Best Overall
Arlmont and Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater
- Setup4.8/5
- Heating Performance4.5/5
- Ease of Use4.5/5
- Safety5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: It has a sleek design, is easy to use, and heats effectively.
Keep in Mind: We experienced some troubles during assembly.
If you’re looking for an all-around winner, the best patio heater we tested was the Arlmont and Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater. Alongside its effective warming capabilities, it comes in a sleek design in different colors, allowing you to choose the one that suits your patio design best.
Overall, assembly wasn’t too difficult, though we did experience some hiccups. First, the screw holes that connected the poles were a bit off-center, so we needed to widen them with a drill to get the screws to fit. And while it comes with a two-sided screwdriver, we found it easier to use our own.
Once assembled, the patio heater was very easy to use with thanks to a push-button ignition. We immediately saw the flames inside and found that it warmed quickly. We felt the heat on all sides and needed to sit a few feet away to not feel too overheated.
The unit has built-in wheels, which we appreciated when it came to moving into place and later into storage. There’s also a strap for securing the propane tank to keep it stable while moving.
During operation, the heater was stable and didn’t budge when bumped. We’re confident it can handle light winds, but we appreciate that it also offers tip-over protection in the event of a fall. We also liked that the metal gate around the flames didn’t get hot to the touch, so we didn’t fear getting burned during operation.
One thing that sets this unit apart from the others is the included custom cover to use between use and during storage. We appreciated the added protection from the elements, especially on our uncovered patio. Overall, we think this is a well-made unit and durable enough to last multiple patio seasons.
Product Details: Size: 23 x 89 x 23 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 42,000 | Special Features: Push-button start, auto tip-over shutoff, wheels, propane tank strap, and cover
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
Key Terms to Know
- BTU: Short for British thermal units, this is a measurement of heat defined by the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1° F. When looking for a patio heater, larger BTU ratings typically result in a stronger unit.
Best Budget Propane
Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Heater
- Setup3.5/5
- Heating Performance4.5/5
- Ease of Use4.5/5
- Safety4/5
- Value4/5
Why You Should Get It: Overall, the unit is easy to use, attractive, and sturdy.
Keep in Mind: It comes in many parts, which made it difficult to assemble.
The Sunjoy Avanti Outdoor Portable Propane Heater is a solid pick for anyone on a budget. We were impressed with its performance, especially for the price, and appreciated its safety features and ample heating abilities.
The biggest concern we found was during assembly. It took around an hour and a half to complete, as there were many parts to put together. While the instructions were straightforward, the illustrations were not always clear or detailed. There is a tool provided, but we found that we needed our own Phillips screwdriver to tighten everything properly.
Once assembled, however, operation was a breeze and the heat was effective on our patio. After a brief warm-up on the low setting, the heat is fully adjustable from low to high, which we found enough for an 8-foot area around the heater. We used it on a 60-degree evening with light wind, and the heater made it comfortable enough to eat dinner. We also appreciated that the wheels made it easy to transport when the unit is off.
When it comes to safety, the heater offers automatic tip-over shutoff. The unit is over 7 feet tall, so the heating element is far above children's and many adults’ heads. We do wish it had a clearer warning label on the reflector shield, which becomes hot during operation.
Product Details: Size: 32.7 x 90.6 x 32.7 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 47,000 | Special Features: Push-button start, auto tip-over shutoff, and wheels
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CASSIE AULIE
Best Electric
SereneLife Infrared Outdoor Electric Space Heater
- Heating Performance4.8/5
- Ease of Use4.8/5
- Safety4/5
- Value4/5
- Setup3/5
Why You Should Get It: A round design provides ample warmth to all sides of the heater.
Keep in Mind: The assembly was difficult and we were missing parts.
If you want an electric model that offers powerful heat, we were impressed with this pick from SereneLife. It has a round, 360-degree design that provides heat to all sides. We liked that it can heat a group of people without crowding to one side of the unit, something to keep in mind for entertaining.
Compared to other electric models, it offers a wider heat range of 15 feet. It was noticeably warm once we turned it on, and we felt a significant difference between the two heat settings.
For the price, we were disappointed with the assembly. The instructions were difficult to follow, and we had to provide our own batteries and screwdriver. Plus, our unit was missing two screws. However, once it was put together, we found it easy to operate.
