The Expert Guide To Best Electric Patio Heater
Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't add to your electric bills. It has various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can pump out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but it will require a regular supply of propane or natural gas. It's an excellent choice for large gardens with lots of outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. These heaters are more affordable than gas-powered models and, if you select carefully they will have lower operating costs too. There's also no assembly required and you won't need to refill a propane tank.
The top ones come with remote controls for simple operation as well as an integrated LED light that provides ambience. One of our top picks from German company Herschel utilizes circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared patio heater electric warmth over a table-sized space and is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and a 360deg oscillation. 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 clear warm glow, however the Herschel has a more modern look which is more suitable for modern garden rooms or if you're looking to blend it into your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems that enable 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 efficient, it only warms objects and people who are directly in front of the heater and will lose its effect if you move away. It will also not warm your garden or patio when the wind blows the heater around.
Gas heaters on the contrary, can heat more space if they are not moved. They can also be fitted with an enclosure to keep them in position. They're often located in pub gardens. They have a cosy burning log look that's great in most decors.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient and can also create more smog and noise. Unlike propane which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it runs out, most electric heaters don't require refilling at all and are more sustainable. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce more heat.
2. Gas heaters
As the summer winds down and evenings turn a little chilly, it might be the perfect time to get a patio heater to keep you warm and comfortable. No matter if you choose electric outdoor heaters for patio or gas there's plenty of options available including small tabletop models to large floor-standing versions designed to heat large outdoor areas such as a decked garden.
Gas heaters are more expensive to buy, but they can also be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient, both in terms of the amount of energy they consume and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg calor cylinder gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill and will last approximately 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and people. As a result, they are much cheaper to run and leave less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. Simply plug them in, and they will turn on.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, including restaurants, bars and private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open spaces, and some are equipped with built-in dimmer switches to allow you to control the brightness of the lighting. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around, which is great when you need to move the heater from one part of your garden to another.
The downside of these heaters is that they need to be plugged into to the power source, which means you'll require a power socket nearby and an extension lead certified to work with outdoor equipment. To ensure safety standards are met, most electric heaters can't be supplied with an extension lead over 1.8m and you'll have to be cautious not to block any nearby amazon outdoor electric patio heaters sockets or leave the cable in a trail where it could be a trip hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal for those who like the design of a gas heater but don't wish to be limited by its placement or wish to cut costs. They're powered by electricity, so they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. These are also cheaper to run than gas-powered equivalents.
The model from Kettler is a elegant and stylish piece that won't appear out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is weatherproof for use all year round. Its IP55 rating means that it's protected against dust and wind-blown rain (although we wouldn't recommend aiming the hose of a high-pressure model at it). This model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your needs, as well being a timer shutoff between 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who do not want to be restricted by the location of a gas patio heat lamp electric heater is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and has many features, such as a timer, remote control and 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, although we wouldn't recommend getting it too wet, as this can affect the performance and longevity of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers the portable patio heater is a good budget-friendly option for those who prefer to be in control of their heating. It's simple to use, with a remote control, 2 heat settings, and the ability to turn on and off the light from an extended distance. It also has an inbuilt safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's knocked over.
Unlike a gas patio heater, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they are a great option for pet owners or children who aren't old enough to understand the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are also great for large outdoor heater for patio electric gazebos and spaces as they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have an remote that lets you adjust the temperature from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
Once summer is over and the children are back in school, it's time to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in a variety of designs, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular model offers low operating costs and the utility of heater. It can be wall-mounted or placed on the base of a pedestal which makes it perfect for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios and also small gardens where a freestanding model might appear too large. It also comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the heat. The majority of users describe it as a Goldilocks choice, because it is just warm enough to decrease the chill but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are ideal for spaces that are small such as covered porches or garages, because they don't release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters should be installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial when you live in an area where energy costs are high.
Another disadvantage of electric heaters is that it's not as powerful as a gas one but there are plenty of options within the PS50-PS200 price range to choose from. Some are hung from parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared option that's cheap to run it's a great option. It comes in two sizes and comes with a variety of features like 360deg rotation and easy-to use temperature settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it is able to stand up to small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.
