Best Outdoor Patio Heaters (Review)

Outdoor patio heaters sometimes are a necessity to comfortably enjoy hanging outside in a cold weather. Having a good time shouldn’t be ruined or prematurely end just because it got cold outside, so I have done extensive research to help you choose the best outdoor patio heater out of 20 different ones. Read full review now!:

(Warning: Patio heaters are often poorly packaged making it somewhat common for them do be dented or damaged during shipping. Please be aware there’s a reasonable chance you might be one of the unlucky ones having to return your unit)

#1 Golden Flame Matte-Mocha XL-Series Patio Heater

Golden Flame Matte-Mocha XL-Series patio heater produces up to 46,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb LPG tank (which is not included). The actual heat output is very nice – it produces lots of heat, feels like more than patio heaters of similar design and price. For keeping you warm this is certainly among the best patio heaters.

Overall quality is good. Patio heater feels sturdy and well made, it should last for years. It looks really good too, design is elegant and the rich mocha powder coat finish is gorgeous. It feels expensive and high-end.

Assembly is easy and all the necessary hardware is included. It has wheels for easier transportation. At the bottom it has sand reservoir and you can add 25 pounds of sand to make this patio heater stand super stable.

Overall this is a very good patio heater. It’s well made, sturdy and produces lots of heat.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 46,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: Stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 35″ x 35″ x 89″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~50 pounds

#2 Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT patio heater

Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT patio heater produces up to 48,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is great. It keeps area within 5-10 feet (depending on air temperature) of it warm.

Assembly is easy, instructions are very clear and easy to understand. Construction feels fairly sturdy and the materials seem to be of good quality. Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT patio heater is a bit tipsy so weighing down the base with sand would be advised. Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT patio heater is CSA approved and has wheels for improved mobility.

Overall this is a decent patio heater with good heat output and decent build quality. It’s a great value for money.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 48,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: stainless steel, aluminum
  • Dimensions: 33″ x 33″ x 87″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 42 pounds

#3 Sunjoy Lawrence Patio Heater

Sunjoy Lawrence patio heater produces up to 47,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is very good. You can feel good amount of heat from multiple feet away. This patio heater keeps area within few feet of it warm in cold weather without any trouble. So overall its performance could be described as very good, especially considering that it’s quite inexpensive.

The base is made from premium quality iron and the head from stainless-steel. The quality and finish is very impressive. Sunjoy Lawrence patio heater feels expensive and well made. It also looks pretty good and improves the overall look of patio. The bronze hammer finish is gorgeous.

Height wise it’s huge – it’s about 7’2″ tall. Attachable wheels allows easy transportation. Sunjoy Lawrence patio heater has safety shut off valve in case heater tips over, which could potentially happen in windy conditions. If it’s gonna experience strong winds then you perhaps should bolt it down.

Assembly is simple and the instructions are straightforward but the process takes some time. Most will spend about an hour assembling this patio heater.

Overall the quality and heat output of Sunjoy Lawrence patio heater is very impressive for its price. It’s a great patio heater!

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 47,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: iron & stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 31.9″ x 31.9″ x 87″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 32 pounds

#4 Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater

Fire Sense hammer tone bronze patio heater produces up to 46,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is very sufficient and it manages to keep a group of people warm in a cold weather just fine. Area within 5 feet of patio heater is heated very well. Regular 20lb propane tank lasts about 10 hours with Fire Sense patio heater.

Material and build quality of Fire Sense patio heater is good. It feels well made and should last. Looks great too and is very elegant. It has piezo ignition and tip over protection system. It also has adjustable wheels for easier moveability. Assembly takes about 45-60 minutes, the process is very simple and instructions are detailed and easy to understand. Dimensions of Fire Sense patio heater are 33″ x 18″ x 89″, so it’s about 7’4″ tall.

Overall this is a well made patio heater with good heat output.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 46,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 33″ x 33″ x 89″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 43 pounds

#5 BestMassage Patio Heater

BestMassage patio heater produces up to 41,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). The actual heat output is good. It puts out a lot of radiant heat and on a cold night keeps warm a pretty large area. So overall its performance is very good, especially considering that it’s quite inexpensive.

The overall quality of the materials and patio heater itself is good too, it feels more expensive than it actually is. It also looks really good and the bronze finish is gorgeous. BestMassage patio heater has CSA certification. It has wheels so it’s not that hard to move around. It also has Safety auto shut off tilt valve and Safety auto shut off when the gas run out. Assembly is simple and straightforward.

