The Best Patio Heaters for Cozy Outdoor Living

Investing in a patio heater is one of the easiest ways to extend outdoor living well beyond summer. We recently tested 15 outdoor heaters for patio use—tower, tabletop, fire pit, and wall-mounted models—to see which could keep us comfortable while dining or relaxing outside on chilly fall evenings.

Tapping our experience with heating appliances, we assembled each unit, fired it up, and noted how much warmth it produced, how far the heat extended, and how easy it was to move or adjust. The new Ninja Fireside Patio Heater earned our top pick for its powerful 360-degree warmth and smokeless performance, but several others also impressed us with their design, heat output, and efficiency.

Ahead, learn which features make the best patio heaters stand out, and discover which models are worth adding to your outdoor setup this season.

1. BEST OVERALL: Ninja Fireside360 Outdoor Heater & Fire Pit
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: EnerG+ Hanging Outdoor Electric Patio Heater
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3. BEST AMBIANCE: Pamapic 41,000 BTU Wheeled Propane Patio Heater
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4. BEST WOOD PELLET: Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater
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5. BEST TABLETOP: Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Patio Heater
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6. BEST WALL-MOUNTED: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater
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7. BEST HEATER AND TABLE: Best Choice Products Wicker Propane Fire Pit Table
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8. BEST DIRECTIONAL: Cuisinart Perfect Position Propane Patio Heater
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Patio Heaters Comparison

Our Top Picks

The best patio heaters combine reliable heat output with durable construction and essential safety features. In our latest round of tests, we evaluated multiple models across all styles—tower, tabletop, and fire pit—to see which delivered the most effective warmth and easiest operation. The heaters below represent the top performers in their categories and make excellent choices for creating a comfortable outdoor retreat year-round.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.5/5

The Ninja Fireside360 combines the cozy glow of a fire pit with the robust power of a full-featured patio heater. It produces up to 80,000 BTUs of smokeless warmth in a clean-burning propane flame that radiates heat in every direction. We liked being able to choose between three distinct modes—flame, heat, or both—depending on whether we wanted ambience, warmth, or a mix of the two.

During testing, we found the heat coverage impressive for a compact unit, especially when the heater was placed in a semi-sheltered patio area. The warmth radiated evenly within a 10- to 12-foot radius, and the lack of smoke or ash made it far more convenient than wood-burning fire pits. 

While it’s heavier than it looks and best left in one spot, the cool-touch base and streamlined design make it a stylish, functional heater for outside entertaining. This is an excellent option for users who want to entertain crowds of people on a chilly evening, but it does produce a lot of heat, so take care not to place it next to siding or anything else that’s flammable or could melt.

What our tester said: “I was really impressed by how evenly the Ninja Fireside distributed heat in all directions. It kept everyone comfortable without the usual smoke or fuss.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews writer and tester

Get the Ninja patio heater at Amazon, Sam’s Club, or Shark/Ninja.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 3.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

Hang this overhead heater over a patio or under a porch or gazebo for extra warmth in cool, damp weather. The EnerG+ hanging patio heater is IP24 certified for use in dusty and rain-exposed environments, so you won’t need to worry about moving it on account of inclement weather. Its adjustable hanging chain allows users to suspend it at any height from an overhead support. Its power settings produce 750 or 1,500 watts of silent infrared heat, and a pull-chain on/off switch controls the heater.

Inexpensive and easy to install and operate, we were impressed by the way the EnerG+ electric patio heater produced a warming effect across an 8-foot diameter. To adjust the temperature, we selected a setting between high and low, then raised or lowered the hanging height. It worked well inside our covered deck when hung 7 feet above the floor over a cluster of chairs, but at that height, it needed to stay on the high setting for us to feel the warmth in ambient temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. We could have lowered the height for a stronger effect if it had been over a dining table or near a corner where no one could bump their head walking around it, but that would have shrunk the heated diameter accordingly.

Get the EnerG+ patio heater at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.6/5; Performance 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.8/5

The Pamapic Propane Fire Pit patio heater puts on a striking, flickering flame show that will be the focal point of any outdoor event. We were able to adjust the flames from a humble 3 to 5 inches tall, all the way up to leaping flames that filled the entire glass cabinet. 

The glass enclosure does a good job of protecting the flames during breezy conditions. The flames didn’t blow out, even when we were unable to keep some of the other patio heaters lit due to wind. The ignition started every time with a simple turn of the knob. 

