Best patio heater

Patio heaters are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space. They will keep you and your guests warm when the mercury falls, maximizing outdoor time spent dining, socialising, or relaxing in the garden. You can choose from gas or electric versions that each have advantages. There is a range of styles on offer, too, including freestanding, portable, wall-mounted, and pendant options. Find your favourite among our best picks. 

This height-adjustable patio heater can be used in several positions to keep you warmer when you’re standing or seated outside. There are also three heat settings for optimum comfort, depending on the conditions. A weighted base makes it safe and stable, but at a total of almost 9 kilograms, it’s still easy to move about the garden or away into storage. It’s fuelled by electricity, which I like for its convenience, but you might find the cord doesn’t always run as far as you’d like it to. Bear in mind that although it’s weatherproof, use in the rain is not recommended.

A gas-powered patio heater is a winner if you don’t want electrical sockets limiting your layout when warming a seating or dining area. It also solves the issue of trailing wire. This model is traditional and handsome with a hammered steel finish. There’s the option to use either a 13 or 6-kilogram gas bottle, depending on the power longevity you prefer. (If you want to reduce the weight, go with the smaller bottle.)  The output can be adjusted for optimum comfort, and while it doesn’t have a tilt function, the reflector diameter ensures heat is well distributed.

It’s no trouble to move this patio heater to around garden. It has a built-in handle to make transport easy and weighs almost 9 kilograms, so it’s relatively lightweight. It does have to be plugged into an electric socket, but with a cable of 1.8 metres in length, I think it still offers plenty of flexibility. To create heat for different situations, it can be placed on the ground, a tabletop, or up high if you have a stable surface. If it does get knocked or blown over, it’s reassuring that it will switch off instantly. This heater is durable and will withstand all sorts of weather.

Like the idea of a patio heater that makes an attractive addition to a terrace as well as keeping the chill off? Then this design is worth your attention. The metal pyramid shape allows you to gaze at the flames as you bask in the heat. You can fuel it with either wood or charcoal and lock the door for safety when you’ve done so. It’s 102-centimetres high and 35-centimetres square, so it makes a great focal point without dominating a small space. Be mindful that you might find it a bit fiddly to put together.

If yours is a small garden or even a balcony, and you’re looking for a patio heater that won’t invade precious seating space, this design could be right up your street. Fixed on the wall, it won’t intrude, but it will keep you and your guests warmer when the sun goes down. It has four heat settings, so you can adjust in line with the thermometer. I like the fact that it comes with a remote control for simple operation, or you can download an app and use your smartphone. It’s easy to accommodate and looks stylish once it’s installed.

Keep guests gathering under a gazebo warm with this pendant patio heater that also provides a gentle glow. I’ve fallen for its curvaceous lines and on-trend copper finish, but there is a black version also available if that’s a better complement to your garden design. This is another of the electric options in our selection, so be aware that you will have to route the cord safely. It’s safe to leave out even when the rain starts, too. There’s no remote, but a pull cord makes it straightforward to operate.

Our verdict

Add a patio heater to your garden, and you won’t need to worry about a chill compromising your outdoor get-togethers. Our number one is the Oypla freestanding patio heater. It’s a freestanding electric design that’s height-adjustable so you can keep everyone cosy whether they’re sitting or standing.

Alternatively, if you like the idea of using a heater on the tabletop or a high surface, opt for the Swan al fresco SH16330N patio heater. With a carrying handle, it’s easy to locate in the best spot for any gathering.

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