Bottom of the BestMassage patio heater could be heavier as it is a bit light and doesn’t have sandbox or water box that adds weight for stability. The propane tank adds weight to the base so it’s not a problem when it’s inside and full, but as it becomes empty or without propane tank inside at all the patio heater becomes a bit tipsy and could potentially be tipped over by stronger wind. It has anchors so you can anchor it to the ground but that’s a solution that’s not viable for everyone. Alternatively you can put sand bags over the wheels and/or anchors to increase the stability.

Overall it’s a very good patio heater despite some of the flaws. The heat output for the pricing is very good.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 41,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 30″ x 30″ x 88″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~35.8 pounds

#6 LEGACY HEATING CAPH-7-S Patio Heater

LEGACY HEATING CAPH-7-S patio heater produces up to 47,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is very nice, on a cold night this patio heater will keep everyone warm within 4-5 feet of it.

The finish is of high quality and patio heater feels high quality. It’s made out of stainless steel and has a nice black powder coating that looks good. LEGACY HEATING CAPH-7-S patio heater has piezoelectric ignition and safety auto shut-off tilt valve. It also has wheels for mobility. Assembly is easy and so are instructions to understand. Size wise it’s about 7’3″ tall and 2’5″ wide.

Overall this is another well made patio heater.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 47,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 30″ x 30″ x 88″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 31 pounds

#7 Dyna-Glo DGPH201BR 48000 BTU Premium Hammered Bronze Patio Heater

Dyna-Glo DGPH201BR patio heater produces up to 48,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb LP tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is very good, it does a great job of keeping you warm. Dyna-Glo DGPH201BR patio heater keeps area within 8 feet of it warm.

Dyna-Glo DGPH201BR outdoor patio heater is simple to assemble and operate. Instructions are straightforward. Materials are of good quality and hammered bronze finish looks good. Attached wheels allows easy transportation. Dyna-Glo DGPH201BR outdoor patio heater is stable in wind free environment, however in windy environment it’s a bit tipsy and could be knocked over by wind. It’s CSA approved, which means it meets recognized standards for safety or performance after being independently tested.

Overall this is a good patio heater.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 48,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: Steel
  • Dimensions: 32.01″ x 32.01″ x 87.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~35 pounds

#8 Golden Flame True Commercial Pyramid Patio Heater

Golden Flame True Commercial Pyramid patio heater has a claimed BTU output of 41,000. Actual heat output is decent but far from best. It will keep you warm if you stay close to it most of the time, but for temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit this won’t be good enough.

Assembly isn’t hard but it does take some time – around 90 minutes. Once constructed the patio heater appears to be sturdy and well made.

Overall this is not a bad patio heater, it seems to be well made and sturdy, however it’s a bit expensive and considering the heat output it’s hard to say that it’s good value for money.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 41,000 BTU
  • Materials: Aluminum Frame
  • Dimensions: 25″ x 25″ x 94″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~47 pounds

#9 AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTSS Patio Heater

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTSS patio heater produces up to 48,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). The actual heat output is mediocre, it makes you warmer but not as much as some of the cheaper but more effective patio heaters.

Material feels cheap and not particularly sturdy. The longevity of AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GTSS is questionable.

Assembly takes about 30 minutes and the whole process is very simple.

Overall it looks great, but the heat output is mediocre and price tag is high.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 40,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Dimensions: 21.2″ x 21.2″ x 53.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~65 pounds

#10 AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-WCGT Patio Heater

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-WCGT patio heater produces up to 48,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is good, it produces quite a lot of heat but you still have to be close to it.

Assembly is easy and takes less than 30 minutes. AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-WCGT is CSA and ETL approved.

Quality control is not the best, once assembled the pole of this patio heater doesn’t stand perfectly straight. Packaging could be better too – some parts might get damaged during shipping because of the weak packaging. Another concerning thing is that there are some consumers complaining about the reliability and the patio heater breaking after some use.

Overall this is a decent patio heater but certainly not among the best. Quality is mediocre and heat output although decent it’s not the best. Also the complaints about reliability might indicate that this patio heater might not last for long.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 48,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Dimensions: 32″ x 32″ x 87″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~42 pounds

#11 Star Patio Electric Patio Heater

Star Patio electric patio heater produces up to 5,100 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on electricity. It’s IP55 & cETLus certified and is weather and dust resistant for outdoor use. Actual heat output is pretty good for claimed BTU, it’s not super strong but it does make you feel warmer if you are close to it. It’s cETLus and IP55 safety certified. The halogen tube that does the heating has a lifespan of 8000 hours.

