Winter is in full swing. While many choose to spend more time indoors during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons, you don’t necessarily have to! Outdoor heaters are a great investment for your backyard oasis and can make all the difference when chilly temperatures come around.
Since the market for outdoor heaters is pretty up and down these days, we wanted to curate this list of the best options online. We also spoke to expert Ashley Murphy, Merchant of Fire, Pool, and Install Sheds at The Home Depot, about her recommendations and advice when shopping for an outdoor heater.
Whether you’re looking for an electric outdoor heater, a heater with a propane tank, or a small and portable option, we rounded up the best outdoor heaters to make your time spent outside that much more enjoyable.
Click to go straight to our FAQs and winners of the best outdoor heaters by category:
- Best overall, propane: HotShot 46,000 BTU Bronze Rapid Induction Patio Heater with Large Flame Glass Tube
- Best overall, electric: Westinghouse Infrared Electric Outdoor Heater – Freestanding Oscillating With Remote
- Best splurge: Home Decorators Collection Avondale 48000 BTU Wicker Propane Gas Patio Heater
- Best tabletop: Cuisinart 11,000 BTU Portable Tabletop Propane Patio Heater
- Best pyramid: Hampton Bay 42,000 BTU Bronze Pyramid Patio Heater
- Best with safety features: Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Standing Patio Heater
- Best heat range: Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Standing Patio Heater with Wheels
- Best with table: Sunjoy Cafe 40000 BTU Matte Black Steel Frame Outdoor Patio Propane Gas Heater with Table Top
Best Outdoor Heaters
Best overall, propane: HotShot 46,000 BTU Bronze Rapid Induction Patio Heater with Large Flame Glass Tube
This heater offers powerful heating and an elegant design for cozy outdoor gatherings, making it the perfect addition to any patio or backyard space.
“For those who love to entertain or simply relax outdoors, the HotShot 46,000 BTU Bronze Rapid Induction Patio Heater with Large Flame Glass Tube ensures warmth and comfort in any outdoor setting, making it the best overall choice for propane outdoor heating,” Murphy said. “With its patented design, the heater emits up to fifty percent more heat while using less propane, making it both efficient and effective.”
Pros
- Powerful heating capability
- Elegant design enhances outdoor aesthetics
- Large flame glass tube adds visual appeal
- Suitable for various outdoor gatherings
Cons
- Propane tanks may need frequent refilling
- Complex assembly
- Higher price point
Best overall, electric: Westinghouse Infrared Electric Outdoor Heater – Freestanding Oscillating With Remote
This heater is a top choice with its oscillating feature and convenient remote control, ensuring warmth and convenience for outdoor spaces while adding a modern touch to your outdoor decor.
“Setting a new standard in outdoor warmth, the Westinghouse Infrared Electric Outdoor Heater – Freestanding Oscillating With Remote directs heat precisely where you need it with its versatile infrared technology,” according to Murphy. “With its efficient radiant heat, it provides instant warmth year-round, making it safe to use outdoors in any weather conditions and the perfect pick for the best overall electric heater.”
Pros
- Convenient remote control and oscillating feature
- No need to refill propane tanks
- Energy-efficient heating
Cons
- Requires a power source
- Lower heat output compared to propane heaters
Best splurge: Home Decorators Collection Avondale 48000 BTU Wicker Propane Gas Patio Heater
Elevate your outdoor ambiance with this heater, combining style and functionality for premium comfort; its durable construction and advanced heating technology promise years of enjoyment.
“For top-notch outdoor heating, the Home Decorators Collection Avondale 48000 BTU Wicker Propane Gas Patio Heater delivers cozy warmth with its powerful output, durable construction, electric ignition and temperature adjustment control knob to provide quick starts and easy temperature adjustment,” said Murphy. “Standing tall with an automatic shutoff and rust-resistant finish, it’s both stylish and functional for all your outdoor heating needs!”
Pros
- Luxurious design adds style to outdoor spaces
- High heat output for large areas
- Durable construction
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires frequent maintenance
- Limited color options
Best tabletop: Cuisinart 11,000 BTU Portable Tabletop Propane Patio Heater
This heater provides efficient heating in a compact design, perfect for smaller outdoor settings or tabletop use, allowing you to enjoy the warmth without sacrificing space or style.
“Perfect for camping, tailgating, and keeping you warm while entertaining outdoors, the Cuisinart 11,000 BTU Portable Tabletop Propane Patio Heater is a perfect stylish addition to your outdoor entertaining space,” Murphy stated. “This small but mighty heater can warm up an area of about 30 sq. ft and can be easily set on any table.”
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Efficient heating for smaller spaces
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Limited heating capacity
- Propane tanks need frequent replacement
Best pyramid: Hampton Bay 42,000 BTU Bronze Pyramid Patio Heater
Enhance your patio with this heater, offering impressive heating performance and a striking pyramid design that adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor setting, creating a cozy atmosphere for gatherings under the stars.
“Create a cozy outdoor space for you or your guests with the Hampton Bay 42,000 BTU Bronze Pyramid Patio Heater,” Murphy said. “Add a touch of class to your backyard, patio, deck, garden or restaurant with this elegantly designed outdoor heater that is great for providing heat while also enhancing the aesthetic of your outdoor space.”
Pros
- Striking design adds visual aesthetic
- Provides ample heat for medium-sized gatherings
- Durable construction
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires more space
- Complex assembly
Best with safety features: Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Standing Patio Heater
Prioritizing safety, this heater ensures worry-free warmth with its robust construction and reliable safety features, giving you peace of mind as you relax and enjoy your outdoor space.