The heater’s column-style design works well for intimate gatherings. It’s perfect for small groups of people milling around, creating a cozy glow without overwhelming heat. We appreciated the tip-over and flame-out protection, which makes the Pamapic safer, but the glass enclosure gets very hot, especially after 20 minutes or so of use. As such, be sure to warn kids not to touch the glass.

While it didn’t match the heat output of some of the larger heaters, the Pamapic offers an attractive aesthetic that’s tough to beat. Plus, it rolls easily from spot to spot, and the wheels lock when you want to stay in one place. 

Get the Pamapic patio heater at Amazon or Pamapic.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.2/5; Performance 4.5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Nothing beats the feel of real wood heat. The Solo Stove Tower patio heater offers a fast, clean, and easy way to heat an outdoor living space with environmentally friendly wood pellet fuel. The 6.5-foot-tall tower gives off 72,000 BTUs of full-height warmth without gas or electricity. It’s equipped with an automatic-feed pellet hopper that holds 25 pounds of pellets. After you light the fire, it burns for up to 3 hours with no stoking, poking, or feeding.

The Solo Stove Tower patio heater is essentially a wood stove for a patio. It’s easy to light with a small dab of fire-starter gel and produces a good amount of heat within 5 minutes. Unlike the gas tower heaters we tested with burners at head height, the Solo Stove Tower’s burner is near ground level. It radiates heat from its base to the top of the chimney, providing a much more even heat from about knee-high up and covering about 314 square feet, or 10 feet in diameter. 

Although the Solo Stove patio heater is pricier than the others we tested, operating it is competitively cost-effective. We paid under $16 for two 40-pound bags of wood stove pellets, which is enough for about 10 hours of burn time. In comparison, a standard propane tank providing about 10 hours of burn time for a 48,000-BTU propane tower heater will cost between $18 and $25, or up to about 30 percent more than the price of heating with wood pellets.

Read our full review: Solo Stove Tower Patio Heater

What our tester says: “The Solo Stove Tower patio heater is a solid option that offers a unique heating experience. It costs more than the competition, but that is at least in part because of its heavy-duty construction. The premium price point may exclude bargain hunters, but in my view, it is a fair price.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Solo Stove patio heater at Solo Stove, Academy Sports + Outdoors, or BBQGrills.com.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

Cuisinart’s Portable Tabletop Patio Heater brings convenience and cozy warmth to small outdoor settings. It’s designed for patios, decks, and camping setups, and it produces 11,000 BTUs of radiant heat from a compact frame that weighs less than 9 pounds. We liked its simple setup operating design: we simply inserted a propane cylinder, turned the dial, and held the dial down for 30 seconds. (Don’t skip the 30-second hold time, or the flames will extinguish.)

In testing, this heater worked best when placed at the center of a small table or close to where people were seated. The warmth was steady and pleasant within a radius of about 3 to 4 feet, making it ideal for a two-person patio setup or café-style seating. We appreciated the anti-tilt safety feature, which immediately shut off the gas when the unit was bumped or tipped. 

While its output doesn’t match full-size towers, the Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Patio Heater delivers a reliable, easy-to-use heat source for compact spaces and quick outdoor gatherings. We think it’s just the ticket for two-person sitting arrangements or balcony use.

Get the Cuisinart Portable Tabletop patio heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4.5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4/5

For delicious warmth in an enclosed patio or three-season room, shoppers will want to check out the 5,200-BTU carbon heater from Dr. Infrared Heater. It requires minimal assembly,  measures about 6 inches tall by 35 inches long, and weighs just 7 pounds. The compact size and light weight of this infrared patio heater make it well suited for installation on a wall or as a ceiling patio heater. It also comes with a tripod for setup as a standalone unit, but the tripod’s legs were a bit flimsy, so it took us a little maneuvering to get everything level during testing.

The Dr. Infrared Heater features adjustable heat output and plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet, so there’s no need to fill and haul propane tanks. It includes a remote control, features a programmable timer, and also boasts an automatic overheating shutoff. The electric heater is designed for exterior use but only in a protected location, as it can’t come into contact with precipitation.

Get the Dr. Infrared patio heater at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.8/5; Performance 4.8/5; Portability 3.5/5; Value 4/5

Pull up a chair and pour a glass of wine or iced tea to enjoy around this fire pit table from Best Choice Products. Its ample size and dual-purpose design (part fire pit, part food and drink table) make it perfect for casual gatherings with friends or family. Just be sure to set it up where you mean to use it, as it’s not particularly portable at 71.5 pounds. It does come with a durable nylon cover, so no matter where you place it, you can protect it from the elements. 

