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10 Best Patio Heaters to Help You Enjoy Your Outdoor Space All Year Round

Make the most of your outdoor space.

Headshot of Francesca CocchiBy Francesca Cocchi
best patio heater
Wayfair / Amazon

If you love the outdoors, you've probably put a lot of time and energy into your own outdoor space, incorporating charming landscaping ideas, beautiful backyard lighting, and maybe a few special finds from The Pioneer Woman outdoor collection. So why should you only be able to enjoy your backyard at certain times of the year? Make the most of your outdoor space by investing in one of the best patio heaters!

A good heater will keep your patio warm on chilly summer nights and even make it possible for you to gather outdoors comfortably with family and friends during the colder months. When shopping for patio heaters, there are a few helpful things to keep in mind: First, decide if you're interested in an electric patio heater or one that's fueled by propane gas. The power of an electric heater is measured by wattage. Electric heaters are typically safer for heating up small or enclosed spaces than gas heaters, which require better ventilation. On the other hand, warming up a space with an electric heater will take a bit longer than using a gas one. And much like a space heater, an electric heater must be plugged into a nearby outlet. Propane gas heaters are fueled by removable propane tanks, which you'll need to purchase separately. Their heat output is measured in BTUs. The typical rule of thumb is that you'll need about 20 BTUs of heat power per square foot, so be sure to measure your patio before making your final decision.

Our Top Picks

  • Tall Mocha Mainstays Patio Heater

    Great Value

    Tall Mocha Mainstays Patio Heater

    $89 at Walmart
    Read more
  • Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater

    8,500+ Reviews

    Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater

    Read more
  • Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Propane Heater

    Easy to Assemble

    Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Propane Heater

    Read more
  • ZACHVO 1500 Watt Electric Hanging Patio Heater

    Space Saver

    ZACHVO 1500 Watt Electric Hanging Patio Heater

    Read more
  • Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Fireplace

    Best Seller

    Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Fireplace

    Read more

You'll also want to think about the fact that some patio heaters take up a lot of space. If your patio is on the larger side, you may benefit from a free-standing, commercial-grade heater, but if you don't want to give up quite so much room, a smaller heater that can be mounted on a wall or placed on the table might be a better move.

Keep reading for a closer look at 10 of the best patio heaters on the market right now. And for more ways to upgrade your outdoor space, check out the best fire pits, the best patio furniture, and the best outdoor rocking chairs.

Great Value

Tall Mocha Mainstays Patio Heater

Tall Mocha Mainstays Patio Heater
Great Value

Tall Mocha Mainstays Patio Heater

Now 30% Off
$89 at Walmart

This 41,000-BTU propane heater has the power to heat up to 100 square feet. It's also an excellent value at under $100.

8,500+ Reviews

Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater

Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater
8,500+ Reviews

Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater

If you love turquoise as much as Ree does, then this brightly colored heater is the one for you! You can also choose from several neutral options. No matter the color, you can't go wrong with this top-rated Amazon bestseller!

Easy to Assemble

Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Propane Heater

Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Propane Heater
Easy to Assemble

Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti Propane Heater

This bronze, rust-resistant heater earns points for its heat output, easy assembly, and great value. It's also easy to fire up with a simple push of the igniter button.

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Space Saver

ZACHVO 1500 Watt Electric Hanging Patio Heater

ZACHVO 1500 Watt Electric Hanging Patio Heater
Space Saver

ZACHVO 1500 Watt Electric Hanging Patio Heater

Now 39% Off
Credit: Wayfair

If your patio is covered, install a hanging heat lamp to add warmth and light without sacrificing space. This 5100-BTU infrared unit can heat up a 12-foot radius.

Best Seller

Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Fireplace

Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Fireplace
Best Seller

Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Fireplace

Now 15% Off

This portable fireplace would make a unique and affordable gift for anyone who likes to entertain. It's fueled by isopropyl alcohol, and it's safe to use both indoors and outdoors. Bonus: You can add citronella to the alcohol for those buggy summer nights.

Splurge Pick

Pamapic Patio Heater

Pamapic Patio Heater
Splurge Pick

Pamapic Patio Heater

Pyramid-shaped heaters like this one are common sights on restaurant patios because they're ideal for heating larger spaces. This stylish sleek bronze one puts out 42,000 BTUs of heat and comes with a protective cover for when you aren't using it.

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Best for Traveling

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
Best for Traveling

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy

Now 37% Off
Credit: Amazon

This 4,000- to 9,000-BTU propane heater is ideal for enclosed spaces like large tents, but you can also use it for small decks and patios. The compact size and the handle make it easy to take on camping trips and other outdoor excursions where you might need a little extra warmth.

Remote-Controlled

Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater

Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater
Remote-Controlled

Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater

Now 14% Off
Credit: Amazon

This highly-rated heater comes with a bracket so you can mount it on a wall or ceiling. You can toggle between three settings: (900, 1200, and 1500 watts).

Editor's Pick

Fire Sense Aged Chestnut Finish Patio Heater

Fire Sense Aged Chestnut Finish Patio Heater
Editor's Pick

Fire Sense Aged Chestnut Finish Patio Heater

Credit: Lowes

Reviewers rave about the heat provided by this 46,000-BTU heater as well as how attractive it is. You can also purchase a three-year protection plan for an extra $35.

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Most Weather-Resistant

Heat Storm Tripod Infrared Electric Patio Heater

Heat Storm Tripod Infrared Electric Patio Heater
Most Weather-Resistant

Heat Storm Tripod Infrared Electric Patio Heater

This electric unit puts out 5100 BTUs of heat, enough to warm up a 10-foot radius. The tripod is included and can be adjusted up to 84 inches.

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