher running costs than electric patio heaters, which is partially why we recommend steering clear of them.
We use the RS PRO energy meter, £27, from RS Components. If you're interested in measuring your patio heater or other appliances around your home, you can buy similar meters starting from around £18 from popular retailers such as Amazon and Screwfix.
We use a force gauge to measure how difficult it is to tip over each patio heater.
Our test finds gas patio heaters are more stable than electric ones, mostly because the gas canister adds extra weight to the heater's base.
We score each patio heater on how easy it is to assemble, the quality of instructions and the length of the cable from the base.
Some electric patio heaters have ridiculously short cables from the base, making plugging them in difficult.
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Gas heaters are the type of outdoor heater you normally find in a pub garden or restaurant terrace. They rely on propane gas cylinders or a fixed gas pipe supply.
Pros
Cons
Electric patio heaters can be freestanding, attached to walls or hung from awnings or ceilings, and they all need to be plugged into the mains.
This type of heater works predominantly by infrared radiation, which means they warm objects directly rather than the air around them.
Pros
Cons
Fire pits and chimineas are both types of solid-fuel heater. They rely on the burning of wood, charcoal, pellets or other materials to emit warmth.
Pros
Cons
Freestanding heaters often resemble lamps, steel pyramids or towers. Gas heaters are freestanding and some electric heaters are also designed this way.
Wall-mounted heaters are electric heaters that can be fixed to a wall. They're unobtrusive and don't take up floor space, but they still need to be placed somewhere they can plug into the mains.
Parasol heaters are electric heaters built to fit on the inside of a garden umbrella. Here, they're protected from any wind and they can be a close yet safe distance from people sitting at a table below.
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No. Although some patio heaters are advertised as 'environmentally friendly', sadly a truly eco heater doesn't yet exist.
Gas heaters are one of the worst in terms of energy efficiency. They produce significantly more CO2 when in use than electric heaters.
The European Parliament MEPs voted to endorse banning them in 2008 (this vote didn't create a law, but it was a show of support for the concept of banning gas patio heaters).
Electric patio heaters that heat by infrared radiation reduce the environmental impact significantly and are, from this angle, the better option.
Of course, electricity drawn from the grid stems from a mix of carbon-free and carbon sources, and wasted electricity will still have an environmental impact, depending on your tariff.
Technically yes, but you'll be disappointed.
Most indoor heaters work by convection, which means they heat the air around them. This works well inside in an insulated environment, but when you're outdoors, you'll waste a lot of energy and not feel much benefit.
Electric patio heaters specialise in radiant heating, which means they warm objects directly rather than the air around them.
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The simple answer is yes, but for a few different reasons.
Certain bugs, including most flying insects, chase light stimuli and will flock to a bright patio heater. Other insects that are instinctively repelled by light, such as earthworms, will flee them.
The carbon dioxide produced by gas patio heaters also attracts some insects — most unpleasantly, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide emissions. Electric heaters, on the other hand, don't emit CO2, so they don't attract mosquitoes.
You can invest in pest control, such as a fly zapper, to attract and eliminate insects if necessary, so this isn't an insurmountable problem.
British Thermal Units (BTU) are essentially a measurement of how much energy it takes to heat up something. Knowing this, or the heater's power in kilowatts, is a good first step to help you work out if it's suitable to heat your space.
You should be able to find one of these numbers on the packaging, the product itself or in the instruction manual.
Once you know your heater's BTU, you'll then need to work out the square footage of the area you want to heat. By multiplying the square footage by 20, you'll get the rough number of BTU you'll need to adequately heat it.
How well heat is dispersed around the space will be affected by the shape of your garden and the weather, such as wind. Additionally, in our tests we found most of the electric patio heaters only kept us warm from up to few meters away.
Patio heater size | British Thermal Units (BTU) | Power | Approximate square footage it can heat |
---|---|---|---|
Small | 1,000 to10,000 | 0.3kW to 2.9kW | 50 to 500 sq ft |
Medium | 10,000 to 20,000 | 2.9kW to 5.9kW | 500 to 1,000 sq ft |
Large | 20,000 to 30,000 | 5.9kW to 8.8kW | 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft |
Extra large | 30,000-plus | 8.8kW-plus | 1,500 sq ft-plus |
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