The top of the table features a removable rectangular panel that lifts to reveal a fire bowl filled with sparkling glass rocks that add brilliance to its flames. The heater holds a 20-pound propane tank and produces a hefty 50,000 BTUs of heat to keep outdoor diners toasty warm. It’s not super easy to assemble, however. We found the directions to be unclear, and it took a significant amount of time to put together. We also found that placing the propane tank inside the table after assembly was awkward, and the wicker base was difficult to clean (the rain cover should help protect it from getting too dirty). Despite those drawbacks, this is a good patio heater with terrific heat output and an attractive look. 

Get the Best Choice Products patio heater at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Best Choice Products.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.6/5

The Cuisinart Perfect Position outdoor patio heater is designed for targeted comfort. Unlike traditional tower-style heaters that radiate warmth in all directions, this model’s adjustable arm allowed us to pivot the heat exactly where we were sitting. During testing, that feature made a big difference on breezy evenings, because it kept one seating area cozy without wasting fuel heating empty space.

The 38,200-BTU burner delivers powerful, even heat, and the wide reflector shield helps distribute warmth more evenly than a straight vertical flame. While you could stand under it, this patio heater is better-suited to directly warming a sitting area, consisting of one or more chairs in close proximity. 

Assembly was admittedly slow. It took about 1 hour to put all the pieces together, but it came with good instructions, so it wasn’t difficult. Once assembled, the unit felt sturdy and substantial, and the wheels made it easier to move across smooth surfaces despite its large size. 

We especially appreciated the enclosed base that conceals the propane tank and doubles as a small tabletop for drinks or snacks. While it’s not ideal for tiny patios, the Cuisinart Perfect Position heater is a practical, high-performing option for targeted, efficient outdoor heating.

Get the Cuisinart Perfect Position patio heater at The Home Depot or Cuisinart.

Jump to Our Top Picks 

How We Tested the Best Patio Heaters

We researched dozens of patio heaters from top brands and narrowed the list to 15 models that offered a mix of styles, fuel types, and price points. Each heater was assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then tested for how quickly it produced noticeable warmth, how far the heat extended, and how comfortable it felt to sit nearby. 

We also looked at durability, safety features, portability, and overall design quality to see which models were easiest to use day after day. Midway through testing, we spoke with a local nursery owner who shared insights on safely heating outdoor spaces for year-round comfort. Those expert tips, combined with our hands-on results, helped us determine which models truly deserved a spot among the best patio heaters of 2025.

What to Consider When Choosing a Patio Heater

Some patio heaters are large and serve as a focal point on the patio, while others are strictly functional—they heat the area but don’t add much to the ambience. Choosing the outdoor heating option that best suits a specific patio is mostly a matter of individual taste, but a few factors are worth considering.

Power and Fuel Sources

When the temperatures drop, having a source of outdoor heat makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. Patio heaters are well suited to northern climates, where the mercury plunges as soon as the summer sun drops beneath the horizon. They’re also beneficial in warmer regions, day or night, during the winter months. If you’re hunting for the best outdoor heater, start by considering the type of power required to operate the unit.

Propane

Propane patio heaters can quickly warm an outdoor living space. Some are quite large and can hold up to a 20-gallon propane tank—a boon when users wish to heat a large area for an extended period. These outdoor heaters are often portable, depending on the style, and many include wheels. Even smaller portable propane heaters for outdoors often accommodate 1-gallon propane cylinders. 

Due to the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, it’s important not to use exterior propane heaters in an enclosed area, such as a greenhouse or enclosed patio, unless the unit has a safety feature that prevents operation at insufficient oxygen levels.

Natural Gas

Gas heaters fueled by natural gas are more likely to be considered permanent fixtures on the patio than propane heaters because they connect to a home’s natural gas line. Depending on local building codes, running a natural gas line to the patio probably requires the services of a licensed plumber.

Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery, is particularly fond of using natural gas heaters in outdoor spaces, even though they’re more expensive than electric or propane models. She notes that “Longtime ownership costs considerably less. They are also easier to maintain … because they connect directly to your gas line and will offer continuous heat for as long as you need it.”

