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Enjoy more time outdoors with these tested picks.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
But that extra few degrees can make all the difference on achilly evening.
We experienced some trouble during assembly.
The patio heater was very easy to use, thanks to a push-button ignition.
Credit: Wayfair
We immediately saw the flames inside and found that it warmed quickly.
Theres also a strap for securing the propane tank to keep it stable while moving.
During operation, the heater was steady and didnt budge when bumped.
The Arlmont & Co. Triplett has a sleek design and push-button ignition that makes it simple to use.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
And while it comes with a two-sided screwdriver, we found it easier to use our own.
Assembly hiccups aside, we still think this unit is a top performer.
You may need a ladder or step stool during assembly.
Credit: Amazon
The heat is adjustable through a dial, and we found it easy to operate.
When it comes to design, the heater is attractive.
We chose the hammered-bronze finish, but its also available in stainless steel, black, and hammered gray.
A cover over the Pamapic 48,000 BTU Pyramid’s controls means you can safely use it around small kids.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Like other patio heaters we tested, this model has an automatic tip-over shutoff for added peace of mind.
At 61 pounds, the unit is sturdy, and we were never worried about it tipping over.
Overall, we think this patio heater is a great deal.
This wasnt included in the instruction manual, and we wished it were.
Assembly was difficult, and we were missing parts.
If you want an electric model that offers powerful heat, we were impressed with this pick from SereneLife.
It has a round, 360-degree design that provides heat to all sides.
Compared to other electric models, it offers a wider heat range of 15 feet.
At 57 inches tall, this pick is fairly tall for an electric unit.
We were able to stand up and sit down without feeling like any part of our bodies was cold.
And while it felt stable, we appreciated that it does offer tip-over shutoff protection for added safety.
The biggest downside is that for the price, we were disappointed with the assembly.
The instructions were difficult to follow, and we had to provide our own batteries and screwdriver.
Plus, our unit was missing two screws.
However, once it was put together, we found it easy to operate.
The heat is weaker than most models we tested.
We did find the unit a bit top-heavy, but it didnt tip over during our bump tests.
It also offers automatic shutoff if it tips over, which we appreciated.
Overall, the heater was easy to use.
It offers adjustable heat through a push and turn knob.
However, we found the heat to be minimal.
Assembly was easy and only took us 25 minutes.
We appreciated that the parts were packaged together, which made setup go smoothly.
While it can be operated on the included tripod mount, we dont recommend it.
We tested the Dr. Infrared wall-mounted heater and were impressed with the amount of heat it emitted within seconds.
The heater offers three heat tweaks, and the differences between each were distinct.
The second was much warmer, and it became too hot to stand directly next to the heater.
We expect level three to be able toheat an entire garagein even winter temperatures.
The assembly and setup process was straightforward, and the instructions were clear.
The part that took us the longest wasfinding the studsin our garage wall.
While this heater comes with a tripod mount to use without mounting, we dont recommend it.
The heater has no handles, so its not safe to touch once its warmed up.
If youre looking for an electric model, we recommend theSereneLife Infrared Outdoor Heater.
If a patio heater had multiple heat options, we cycled through each setting and recorded the results.
We also noted how evenly the heat was distributed from the unit.
Lastly, we set up each patio heater in our own backyards to use in our everyday lives.
Credit: Amazon
We noted how it performed under different weather conditions and also noted any signs of rust or wear.
After testing, we looked at the price of each product and evaluated its overall value.
Plus, propane heaters might not be allowed on your patio if you live in a condo or apartment.
The SereneLife Infrared Outdoor Electric Space Heater has a wider heat range than others we tested.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
In this case, youll want to opt for an electric model.
Propane
If youre looking for significant heat, a propane model is the best option.
Propane heaters require extra safety precautions, especially regarding clearance.
double-check that it’s being used in an open area,Kahnsays.
Most of these propane patio heaters are 7 to 7.5 feet high and they have significant combustible clearance requirements.
Always keep propane tanksoutdoors in well-ventilated areaswithout direct sunlight.
Electric patio heaters are often the best choice if you dont live in a single-family home.
Heat Output
There are multiple ways to measure the efficiency of a patio heaters heat output.
In theory, the more Btu a unit has, the more powerful it is.
Patio heaters are only meant to raise the temperature in their heat range from 5 to 10F at best.
We found that the patio heaters performed best in 50- to 60-degree weather.
First, patio heaters should be third-party certified.
Each of our top picks was either ETL- or UL-certified.
Operating a patio heater with propane is dangerous.
If it’s crucial that you run cords across busy walkways, that becomes a tripping hazard.
When testing, we also noted whether the patio heater got hot to the touch.
We didnt include any models that we found dangerously hot.
Many units also glow to indicate that theyre turned on.
Tall propane patio heaters provide heat from the top down in all directions.
The setup was straightforward, and the instructions were clear.
We did appreciate that the base doubles as a small table.
The setup took over an hour to complete.
Once assembled, it didnt meet our heating expectations, especially for the price.
We did appreciate the stylish design, visible flames, and sturdy build.
Credit: Amazon
However, propane heaters are typically cheaper to run.
Plus, a propane heater will provide greater warmth for the price.
Can patio heaters be used on a covered patio?
Assembling the Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater took us 25 minutes—the neat packaging helped with setup.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Yes, most patio heaters can be used on covered patios, though youll need ample clearance.
Many of the propane heaters we tested measured nearly 7.5 feet tall, requiring a 10.5-foot ceiling at minimum.
If your covered patio has a shorter roof, keep in mind that electric models tend to be smaller.
Credit: Amazon
She’s been writing about patio heaters for over two years now.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
The Dr. Infrared Heater made a significant difference in our comfort while we worked in the garage.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Looking for more products that have earned ourBHG Recommends seal of approval?
Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
We timed ourselves while assembling the units to see exactly how long it took.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We found that patio heaters tended to perform best in 50 to 60 degree weather.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Electric heaters tend to be smaller than propane and therefore don’t require as much clearance.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
