Top 10 Best Patio Heater Reviews 2018
Table of Top 10 Patio Heaters
Check out our table of best patio heater reviews and the short review of their performance in use.
Image | Heater Name | Price | Rating | Select |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater | $ | 4.6 | |
| AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater | $$ | 4.3 | |
| Outland Firebowl Deluxe 890 Portable Propane Fire Pit | $$ | 4.7 | |
| Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater | $$$ | 4.3 | |
| Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit | $$ | 4.7 | |
| AZ Patio Heaters GS-F-PC Propane Fire Pit | $$$ | 3.9 | |
| Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater | $$ | 4.3 | |
| UniFlame LP Gas Outdoor Table Top Fireplace | $ | 4.5 | |
| AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater Quartz Glass Tube in Hammered Bronze | $$$ | 3.9 | |
| Bellezza 42,000 BTU Deluxe Pyramid Patio Heater Tower | $$$ | 4.5 |
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater
Being a smaller heater (9 x 14.2 x 14.4 inches), it fits discreetly in a corner of a room / tent and is easy to move from room to room. The wide heating area pumps out a surprising amount of heat and comes with safety guards over the hot areas which is great if you have kids or animals! The two heat settings : 4000 & 9000 BTU allow for options which is nice when one only wants a small amount of heat.
It automatically shuts off when it detects low oxygen, is tipped over or the pilot lights goes out which personally gives a peace of mind if I choose to leave it on when sleeping. Also as much as I tried, I couldn’t detect any smell or noticeable noise when running.
One thing to be aware of as well is that when using smaller portable tanks the heater will only produce heat for 3-5 hours. Bigger Propane tanks are an easy fix to this problem which makes for a consistent supply of heat.
Overall, I think this is a great little heater that is very efficient, easy to use and portable which makes it a must have when the temperature begins to drop.
AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
This incredibly powerful patio heater provides heat up to 18 feet away and the adjustable settings are ideal for a warm summer evening or frigid winter's night. The sleek Steel construction makes for an attractive addition to any patio / outside space and the Powder Coated Bronze finish fights against rust and other damaging effects.
The Piezo ignition requires only the push of a button to fire up the heater which makes it hassle-free and convenient when it’s freezing and you don’t want to fuss over a complicated starter process. An automatic Shut Off Valve completely shuts off the Heater if tipped over allowing for peace of mind while enjoying the warmth it provides.
Attachable wheels make for effortless maneuvering and transportation when needed and the hollow base can be filled for added stability. When filling the base keep in mind water freezes and if the Heater is being used outside in below freezing conditions sand might be a better choice.
Total assembly takes around 1 hr. depending on speed and familiarity with the product and a 20 pound LP gas cylinder is required (not included) for operation.
When it comes down to it, this Patio Heater produces reliable heat, has solid construction , is easy to use, an attractive design and the advanced safety measures one looks for in high output Heaters. If you’re looking to heat up a outside space for anything from star gazing to a cocktail party, this Heater will provide the heat you need.
Outland Firebowl Deluxe 890 Portable Propane Fire Pit
Campfires are essential to any camping trip and create a wonderful ambiance during an evening outdoors. The Outland FireBowl Deluxe Portable Fire Pit is constructed of high quality steel, power coated and finished with protective enamel which ensures durability and longevity while offering a sleek modern design. Easily portable (23lbs. and measuring 18.5 x 18.5 x 10 inches) and complete with cover / carry kit this Fire Pit is easy to transport wherever you wish.
Even though it is a relatively small Fire Pit, it pumps out 58,000 BTUs which is enough to provide heat even when temperatures drop near freezing. The adjustable flame also allows comfortable warmth throughout a range of climates and weather.
The Outland FireBowl produces a clean, smokeless flame with all the beauty of a natural campfire. The CSA approved Fire Bowl can be used even throughout most fire bans since it is completely controlled and safe.
The Outland FireBowl Deluxe includes a pre-attached 10ft. hose with regulator, propane tank stabilizer ring (propane tank not included), decorative rock set and a cover/ carry kit. The straightforward set up requires no tools, rendering a hassle-free and quick assembly process. The rock set (Lava Rock) that is included creates a pleasant backdrop for the flames but there are other alternatives; glass rocks invoke a modern / simplistic style while decorative logs provide a natural feel.
Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
The Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater (Pyramid Style) has an incredibly sleek and attractive design crafted from high quality materials. It provides a 15ft diameter heating radius through its 38,000 BTU output which creates an ideal setting any outdoor event.
Standing at 7.5ft and producing a 50 inch (4+ft.) flame that dances through the ceramic glass column, it puts on a truly beautiful show while producing even heat throughout its entire length.
Made from steel, aluminum with black powder accents and commercial grade finish, this heater is highly resistant to rust, fading and corrosion.
Wheels also make the Tiki Deluxe easily transportable when needed and the anti-tip base creates a stable foundation which also conceals the 20lb propane tank (not included), keeping it trim and uncluttered. If tipped, the safety system automatically shuts off the fuel supply providing a peace of mind and feeling of safety.
Included are the heavy-duty LPG (propane) regulator with pre-attached flexible hose and ceramic heating element. With an easy to use starting process (Push to Start) and an adjustable temperature gauge, this heater is can provided the needed heat from a variety of weather and climates.
Overall, this highly stylish heater provides not only an attractive design but also functionality and power which makes it a lovely addition to any outdoor space.
Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
The Heininger 5995 Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit makes firemaking easy and instant.Within minutes, one can have a warm fire without the hassle of firewood, fire starters and the dangers that come along with an uncontrolled fire.
Weighing only 22lbs. and measuring 19.2 x 19.2 x 11.5 inches this Fire Pit is easily portable making it a perfect addition to any campsite, RV Park, Outdoor Patio or Tailgate party. The simplistic, sleek design add an attractive addition to wherever one chooses to use the Fire Pit.
With 58,000 BTUs and an adjustable temperature gauge the Heininger 5995 can produce ample heat even on the coldest nights and low heat if needed on a warm evening. The clean, smokeless flame provides relief from the constant smoke-in-the-eyes experience a real campfire creates while still providing the beauty of dancing flames.
Included are Fire Pit, Lava Rocks and a 10ft. propane hose (propane tank not included). An alternative to Lava Rocks are Glass or Decorative Wood. Glass adds a modern feel while Decorative wood bring with it a natural feeling.
For a powerful, sleek, easy to use outdoor fire pit the Heininger 5995 Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit makes for an excellent addition to any event. Even perfect for roasting marshmallows!
AZ Patio Heaters GS-F-PC Propane Fire Pit
The AZ Patio Heater GS-F-PC Propane Fire Pit (Antique Bronze Finish) easily heats an area of 15ft. making it ideal for outdoor parties or quiet nights outside. The Antique Bronze Finish and sleek design complement any outdoor space beautifully.
At 40,000 BTUs this Patio Heater provides the needed heat in any environment; ranging from warm summer night to frigid winters evening and with the large range of heat it will keep large parties comfortable with ease. The Pulse Ignition System is battery operated providing instant heat and the ¾’’ glass beads that come included add a pleasant backdrop to the dancing flames.
Measuring 28 inches tall with a 38 inch square table top (17in. burn area) this Fire Pit includes a interior storage for a propane tank (not included) which keeps with the sleek and aesthetic design.
A 1 Year Warranty comes with the AZ Patio Heater which includes customer service 7 days a week providing a peace of mind and guarantee that one is getting exactly what is wanted with the quality materials promised.
In summary, this Fire Pit not only provides a well designed Heater as well as creates the powerful and consistent heat needed on cold nights.
Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
Being one of the most powerful heaters on the market, the Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater provides a stylish addition to any outdoor space, ideal for parties or nights out under the stars.
Producing 46,000 BTUs it creates warmth even in the coldest conditions, and with the adjustable temperature you can also enjoy minimal heat on the warmer days. With only a push of a button, the Piezo Ignition fires up the heater, creating a hassle-free starting experience which is convenient when it gets uncomfortably cold outside.
The included wheel assembly provide for easy mobility when needed and the heavy duty wheels glide over roughest of patios with ease. The Safety Auto Shut Off Valve shuts off the Heater if tipped or tilted providing a feeling of safety.