Once purchased and installed, natural gas patio heaters have a lower operating cost because natural gas is usually a less expensive power source than propane. For those seeking an energy-efficient source of exterior warmth, a natural gas heater could be an excellent option.

Electric

Electric patio heaters do not require fuel, but they generally don’t last as long, so users should plan to replace them periodically. Because they don’t use open flames, they may be safer for use around kids and pets, but they are also typically smaller and less powerful, so they won’t generate as much heat as other types of outdoor backyard heaters.

Shoppers looking for an electric patio heater will want to compare the heat output of different models to avoid making a home-heating mistake that increases electricity usage and leads to a larger electric bill. Also, it’s important to remember that electric patio heaters include a power cord, so having access to at least one outdoor electrical outlet is necessary.

Wood

There’s nothing quite like a wood-burning patio heater for an authentic campfire feel. This type of heater can generate a lot of heat, depending on the size of the firebox and the amount of wood it will hold.

Since wood fires can create smoke and ash, a wood-burning patio heater isn’t suitable for an enclosed patio. To reduce smoke, users should burn only seasoned hardwoods, such as hickory, birch, and white ash. Since some communities don’t permit open fire pits, it’s a good idea to check with the local fire department before buying one.

Style

Just because it’s a patio doesn’t mean this outdoor space shouldn’t receive the same attention to aesthetics as any indoor room. The following patio heater styles can serve as a unique decor feature for a backyard oasis.

• Tower-style heater: Most tower-style patio heaters are 6 to 8 feet tall, with the heat source located at the top, middle, or bottom of the tower. Available in electric or propane versions, these patio heaters generally warm up a 5- to 10-foot radius, making them an excellent option for yards and larger patios.
• Space heater: More about function than aesthetics, an exterior space heater is relatively small and designed to heat a limited space. A space heater tucked beneath the patio table may be sufficient for outdoor dining to keep diners cozy as they enjoy a meal. Space heaters may be powered by propane or plugged into an outdoor electrical outlet.
• Tabletop heater: Smaller than freestanding heaters, tabletop electric heaters and tabletop propane units usually need to be secured to a patio table through the hole where a sun umbrella would fit. They offer the advantage of portability but tend to be less powerful, making them well suited to smaller spaces.
• Mounted heater: Available in wall- or ceiling-mounted options, these patio heaters are typically infrared (meaning they radiate heat) and electrically powered. They are excellent for those with limited floor space who wish to heat a large area.
• Fire pit/fireplace: Perhaps the ultimate in outdoor ambience, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces offer the type of flickering light associated with a campfire, so it’s little wonder that they’re high on many outdoor entertaining wish lists. They may be powered by propane, natural gas, or wood and are ideal for being surrounded by patio chairs for a late-night s’mores session.

Area Size

The maximum area a patio heater will comfortably heat depends on several variables. Many large patio heaters are radiant, meaning they reflect heat waves rather than distributing heat via a fan. Radiant heat is more effective because it warms nearby objects directly rather than just warming the surrounding air. On a breezy day, a fan-based convection heater won’t keep anyone warm if the wind blows away the heated air, but radiant heat acts like an outdoor heat lamp.

Depending on the power of the heating element, a patio heater can radiate heat 4 to 12 feet or even farther. Many feature the ability for the user to adjust the heat output—turning down the heater if only a bit of warmth is necessary or running it on the highest setting to heat a wider area.

Heat Output

A natural gas or propane patio heater’s heat output is measured in BTUs, while an electric heater’s output is measured in watts.

• BTU estimation: To estimate suitable BTUs for a patio heater, multiply the patio’s square feet by 20. For example, a patio that measures 20 by 20 feet equals 400 square feet of space. Multiplying 400 by 20 is 8,000, so a gas patio heater with an 8,000-BTU output would effectively heat the area. Depending on style and size, gas patio heaters range from about 5,000 to 40,000 BTUs.
• Watt estimation: Electric patio heaters offer a maximum of 1,500 watts—comparable to 5,100 BTUs—so they don’t generate quite as much heat as gas heaters, making them better for smaller patios. Alternatively, shoppers can consider using two or more electric patio heaters on a single patio to increase heat output.

Aesthetic

While the main function of a patio heater is to maintain a comfortable outdoor temperature, many go the extra mile to help create a cozy or romantic feeling. Some tabletop styles incorporate glass rocks that reflect various light colors, while others produce flickering flames that add a dreamy feel.

