Best patio heaters – keep your garden toasty with these tried-and-tested picks

It's chilly outside, but that doesn't mean we can't spend time in the garden – and by investing in the patio heater on the market, you can comfortably enjoy the outdoors well into the colder months.

That's right – once you have a patio heater on-side, you can spend cosy evenings in the garden enjoying your hard-earned patio ideas. And whether you're looking to heat a sprawling patio area or a compact courtyard, there's an option to suit every space and budget.

We've put together a guide to help you find the best patio heater for your garden. Based on testing from our panel of reviewers, we've selected a winner for every category, from gas and electric heaters to tabletop and freestanding products. Our guide also features the very best brands, like Swan and Kettler.

Our review process assesses set-up and ease of assembly, ease of use, portability, design features, and, of course, heating performance. Read on for our top recommendations.

The quick list

Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best patio heaters. You'll find more information on each outdoor heater and why our testers recommend them if you keep on scrolling.

Best patio heaters  – tried and tested

Best infrared patio heater

The Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 Patio Heater does lots of things well, and for a very reasonable price. Available in two sizes, either the 44cm tall Mini Heat Guru, or the taller 56cm model we tested, the Heat Guru is lightweight, compact, and, as such, very portable. Its compact build also makes for easy storage and means that the heater can be used indoors over winter, adding extra versatility to your investment.

It offers two heat settings – either 600W or 1200W in the larger model – and comes equipped with an oscillation mode that enables the heater to rotate through 360° or 120° to warm multiple users in turn. Plus, there's a handy built-in automatic switch-off function should the patio heater tip over.

Its infrared electric functionality is designed to heat objects rather than air, and it did a great job of warming up our reviewer, who was also impressed by its economical running costs. Even better, the Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 Patio Heater comes ready assembled, so there's no DIY to do before you can use it, and it's very easy to operate. The icing on the cake is that it's also a very affordable purchase in relation to comparable products.

The only real downsides worth noting are that unless you prefer your heat source low to the ground, you will also need an outdoor table or mid-height surface to place this heater on if you want it to keep torsos and faces warm. And, as an electric heater rather than gas, you are somewhat restricted to where you can use it outdoors as you'll need access to a power socket. Beyond that, this versatile, compact, and affordable patio heater is very hard to fault, which is why it's our top recommendation for the best patio heater you can buy.

Our full Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 Infrared patio heater review has more detail.

Best electric patio heater

If you don't want a tabletop patio heater cluttering your dining surface, the Swan Column Patio Heater is a great freestanding option. It can heat faces and torsos when users are seated, but it's also tall enough to warm a group who are standing up. Heat is distributed through both the front and back of the heater, so it's perfect for placing in the centre of the patio during an outdoor gathering when guests are mingling.

The column design also lifts the heating element higher, meaning it's harder for children or pets to reach, and, as added peace of mind, it's fitted with a tip-over safety switch which means it will automatically turn off should it topple. However, based on our testing, this sturdy patio heater seems unlikely to be easily knocked over. Our reviewer noted its robust build, heavy base, and good quality design – as well as its 12.8kg weight – which means once it's in place, it stays put.

The flip side to that sturdy construction is that this isn't the most portable outdoor heater, and you will need a decent amount of space to store the 140cm high column design when it's not in use. You can dismantle it, but – although straightforward – self-assembly took our reviewer around 20 minutes, so that may not be a task you want to do often.

On the plus side, like the Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 Patio Heater at the top of our list, the Swan Column Patio Heater is ideal if you’re keen to keep a check on running costs. Its two heat settings allow you to toggle between 1000W and 2000W of power, and provide a degree of flexibility – and economy – that few outdoor heaters have.

Learn more in our Swan Column patio heater review.

Best gas patio heater

The biggest benefit of a gas patio heater is that you have the freedom to position it anywhere you want in the garden. Unlike an electric patio heater, you're not limited in placement by access to an outdoor power socket, so this fuel type can be a useful option for large gardens or any outdoor spaces where a social area is a long way from the house.

