The best patio heater for every space and budget – tried-and-tested favourites that will warm up chilly summer nights

Summer is almost here, and that means plenty of alfresco gatherings to look forward to. Investing in one of the best patio heaters on the market will allow you to extend that time outdoors, even when there's a chill in the evening air.

I'm Ideal Home's gardens editor, and I'm always on the lookout for the best ways to enhance our patio ideas – and spend a lot more time appreciating them. That's why myself and a team of reviewers have put the best patio heaters on the market to the test. Whether Gtech's wall-mounted patio heater sets the scene for a cosy barbecue or you're after Kettler's tabletop patio heaters for a compact space, we've reviewed the best models and selected our favourites. We've included a quick guide on how to choose the best patio heater for your space, too.

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. Our reviewer, Rachel Ogden, loved it.

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.

Find out more in Rachel's Blumfeldt Heat Guru 360 Infrared patio heater review.

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, which Rachel rated four out of five stars when she tested it. 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.

Find out more in Rachel's 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 Rachel 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 Rachel's 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 Rachel 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 out more in Rachel's 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, Rachel 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.

Find out more in Rachel's Kettler Kalos Copper Lantern patio heater review.

Most affordable patio heater

If you're looking for a cheap patio heater, Rachel found that 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 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 Rachel's Devola Core 2kW Freestanding Patio Heater review.

Wall-mounted

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If you're looking for a wall-mounted patio heater that delivers fast results, the Gtech HeatWave Patio Heater is our favourite model on the market. It produces heat in seconds, and I absolutely loved it.

One of the brilliant things about this patio heater is how light it is. At 1.5kg, delivery and installation are a breeze. As with all wall-mounted patio heaters, you'll need to factor in the time it'll take you to fix the brackets onto the garden wall, but it only took me about half an hour to set up.

The only downside is that the Gtech's HeatWave patio heater only includes one setting, and the heat is felt better within two metres of the heater than the advertised six. That said, it's an affordable, efficient option, especially if you're looking to heat a small outdoor space in a short amount of time.

Find out more in my Gtech HeatWave patio heater review.

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. Our reviewer, Linda Clayton, put it to the test.

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.

Our sleep editor, Amy Lockwood, tested the smokeless claims in her Solo Stove Ranger firepit review, and was 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.

Find out more in Linda's Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit review.

How we test

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

We test the patio heaters on this list on the chilliest days (from 4°C) and warmer evenings to get a feel for how effective each unit is in various temperatures. We also try to test each patio heater in calm and windy weather to evaluate its performance and heat transfer when there's a breeze about.

Plus, we pay close attention to heat settings, safety switches and other features to get a feel for each patio heater's functionality. We document each stage, from setup to use and maintenance, to rate how easy each heater is to look after.

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.

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. There are a few factors to consider when selecting the best patio heater for your outdoor space, though.

• Size: A tall, freestanding patio heater is best for heating a larger outdoor area, but if you’re looking to heat a small space, a smaller tabletop model might be a better choice.
• Fuel type: Patio heaters are usually either electric or gas, unless you're considering investing in one of the best fire pits on the markett. The electric vs gas patio heater debate is a popular one, but the best option for your space depends on where you want to place the unit (i.e. whether it needs to be close to a plug socket) and how big the area you want to heat is. Gas patio heaters are often better at heating larger spaces, but electric and infrared patio heaters can be slightly more eco-friendly.
• Functionality: An oscillating patio heater, or one that dishes out multi-directional heat, can be a good bet if multiple people are sharing one heat source. Some units offer multiple heat settings, allowing you to knock the heat up or down a notch as necessary without moving the heater closer or further away from your seating space. This can reduce running costs, too. Plus, looking for a model that includes a built-in tip-over safety switch, which automatically turns the heater off should it topple over, could provide some welcome peace of mind.
• Position: Always avoid using a patio heater in an enclosed space (it’s one of the worst places to put a patio heater) or on uneven surfaces. Be mindful of placing a patio heater in high-traffic areas where it could easily get knocked over, too, and always ensure children and pets are supervised whenever a patio heater is in use.
• Other safety notes: Keep your patio heater away from any flammable materials like plants, grass and outdoor furniture – at least three feet away, as a general rule of thumb, but check the manual for the model you have. If you're wondering if you can use a patio heater on decking, or whether a patio heater can be used under a pergola or gazebo, you'll need to make sure you're following the manufacturer's advice carefully. Be mindful of trip hazards if your patio heater has a lead, too.

FAQs

Which patio heater gives off the most heat?

Generally, gas patio heaters give off the most heat – but it depends on the model.

'For maximum heat from patio heaters, gas models, especially propane, perform the best,' says Thomas Oldham, co-founder of UK Construction Blog. 'They deliver 30,000-50,000 BTUs, ensuring plenty of warmth for chilly UK evenings.'

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 Humphreys, 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 Read, director of 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.