The best patio heaters in 2024, tried and tested

A smart way to heat your outdoor space is by investing in a patio heater. These appliances let you enjoy your outdoor living space longer, especially as the chilly autumn weather approaches. And while patio heaters may not have you hanging out at home in a tank top and shorts on a winter evening in subzero temps, they can help keep you toasty for an alfresco lunch or a cocktails and beers break when the mercury begins to dip, as it usually does once autumn arrives.

We’ve spent years testing outdoor appliances of all types, from electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers to smokeless fire pits and gas, pellet and propane grills. Now we’ve tested nine patio heaters to see which models offer the best combination of warmth, convenience, style and safety.

Our comprehensive testing in this review included propane-fueled, electric and wood pellet patio heaters. After testing finished, three models — from Hiland, Hampton Bay and Solo Stove — stood out as essential additions for anyone looking to enjoy their patio in warm comfort year-round.

Best patio heater: Hiland Outdoor Patio Heater HLDS01

With an impressive 48,000 BTU output, the Hiland Outdoor Patio Heater HLDS01 stands as our top pick. At a height of 7.2 feet, it took us about an hour to assemble, and the clear instructions made setup hassle-free.

Looks-wise, we found the hammered bronze finish of this heater to be the most visually appealing, setting it apart from the other standard dish shield, cylinder-style heaters we tested. (It’s also available in a range of other finishes.) Plus, unlike the others, it features an adjustable tabletop, serving as a handy spot for resting a drink, though it’s not designed to support heavier weight or leaning.

The propane tank is a breeze to load thanks to the hinged door design, which is more user-friendly than those of the pyramid-shaped and other models we evaluated. And the control switch, conveniently located on the burner, is easy to reach. However, those who don’t have the height of most NBA stars may need a step stool to see if the heater is sparking during the pilot lighting process in daylight. The Hiland weighs 42 pounds and can be unwieldy to reposition, although its included wheels help.

But what elevates this model over the competition is its exceptional heat output. Stand or sit 2 to 3 feet away when set on high and the heat is intense. We opted for the low setting, even on a crisp 40-degree afternoon. Perfect for a larger gathering or space, this model delivered consistent warmth from as far as 9 feet away, and our testing found the heat was evenly distributed across the shield.

Overall, the Hiland HLDS01 offers great value for its price, features sturdy construction and offers the best heat output from our testing pool. Just be warned: Standing too close may make the top of your head uncomfortably hot.

Best patio heater runner-up: Hampton Bay Outdoor Pyramid Gas Heater GSH-A-PC

Our runner-up for best patio heater is the visually striking Hampton Bay Outdoor Pyramid Gas Heater GSH-A-PC. Towering at 7.5 feet, this stylish heater radiates an impressive 42,000 BTU output. Although its warmth extends to approximately a 6-foot radius (3 feet less than our top pick), it’s still an excellent choice for larger outdoor gatherings.

The steel frame and rust-resistant gold finish of the heater add to its overall aesthetics and durability. Like the other full-size models we reviewed, it requires about an hour to assemble via its clear instruction manual.

The unit weighs 50 pounds and comes with wheels for portability. It offers high and low heat settings; it boasts even heat distribution and safety features. These include screens that remain cool to the touch even immediately after turning the heater off.

While nearly identical to the Hiland glass flame patio heater we tested, we found the Hampton Bay model to have more intuitive controls and a more accessible tank cover with a door that’s easier to remove and replace. The internal space is also more generous, making it easier to attach to the propane tank and a better overall user experience.

So, while the pyramid styles aren’t as powerful when it comes to heat output as the cylinder shield styles we reviewed, and they cost quite a bit more, their sophisticated dancing flames may sway you to add them to your outdoor space as functional decor.

Best luxury patio heater: Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater

If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor patio heater that doesn’t use propane, look no further than the Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater. This heater is also sustainable and eco-friendly, and leans on a modern design that can elevate your outdoor space.

This smokeless, wood pellet-fueled heater earned top marks in our testing pool for its aesthetics and build quality, and it was also the sturdiest, weighing in at 104 pounds. Yes, it has built-in wheels and hopper handles to help with portability, but generally, once you find its perfect home, plan on it staying put for a while.

The Solo Stove tower stands 6.7 feet tall and has a hopper capacity of 25 pounds of pellets. It arrives in two boxes and takes about an hour to assemble, with clear instructions provided. Touting a powerful 72,000 BTU output, we felt its warmth within the advertised 10-foot radius, although 5 feet was the real sweet spot for comfort on a chilly evening.

Unlike most propane heaters that direct heat downward, the Solo Stove model emits heat from both the door and the top, providing more evenly distributed warmth and making it more comfortable when sitting near the heater.

