Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Best Electric Patio Heater
best electric patio heaters (right here on Pediascape)
A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you electricity bills - it has multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are an excellent option for large gardens with lots of seating outside and sofas. However, they'll need to be refilled regularly using natural gas or propane. It's a great option for large gardens that have plenty of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are less expensive than the gas-powered models and, if you pick wisely they will have lower operating costs as well. It's also easy to install and you don't have to refill your propane tank.
The most effective ones have remote controls to make operation easy and an LED light that is built-in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It makes use of a circular filament to radiate infrared mediumwave heat over an area of the size of a table. It comes with easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is another great alternative. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to direct the heat beams on your preferred location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy, clean glow. However, the Herschel is more sleek and is more suited for modern garden rooms or if you're looking to blend it in with your outdoor furniture. It can also be integrated with home automation systems to allow you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy over the long haul.
It's worth bearing in mind that while infrared heat is effective but it only warms the objects and people who are electric patio heaters any good directly in front of the heater and will cease to work in the event that you move away. It won't also provide heat to your patio if wind blows it around.
Gas heaters, on the contrary, can heat an area larger in the event that they are not moved. They are also equipped with shields to keep them in position. They are typically found in pub garden and provide a warm "burning log" look that is suitable in any decor.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient, and they can also produce a lot more noise and smog. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, and requires refilling after running out. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate more heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer winds down and the evenings become a little chilly it's a good time to invest in a patio heater to keep you outdoors longer. If you decide to go with electric or gas, there's plenty on offer, from small tabletop units to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor areas like a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however, they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient, both in terms of energy they use and the heat they generate". A typical cylinder of calor gas will cost PS90 new or PS50 to refill and lasts about 13 hours of heating.
In contrast to gas electric patio space heater heaters utilize radiant heat to warm objects and people rather than the air. electric outdoor heater for patio heaters are less expensive to run and have a smaller carbon footprint. They're also a lot easier to use - simply connect them to the power source and turn them on, whereas you'll need to create a fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Electric heaters that are suitable for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, such as bars, restaurants, and private gardens. Certain models come with a built-in dimming switch that permits you to control how bright the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models, and can be moved easily. This is very beneficial for when you need to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
The heaters are connected to the power source and require an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. To comply with safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be sold with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need be careful not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable in a trail where it could be an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a lover of the design of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted in the way it can be set up or you want to reduce your expenses with these freestanding electric patio heaters are an option. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and simple to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. These are also cheaper to operate than their gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish choice that looks great with your furniture made of rattan. It's also weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating shields it from windblown dust and rain (although we wouldn't recommend using a high-pressure hose on it). This model also comes with three heating levels to fit your needs, aswell with a timer that shuts off between 1-9 hours.
Another option for those who do not want to be restricted by the position of the gas patio heater is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes, and includes many options, including a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, although we wouldn't recommend getting it too wet as this may affect the efficiency and life span of the heater.
This portable heater for patios is popular with those who want to manage their heating. It's user-friendly and comes with the remote control, two heat settings, and the ability to turn on or off the light from an extended distance. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that turns off the unit when it's knocked over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide, unlike gas heaters for patios, making them a fantastic choice for people with pets or young children who haven't yet developed the maturity to be aware of the dangers that come with being too close to a flame. These models are also ideal for large outdoor gazebos or areas because they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move around, and many come with an remote control so that you can change settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over, and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time to think about adding some heat to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a stand-alone model or one that can be wall-mounted, there's plenty to pick from the electric range.
This popular choice combines low operating costs with the benefits of a heater. It can be mounted on the wall or on a pedestal, which makes it suitable for gazebos, covered porches and small gardens, in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It has an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the heat. Users describe it as being a Goldilocks choice, because it is just warm enough to ease the chill, but not too hot.
The primary benefit of using an electric patio heater is that it can be put in a confined space, like garages or covered porches as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. By contrast, gas heaters are best used in open spaces with adequate ventilation or they risk contaminating your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. They're also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly important if you reside in an area where energy costs are high.
Another drawback to an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas heater but there are plenty of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some are suitable for hanging from parasols or awnings, and you can even locate a few that run on rechargeable batteries.
This is a great choice when you're looking for an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It's available in two sizes, and comes with a variety of features like 360deg rotation and easy-to use heat settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it is able to withstand moderate rain and splashes liquid.