Fire Sense also provides a 1 Year Warranty which insures one is getting the quality product and everything works as advertised.
This Patio Heater measures at 18 x 33 x 89 inches which helps it distribute its ample heat throughout a large area and its lightweight design (40lbs.) allows for easy mobility. The heater runs on a standard 20 lb. LP (Liquid Propane) Gas Tank (not included) which on average burns for 10+hrs.
UniFlame LP Gas Outdoor Table Top Fireplace
The UniFlame Gas Outdoor Table Top Fireplace by Blue Rhino makes a beautiful, functional centerpiece for any outdoor space. The modern, architectural design is at the same time uncluttered and elegant, while providing ample heat through its 10,00 BTU stainless steel burner.
Measuring 11 x 11 x 15 inches and weighing 18.7 lbs. this Table Top Fireplace is easy to move to different locations within the yard as well as transport if needed. Fueled by a 1 lb. propane tank (not included) that is conveniently stored inside it keeps its sleek design while providing the needed heat. Also, while replacing propane tanks make sure unit is off, cool to the touch and in a safe environment.
Electronic Ignition creates an easy starting process and the control panel allows for adjustable flame and temperature output. The unit also includes black fire glass which puts an extra touch on the already aesthetically pleasing design.
It also comes with a 1 Year Warranty which provides an assurance one is buying a quality product that works as is intended.
Overall, the UniFlame Gas Outdoor Table Top Fireplace is a functional heater that is not only easy to use but also can be used as an eye grabbing centerpiece that can create a lovely ambiance for an evening outside.
AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater Quartz Glass Tube in Hammered Bronze
The AZ Patio Heater makes a eye grabbing addition to any outdoor space while also providing wide spread heat. Producing 40,000 BTUs with adjustable heat settings, this AZ Patio Heater can keep a large circle of friends warm on a freezing night with ease or provide a small attractive flame when the weather is still pleasant outside.
This AZ Heater produces a beautiful 2-3 ft. dancing flame that sits within a two-piece Quartz glass tube. Constructed of a Stainless Steel, this unit it is extremely durable and able to withstand a variety of climates and conditions.
Built in Safety Systems include an Anti Tilt Device (Unit shuts off if tipped / tilted), a protective “cage” around the upper section to prevent curious fingers and a Thermocouple. Wheels are also included, making for easy transportation and mobility when needed.
An Easy Access Door provides interior storage for 20 lb. propane tank (not included) which continues with the sleek, modern design.
A 1 Year Warranty comes with the AZ Patio Heater which includes customer service 7 days a week providing a peace of mind and guarantee that one is getting exactly what is wanted with the quality materials promised.
Measurements : 21.5 x 38.5 x 89 inches
Weight : 65.2 pounds
Bellezza 42,000 BTU Deluxe Pyramid Patio Heater Tower
The Bellezza Unique Pyramid Design Patio Heater is expertly constructed with high quality materials and is one of the most attractive Patio Heaters around. It’s exclusive design will compliment any outdoor space beautifully, while still creating wide spread heat that will provide warmth throughout a variety of climates and conditions.
The mesmerizing 2-3 ft. flame dances within a 50’’ glass tube creates an ideal atmosphere and the 42,000 BTUs easily provides warmth up to a 15 ft.radius. Adjustable heat / flame settings allow for comfortability regardless of the external temperature and the Electronic Switch Ignition makes firing up this Patio Heater a breeze.
Safety Systems include an Anti-Tilt Switch (Unit shuts off if tilted / tipped), Pilot Light and a protective exterior which helps prevent against children or animals getting too close to the flame and high heat.
Wheels are included, making maneuvering around the yard or transportation hassle-free.
Also included are 1 Hose and Regulator, 1 Hardware Tool and Manual.Propane (20 lb) Tank (Not Included) burns for an average of 8-10 hours on high.
Measurements : 19 x 19 x 84 inches
Weight : 68 Pounds
It’s eye grabbing design, functionality and consistent output makes this Bellazza Patio Heater an excellent choice for both warmth and aesthetics.
Patio Heater Buying Guide
Staying indoors can get quite uninteresting and we may be looking for a change of environment. Too cold outside? Don’t worry. With your ideal type of patio heater, you can comfortably stay outdoors, both during daytime and at night without having to worry about catching a cold or freezing.