We appreciated the glass door, which lets you watch the fire in the fire chamber, giving the ambience of an outdoor fireplace. Turning it off before the pellets are fully consumed is as simple as rotating the shutoff handle, which stops pellets from being fed into the chamber.

Tthis is the priciest heater we tested. On the plus side, it’s built of cold-rolled and stainless steel, making it more durable than the other models we tested, and it comes with a lifetime warranty as opposed to the one-year coverage offered by others. But keep in mind, where propane heaters fire right up and are generally “set it and forget it,” the Solo Stove heater takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get rolling, requires maintenance to ensure pellets are moving through the chamber and emits the most heat from the front and sides with less from the back, so your space may be a consideration. Although some reviews mentioned paint bubbling on the heater, we didn’t encounter this issue during multiple tests.

When it comes to fuel duration, a 20-pound propane canister lasts about 10 hours on maximum heat, whereas a 20-pound bag of wood pellets lasts only about three hours, so consider your willingness to refill the heater. Cost-wise, it’s a bit of a wash: A 40-pound bag of pellets costs $9 at our local hardware store, while a 20-pound propane tank refill runs between $15 and $30. Wood pellet heaters also require some cleanup, which propane models do not. However, we found minimal ash to deal with. Ultimately, choosing between the Solo Stove tower and our propane picks boils down to budget and personal preference.

How we tested

Given the unpredictability of outdoor conditions, including temperature and wind rate, we embraced a level of subjectivity in our testing. Our tests, conducted in the consistent environment of our backyard patio, were performed during afternoons with temps generally in the 50s Fahrenheit. However, the exact temperature and wind conditions varied.

We compared the manufacturers’ advertised heat radius against our actual experience of warmth and noted the general heat output (were we still chilly, or did we need to take our jackets off?). While weather factors could not be controlled, we gathered consistent data by using an infrared digital thermometer to measure the temperature of the shield to assess how well the heater distributed heat — assuming an even temperature across the shield indicates uniform heat distribution. To compare the range of patio heaters in our test group, we focused on several key factors while testing:

Setup

Usability

Performance

How to choose a patio heater

Choosing the right patio heater involves balancing your preferences with practical considerations. Most of the patio heaters are either electric or fueled by propane gas. Some are full-size and some are tabletop models. Some use convection, some radiant heat and others pellets. Finally, all heaters have various safety considerations. So, which patio heater should you choose? Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision.

Propane patio heaters

Propane patio heaters heat up quickly and are ideal for larger areas and colder temperatures. Large models typically come with wheels, making them portable for easy movement. Another plus is that they do not need an electrical outlet to function. They’re also long-lasting; generally, a 20-pound canister lasts six to seven hours on high heat or seven to eight on low heat. Propane patio heaters have two drawbacks: They require propane tank refills, and they pose a slight safety risk if not properly maintained.

Electric patio heaters

Electric patio heaters are eco-friendly and have no emissions. They are easy to use — just plug in and warm up. They are also cost-effective, as there are no fuel tanks to refill, which can save you money over time. They do have a space limitation in that they require proximity to an electrical outlet, which is better if you have a smaller space.

Full-size patio heaters

Full-size patio heaters cover larger areas. They are suitable for spacious patios or decks. They need only a brief assembly time, as assembly takes about one hour. These models provide hours of warmth, and a 20-pound propane canister can last a unit around 10 to 11 hours at maximum heat. But they are sizable, some roughly as tall as 7 to 8 feet tall, requiring ample space.

Tabletop patio heaters

Tabletop patio heaters are compact and portable and are well suited for smaller spaces. They are ideal for heating specific spots in small areas. As such, they may not be powerful enough for large gatherings.

Convection patio heaters

Convection patio heaters emit widespread warmth. They are propane fueled and operate by heating the air around them. They are great for larger spaces, but these models may take longer to warm up their surroundings compared to radiant heaters. Weather can also have an impact on these heaters since wind can disperse the heated air and reduce the overall efficiency.

Radiant heat patio heaters

Radiant heat patio heaters warm nearby areas. These are electric-style models able to emit infrared radiation directly to objects and people in their line of sight. So, instead of heating the air, they warm the surfaces they come into contact with. They can heat rapidly and be effective for specific spots. However, they may not provide uniform warmth in larger areas, and the direct infrared heat they emit might be too intense for some users.

Wood pellet patio heaters

These heaters typically feature a hopper where wood pellets are loaded. They feature an auger mechanism; it feeds the pellets into a combustion chamber where they’re ignited. Sustainable and environmentally friendly, these models produce minimal emissions. But they can be costly to use over time. Wood pellets can cost more than propane or electricity, as the wood burns much more quickly — about three hours for a 20-pound bag. Plus, the hoppers in these models require attention to replenish the wood. Overall, regular maintenance —?like cleaning out ash?— is necessary with these models. Lastly, these models may be bulkier than other types; the one pellet model we tested weighed more than twice as much as our winner.

