The best patio heaters will help you stay toasty so you can enjoy your outdoor space — even during colder nights
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Owning one of the best patio heaters means you can relax in your garden or entertain friends and family without worrying about the unpredictability of British weather, especially as the nights become more chilly.
Before you buy though, knowing what to look for is important. Electric heaters tend to be cheaper but need to be plugged in, while gas heaters are portable but require more effort to set up. You'll also need to consider how the size and design of your patio heater will impact on your garden design.
To ensure your new model doesn't leave you hot and bothered, we've rounded up the best patio heaters worth investing in.
Best Patio Heaters
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1. La Hacienda Electric Patio Heater
The best overhead patio heater
Specifications
Fuel: Electricity
Power: 2000W
Dimensions: 180 x 50cm
Materials: Aluminium and stainless steel
Reasons to buy
+
Three heat settings
+
Energy efficient
+
Great design
Reasons to avoid
-
Not the best heater for larger groups
The La Hacienda Electric Patio Heater is a fantastic choice for most gardens, providing versatility, flexibility and a powerful heating system.
Freestanding with a discreet overhead design, it has three adjustable heat settings up to 2000W, meaning it can left running in the background. Plus, it has an adjustable head.
You needn't worry about its stability - it comes with a sturdy base to ensure it won't fall in the event someone accidentally kicks or trips into it. And it can be easily be packed away and stored during the winter months.
It's remarkably energy efficient too: it costs just 29p per hour to run and has a bulb life of 3,000 hours. And no noise or fumes are given off either.
2. Swan Al Fresco SH16340N Wall Mounted Patio Heater
The best wall or ceiling mounted patio heater
Specifications
Fuel: Electricity
Power: 1800W
Dimensions: 79.4 x 47.2 x 32.2cm
Material: Aluminium, carbon fibre
Reasons to buy
+
Weatherproof
+
Safety switch
+
Great for smaller patios
Reasons to avoid
-
No instruction manual
This wall mounted patio heater from Swan provides a clever space-saving solution for small patios, decks or balconies.
You can select between two heat settings up to 1800W, and the 1.8 metre power lead means it can be placed a good distance from your living space, depending on how warm you want it to be. It comes with a remote control too for added convenience.
Another great feature is the 360° tip over safety switch, which will automatically switch the heater off should it fall.
It's not the largest heater, but once it's installed you can leave it up all-year round without worry - and due to its carbon fibre material it's very durable.
This hanging patio heater is great if you own a canopy or patio umbrella: you can hook it up easily and it will keep you warm throughout the night.
We really like the 360° heating in all directions, ensuring the heater covers every guest in your group. And the two halogen heating pipes are brilliantly efficient at increasing temperature quickly.
Another benefit is that it's luminous, so it will provide extra light on slightly darker nights. It can also be used indoors, providing you have somewhere to hang it up.
The 1m chain is a little on the smaller side, so you'll need to make sure you place it near to a plug point when using it outdoors.
The simple, stylish design of this portable heater extends to how it works: it can be lit at the push of a button, with the controls directly underneath the heater.
This is the only gas heater in this list, and to make it work you'll need to buy gas cylinders separately. Luckily though, this Dellonda patio heater has a built-in storage space for your gas tank.
If you don't mind doing that, the benefits to be had are vast. It's portable, features variable heat output controls, and even though it has a wide, secure bases, it also includes a safety tip-over switch.
Just be mindful to ensure you use this model in a well-ventilated area.
This lightweight Swan model is suitable for placement on tables or under them, and it comes with a built-in handle to make it easy to move.
It also has 360° heating, with an aluminium reflector in place to heat in all directions, while its carbon heating element is designed to cut down on energy use.
The heater does need to be plugged in, despite its label as a 'portable' heater, but a massive tick in the plus column is the generous 1.8m power lead, so you don't need to have a plug socket immediately nearby.
Before you buy your patio heater, it's worth being aware of some considerations to ensure you purchase the right model for you.
Which fuel should you choose?
There are pros and cons to electric heaters and gas heaters. Many prefer electric patio heaters because they're more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly, but they need to be plugged in. Gas heaters are portable, but to use them you'll need to buy and operate gas cylinders, and they are generally more expensive.
How much space do you have?
The best patio heater for you will depend on the space you're working with. For smaller patios, a discreet wall-mounted patio heater or tabletop design can work well, while overhead and floor-standing designs can be fantastic outdoor features in larger living spaces.
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Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage and hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.
He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.