At 57 inches tall, this pick is fairly tall for an electric unit. We were able to stand up and sit down without feeling like any part of our bodies was cold. Although it felt stable, we appreciated that it does offer tip-over shutoff protection for added safety.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12.5 x 57 x 9 inches | Power Source: Electric | BTU: 38,200 | Special Features: Tip-over auto shutoff, and 360-degree design
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Tabletop
EnerG+ Electric Tabletop Patio Heater
- Heating Performance5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Safety4/5
- Value3/5
- Setup4/5
Why You Should Get It: Great for small spaces, it functions as both a heater and a bistro table.
Keep in Mind: It has a small heat range, so it’s hard to feel the heat when you’re not sitting at the table.
If you’re looking for an electric model that serves as a table, this EnerG+ model is the best option we tested. The bistro-sized table comfortably fits two people, though we think four could crowd around it. When sitting at the table, the heating component was strong and effective.
Assembly was easy, though it required two people to complete. Once set up, we found it easy to turn on with a simple push button. We felt the heat when sitting at the table, but once we moved a few feet away, the warmth dissipated. When it comes to safety, we appreciated that the unit glows when turned on and offers tip-over protection.
Because of its compact size and small heat range, we think this is best suited for a smaller patio or apartment balcony rather than a large home patio. Still, we think it’s a great pick for dinners outside and appreciate that it offers multiple functions.
Product Details: Size: 24 x 29.5 x 24 inches | Power Source: Electric | BTU: 5,100 | Special Features: Tabletop, wheels, and tip-over auto shutoff
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Heat Range
Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater
- Setup3/5
- Heating Performance5/5
- Ease of Use4/5
- Safety4/5
- Value4/5
Why You Should Get It: It provides a lot of heat and comes in multiple colors.
Keep in Mind: The assembly was difficult.
For those with a big backyard, we were impressed with this propane model from Amazon Basics. We felt the warmth from 9 feet away on a windy 50-degree day, and we think it's strong enough to heat large patio spaces.
Assembly wasn’t perfect, as the top piece arrived damaged and required a bit of fiddling and hammering to get it into place. Then, the included wrench didn’t fit the screws for the propane tank mechanism, so we had to provide our own. Paired with instructions that included grainy photos and typos, we didn’t find the setup particularly easy.
Once the unit was assembled, we were more than happy with the results. We liked that the on/off instructions are printed on the heater itself, a convenient and clear way for any user to operate. When we bumped into the heater, it felt fairly stable. And the unit offers automatic tip-over protection, which provided us some extra peace of mind.
Product Details: Size: 32.12 x 91.3 x 32.12 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 46,000 | Special Features: Tip-over auto shutoff
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RACHEL CHRISTENSEN
Best with Table
AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater With Table
- Setup5/5
- Heating Performance3/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Safety5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: Operating this patio heater was a breeze thanks to easy assembly and built-in wheels.
Keep in Mind: We wish it came with a cover for storage.
If you’re looking for a multifunctional piece of furniture, we liked that the AZ Patio Heater doubles as a table. While it’s not big enough to sit at for a meal, it’s perfect for setting down drinks.
The instructions were clear and the parts were labeled well, so it only took us one hour to set up. What’s more, we were able to complete assembly with just one person and the propane installation went just as smoothly.
Once set up, we tested the heater in fairly cold conditions on a windy 40-degree day. The unit turned on and heated up quickly. While the product’s description says it should provide a heat range of 10 to 12 feet, we found that the highest setting could only be felt seven feet away. Given the weather, we were still impressed with the results.
Our favorite feature of this patio heater is the wheels. Given its size at over seven feet tall, we think it would be difficult to move around without them—especially with the tank installed. We found that it easily moved over cement, grass, and even stairs. Overall, we felt confident and warm using the patio heater.
Product Details: Size: 17 x 87 x 17 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 48,000 | Special Features: Table, wheels, and tip-over auto shutoff
Best Safety Features
Arlmont and Co. Hammered Standing Patio Heater
- Setup3.5/5
- Heating Performance4.5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Safety4.5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: The push-button start makes it quick and easy to turn on.
Keep in Mind: We found it tilted slightly after the initial assembly and we had to adjust it.
When it comes to safety features, the best patio heater we tested is this Arlmont and Co. unit. During operation, the heat was even on all sides and created a decent heat bubble within ten minutes. We tested it on a 144-square-foot patio during fairly cold November weather, and we think it will perform even better in the warmer months.
Setup was fairly easy, though note it requires two people and your own Phillips screwdriver. The most time consuming part was simply peeling off the protective film. After it was assembled, we had no problems connecting our own 20-pound propane tank, which took us less than a minute.
