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Best patio heaters: electric and gas outdoor heaters for your garden

As the nights draw in but you want to stay outside, what is the best patio heater? It turns out, that there isn’t a simple answer to this burning question.

First, you need to work out what you want from your new garden heater. How large is the area you want to heat - courtyard, balcony or your entire decked area? Do you want a portable option? Do you have space to store a heater that isn’t weatherproof? And, how much have you got to spend?

Gas vs infrared

Infrared has been big news with lots of models flooding the market this year; floor standing, wall-mounted, portable and units that can be fixed to your parasol. Heating specialists are keen to let consumers know that infrared heats you, while gas heats the air around you.

Your access to power can dictate the choice you will make. If you choose infrared and you don’t have a safe electricity point that conforms to the manufacturers guidelines, then you will need to factor in the cost of an electrician.

If you have a hankering to gaze into the flames of a gas heater then the stylish pyramid gas patio heater will offer a romantic heat.

Gas patio heaters come in a range of styles from the traditional lamp-stand design to flame-holding pyramids.

For safety, you’ll need to check the size and ventilation of your space before investing in gas, and it’s good practice to check whether your unit needs an annual service.Always considered the suitability of your area before purchase.

Shop our selection of the best garden and patio heaters.

Gas Patio Heaters

Sherpa 13kW Stainless Steel Gas Patio Heater

Best for: Style and substance

Height: 2.25cmPower: 5-13kWHeat radius: 18-20m²Gas size: 13kg

This classic design produces an impressive radius of heat and has an attractive stainless steel construction. If you want to host a late autumn get together with the family or a couple of friends, then this patio heater will provide a really warm glow to the evening. According to the manufacturers website, this gas patio heater is the model of choice for the Ministry of Sound’s London courtyard. If you don’t have a garage to store the heater, it can be covered when not in use.

£239.99 | Heat Outdoors

AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Commercial Patio Outdoor Heater

Best for: Gas on a budget

Size: L45.7L x H226cmPower: 46,000 BTU’sHeat radius: 18ftGas size: 20lb cylinder (not included)

If you’re on a budget and looking for a simple unit to provide heat for your outdoor space, you can’t go wrong with the freestanding Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Patio heater. Easy to assemble, this gas patio heater isn’t the prettiest but it does provide an impressive amount of heat that will keep a family or group of friends warm outdoors as we move towards winter. With a simple push of a button, the ignition fires. The variable heat setting means you can modulate the heat and it will provide an impressive range of warmth stretching up to 18 feet. If you don’t have space to store in a garage, then it’s worth buying a cover for the unit. The commercial grade stainless steel construction will ensure it stands the test of time. There is also a safety auto shut-off tilt value for extra security.

£120.13 | Amazon

Santini Eco Flame Gas Patio

Best for: Warmth via a unique spiral flame

Size:176 x 55 x 55cmPower: 10.5kWWeight: 22kgGas size: 13kg patio gas bottles

The Santini gas patio heater houses a beautiful and unique spiral flame flickering inside a slender glass tube. This classy looking unit re-imagines the fire-pit. With a lower kilowatt output than competing gas heaters, it still delivers generous heat, while burning less gas. The wide glass and flame output actually radiates more than traditional models. The unit comes with wheels so it’s easy to move around the patio and it couldn't be easier to operate with an easy push button electronic ignition. Safety features include a tilt and switch auto cut out and a protective mesh screen. A really good investment if you enjoy gazing at a real flame.

£359.99 | Heat Outdoors

Kratki Umbrella Real Flame Pyramid Patio Heater - Black 12kW

Best for: Setting up a stylish bar at home

​Size: W53.7 x H217.5 x D53.7Power: 12kWWeight: 48kgGas size: 11kg

This luxury option, made from steel, has an attractive and stylish black finish around the base. The pyramid patio heater will suit all design schemes with its modern minimalist construction and it really delivers if you want to entertain in your outdoor space. The Kratki patio heater features four glass panels which display the real flame in the centre. With adjustable heat settings, the device fires up in seconds and creates a warm inviting space in which to enjoy your gluhwein or mulled cider outdoors, long in to the night! This unit can be stored outside if you cover it.

£645.85 (plus VAT) | National Heaters Shops

Electric patio heaters

Experts in patio heating recommend that for shortwave infrared heaters, you will need 1kw of power per four metres squared in sheltered areas like patios and courtyards and three metres squared in more exposed gardens.

KETTLER Kalos Plush Floorstanding Electric Patio Heater

Best for: A stylish and portable option

Size: H215 x Dia.74cmWeight: 16.8kg

Sleek and stylish, this well-crafted floor standing electric patio heater from Kettler is easy to use - just plug in and away you go. Bringing a sense of indoor style outdoors, it’s a great addition to a courtyard space. It’s easy to move around, so, as long as you have a power point or cable long enough, you can set it up and travel around the garden following the setting sun. You will need to bring it in though, so make sure you have storage space.