Patio heater safety guidelines

Patio heaters can generally be safe when operated properly by following the provided instructions and safety measures. Nonetheless, users should stay mindful of possible hazards and adhere to safety guidelines.

Be sure to use propane heaters in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. You should regularly check gas connections and ensure tight fittings. Place heaters on stable, level surfaces clear of flammable materials. Position electric heaters away from water and use only outdoor-rated extension cords. Finally, keep your heater clean, including reflectors and burners, for safe and efficient operation.

Other patio heaters we tested

Standing 7.6 feet tall and equipped with wheels, the Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater’s 37-pound frame is easy enough to reposition, and the heater boasts a 46,000 BTU output. As advertised, we felt a 9-foot radius of warmth but noted that the heat tapered quite a bit at around 7 feet. We also found its operation straightforward, its powder-coated gray finish sleek and its tip-over protection system a nice safety feature.

Still, we preferred models that featured doors for easier access to the propane tank. This patio heater requires lifting the tank housing to rest it on post supports when activating the propane. Also, the one-touch ignition was more abrupt than other heaters we tested, which may take some getting used to.

Standing at 34 inches and weighing 14 pounds, the Bali Outdoors Tabletop Patio Heater SRPT03 is a small but mighty heater. It boasts a 10,000 BTU output, capable of warming a radius of up to 5 feet. Our testing, however, showed about a 3-foot radius, although it was more powerful than the electric tabletop version tested.

It took about 30 minutes to assemble, but we had difficulty attaching the 1-pound propane cylinder and needed to unscrew the base to connect it. Finally, we liked the bronze finish, but the reflector dome shield arrived dented in several places — not a huge deal for a 7-foot-plus-tall version, but not a great look for a tabletop model.

The Hampton Bay Outdoor Patio Heater NCZH-G-SS patio heater closely mirrors the design and functionality of the Amazon Basics model we tested. The Hampton Bay boasts a slightly higher heat output of 48,000 BTU and comes with a stainless steel housing, though we noticed it began to show signs of oxidation rather quickly. This heater stands 7.3 feet tall, is lightweight at 33 pounds and includes wheels, making it easy to move around.

Assembly time matched the other models at about an hour, and once put together, it effectively emitted heat up to about an 8-foot radius. However, we had the same reservations regarding the ignition process as with the Amazon model we tested — it was unexpectedly abrupt. We preferred models with pilot light primers for a more gradual ignition.

The Hiland Flame Patio Heater HLDS01-GTHG stands 7.5 feet tall, weighs a sturdy 70 pounds and delivers a heat output of 40,000 BTU. Assembly was on par with the others, taking around an hour, and its glass flame tube encased by a protective cage gave it a hypnotic glow, especially after dusk.

We felt the heat at about a 5-foot radius, but while it’s essentially the same heater as the Hampton Bay model we tested, there were some differences. The finish on the Hampton Bay seemed to be of higher quality, its assembly more user-friendly and the propane tank door more spacious.

Ready to use straight out of the box, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater MH4B needs only the attachment of a 1-pound propane cylinder to kick-start the warmth. At just 5 pounds, this sturdy black and red heater is lightweight and has a convenient handle for transportation. Its coverage area is fairly limited, though. It offers a single setting of 3,800 BTU, can heat up to 95 square feet and runs for approximately five and a half hours on one cylinder. We felt its heat from about 3 feet away outdoors.

We appreciate that it comes with a tip-over safety switch, ensuring the heater turns off automatically if it’s knocked over, shaken or bounced. Still, if you’re trying to warm up a small work shed or porch or need a heat source during a camping or hunting trip, then the Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater MH4B is a reliable choice for anyone needing a personal heat source. Just make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area.

The Star Patio Tabletop Electric Heater STP1566-DT is a tabletop electric heater that comes in classic matte black, weighs just over 11 pounds and is 26.5 inches tall. This model plugs directly into an electrical outlet and radiates warmth right away. It’s ideal for small areas of about 12 square feet, but the heater’s reach is quite limited; we felt comfortable warmth from about 2 feet away.

This heater is secure, portable and easy to use and features a handy pull-string switch, not to mention it looks smart sitting on a patio table and includes an auto-shutoff function for added safety if it’s accidentally knocked over. It’s also weather-resistant and waterproof. With a heat output of 5,100 BTU, it doesn’t provide as much warmth as propane heaters, but it’s sufficient for taking off the edge on colder days if you’re sitting right next to it.

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