Choosing the Best Electric Patio Heaters for Cozy Outdoor Living: Expert Insight

From types of heaters to heating coverage, wind resistance, and power levels, our guide offers insights into selecting the best electric patio heaters.

As fall deepens and winter approaches, it’s time to consider purchasing the best electric patio heaters to warm your outdoor space.

Electric patio heaters provide an excellent means of enjoying outside weather despite cooling temperatures.

A high-quality electric patio heater can allow you to comfortably read a book or stargaze on a crisp and chilly evening without the need to concern yourself with the temperature beyond the confines of your outdoor space.

Determining the best electric patio heaters for your needs can be daunting due to the wide variety of options available on the market.

After reviewing electric patio heaters, find a helpful buyer’s guide with essential considerations to keep in mind.

infrared heater mounted to the wall one of the best electric patio heaters

Best Electric Patio Heaters Reviewed

Keep reading for a more in-depth look at each of the ten electric patio heaters.


Dr. Infrared Heater DR-978 Dual Heating Hybrid Space Heater, 1500W 

This portable electric patio heater is an excellent choice for individuals who want a smaller freestanding space heater.

Given its convenience and effectiveness, it has been a popular option with consumers for several decades.

Given its unique hybrid dual heating system, Dr. Infrared Heater can push out much larger air volume, yet at a very low noise level.

The heat rating level also measures at 5,200 BTU per hour. 

One of the best advantages of this particular product is that it offers infrared heat, an increasingly popular option for consumers.

This type of heat is known for its quiet yet powerful warmth and makes this one of the best electric patio heaters available.

Dr. Infrared Heater offers three heating options: eco, high, and low. It includes a thermostat that regulates heating from 50-86°F.

In addition, users can control the product remotely, adjusting the temperature, turning the heater on/off, and programming the heat setting without leaving their spot in the room.

This product has built-in safety protection and meets UL and CUL requirements.

Additionally, the heater comes with built-in tip-over protection, making it a safe option for households with pets or children.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Quiet
  • Small Height

Cons:

  • Bulkier floor design
  • More difficult to assemble

Dr. Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

For those seeking a long-term solution for outdoor heating, wall-mounted electric heaters may be a suitable choice.

While many electric patio heaters are movable and self-supporting, those who prefer mounted alternatives may find Dr. Infrared’s products more to your liking.

This heater is versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

It emits clean and odorless heat, making it an ideal option for individuals who enjoy reading outside on chilly winter evenings.

The heater can be used on patios as well as in garages.

This infrared heater features three heat levels, providing a healthier heating option.

Once the device has been installed correctly, it can be effortlessly activated through its plug-and-play setup.

Moreover, it has wall and ceiling mounts that ensure stability when utilized outside, such as in your patio or garage.

During cold winter, this heater provides powerful and consistent heat with three different heat levels ranging from 900W to 1500W.

Pros:

  • Weatherproof
  • Infrared heat
  • Safe for bedroom use

Cons:

  • More complicated assembly
  • Cord required

Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heater

Looking for a more dramatic option for your outdoor electric heaters? Consider the freestanding electric patio heater from Star Patio.

This product has a straight up-and-down shape, reducing the risk of tipping over relative to traditional mushroom-type designs.

It has multiple heat settings that can be controlled from top and bottom switches.

The Star Patio heater is not just functional with its exceptional heat settings, but also visually appealing with a stylish appearance.

Additionally, it has the unique feature of a dancing flame, which adds a touch of drama to the heating experience.

This feature is especially enjoyable for those who want to bask in the warmth outside.

This heater is perfect for those seeking an enjoyable heat source for gatherings or similar occasions.

Along with other best electric patio heaters, this one is also scent-free, providing users with a sanitary heat energy option.

Pros:

  • Excellent design
  • Balanced weight
  • Windproof

Cons:

  • Only 1-year warranty
  • Smaller coverage area

PATIOBOSS Electric Wall-Mounted Outdoor Heater

PATIOBOSS offers a fixed heating solution for clients seeking uninterrupted warmth in their patios and other living spaces.