Compared to other gas patio heaters we've tested, the Outsunny 11.2kw Pyramid Gas Patio Heater is noticeably more stylish, offers good build quality, and is relatively affordable. You also get the option of two heat settings, and it comes with a built-in anti-tilt switch, so it’ll shut off automatically if knocked over.

It offered good heat distribution in our tests, and its generous size and tall design made it a great option for keeping standing guests warm at an outdoor gathering. Plus, it looks good, with its high borosilicate glass tube and visible gas flame creating a real focal point as dusk draws in, and needing less active maintenance than a wood-burning fire pit.

The downside is that you'll need to assemble this patio heater yourself, and it's a bit of a faff to do. For reference, it took our tester 2.5 hours to assemble it from scratch! Plus, once assembled it's large, heavy, and – despite its built in castor wheels – bulky to move and store (although an outdoor cover is included). Burning through gas also raises environmental concerns and means higher running costs compared to electricity, so this fuel type won't be for everyone.

Find more detail in our Outsunny 11.2kw Pyramid Gas Patio Heater review.

Best tabletop patio heater

If you want a patio heater that will create a stylish focal point on your patio or outdoor tabletop, then the Kettler Kalos Copper Lantern Patio Heater certainly fits the bill. Designed to look like a traditional lantern, its shiny copper finish reflects the sunshine to deliver statement style even when it’s not turned on. And, at night time our reviewer loved the warm light from the rose-gold halogen tube at its centre.

Lightweight and equipped with a large carry handle, this patio heater is also easy to move around the patio – although as it's electric, you will still be restricted to placement within access of a power socket.

The downside is that whichever of the three available sizes you opt for (73cm, 84cm, or 98cm tall), they're a significant investment. And for their price, it's a shame you only get one heat setting – a rather uneconomical 2000W – with no option to tone the heat down to save energy and expense. The Swan Column Patio Heater and Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 Infrared Patio Heater each offer two heat settings for less cash. There's also no oscillation mode with the Kettler Kalos, which the Blumfeldt Heat Guru offers for a far cheaper price.

That said, we like the fact that the Kettler Kalos Copper Lantern Patio Heater is lightweight, easy to move around, heats up fast, requires no assembly, and provides a stylish ambience to alfresco dining – whether it's turned on or not.

Our Kettler Kalos Copper Lantern patio heater review has the full lowdown.

Most affordable patio heater

If you're looking for a cheap patio heater, then the Devola Platinum Patio Heater is a budget option that does the job.

As well as its affordable price tag, you get three heat settings – that's two more than many patio heaters over three times its price – a height-adjustable stand, the ability to tilt its head to direct the heat where you want it, and a remote control. As well as the 1800W model that offers heat settings of 600, 1200, or 1800W, there's also a more powerful 2400W model that can be adjusted through 800, 1600, or 2400W.

But, there are some downsides. It's not the most stylish patio heater to look at and its budget design impacts its performance, with the heater only offering a very short cable that means you'll likely need to invest in an additional outdoor extension lead if you don't already have one.

We tested its predecessor, the Devola Core 2kW Freestanding Patio Heater, and our reviewer also found the heater only offered a narrow projection of heat, and although the tilting head is a good feature, in practice this was difficult to adjust when the heater was turned on as the head got very hot to the touch. We also missed the peace of mind of an automatic tip-over safety switch, which most other patio heaters on our list have, and the Devola does not. Lastly, the remote control’s usefulness soon fades a little due to its limited range.

All that said, if you’re on a tight budget and want an outdoor heater that doesn't require you to splash too much cash upfront, the Devola Platinum Patio Heater still offers evening warmth, and won't break the bank.

Find out more in our Devola Core 2kW Freestanding Patio Heater review.

Wall-mounted

If you have a compact outdoor space that's short on floorspace, you don't like the idea of a tabletop heater cluttering your outdoor dining table, or you want a patio heater that will remain well out of reach of young children and pets, then a wall mounted patio heater could be a great option.