Except for the smallest options, most propane patio heaters feature a cabinet that conceals the propane tank to create a cleaner look. For the best aesthetics, users will want to select a material that blends with the style of their home and patio. A sleek stainless steel patio heater will enhance the look of a contemporary home with modern decor, while a cast-iron fire pit would better suit a rustic cabin getaway space.

Safety

Anything that produces enough heat to warm a patio comes with some safety considerations. Manufacturers reduce the risk of burns by encasing patio heaters in materials that remain cool to the touch or placing the heating element above a level where humans can reach it (in the case of tower-style heaters). Still, shoppers will want to consider the following tips to use heaters for patio areas as safely as possible.

• Move it away: Keep the patio heater away from walls, patio furniture, and flammable objects. The general rule is to position a patio heater with 3 feet of space on all sides.
• Keep it level: Some patio heaters provide a safety shutoff in case the heater tips over, but not all models include that feature. Position the heater on a level spot to keep it from tipping over.
• Buy a fire extinguisher: Patio heaters don’t present a significant fire risk, but a wood-burning heater can eject burning ash, or a space heater could tip over. Be prepared in case of fire by having an extinguisher handy.
• Stay with it: Don’t leave a patio heater on without an adult present.
• Keep it covered: Some patio heaters include a cover. If your chosen heater doesn’t, it’s a good idea to invest in one and keep the patio heater covered when not in use. A cover will keep bugs, dirt, and debris from blowing into the heating element, which can clog it or create a fire risk.

Portability

It will be much easier to move a patio heater from one side of the patio to the other or relocate it near a pool if the unit includes wheels.

The largest propane patio heaters can weigh 60 pounds or more—not including the weight of a 20-pound propane tank—so carrying one can quickly become cumbersome. Electric patio heaters are typically smaller and lighter, weighing 20 to 30 pounds on average, but wheels will still come in handy.

A small portable heater may weigh only a few pounds, allowing users to easily pack it in a trunk or move it to another part of a yard.

Cost

When it comes to electric patio heaters, the real cost often comes in paying the utility bill. This is because electricity can be more expensive than natural gas or propane. That said, electric heaters are initially a less expensive option.

Propane patio heaters range in price from inexpensive space heaters to tall tower-style heaters, but operating them is generally more cost-effective than operating electric models.

Natural gas patio heaters are often at the top of the price line because they are frequently designed for installation in permanent outdoor kitchens and living areas. They’re among the least expensive to operate, but users may require the services of a licensed plumber for installation.

Wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces also span a large range in cost, from inexpensive fire pits to high-end fireplaces permanently built into outdoor entertaining areas.

FAQs

Having a heat source in an outdoor area offers users the ability to entertain comfortably even after temperatures drop. For those thinking of buying a patio heater, some questions are to be expected.

Q. Which electric patio heaters are the best?

The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 carbon infrared heater is among the best options for those wanting convenient electric heat in an enclosed patio setting.

Q. How many BTUs do I need for my patio heater?

When it comes to patio heaters, one size does not fit all. Natural gas and propane patio heaters range from around 5,000 to 40,000 BTUs or more. Choose an option that best suits the space and the level of desired heat output.

Q. How far should the patio heater be from the house?

A freestanding patio heater should be placed at least 3 feet from walls and other items, such as furniture, while other kinds of electric heaters are designed to be safe even if mounted on a wall or ceiling. It depends on the type.

Q. Can you have a patio heater under a covered patio?

Most electric patio heaters are safe to use in sheltered patio conditions, like under a covered or enclosed patio. While a small gas patio heater, such as a tabletop model, can usually operate safely under a covered patio, a traditional tower-style model may stand too high (within 5 feet of the ceiling) to be safe here.

Q. Can you put a patio heater under a gazebo?

It is safe to put a patio heater under a gazebo if it isn’t within 3 feet of the gazebo’s side walls or ceiling rafters.

Q. Do patio heaters use a lot of electricity?

Though the amount of electricity a patio heater uses will depend on the size and type of the heater, the average 4,000-watt electric patio heater will use about 60 cents’ worth of electricity per hour. 

Q. Do patio heaters need ventilation?

Whether a patio heater needs ventilation depends on the type of heater. Wood, gas, propane, and kerosene heaters require ventilation, but electric models do not. 

Meet the Testers

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industry. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products. 

Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of home, garden, and crafting articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers.  

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

 

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