Best Electric Patio Heaters
It comes with a variety of heat settings, and it protects you from overheating. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great option for large gardens that have lots of seating outside and sofas. However, they'll need to be refilled regularly with natural gas or propane. patio heat lamp electric is a great choice for large gardens with many outdoor seating and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters that we tested were infra red models. These heaters are more affordable than the gas-powered models and, if you select carefully they will have lower operating costs as well. There's no need to refill a tank with propane, and there's no assembly involved.
The best ones have a remote control to make the operation simple and have an LED light built in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks from German company Herschel utilizes circular carbon filaments to radiate mediumwave infrared heat over a table-sized area and is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is another great alternative. It uses an aluminum reflector that focuses the beams of heat on your favorite area.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy, clean glow. However, the Herschel is more modern and more suited for modern-day garden spaces, or if you're looking to blend it in with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated with home automation systems, allowing you to choose your preferred temperature and brightness. This can help save energy over time.
You must be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but they only heat objects and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. Additionally, it won't heat your garden or patio if the wind blows the heater about.
On the other side, gas heaters can provide warmth to a greater area if they aren't moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. They're usually found in pub gardens and offer a warm "burning log" effect that is attractive in a variety of decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are generally less efficient and can create a lot of noise and smog when the flame burns. Electric heaters are less environmentally friendly than propane, but they requires refilling when it is empty. Gas heaters are more expensive and generate a higher degree of heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer is winding down and evenings turn a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for a longer time. There are many options available depending on whether you want gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to floor-standing units that are designed to heat large outdoor spaces, such as a decked backyard.
Although gas heaters are more economical to buy than electric models but they are costly to run - in fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful when it comes to both the amount of heat they generate and the energy they consume". A typical cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill and lasts about 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters like gas use radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and human. Electric heaters are cheaper to run and have a lower carbon footprint. They are also much simpler to use. Simply plug them in and they'll start to turn on.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in both closed and open spaces, and some come with a built-in dimmer switch to let you alter the brightness of the light. They are also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved. This is very beneficial if you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
The disadvantage of these heaters is that they require to be connected to the power source, which means you'll need to have a power socket nearby and an extension cable that's rated to work with outdoor equipment. The majority of electric heaters aren't allowed to have an extension lead longer than 1.8m. This is to ensure that they comply with safety standards. It is also important be cautious about blocking any sockets in the vicinity or leaving the cable trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal to complement the look of a gas-powered heater but do not want 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 button or remote. They are also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This model from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is weatherproof to be used all year. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't suggest aiming an hose with high pressure at it). This model also comes with 3 heating levels to suit your needs, aswell being a timer shutoff between 1-9 hours.
This electric model by Blumfeldt is a different option for those who don't want to be limited by the placement of a patio heater. It comes in two sizes, and has many features such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, but we wouldn't recommend getting it too wet as this may impact on the performance and longevity of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers, this portable patio heater is a great budget-friendly option for those who like to be in control of their heating. With a remote, 2 heat settings and the ability to switch the light on or off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It has a built in safety feature that turns the unit off when it is tilted.
As opposed to gas patio heaters, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, so they are a great option for families with pets or children who are not yet old enough to recognize the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos and spaces because they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. They're light and easy to move around, and many come with a remote control so you can change settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When the summer is over, and your kids have returned to school, it's time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in various styles, including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular option combines low operating costs with the benefits of heating. It can be mounted on the wall or on the floor, making it ideal for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens where a freestanding unit may appear too big. It also comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the temperature. Users say they find it a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of an electric patio heater is that it can be placed in a small space, like a covered porch or garage since it doesn't emit harmful gases 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 else they could pollute your home.
Electric models are more expensive than models powered by gas. They're also more difficult to transport, requiring access to an electrical outlet. That's particularly important for those who reside in a region that has high energy costs.
Another drawback of an electric heater is that it's not as strong as a gas heater but there are plenty of options in the price range of PS50-PS200 to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from parasols or awnings, and you can even find heaters that operate on rechargeable batteries.
This is a good option for those looking for an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It's available in two sizes and comes with a range of features such as 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heat settings. It's also rated IP44, which means it's able to withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.