Its carbon fire tube is exceptionally efficient, providing a lifespan of 5,000 to 5,500 hours.

One need not worry about overheating with this heater, as it includes a 24-hour shutoff timer to prevent excessive heating.

This product emits carbon infrared heat focused on the user, providing consistent and comfortable warmth.

The body quickly absorbs this type of heat, ensuring that the area heated by the heater remains warm year after year.

Along with its dustproof characteristics, this heater will remain clean year after year.

Another plus making this one of the best electric patio heaters is the excellent customer service features with the company, including a 24-hour response time and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Carbon infrared heat
  • Long life span
  • Space saving

Cons:

  • More difficult assembly
  • Limited coverage area

Electric Patio Heater Buying Guide

The previously mentioned sections offer valuable information on the market’s best electric patio heater guides.

You now have a better understanding of the various types of electric patio heaters available and their benefits.

If you’re in the market for an electric patio heater or want to learn more, this guide offers valuable insights to meet your needs.

Related Reading: Halogen vs. Infrared Heaters: Which One is the Best for You?

Different Types of Electric Patio Heaters

You may have noticed electric patio heaters’ different shapes and sizes when reading the reviews.

Electric patio heaters come in various styles and functions to accommodate individual preferences and needs.

The following points below will provide a bit more insight into some of the most common types of heaters.

  • Freestanding Patio Heaters: These heaters are an excellent option for individuals who want to move the patio heater around freely. Freestanding patio heaters do not require mounting brackets; portable propane tanks power most of them. These types of heaters would be particularly useful at significant events. They come in various shapes, including mushroom style, table style, and fire pits.
  • Wall/Ceiling Mounted Patio Heaters: These heaters are ideal for individuals who want a permanently installed heater. Despite the more complicated setup, a significant advantage of a mounted heater on the wall or the ceiling is that a consistent heat source can be applied somewhere. Since no floor space will be taken up, more furniture or other items on the patio will also be possible.

Benefits of Electric Patio Heaters

It’s helpful to understand the benefits of electric patio heaters, regardless of whether they are freestanding or mounted.

These benefits will help you decide whether or not you’d like to buy an electric heater now or in the future.

Area Coverage

Electric patio heaters can generally cover a reasonably wide area, which is especially advantageous with smaller to larger gatherings.

As noted in the reviews above, some areas of over 200 or more square feet could be covered.

In addition, consumers could amplify the coverage by purchasing a couple of electric heaters for large outside areas.

The heat may not be as powerful as gas heat, yet it is often more than sufficient for most people’s sizing needs.

Renewable Energy Sources

As the name implies, electric patio heaters originate from a renewable energy source. As a result, they are usually at least 90 percent more efficient in terms of energy usage.

These heaters can also provide heat instantly, with very little waiting time.

While they may be slightly more expensive than natural gas, electric patio heaters generally cost less than propane.

Wind Resistance

Electric patio heaters also feature the most substantial wind resistance compared to natural gas and propane gas heaters.

This makes electric patio heaters an especially compelling option during windier, chillier nights.

It may be difficult to enjoy the heat from an electric patio heater on a breezier night if the heater is not wind resistant, especially if the patio is generally open air.

Related Article: How to Choose a Patio Heater

Final Thoughts

During winter months, electric patio heaters are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm.

Hosting outdoor events during the holidays is a great way to connect with loved ones and enjoy the rising popularity of outdoor activities.

Choosing the appropriate electric patio heater is essential to ensure that everyone can relish the outdoor celebrations without any concern about the chilly weather.

You simply need to identify the kind and capacity of the heater you need, make your choice, and relish the warmth it generates in all seasons ahead!

I have both electric and gas patio heaters depending on the circumstances.

While using a heater under my pergola, I prefer a free-standing electric heater for safer operation.

When I need more heat coverage on the outer patio, I prefer the gas heater for that extra boost of powerful heat.

The best of all worlds!

Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!

Related Reading: Best Tips for Safely Using a Patio Heater Under a Gazebo