Bette Proeschel asked 2 months ago
A budget-friendly option that won’t add to your electricity bills – it has multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It’s also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can push out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but it will require regular refills of natural gas or propane. It’s an excellent choice for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the freestanding electric patio heaters we test were infra red models. These heaters are more affordable than the gas-powered models and, if you pick wisely they will have lower operating costs, too. There’s also no assembly required and you won’t need to refill a propane tank.
The most effective ones have a remote control that makes the operation simple and have an LED light built in to create ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It makes use of a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave heat over a table sized area. It is easy to use heating settings and a 360deg rotation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500W infra red heater, which makes use of an aluminium reflector to direct on a narrow beam of heat over your preferred spot.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a soft and clean glow. However the Herschel is more sleek and is more suited for modern garden rooms, or if you’re looking to integrate it with your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems that enable you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy in the long term.
You should be aware that infrared heaters are efficient but they only heat things and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. It will also not warm your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other side, gas heaters can provide warmth to a greater area if they aren’t moved and can be equipped with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. They are typically located in pub gardens and create a cozy “burning log” look that is suitable in any décor.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient, and they can also generate more noise and smog. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, and is required to be replenished after it runs out. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces more heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It’s the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer winds down and evenings become a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. Whether you opt for gas or electric, there’s plenty on offer in the form of small tabletop units to large floor-standing versions designed to heat large outdoor areas like a decked garden.
While gas heaters are more economical to buy than electric models however, they can be costly to operate – in fact, according to Heat Outdoors, “they are among the most wasteful in terms of both the amount of heat they generate and the energy they use”. A typical 13kg calor cylinder gas is priced at PS90 new or PS50 to refill and lasts approximately 13 hours of heating.
Unlike gas electric heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than air. Electric heaters are more affordable to run, and they have a lower carbon footprint. They’re also a lot easier to use – simply plug them in and turn them on, whereas you’ll need to create an open flame or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a variety of settings, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in open or closed spaces, and some come with built-in dimmer switches to allow you to control the brightness of the light. They are also smaller than gas models, and can be easily moved. This is a great feature if you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. To comply with safety standards the majority of electric patio heater free standing heaters cannot be sold with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you’ll need be sure not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable in a trail where it could be a trip hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you’re a fan of the style of the gas heater but don’t want to be limited by where it can be set up or you want to reduce your expenses and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an alternative. These patio heater electric infrared heaters are powered by electricity and can heat up quickly. They can be operated with a remote or switch. They are also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a stylish selection that will look great with your rattan furniture. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used all year. Its IP55 rating means it’s safe against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we don’t recommend using the hose of a high-pressure model at it). The model has three heating levels that can be adjusted according to your requirements, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is another option for those who do not wish to be restricted by the placement of a heater for their patio. It is available in two sizes and has multiple features, such as a remote control and a timer shut-off function and 360deg oscillation. It’s also splash-proof to give you peace of mind. But, we don’t recommend that you let it get wet for excessively as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A popular choice with many customers, this portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who prefer to be in control of their heating. It’s simple to use with an adjustable remote, two heat settings, and the ability turn on and off the light from a distance. It has a built in safety feature that shuts off the device off if it’s tipped.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide, unlike gas heaters for patios, making them an ideal choice for pet owners or young children who haven’t yet developed the maturity to recognize the dangers of standing too close to a fire. These models are also ideal for gazebos and large outdoor areas because they can quickly warm up an area of 15m2. They are also lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have remotes that let you alter the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and kids are back to school, it’s time to consider adding some warmth to your outdoor space. If you’re looking for a stand-alone model or one that is wall-mounted, there’s plenty of options to choose from in the electric range.
This popular model is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low running costs. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on a pedestal base which makes it suitable for gazebos and covered porches, as well as smaller gardens where a freestanding model could appear too large. It also comes with a remote control for adjusting the heat. The majority of users describe it as an Goldilocks choice, as it’s just warm enough to decrease the chill, but not too hot.
The major benefit of la hacienda electric patio heater patio heaters is that it can be put 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 the contrary, must be placed in a space that is open and has adequate ventilation to prevent them from contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas ones. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is especially important when you live in an area where energy costs are high.
Another drawback of electric heaters is that it’s not as powerful as a gas heater however there are plenty of options within the price range of PS50-PS200 to choose from. Some are suitable for hanging from awnings or parasols and you can even find heaters that operate off a rechargeable battery.
This is a great option if you want an infrared heater that is affordable to run. It’s available in two sizes and comes with a range of features, including 360deg rotation as well as easy-to-use heating settings. It’s also certified IP44 which means it can withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.