One problem we ran into after assembly was that the post tilted to one side, which we found annoying to look at and could cause safety concerns if it became unstable. After some fiddling, we were able to adjust it and get it to stand straight up.
Thankfully, the heater never fell over, but it does have an automatic tip-over shut off feature in case a fall occurs. We also appreciated that the heating element glows brightly on the high setting as a reminder to stay clear.
The push-button start makes it quick to turn on. We found ourselves clicking it on any time we were outside grilling in the colder months. In fact, between the grill and the patio heater, we felt toasty—even in 20-degree weather. We also loved the wheels, which made it easy to move around. Overall, this was easily a stand-out heater that’s well worth its value.
Product Details: Size: 23 x 89 x 23 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 42,000 | Special Features: Push-button start, automatic shutoff, auto tip-over shutoff, and wheels
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MELISSA INMAN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MELISSA INMAN
Best with Wheels
Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater
- Setup5/5
- Heating Performance4.5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Safety4/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: It’s intuitive to use and feels stable.
Keep in Mind: Unlike other models, there’s no tip-over shutoff protection.
Like outdoor patio furniture, storing large patio heaters in the winter months can be a hassle. Choosing a model with wheels, like this Frontgate model, makes it easy to move into storage or move around your patio throughout the season.
Turning this patio heater on was intuitive, so we think it’s a great pick for beginners. Everything is labeled on the heater, which means you won’t need to keep the manual nearby to remember how to turn it on. Once on, it only took a few minutes for the unit to warm and produce an ample amount of heat, though we needed to be fairly close (two feet) to feel the strongest warmth.
Because of the wheels, it’s easy to move with just one person. We appreciated the ability to add sand at the bottom for extra stability since a heavy base is important to prevent tips from common bumps and winds. Even without the sand, we thought this was stable and bottom-heavy. The unit doesn’t offer tip-over protection like many other units we tested, but there is a chain to hold the propane tank in place.
Product Details: Size: 33 x 89 x 18 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 46,000 | Special Features: Wheels and propane tank chain
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JODI ESPINOSA
Best Pyramid
Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
- Setup3/5
- Heating Performance5/5
- Ease of Use4/5
- Safety4/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: It’s one of the best looking patio heaters we tested.
Keep in Mind: The tall, slender design offers uneven heating.
When it comes to pyramid style, the best option we tested was this model from Thermo Tiki. We liked the design of the tower, which we think could blend into a variety of patio designs.
The shape is sturdy and didn’t move much when we bumped it, and it offers automatic shutoff protection in case it does fall over. Plus, there’s a strap to secure the propane tank—another safety feature we appreciated.
Assembly proved to be a bit of a challenge, as the instructions included very few words and were primarily illustrations that were difficult to follow. Because of this, it took us an hour and a half to set up.
Once assembled, however, the unit was easy to start up and use with its adjustable dial. At its highest heat setting, we felt the warmth about 6 feet away from the unit—less than half of what the manufacturer states, but comparable to other models we tested.
When sitting next to the unit, our top halves felt toasty while our bottom halves weren’t warm at all. This is likely due to the tall, slender design of the tower, which provided uneven heating. However, for the price and design, we think this is a great value.
Product Details: Size: 18 x 90 x 18 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 38,000 | Special Features: Wheels, tip-over auto shutoff, and propane tank strap
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CECILIA DELAPAZ
Best Small
Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater
- Setup5/5
- Heating Performance4/5
- Ease of Use3/5
- Safety4.3/5
- Value4/5
Why You Should Get It: It’s portable and easy to assemble.
Keep in Mind: The heat is weaker than most models we tested.
If you have a small patio space or are looking for a portable model, this pick from Bali Outdoors proved to be one of our favorites during testing. Assembly was easy and only took us 25 minutes. We appreciated that the parts were packaged together, which made setup go smoothly.
Once assembled, the heater was easy to use. It offers adjustable heat through a push and turn knob. However, we found the heat to be minimal. This isn’t a surprise given its small size, but we wished we could feel the heat further than two feet away from the device.
At only 14 pounds, the heater is easy to move around to where you’re sitting on the patio or take with you on a camping trip. We did find the unit a bit top-heavy, but it didn’t tip over during our bump tests. It also offers automatic shutoff if it tips over, which we appreciated.
While this isn’t the most powerful model we tested, we think it’s a good budget choice for anyone looking to warm themself in a small space.
Product Details: Size: 20 x 34 inches | Power Source: Propane | BTU: 10,000 | Special Features: Tip-over auto shutoff
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ANDREA TENBORG