“Safety is a very important aspect when looking for an outdoor heater,” Murphy advised. “With heaters like the top-rated Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Standing Patio Heater that includes anti-tilt protection, safety is ensured as you can ensure your heater stays in one place.”
Pros
- Robust stainless steel construction
- Reliable safety features
- High heat output
Cons
- Shows fingerprints and smudges
- Propane tanks need frequent refilling
Best heat range: Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Standing Patio Heater with Wheels
Enjoy versatile heating options with this heater, providing exceptional warmth and mobility for larger outdoor areas, allowing you to customize your outdoor comfort no matter the weather or season.
“If you are looking for a versatile heater, look no further than the Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Propane Standing Patio Heater with Wheels,” said Murphy. “Quick to ignite with variable heat controls, it gives you access to 48,000 BTUs and creates a heating radius of up to 215 sq. ft.”
Pros
- High heat output and mobility
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Shows fingerprints and smudges
- Propane tanks need frequent replacement
Best with table: Sunjoy Cafe 40000 BTU Matte Black Steel Frame Outdoor Patio Propane Gas Heater with Table Top
This heater combines warmth and functionality with its integrated table, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation; its sleek design and practical features make it a must-have addition to any outdoor entertaining space.
“Buying an outdoor heater with a table provides extra space for drinks or small plates to enjoy a snack outdoors,” Murphy said. “The Sunjoy Cafe 40000 BTU Matte Black Steel Frame Outdoor Patio Propane Gas Heater with Table Top is designed with a natural-looking brown wood finish tabletop so that you can have your favorite refreshments right at your fingertips.”
Pros
- The integrated table adds functionality
- Suitable heat output
- Matte black steel frame for durability
Cons
- Limited table space
- Propane tanks need frequent refilling
- High initial cost
FAQs
What type of heater is best for outdoors?
No outdoor space is the same, so it makes sense that you’d be curious about which one would be best for your needs. Beyond personal preference, consider the size of your space, the climate of your location and how you’d like to use your heater. Will it be for your garage or placed on the patio while entertaining? Answering these questions can help narrow your search.
Here are different types of outdoor heaters to familiarize yourself with:
Propane Patio Heaters: As the name suggests, this type of heater uses propane gas to heat things up. It usually has a reflector at the top to channel hot air upward. Many people like these types of heaters because they’re portable and effective.
According to Murphy, “since propane heaters aren’t dependent on a gas line, they are a convenient and portable option for many patios. These heaters usually feature a basic shape and a larger base that houses the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tank.”
Electric Patio Heaters: These heaters are versatile in style and convenience. They can be hung from ceilings, wall mounted or placed on the floor. Considered an energy-efficient option, they’re worth considering if you’re uncomfortable dealing with something like propane. “They can operate at higher temperatures, but the exterior remains cool to the touch making them a safe option for little ones and furry friends,” Murphy said.
Tabletop heaters: If you have an outdoor workshop or simply want to sit on your patio for as long as the weather allows, these are good heaters to know about. They’re portable, might use propane or electricity, and come in a variety of styles.
Infrared Heaters: These heaters warm a space by emitting electromagnetic waves. We know, fancy. They’re a nice choice for spot heating but may not be the best if you want to heat up an entire sitting area.
What is the best heater for a covered porch?
The best heater for a covered porch will be dependent on your budget, the size of the space and where you’d like the heat to go.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of some of the best outdoor heaters for covered porches, as well as their drawbacks and benefits.
| Electric Patio Heaters | Although these can take some time to install, they are a great way to enjoy longer-lasting heat outdoors. They have a built-in fan that circulates the warm air and they also save floor space. It should be noted that they can be noisy. |
| Outdoor Electric Fireplaces | These are a great option if you want the ambiance of a traditional fireplace without the soot and smoke. They typically do not use a high wattage of power. Are they as nice as a real fireplace? No. However, with a little time, they can make a smaller, enclosed space toasty. |
| Wall-Mounted Radiant Heaters | These heaters provide overhead heat distribution. They tend to be more expensive to purchase and install. However, unlike floor heaters, they can efficiently warm an area without the furniture disrupting the airflow. |
| Halogen Heaters | These offer quick, focused heat. While not the best for large spaces, that can be a good option if you need to be kept warm while sitting at your patio table or in your favorite reading nook. |
| Ceiling-Mounted Heaters | These heaters provide overhead heat distribution. They tend to be more expensive to purchase and install. However, unlike floor heaters, they can efficiently warm an area without the furniture disrupting the air flow. |
What is the most environmentally friendly outdoor heater?
Electric infrared heaters tend to be the most eco-friendly outdoor heaters. Along with producing minimal to no emissions while operating, they’re cleaner in comparison to natural gas and propane.
These types of heaters offer targeted heat, so they may not be great for larger spaces. However, if you’re looking for a greener style of heating while sitting outside, it’s a good type to consider.
What safety features should shoppers look out for?
“When buying an outdoor heater, safety features should always be considered as these units are often large and, at the time of use, hot,” Murphy advised. “Anti-tilt systems that also keep your heater in place are another great feature to look for. For example, the Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Patio Heater, Portable Freestanding Propane Heater, Steel Frame Outdoor Propane Heater with Wheels ($156), comes with a safety tip-over valve that automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is accidentally knocked over.”
For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.