Star Patio electric patio heater has aluminum casing and the build quality feels good.

Patio heater is operated with a remote which unfortunately doesn’t work all that well. It’s weak so you have to be within few feet from the patio heater for remote to work. It’s not a huge problem since it does operate within area it keeps warm, but there is also another problem with it – it’s glitchy sometimes. Sometimes you have to press buttons multiple times or position the remote for the command to work.

  • Max. heat output: 5,100 BTU
  • Power source: Electricity (through power cord)
  • Materials: Steel, Aluminium, Plastic, Glass
  • Dimensions: 23.6″ x 5.1″ x 5.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Power Cord Length: 6ft
  • Weight: 6.6 pounds
  • Package Contents:
    • 1 x Electric Patio Heater
    • 1 x Wall Mounted Bracket
    • 1 x Remote Control
    • 4 x Bolts
    • 1 x Small Wrench
    • 4 x Screws
    • 1 x User Manual

#12 Belleze 48,000 BTU Premium Outdoor Patio Heater

Belleze 48,000 BTU Premium outdoor patio heater produces up to 48,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is great. It manages to keep warm pretty large area and outputs quite a bit of heat in circular area.

Assembly is very simple and takes 30-45 minutes. This patio heater is CSA certified and has anti tilt automatic shut off mechanism. It also has wheels for easy mobility.

The pole is slightly wobbly and doesn’t sit completely straight, however the rest of the unit seems to be pretty solid. Reliability could be another issue though. There are considerable amount of consumers complaining about this patio heater breaking after some usage. So you have to keep in mind that perhaps this Belleze Premium outdoor patio heater won’t last.

Overall this outdoor patio heater seems to work great – it puts out a lot of heat, however there are some complaints about reliability which is quite worrisome.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 48,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: Steel
  • Dimensions: 32″ x 32″ x 87″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 41 pounds
  • Package contents:
    • 1 x Patio Heater
    • 1 x Hose & Regulator
    • 1 x Automatic Tilt Cut-Off Switch
    • 1 x Hardware/Tools
    • 1 x Owner Manual
    • 1 x Weight Bladder (pre-install)

#13 Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater

Thermo Tiki Deluxe outdoor patio heater produces up to 38,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). The actual heat output is a bit weak, to stay warm in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit you have to be right next to the patio heater. For keeping you warm this patio heater is not the best, especially considering that it’s actually quite expensive. What it does good is look good. The flame it creates is gorgeous and it improves the ambiance by a lot.

Thermo Tiki Deluxe outdoor patio heater is made out of high-grade steel and aluminum. It feels expensive and sturdy. It has built-in safety valve that will shut off the patio heater if unit is tilted or tipped. It is also compliant with ANSI, CE, and CSA standards and specifications. Weight wise it’s quite light and with the wheels it has it’s easy to move.

Assembly takes around 45 minutes and it’s very simple – the process is intuitive and instructions as well detailed. All the necessary instruments are included too. Peeling off the protective material that’s on the metal can be a bit annoying and take a while, but it’s not difficult in any way.

This patio heater is better at being decor than keeping you warm. It’s also a bit expensive so if you want something that outputs adequate heat for the price you should look elsewhere.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 38,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Materials: steel and aluminum
  • Dimensions: 20.5″ x 20.5″ x 87″ (L x W x H)

#14 Fire Sense 61322 Hammer Tone Table Top Patio Heater

Fire Sense 61322 patio heater produces up to 10,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 1lb propane tank (which is not included). The actual heat output is pretty weak. You have to sit right next to it to feel some heat. It’s too weak to be used as the only heat source, yet too expensive for the small amount of heat it produces to be used as a additional heat source.

Assembly is very easy and takes around 12 minutes.

Overall it produces very little heat so I wouldn’t suggest to buy this table top patio heater.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 10,000 BTU
  • Power source: 1 pound propane tank

#15 AmazonBasics Pyramid Patio Heater

AmazonBasics Pyramid patio heater produces up to 40,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb LPG tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is mediocre. Some of the patio heaters at similar pricing are far more effective and produce what feels like at least twice as much heat.

