Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget buy that won't add to your power bills. It comes with different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It is also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great choice for large gardens that include lots of seating outside and sofas. But, they'll need to be refilled regularly with propane or natural gas. It's an excellent choice for large gardens that have lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra red models. They are less expensive than the gas-powered models and, if you select carefully they will have lower operating costs as well. It's also easy to install and you won't have to refill a propane tank.
The best ones have remote controls to make operations easy, and an LED light that is built-in for ambience. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel utilizes circular carbon filaments to radiate mediumwave infrared heat across a table-sized area. It is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and a 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500 Watt infra-red heater, which utilizes an aluminium reflector to direct the beam of heat over the area you prefer to be in.
Both models are efficient and emit a crisp, cosy glow, but the Herschel has a sleeker look that's more suited to modern garden rooms or if you're looking to blend it with your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems to enable you to set your preferred brightness and temperature which can save more energy in the long term.
It is important to remember that even though infrared heating is effective but it only warms the objects and people in front of the heater and will lose its effect in the event that you move away. It also won't provide heat to your patio if winds blow it around.
Electric patio heaters UK , on the other hand will heat up a larger area when they aren't moved. They can also be equipped with shields to help keep them in place. They're usually located in pub gardens and offer a warm burning log look that's great in all decors.
Propane patio heaters are less efficient and can also produce a lot more smog and noise. Unlike propane that is stored in a cylinder that requires refilling after it has run out Most electric heaters do not require refilling at all and are more environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that a gas heater generates greater heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's the perfect time to invest in heaters for your patio as Summer slows down and evenings get somewhat chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer. Whether you opt for gas or electric, there's plenty on offer including small tabletop models to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas such as decked gardens.
While gas heaters can be more economical to buy than some electric models however, they can be costly to run. In fact according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most wasteful in terms of both the amount of heat they create and the energy they consume". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Unlike gas, however electric heaters utilize radiant heat to warm people and objects rather than the air. Therefore, they are much less expensive to run and leave a much smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. Simply plug them in, and they will start to turn on.
Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a range of settings, from restaurants to bars to private gardens. They can be utilized in closed or open spaces, and some are equipped with a built-in dimmer switch to enable you to adjust the intensity of the light. They are also smaller than gas models and they can be easily moved. This is very beneficial if you need to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
These heaters are plugged in and require an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. To ensure safety standards are met the majority of electric heaters cannot be sold with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need be sure not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could be an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a lover of the style of the gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by where it can be positioned or are looking to cut costs, these freestanding electric patio heaters are an option. These patio heaters are powered by electricity and are able to heat quickly. They can be operated by a switch or remote. They're also cheaper to run than gas-powered counterparts.
The model from Kettler is a stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place amongst your rattan furniture and is weatherproof for use all year round. Its IP55 rating shields it from dust from the wind and rain (although we wouldn't recommend using a high pressure hose on it). The model also has 3 heating levels to suit your needs, as well with a timer that shuts off between 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who aren't wishing to be limited by the position of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model from Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and has multiple features, such as a remote control, a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It is also splash-proof to ensure your safety. However, we don't recommend letting it get wet too often as this can impact the performance and longevity of the heater.
A popular choice with many customers This portable heater for patios is a budget-friendly choice for those who like to control their heating. It's user-friendly and comes with the remote control, two temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from an extended distance. It comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts the unit off when it is tipping.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios, making them a fantastic option for those with pets or children who have not yet reached the age where they can recognize the dangers of being too close to a fire. These models are also ideal for large outdoor gazebos and spaces as they have the ability to quickly warm up an area of 15m2. They're very lightweight and easy to move around and many come with an remote control so that you can adjust settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in different designs that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular option is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low running costs. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on an elevated base which makes it perfect for gazebos and covered porches, as well as small gardens where a freestanding model might appear too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control to regulate the temperature. People have said that they consider it an ideal Goldilocks choice, since it's warm enough to cut the chill, without becoming too hot.
The primary benefit of an electric patio heater is that it can be put in a restricted area, such as garages or covered porches, because it doesn't emit pollutants like carbon monoxide or other gases that are dangerous to your health. Contrary to gas heaters, they must be placed in open areas with adequate ventilation or they risk contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. They're also less portable as they require access to an electrical outlet. That's particularly important for those who live in an area with expensive energy charges.
Another drawback of electric heaters is that it's not as strong as a gas heater but there are plenty of options in the PS50-PS200 price bracket to choose from. Some can be used to hang from awnings or parasols, and you can also find heaters that operate with rechargeable batteries.
If you're after an infrared device that is affordable to run, this is a good option. It's available in two sizes, and comes with a variety of features including 360deg rotation as well as easy-to-use heat settings. It's also rated IP44 which means it's able to withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.
