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With summer coming up, it’s time to take advantage of your outdoor area and spend time with family and friends in your backyard. An outdoor patio heater is a must-have for your patio, deck, or porch. It lets you keep events outside even when it gets cooler in the evening. Patio heaters use indirect heat to keep you warm so that you don’t have to go inside on a cold night. Even though there are many different kinds of outdoor heaters, this review will focus on propane heaters. It’s worth pointing out that now is a good time to look for a backyard heater because there are still holiday sales going on.
During the tests, I looked at a total of seven propane heaters, five of which had the traditional pole shape and two of which had the modern pyramid shape. Most of these models cost between $150 and $500, but it’s important to note that prices have gone up lately because there aren’t as many available. This piece will be changed if there are big changes in price or availability or if new models that are worth talking about come out.
Best Patio Heaters Comparison Table
| Product | Heat Output (BTU) | Heating Area (sq ft) | Fuel Efficiency (hours) | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XtremepowerUS 48,000 BTU Premium Floor Standing Propane Gas Patio Heater | 48,000 | Up to 200 | Approximately 10 | Anti-tilt shut-off, CSA-certified |
| Hiland HLDS01-GTCB | 40,000 | Up to 120 | Approximately 8-10 | Safety shut-off valve |
| West Elm 40,000-BTU Standing Propane Outdoor Patio Heater | 40,000 | Up to 120 | Approximately 8-10 | Safety shut-off valve |
| Amazon Basics 46,000-BTU Standing Propane Outdoor Patio Heater | 46,000 | Up to 200 | Approximately 8-10 | Safety shut-off valve |
| Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater | Not specified | Up to 200 | Approximately 10 | Safety shut- |
XtremepowerUS 48,000 BTU Premium Floor Standing Propane Gas Patio Heater
| Power Source | Propane Gas |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | 48,000 BTU |
| Heating Area | Up to 200 square feet |
| Fuel Efficiency | Approximately 10 hours |
| Safety Features | Anti-tilt shut-off |
| CSA-certified | |
| Dimensions | 87 inches (height) |
| 32 inches (base diameter) | |
| 15.7 inches (reflector) |
The model 96054 by XtremePowerUS is the best outdoor heater overall. It is the cheapest, works the best, and is made by the company with my favorite name. This heater has a maximum BTU rating of 48,000, and it shows. All the temperature readings taken within two feet of the heater show an average rise of 7.51 degrees. This is one of the Best Patio Heaters.
All readings within four feet show that the temperature is 4.78 degrees above the average. This classic heater has a base, a pole, a heating element on top, and a saucer on top to reflect the heat. Instead of a door like many other types, this one has a base that lifts up so you can get to the propane tank. It has wheels to make it easier to move, but I find that standard pole heaters are more stable and easy to move from place to place.
The Good
- With a high heat output of 48,000 BTU, heating works well.
- Large area that can heat up to 200 square feet
- Long fuel economy, giving off heat for about 10 hours
- Safety is ensured by the anti-tilt shut-off feature.
- Quality and safety guidelines set by CSA have been met.
The Bad
- Some outdoor areas may not be right for a taller height
- Propane gas may need to be refilled often or the tank may need to be replaced.
Hiland HLDS01-GTCB
| Power Source | Propane Gas |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | 40,000 BTU |
| Heating Area | Up to 120 square feet |
| Fuel Efficiency | Approximately 8-10 hours |
| Safety Features | Safety shut-off valve |
| Dimensions | 87 inches (height) |
At first, I thought that the Hiland HLDS01-GTCB pyramid patio heater was the best one I had tried. It looks more modern than a traditional patio heater or a commercial patio heater because it is in the shape of a pyramid and has a glass tube going through the middle. Watching the flame go up and up through the glass tube is just as entertaining as looking at a campfire. It also throws heat.
If you look at all the places I measured within four feet, you’ll see that the average temperature rose 4.59 degrees. A change of 7.49 degrees can be found at all places within two feet of the pyramid heater. This outdoor heater raised the temperature by an average of 11.72 degrees within one foot, which is the highest average ever measured.
The Good
- 40,000 BTU of reliable heat flow to keep you warm
- It can heat up to 120 square feet. It has a safety shut-off valve for extra safety.
- The height makes sure that heat gets to many places.
- Outdoor decor looks better with stylish design.
The Bad
- Compared to models with more BTUs, the heating area is smaller.