What Are You Looking For in a Patio Heater?
There are several factors to consider before deciding on which patio heater you are going to buy. It is part of your home and you may want to make it as inviting as possible. Keen research and consultations should be done prior to the buy so that the perfect fit is found.
We are going to outline and expound on the most essential features that will guide you through the buying process with the least effort possible.
Always Safety First
The risk of fire is inevitable given that we are dealing with heaters or burners. A fire may totally cause fatal injuries, burns or even death in the worst of cases. The other effects of a fire outbreak are unimaginable and because of this, care should be taken to ensure the safety of the appliances.
Some of the safety features a patio heater should have are as follows:
Weighted base - this ensures that the heater’s center of gravity is maintained at a low thereby enhancing stability. The possibility of the heater falling over is lessened.
Automated shut-off - for propane units there are valves which will block the gas flow in case of a detected fault. Other units have switches which automatically turn off the heater if it exceeds the heat levels set or if a fire fault is realized.
Spark protectors on wood fiery pits – these burning pits of fire may produce sparks which are a possible fire risk. The protectors will take care of this issue.
Slope-over protection – for some, you do not have to get worried if your heater is knocked over. This feature enables the heater to turn itself off in case it trips.
Cool touch – many patio heaters become very hot to the touch. However, cool-touch glassensures that despite extreme heat produced on the inside of the heater, the outside remains cool and safe to playing kids and pets around the area.
Safety approvals – UL and CSA evaluate different appliances to ensure the safety standards are met. You should go for an approved heater.
When considering safety you should also ensure that you incorporate safe usage practices. What are you doing as the owner to keep users safe?
For one, securing the bases to ensure they are on surfaces that can hold their weight.
Also, try to follow the clearances as stated by the manufacturer in the manuals.
Avoid placing flammables around the heater area.
Lastly, before you do any maintenance ensure the heater is off and is in a stable position.
How Much Power Does It Consume and Produce?
Different models of heaters have various power ratings. The units of measurement are usually in watts or as it goes by its official term, the British Thermal Units (BTUs).
An indication of the range of the rating is usually branded somewhere on the heater in relation to number of feet.
What does this mean? A 1000-watt rated heater can offer sufficient warming up of people in a circumference of 10-feet.
Heater outputs are measured in BTUs because they represent a standard against which the energy consumption of an appliance is measured. The rating of an appliance would not be complete without a time range and so is the patio heater. One with a higher number BTU means it generates more heat.
The above has been on electrically powered patio heaters. What if you are looking for a gas heater? This is quite basic.
The power output of a heater running on propane gas is directly proportional to the size of the gas tank. The larger the gas tank the more heat produced. Larger heaters also tend to last longer than the smaller ones.
What Type of Patio Heater Designs Should You Expect?
Patio heaters come in a variety of designs and styles. They create an inviting setting and need to be in as many appealing forms as possible. The design will also determine how effective and how much it will cost to heat an outdoor space.
Table patio heaters – propane table-set heaters are very portable and budget friendly. They use tiny gas cylinders but some allow for connection to larger refillable cylinders. With this, heat is radiated within at most a 5-foot circumference.
Standalone heaters – commonly referred to as the mushroom style of heater. These standing patio heaters are up to 7-feet tall, slim and have narrow overhead dome-shaped roofs that direct the heat produced in a downward direction, ensuring that the heat is not lost upward. This guarantees that the heat is retained within the required vicinity.
These umbrella-like heaters generate a lot of heat compared to their counterparts. You will find them mostly in commercial spaces such as restaurants and swimming pools, generally places that have got a lot of space. They often look good as well as warming up the place pretty well, leaving the guests all contented.
Mountable heaters – these type of heaters normally have stands and can be fitted in various places, be it ceilings or walls. They are flexible and are space efficient. You will often find these types of heaters in offices, factories and other areas that have large spaces needing to be kept warm.
These mountable heaters usually have a timer on them and shut off after some time. You will need to press the restart button to reset it. This may be an inconvenience but if you think carefully about it, you will be conserving energy consumption.