AmazonBasics Pyramid patio heater works great as a decor though. The design of patio heater is aesthetically pleasing and the flame it makes is gorgeous.

Assembly is of medium difficulty. It takes around an hour and the instructions could be more detailed. It has electronic ignition system and automatic shut-off tilt valve.

Overall this patio heater looks great but doesn’t produce much heat. If you want to stay warm there are far better options lower pricing.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 40,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Dimensions: 21″ x 21″ x 88″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~65 pounds

#16 Hiland HLDS01-WCBT Patio Heater

Hiland HLDS01-WCBT patio heater produces up to 48,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 20lb propane tank (which is not included). The actual heat output could be described as average. It will keep you warmer, but there are patio heaters at similar pricing who output much more heat.

The overall build quality feels mediocre at best. Both the parts and overall construction feels flimsy.

Overall I suggest choosing a different patio heater. The heat output and quality of the Hiland HLDS01-WCBT patio heater is not that good for the pricing.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 48,000 BTU
  • Power source: 20 pound propane tank
  • Dimensions: 33″ x 33″ x 87″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: ~42 pounds

#17 AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-B Portable Table Top Stainless Steel Patio Heater

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-B table top patio heater produces up to 11,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 1lb propane tank or 20 lb propane tank with adapter hose (which are not included). It doesn’t produce much heat but certainly keeps you noticeably warmer if you stay close to it.

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-B is CSA approved.

Some consumers have complained about reliability, so you have to keep in mind that this could be a potential problem.

Overall despite not producing much heat it does keep you warmer. However some of the consumers complaining about reliability is very concerning. It really isn’t a proper substitute to 40,000+ BTU patio heaters.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 11,000 BTU
  • Power source: 1 pound propane tank
  • Materials: Stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 21″ x 21″ x 38″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 19 pounds

#18 Star Patio Outdoor Electric Patio Heater

Star Patio outdoor electric patio heater produces up to 5,100 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on electricity. Actual heat output is weak. On a cold night you can only feel warmth within few inches of the patio heater. Golden tube that creates heat has a lifespan of 8000 hours.

On the top it has multi functional and multi color LED light. It also has bluetooth speaker. It’s IP54 and cSGSus certified and comes with 1 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Star Patio outdoor electric patio heater is a bit on expensive side and has weak heat output, that’s why it cannot be recommended.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 5,100 BTU
  • Power source: Electricity (through power cord)
  • Materials: Aluminum frame, Steel base plate, Steel with flocked mesh
  • Dimensions: 11.4″ x 11.4″ x 43.3″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 12.3 pounds
  • Package contents:
    • 1 x Electric Patio Heater
    • 1 x Base Plate
    • 1 x Remote Controller
    • 1 x User Manual
    • 3 x Screws
    • 1 x Allen Key

#19 Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heater

Star Patio Outdoor Freestanding electric patio heater has a claimed heat output of 3,412 BTU. Actual heat output is weak. It barely outputs any heat and pretty much is good only for warming your hands.

It’s IP55 & cSGSus certified as well weather and dust resistant. The golden tube that creates heat has a lifespan of 8,000 hours. The patio heater has 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. The patio heater ships already assembled so you just have to plug it to use it.

Overall the heat output is very minimal so I wouldn’t suggest this patio heater.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 3,412 BTU
  • Power source: Electricity (through power cord)
  • Materials: Aluminum Frame
  • Dimensions: 9.8″ x 9.8″ x 25.6″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 9 pounds
  • Power Cord Length: 7.88ft
  • Voltage: 110-120V, 60Hz
  • Watts: 1000W
  • Package Contents:
    • 1 x Electric Patio Heater
    • 1 x User Manual

#20 AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-GTTHG Portable Patio Heater

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-GTTHG portable patio heater produces up to 10,000 BTU according to manufacturer and runs on 1lb propane tank (which is not included). Actual heat output is weak, this patio heater won’t keep you warm. 1lb LP tank last for about an hour.

AZ Patio Heaters HLDS032-GTTHG portable patio heater makes very beautiful flame, so although it doesn’t work well as heat source it works great for ambiance. It’s also CSA and ETL approved. It has electronic ignition.

Overall I wouldn’t recommend this patio heater because the heat it produces is insignificant.

Details:

  • Max. heat output: 10,000 BTU
  • Power source: 1 pound propane tank
  • Materials: Steel
  • Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ x 39″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 19 pounds

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