The affordable Swan Wall Mounted Patio Heater can be mounted either vertically or horizontally on a suitable outdoor wall for year-round use, or attached to the ceiling if you have a suitable covered outdoor area. It's IP44-rated which means it's waterproof enough to be left outside all year round – obviously an essential feature, as once mounted with the included fixing kit, this patio heater isn't portable. However, that does mean that once it's in place you don't have the hassle of dragging a freestanding patio heater in and out of storage if rain clouds loom.

There’s also a useful remote control included, as well as an on/off button on the side of the heater itself, and a total of 1800W of power which, combined with an aluminium reflector, makes for a very effective heat source.

We would have liked a couple of different heat settings to be able to tailor the amount of heat it emits, and due to its nature, this patio heater won't suit all gardens, as it needs to be mounted on a suitable wall or ceiling within 1.8 metres of an outdoor power source. But, if you have a sheltered patio or outbuilding you want to warm up, this static outdoor heater could be a great buy.

Wood-burning

If you want to opt for a more traditional heat source, a fire pit can create a great focal point in the garden and provide warmth for late-night gatherings. It's also a great option for a larger outside space as, unlike an electrical patio heater, you're not restricted to positioning it near an outdoor power socket. You can position this outdoor heat source wherever you can carry it.

The usual downside of a fire pit is the smoke it produces, with wood-fired flames tending to mean that guests can end up with a face full of smoke whenever the wind changes direction. However, Solo Stove aims to eliminate this problem thanks to its innovative 'less smoke' fire pit range.

The smokeless designs work via a secondary burn, made possible thanks to the fire pit's double-skin steel construction with vent holes at the top and bottom. Cool air is pulled through the bottom, heats up within the double cavity, and rises to the top, which invokes secondary combustion as the hot air exits the top vents. This continuous supply of air makes for a brilliant rolling flame effect and results in more thorough combustion and a hotter fire with less smoke. The rim at the top of the bonfire is also angled to help control smoke flow.

We tested the smokeless claims in both our Solo Stove Bonfire firepit review and our Solo Stove Ranger firepit review, and both of our testers were very pleasantly surprised by the results. The medium-sized Bonfire fire pit can warm up to eight people around its 49.5cm diameter, but there are also the smaller Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 Fire Pit and larger Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 Fire Pit to consider, as well as the super-cute table-top Solo Stove Mesa Fire Pit.

See how it performed in our Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit review.

How to choose the best patio heater

If you want to add warmth and ambience to alfresco gatherings, investing in one of the best patio heaters on the market can make all the difference. However, there are a few factors to consider when selecting the best patio heater for your outdoor space.

Where to position a patio heater

Before you buy a patio heater, you'll need to consider where and how you want to use it.

If you're looking to add some warmth to your outdoor dining setup, then a tabletop patio heater can be a versatile addition, especially if you have a smaller patio. However, if your outdoor dining table is short on space, a tabletop design might mean too much surface clutter, so a freestanding or wall-hung patio heater can be a better bet. A tall, freestanding patio heater is also best for heating a larger outdoor area or gathering.

You'll want to position wall-mounted outdoor heaters somewhere they'll best distribute heat. 'When mounting your heater, the general rule of thumb is to ensure it is positioned at least 30cm below a ceiling or away from the corner of a wall,' advises Georgina Read, director of Paving Superstore. 'However, because all heaters come in different sizes, it’s best to look at the instruction manual to see the specific requirements of your size heater.'

As for the worst places to put a patio heater, avoid using one in an enclosed area or on uneven surfaces, and be mindful of placing a patio heater in high-traffic areas where it could easily get knocked over. Always make sure children and pets are supervised whenever a patio heater is in use.

'As with any appliance, particularly those with a live flame that emits heat, there will be a fire risk,' adds Trevor Knight, technical specialist at Marshalls Plc. 'Therefore, keeping the heater away from dry grass and flammable materials and substances is crucial.'

And if you're wondering if you can use a patio heater on decking, or any surface, you'll need to make sure you're following the manufacturer's advice carefully.

When considering patio heater placement, you'll also need to consider a power source...

Patio heater fuel type

Patio heaters are usually either electric or gas, unless you're considering using one of the best fire pits on the market to add some warmth. The electric vs gas patio heater debate is a popular one, but which is best for your space?