We all have our different heat requirements. Some places are colder than others. This will be a factor that helps you determine the choice of heater you are going to select.
How is your Patio Heater Powered
There are electric and gas patio heaters. Whether gas is burned or an electric appliance heated to produce heat, the amount is relatively the same. There are three types of fuel as we are going to see below.
Natural gas
Patio heaters running on natural gas operate endlessly without worry of much maintenance. The only first step which will require help from your plumber or an experienced person is the setting up of the natural gas line and the connecting of it to the heater. Once done this will require little ongoing maintenance.
They are advantageous as they are relatively cheap compared to electric and propane gas heaters. They also come fully assembled and heat a larger area space. One downside their comparative lack of portability.
Propane gas heaters
The most common one is the fully-assembled standalone unit that is quite familiar to us all. They generate a power output of up to 15kv and can heat an area of up to 5-feet. They are easy to install as well.
Besides heating your patio or deck, they become the center of attention in your outdoor area. Watching the open flames flicker and dance on the rocks is quite a sight. Who wouldn’t want to just sit and glaze at the beautiful sight of fire lighting up?
Putting them at the center helps maximize their efficiency. However, if you want to radiate the heat in a specific direction, you can always change the reflector to face your desired direction.
Constant replacements of the gas tanks and other extra additional costs can be quite a nuisance for propane gas heater owners.
Electric powered heaters
Unlike gas patio heaters which spread the rays of heat all around the place, electric patio heaters radiate their heat to a point. The enclosed area required will be concentrated with heat. These kind of heaters do not cast heat as far and use a heating bulb to generate warmth.
Electric heaters come with the advantage that electricity is readily available. And all you have to do is to connect it to the mains supply and with just a switch on or off, you can control the heater. Only problem comes when its outdoors and away from a plug but then you can always get electric cords to complete the circuit.
The other downside which makes electric heaters less appealing to customers is the fact that they don’t have the flame effect which is a great attribute.
Care should be taken to avoid minor accidents which could be brought about by the long cords especially if there are kids playing around the lawn area.
Supplementary Features
There are other additional factors to be taken into consideration when looking for a patio heater to purchase.
Ease of operation and maintenance
Are you comfortable using the heater? Do you find it easy to operate? Would you be able to operate or maintain it in case the specifics are not included in the manual guide?
As a potential buyer needs to ask yourself these questions before purchasing the heater. Since cleaning is also part of the whole process, it should carried out with soft wipes. Avoid the abrasive cleaning tools as they wear out the heater surfaces and units as well.
Aesthetic appeal
Beauty on the outside needs to be matched as well. We have different tastes and this means how good we think it is our personal preference. But would your family members or friends want to go for the same?
Eco-friendliness
If you require a patio heater that is environmentally friendly, you will look for ones that run on clean fuels. There are burners that run on renewable energy such as biogas while others burn some special gel.
Portability
Can I easily carry around my patio heater? You may want to relocate your heater every time there is a change of scene. Before you decide to purchase your ideal heater, you should check whether it is portable.
Ease of assembly
The manufacturer does not always include all the set-up instructions and you may need to put up the patio heater on your own. It is advisable to look out for reviews from people who have already purchased the heaters to ensure there are no complications during the assembling process. Look out for heaters with the least partial assembly.
Indoor-safe and outdoor only
The owners of propane heaters need to know the difference between the two to avoid cases of suffocation or even carbon monoxide poisoning. This is normally indicated as a safety caution on the gas tanks. Some heaters are not fit to be used indoors because they emit poisonous gas.
Controls
You may want to go for a patio heater that has control knobs for regulating the temperature levels easily or just a switch button that turns on or off in an instant push. This illustration will show you how to light up your patio heater. Some advanced heaters even have the capability to be remotely controlled.
Length of warranty
This varies with the manufacturer. It is evident that one with a longer warranty exhibits confidence and surety of the product and hence a buyer should go with that. This shows how durable the heater is going to be.
Best Patio Heater Conclusion
Patio heaters are a delightful means to keep your family, friends or even clients warm and happy as they enjoy the peace that comes with an outdoor arena setting. There are many brands and models of patio heaters available and hopefully this buying guide has helped answer the many questions that may have been eating up your mind.
