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How to choose the best outdoor patio heater for you, according to landscape experts
Plus, top-rated product picks for extending the season in your backyard oasis.
Baby, it's cold outside (at least in much of the country). And while it might be tempting to hibernate, experts say that the best patio heater systems can, in fact, generate enough warmth that you should be able to enjoy your yard and deck even in the winter.
"After investing in your outdoor spaces, you want to get as much use from them as you can," says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen. "Heaters offer a relatively inexpensive way to get a few more months out of your outdoor spaces."
"Well-chosen and strategically placed outdoor heaters can turn outdoor spaces into cozy and inviting areas, extending their usability well into cooler months," adds Coleman Cosby, Yardzen’s in-house contractor. "The right heater enhances ambiance by providing warmth, soft lighting and a focal point that encourages gathering."
Ready to take your backyard to the next, cozy level? Keep reading for outdoor heater tips from the pros, plus top-rated product picks.
More ways to handle winter weather:
How to choose the best outdoor heater
For medium to large spaces
Many restaurants use standalone propane heaters, for good reason. They provide a ton of warmth — and look good doing it. "For larger spaces, consider high-output propane or natural gas heaters with wide coverage or multiple units," says Cosby. Adds Lenhart, "Many heaters sit directly on the ground. These offer flexibility — you can place them anywhere you like." Bonus: When the season is over, many of these are easy to tuck into a side yard or corner of a garage because they're tall and slender.
This narrow outdoor heater has a powerful heat output of 46,000 BTU — recommended for warming up groups of up to 10 people in a 9-foot radius — plus wheels for easy maneuvering.
There's also a water box for weighing down the base and wheel kit, plus an auto-shutoff valve for added safety.
"Great heater in helping to allow outdoor entertaining," wrote one of its 7,000+ fans. "Quite easy to assemble and [there's] wide dispersion of heat," confirmed another.
Pyramid heater styles are a popular choice for restaurant patios due to their stylish silhouettes and typically lightweight, easy-to-move frames.
This one packs 48,000 BTU — with a 15-foot-diameter heat range — into a 20-pound tower, complete with a corresponding cover and available in a range of rust-resistant finishes.
"Beyond amazing!" exclaimed one reviewer. "I purchased this patio heater, which looks stunning and impressive. It works great, is of excellent quality, and is easy to assemble."
For added security, an automatic shutoff valve kicks in when the heater is tilted more than 45 degrees.
For an electric option, consider this infrared tower heater from Encyclpo, which is not only slender, but versatile, with three adjustable heat modes designed for indoor and outdoor use.
It automatically shuts off when tipped over or overheated and, with its stand in place, only weighs 7.5 pounds — convenient for when you need to move it.
"Nice and toasty," praised this reviewer. "We use this outdoors in a covered patio. It is extremely hot near the item, and we position it as close as possible to the seating area ... It is a nice solution if you don’t want to hassle with propane or 240V systems."
For small spaces
You may want to go with a compact or tabletop electric heater, say our experts. Just keep in mind that they often have "limited heat output and are therefore best for small seating areas," notes Cosby. Look for portable options with features like automatic shutoff — especially important for something that's sitting on the floor and could accidentally be kicked over.
This portable heater is a No. 1 bestseller for its high intensity (9,000 BTU), adjustable settings and compact, easy-to-carry frame.
"A life saver!" hailed one of its 29,000+ five-star reviewers. "My central heater went out and my mechanic was out of state. All this for Christmas with guests for dinner. I got on Amazon and ordered it for an early delivery on Christmas Eve morning ... The guests and I had a warm and comfortable dinner. The heater works great and is easy to set up and use."
An accidental tip-over safety auto-shutoff feature offers additional comfort, too.
Need something with a bit more clearance? Mr. Heater's "Little Buddy" is another portable heater with glowing — in this case, more than 8,000 — reviews.
According to the brand, the small but mighty heater has a coverage area of up to 95 square feet. There's a push-button start for getting it up and running quickly.
Like with the Portable Buddy, this "compact and easy" heater has an accidental tip-over safety auto-shutoff feature and is powered by a 1-pound disposable propane cylinder (not included).
For maximizing vertical space
If you have a roof or awning, experts recommend taking advantage of the extra real estate. "I almost always suggest opting for a mounted heater over a standing one. There are meaningful benefits to keeping the floor clear of massive standing heaters, namely improved circulation and a more open sense of space," says Lenhart. "Those with pergolas or other overhead structures may want to consider mounted heaters, such as Heatstrip infrared heaters, which are a great option for maximizing openness while keeping spaces warm." Cosby also likes the idea of "recessed and wall mounted heaters for a minimal and integrated profile."
Dr. Infrared's wide-angle infrared heater, manufactured for indoor and outdoor use, is backed by more than 3,000 five-star ratings for its sleek design and high heat output (5,200 BTU).
Compatible with a wall mount or tripod, it offers three heat levels — and there's a remote for controlling everything from the comfort of your seat.
"Heats up quickly, creating instant warmth," confirmed one owner. "Easy to hang," wrote another. "Put this heater up on my back patio to help chase the cold away in my Southern home."