£329 | Kettler

IMUS

Best for: Attractive Danish design

Size: L20 x W20 x H67.2cmHeat radius: 4m²Weight: 4kgPower: 0.55kW

Danish by design, the IMUS is a good option for popping under your garden table to help extend the summer season by a couple of months. Our feet are often the first part of our bodies to feel the cold, so the IMUS has been designed with this in mind and to keep your extremities warm. Small and perfectly formed, the IMUS patio heater provides a soothing heat with good eco credentials costing just 7p an hour to run. The ‘safe touch’ feature means you don’t have to worry about your knees brushing the heater and ensures it is pet-friendly. This lightweight model is perfect for taking the chill off - while remaining portable and easy to store in the cupboard under the stairs. However, if you’re looking for something that kicks out enough heat to warm your whole body throughout the winter, then you’ll need to invest in a larger electric model.

£168 | Amazon

Herschel California 2000W with remote control

Best for: Effortless Hollywood-worthy heating

Size: H130 x W780 x D140mmVoltage: 230VWeight: 3kg​Heat radius: 8-14m² (indoor) or 5-9m² (outdoor)

Designed to keep you comfortably warm outside, and not roast you with glaring light like some heaters on the market, this smart 2kw infrared patio unit delivered impressive heat and is a good option if you have a large wall - or it can be used with a stand. The remote control means that you can stay in your seat as the sun goes down and adjust the heater to meet the perfect temperature for your pre-dinner drinks on the terrace. There are two power levels and the device has been crafted to withstand whatever the British winter has to throw at it.

£249.99 | Nisbets

Herschel Miami 2000W

Best for: For a parasol or small area

Size: H200 x W460 x D75mVoltage: 230VWeight: 2.7kgHeat radius: 6-12m² (indoor) or 4-7m² (outdoor)

Aluminium, in a white ceramic finish, this oval-shaped patio heater is a great option for a balcony or small enclosed area where gas isn’t recommended. This heater can also be mounted on a parasol, a wall or a ceiling. We mounted it on a stand (available from Herschel separately) and the heat generated was impressive for a petite unit. Rated IP65, the Miami patio heater is designed to resist the British weather and can be mounted outside and left all year. It comes in black, white and silver.

£164.99 | Nisbets

Aero S 2500W Waterproof Wall and Ceiling Mounted Indoor and Outdoor Patio Heater

Best for: Long-lasting heat for years to come

Size: 75 x 30 x 10cmWeight: 3.14kgVoltage: 220V

An efficient and smart solution for heating your conservatory or garden room, this heater looks sleek with its matte black design and single glass tube backed by stainless steel. With an element that will last 10,000 hours, this heater has a lot of life in it. Wall or ceiling mounted, the Veito unit is relatively easy to install on the wall with it’s integrated mounting bracket. The device has a thermostat so you can control the temperature easily as the sun goes down and the chill factor goes up. As with all the plug-in wall-mounted heaters, the length of cable is short and instructions warn against the use of an extension cable, so ensure you have a suitable electricity point to conform to the manufacturers guidelines.

£199.99 | Veito

Also available at Jigsaw Infrared

Heatlab Wall Mounted Electric Patio Firefly Heater

Best for: Affordable infrared

Height: H12 x W102 x D12cmLamp life: ​Up to 5000 hoursPower: 1000W/2000W/3000WWeight: 3.6kg

This wall-mounted infrared patio heater can be fitted relatively easily thanks to the easy-fit wall-mount. It’s not portable, so you need to choose the spot you want to warm permanently before fitting. The golden glow from the element provides a pleasing reminder of the sun, and unlike some infrared models, there’s no unpleasant glare. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and there is a remote control and mounting bracket.

£129.99 | Primrose

Herschel Florida 2000W freestanding outdoor heater

Best for: A warm glow

Power: 2000W at 230VSize:50 x 25 x 207 cmHeat radius: 4-7m² (outdoor) 6-12m² (indoor)Weight: 10.5kg

The Herschel range has a superior Mad Men styling compared to many of the other infrared’s on the market. Build quality is beautiful and even the screws have been considered and hidden. The portable, freestanding Florida has a weighty safe stand and a UFO style hood which delivers a warm glow of heat to your head and shoulders. The heat wasn’t intense, which was nice, as no one wants to feel like they’re boiling their brains under a patio heater, however, on a chilly evening you will still need to wear a big jumper or a jacket. Made from aluminium and high grade steel the Herschel Florida infrared heater can be kept outside for year round use. There are two power settings and you will need a plug nearby. It is best suited for sheltered or covered/semi-covered areas.

£299 (includes VAT) | Herschel Infrared

Verdict:

Our pick for the best gas patio heater goes to the Sherpa - it's a quality product which has good reviews online and does what you want a gas heater to do.

Our top pick, from the infrared patio heaters we tried, goes to the stylish Herschel for the comfortable heat it delivers and it's quirky oval design and versatility (it can be wall-mounted or hosted on a stand or parasol). We also lost our hearts to the cute and portable IMUS infrared patio heater for it's eco-friendly warmth and for fitting under the table and warming our toes