Of the two fuel types, gas gives the most choice over where the patio heater is located. As bottles of gas are portable, they’ll go wherever your patio heater does, meaning you can have heat at the end of the garden or by an outbuilding, far away from any electrical sockets.

'Gas patio heaters are not only more decorative and aesthetically pleasing, they can also offer a warm ambient glow, similar to a real fire,' says Joanna Humphreys, stove specialist at Direct Stoves. 'A design with four open sides gives maximum warmth as it emits convected heat, ensuring everyone is perfectly toasty.'

Electric patio heaters need to be plugged in to a power source, ideally via a dedicated outdoor socket. To comply with current UK/EU safety standards, electric heaters can’t be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m, which limits how far away from the socket you can use the patio heater. You'll also need to be mindful of power cables, which could cause a trip hazard.

This makes gas patio heaters the most versatile in terms of placement in the garden. However, gas patio heaters come with both environmental concerns and increased running costs compared to electric heaters.

Other functionality

A basic patio heater might suit your needs fine, but if you want a little more finesse from your outdoor warmth, it's worth considering what other features might make alfresco living more enjoyable.

An oscillating patio heater, or one that dishes out multi-directional heat, can be a good bet if you have multiple people sharing one heat source.

An outdoor heater that offers multiple heat settings can also be well worth finding. This allows you to knock the heat up or down a notch as necessary, without the need to move the heater closer or further away from your seating space, and it can reduce running costs as you're only using the heat you need on any given occasion.

If you opt for a freestanding or wall hung patio heater then a remote control can also come in useful so you don't have to get up and down from your seat to adjust the heat.

And, looking for a model that includes a built-in tip-over safety switch, that will automatically turn the heater off should it topple, could add some welcome peace of mind.

As always, it's important to consider the space you have when thinking about the features you'd like your patio heater to have. 'The size and shape of the area you need to heat will be crucial in deciding what type of heater you choose, as well as any other useful features you want to add, such as digital displays and adjustable temperature settings,' says Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct.

FAQs

What is the best way to heat an outdoor patio?

If you want to heat your outdoor patio effectively, you'll need to choose an efficient type of patio heater to minimise heat loss. Generally speaking, an electric patio heater will be more energy efficient than a gas patio heater.

Knowing how expensive a patio heater is to run will depend on how much wattage the specific electric heater requires, and whether the patio heater is equipped with different heat settings that allow you to tailor the exact level of warmth you require, rather than blasting out one constant level of heat that can waste energy.

Of the different varieties of electric patio heater, an infrared patio heater will likely be the most efficient type of all. That's because an infrared heater warms objects – like people – rather than wasting energy heating up the air.

'Although they can be less attractive, electric patio heaters produce radiant heat, and the infrared heat allows customers to point in their desired direction, meaning less heat loss,' explains Joanna, stove specialist at Direct Stoves.

Do patio heaters use a lot of electricity?

Wondering whether patio heaters expensive to run? Well, they can be, but it all depends on which type of fuel you choose and which model you opt for.

The more heat your patio heater can dish out, the more energy it will use, and the more it will cost to run. So, a 600W electric patio heater is going to cost more to run than a 2400W electric patio heater, but it probably won't keep you as warm.

'Electric heaters are typically cheaper to run, but as well as this, they are safer, quieter, and generate far fewer CO2 emissions than a gas heater,' says Georgina from Paving Superstore.

If you want more control over how much energy your patio heater uses, it's best to opt for one with an adjustable heat output rather than a model that simply turns on and off. This will help you operate your patio heater more economically, leading to less wasted energy and lower energy bills.

How we test

Our team of reviewers tested a host of bestselling patio heaters to compile this guide. We compared assembly and set-up, design, ease of use, performance, energy efficiency, and price point to find the best patio heaters for various needs and budgets.

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test page.

If there are any products included in this guide that we haven't managed to test in person, or the product didn't achieve at least 4 out of 5 stars, then they won't have an Ideal Home Approved badge. However, you can rest assured we've done thorough research on their technical specifications and read multiple happy – and not-so-happy! – customer reviews to narrow down our suggestions to only the best-in-class.