- Propane gas may need regular upkeep and refilling as a fuel source.
West Elm 40,000-BTU Standing Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
| Power Source | Propane Gas |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | 40,000 BTU |
| Heating Area | Up to 120 square feet |
| Fuel Efficiency | Approximately 8-10 hours |
| Safety Features | Safety shut-off valve |
| Dimensions | 86.6 inches (height) |
| 32 inches (base diameter) | |
| 33 inches (reflector) |
Don’t allow the freezing temperatures of winter keep you from spending time on your cherished patio. With the assistance of this portable heater that is freestanding, you can make the most of the area you have outside. This is one of the Best Patio Heaters. Your deck will be adorned with unrivaled style and warmth thanks to the design that is powered by gas.
Each heater comes with a turn ignition, has a coverage area of up to 200 square feet, and, with a full tank, has an impressive burn time of between 10 and 12 hours. To coordin ate with the outdoor furniture you already have or the color scheme you’ve chosen for the exterior, pick one of three finishes: silver, bronze, or futuristic black.
The Good
- 40,000 BTU of heat flow to keep you warm
- It can heat spaces up to 120 square feet.
- A safety shut-off valve makes sure everything works safely.
- The look of the outdoors is improved by stylish design.
- Easy to put together and use.
The Bad
- Compared to types with more BTUs, it has a smaller heating range.
- Propane gas may need regular upkeep and refilling as a fuel source.
Amazon Basics 46,000-BTU Standing Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
| Power Source | Propane Gas |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | 46,000 BTU |
| Heating Area | Up to 200 square feet |
| Fuel Efficiency | Approximately 8-10 hours |
| Safety Features | Safety shut-off valve |
| Dimensions | 87 inches (height) |
| 33 inches (base diameter) | |
| 33 inches (reflector) |
Do you need to heat your patio or deck right away? Put this stunning item in your Amazon shopping basket to take advantage of the free shipping that comes with a Prime membership. This is one of the Best Patio Heaters.
The propane heater is event-ready, available in five different powder-coated finishes (including turquoise! ), and produces 46,000 BTUs of commercial-grade warmth to an area that is nine feet in diameter. Each heater comes equipped with a piezo ignition system and is constructed from aluminum, plastic, and steel that are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of winter with relative ease.
The Good
- It gives off 46,000 BTUs of heat, which is a lot.
- It can heat up to 200 square feet. A safety shut-off valve makes sure it’s used safely.
- Sleek and lasting design
- Easy to light and adjust how hot it gets
The Bad
- Could be taller than some other types, which could limit where you can put it.
- Propane gas as a power source may need to be refilled often or the tank replaced.
Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater
| Power Source | Propane Gas |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | Not specified |
| Heating Area | Up to 200 square feet |
| Fuel Efficiency | Approximately 10 hours |
| Safety Features | Safety shut-off valve |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
After assembly, this heater’s resistance to water makes it quick to warm up and makes it simple to operate. It already has built-in safety safeguards, such as a switch that turns off the power if it tips over. Even while putting together this tall tower was quite simple overall, we discovered that some people will want a step stool to stand on in order to put the top together.
We really appreciate how stable this tower is and how well it can withstand being bumped. Even on a particularly windy day, when we were certain that the tower would topple over, it remained upright. Because it was on wheels, it was also simple for us to relocate. Its streamlined design would look excellent in any backyard thanks to the fact that it is made of iron and comes in four different finishes. This is one of the Best Patio Heaters.
The Good
- able to heat an area up to 200 square feet
- Long-lasting fuel for long-term use
- Safety shut-off valve for improved safety
- Easy to carry and move around
- Suitable for different outdoor places
The Bad
- Not enough information about heat output
- If there are no specific measurements, it may be hard to tell if it will fit in certain places.
FAQs
A: In general, electric outdoor heaters use less energy than propane or natural gas heaters. Most of the energy in an electric heater is turned into heat, while some energy may be lost when a fuel-powered heater burns. But the overall energy efficiency also relies on how well the house is insulated and what the weather is like outside.
A: Patio lights can still be used when it’s windy, but they may not work as well. Wind can take the heater’s heat away, making it less effective at heating the area around it. To stop this from happening, you could use windbreaks or put the heater in a protected place.
A: Most patio lamps are made to be weatherproof and work well in the outdoors. To make sure the heater lasts as long as possible, you should check the product details and think about getting extra protected covers, especially when the weather is bad or when you won’t be using it for a long time.