If you're in the position to splurge, this sleek, weather-resistant heater from Dimplex will add not only heat, but a touch of decorative polish to any room.
"The dark color combined with its high mounted position also makes it recede from view fairly readily," says Lenhart. "You get the benefit of its heat without having to really notice it."
Mount it to a ceiling or wall indoors or out — or over a door to help bridge the temperature gap between the two. Safety features like automatic shutoff, plus a remote control, add to its value.
No wall? No problem, thanks to this hanging infrared heater, which can be affixed to the ceiling of a patio or other outdoor space and adds another decor element.
It features a bulb that lasts an average of 5,000 hours and comes with two heat settings, complete with a remote control for making adjustments from a distance. Bonus: this rustic "chandelier" plugs into a standard electrical outlet so it doesn't require an electrician.
For ambiance
As Lenhart notes, "fire pits have been hot for a while now." They add warmth — and the live fire helps cozy up a seating area. Like with free-standing propane heaters, Cosby recommends reserving fire pits for medium to large areas. And, you'll want to make sure it "has solid footing or a designated surface like a paver or compacted gravel," says Lenhart, to reduce the risk of it tilting. For more tips, read our guide to the best fire pits of 2025.
Solo Stove fire pits come highly recommended by outdoor enthusiasts for their high heat output and intuitive designs, and the 2.0 — suitable for two to four people — is a great entry point. The brand also offers a version with a stand, as well as models for smaller groups and larger ones.
"This is the perfect size to keep four people warm," wrote one reviewer. "[It's] easy to start a fire. [It emits a] very little amount of smoke and essentially none when the fire is burning fully. The wood burns down quickly and leaves very little coals. [It's] easy [to] transport and cools down quickly. Definitely an essential item for any off-road trip."
Furniture with storage can be helpful for concealing or storing heaters, or parts of heaters like propane tanks, says Cosby — and this one from Ciays is among one of the chicest and most powerful fire pit/table hybrids we've seen.
It's compatible with a standard propane tank, boasts a heat output of 50,000 BTU and can be used as a regular table when the fire pit isn't in use.
"Great product, great price," gushed one of its 3,000+ five-star reviewers. "Very easy to assemble, took about 30 minutes with two people. Works great and puts out enough heat to keep a screened porch warm in the winter."
Essential outdoor heater accessories
Cosby advises "protective covers to help prevent weather damage and storing heaters during extreme weather conditions." And consider getting yourself a set of wheels if they're not included with your heater. Adds Lenhart, "Some of us have the discipline to wheel a heater in and out every time you want to use it, but most people will find they use their heaters much more if it’s already in position ready to use. If your heater doesn’t have wheels, invest in a dolly to make it easier to move."
If your outdoor heater doesn't come with a set of wheels, this easy-to-install kit should come handy. Just screw the few pieces together and hook the wheels to the edge of the patio heater and tilt it backward to move it to a different place.
"Perfect fit for my patio heater," commented one customer. "Better built than [the] original wheel system." Another confirmed they were able to assemble the wheel apparatus in as little as three minutes.
If you're looking for a tall and straightforward patio heater cover, this one from Amazon Basics is a good bet. It's designed to fit most stand-up patio heaters up to 95 inches high with up to 34-inch-diameter domes and 18.5-inch-diameter bases. It's made of a water-resistant fabric, with air vents to minimize condensation, and comes in two colors.
"I like that it tapers in the middle as we do have wind in our area and the ones that go straight down will catch the wind more and could topple the heater over," wrote one of the cover's 4,000 five-star fans. "My heaters all originally came with covers for the top only. In less than two years, they are ripping and disintegrating. I think this cover will stand up much better."
For a smaller, more rounded style, this cape from Wicktick has your patio heater covered. It's suitable for 19-, 20- and 21-inch diameters — including the Solo Stove 2.0 — and is made of a water-resistant, tear-resistant material for keeping its contents safe from season to season.
"Good materials," confirms this reviewer. "Fits my Solo Bonfire perfectly. Well-made and designed. Should last quite a while."
The cover also comes with a storage bag for easy keeping.
Factors to consider when choosing an outdoor heater
Fuel type: Electric outdoor heaters are "ideal for patios or enclosed areas due to lower emissions and easier installation," explains Cosby. He notes that propane-fueled outdoor heaters tend to be portable and powerful, but require tank refills, while natural gas outdoor heaters are efficient for large spaces if you have a gas line. "They're less portable, but you avoid the hassle of refilling propane tanks or running out of fuel."
Placement/safety: No matter where you put your outdoor heater, ensure that it has a stable base, advises Cosby. "Check that it has solid footing or a designated surface like a paver or compacted gravel." Prioritize safety features, like an automatic shutoff and, as Cosby cautions, always "maintain proper clearance from overhead obstructions and combustible materials."
Weatherproofing: Lastly, prioritize heaters with rust-resistant finishes, like stainless steel and weatherproof components, says Cosby. Use protective covers to help prevent weather damage and store heaters during extreme weather conditions. This is especially true of tall, lightweight heaters that are more susceptible to falling when it's windy.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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