Outdoor Heaters in 2021: 7 Reviews

These large heaters may come in odd shapes that are seemingly out of place if put anywhere in a cozy home - that’s because they’re actually meant to heat the outdoors! Enter these portable and versatile heaters that help make the cold winter months more bearable by allowing you to enjoy some outside time - and get this, they make an outdoor seating area stylish. With freestanding heaters, you not only get a decorative and stationary heat source, but you also get a versatile and safe heater that can be used while camping or tailgating, in your garage, or at any workspace. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best outdoor heater for your patio or home.

Top Outdoor Heaters of 2021

Our Top Pick: Hiland Pyramid Patio Heater

The Hiland Pyramid gets our vote not only for today’s best patio heater, but also for today’s best outdoor heater overall. Featuring a hammered bronze pyramid-style finish, the Hiland Pyramid Patio Heater measures 87-inches tall and runs on propane. Offering the latest in heat and design, this Quartz Glass Tube Flame Heater provides style along with visually mesmerizing real flames inside the glass tube just like you’d get with a fire pit. Delivering heat in each direction, these unique propane heaters will help create a warm and cozy patio area.

Equipped with a safety valve, the Hiland Pyramid Patio Heater will shut off automatically if it gets tilted. It also includes wheels that make moving the heater simple and easy. These two-piece propane heaters will complement any outdoor area while providing 40,000 BTUs.

This elegant pyramid-style fixture includes an easy access door to reach the propane that makes switching off easy. The Hiland Pyramid Patio Heater gives you approximately 10 square feet of heating area and needs clearance space of 36 inches on top and 24 inches on each side. Using a standard 20-pound propane tank, you can expect the heater to last between eight and ten hours when on high mode. If a patio heater sounds like what you need for your outdoor space, then the Hiland Pyramid is likely the best choice for your home.

Dura Heat TT-360 Heater

Equipped with a 360-degree tank top, the Dura Heat TT-360 Heater runs on propane and has a compact and portable design. Featuring a variable heat output, this is a versatile heater that is a nice low-cost solution when you need more heat in outdoor situations. This is a quiet infrared heater that offers durable construction and provides up to 40,000 BTUs of heat.

The Dura Heat TT-360 Heater requires that the tank and heater be in an upright position for it to operate and light. For safety purposes, it has a built-in shutoff feature in the event the unit tips over. It offers a 360-degree heat radius, so all you need to do is place the heater in the center of the area you want to heat. Once lit, it will provide heat coverage of up to 1,000 square feet. This model also comes with a quick-connect, personalized L Tank connection as well as a rust-resistant chrome emitter guard.

Using a 20-pound propane tank, the Dura Heat TT-360 Heater will give you up to 10.8 hours of heat when placed on the highest setting and up to 14 hours on the lowest setting. Taking only about 10 minutes to heat up, this unit serves as reliable heaters for patios, garages, warehouses, shops, camping areas, or tailgating activities. And, thanks to its compact size, it can fit into areas with low ceilings or in sheds. Note that this convenient heater needs to be placed on a flat surface in an area with little wind.

Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Heater

Ideal for garages, workshops, job sites, and patio heating, the Heat Storm Hs-1500-TT Heater comes with a tripod and 13-foot cord. It didn’t quite make our list of today’s best patio heaters, but that’s because it’s more suitable as a general-purpose outdoor heater- perfect for this list. Providing flexibility when it comes to your heating needs, this electric heater is great for parties or to keep you warm as you perform some work. Weighing only 16 pounds, the heater and tripod together are easy to move around and come with rubber feet, so it will securely grip the floor.

The Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Heater is also very portable and comes with a heavy-duty stand that will not rust and will protect your heater from damage. Adjustable up to 6 ½ feet, you can easily move the steel base to your preferred height, so you can use it even in smaller areas. This silent infrared heater has an IPX4 weatherproof rating, so you don’t have to worry about it sitting outside.

This easy-to-set-up heater provides instant heat and runs very silently. The Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Heater not only warms the air with 5200 BTUs, but it also warms up objects. It comes with a plug and play design with a 110-volt cord that can be used in any normal outlet.

Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy Heater

Delivering between 4,000 and 9,000 BTUs, the Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy heater is safe to use indoors providing radiant propane heat. This portable heater easily connects to a one-pound propane cylinder and is the perfect solution for heating an enclosed space like a large tent or cabin room up to 200 square feet. This expertly engineered portable heater is equipped with a fold-down handle allowing maximum output while still maintaining a small footprint.

With a swivel regulator, you can change from using the disposable cylinder to a remote gas supply. Just use a filter and a hose and you are good to go. The Mr. Heater Buddy Heater has an easy-to-use pilot light along with an integrated Piezo sparking mechanism that does the rest of the work. And, with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor along with an accidental tip-over safety shut-off, you can feel comfortable using this heater indoors.

Ideal for decks, patios, porches, workshops, campers, tents, garages, tailgate parties, barns, job sites, shelters, and trailers, this unit is made of steel and can provide heat for a space of up to 225 square feet. This is an almost 100% efficient heater that is clean burning and approved for use both indoor and outdoor.

TRUSTECH Patio Heater

Adjustable to three different levels depending on the space and temperature preferred, the Tustech Patio Heater comes with a 24-hour timer and remote control. This 1500-watt infrared heater can be used inside and outside while providing a super quiet heating performance.

Although this is another product that did not make it to our list of today’s best patio heaters, it still brings a lot to the table as an outdoor heater. This unit is quick to install, able to provide heat in just three seconds, and will shut down automatically when it senses the unit is overheating. Thanks to its aluminum design, this electric patio heater is dust and waterproof and comes with an IP65 rating. This is an environmentally friendly product too, that helps you to save between 40 and 60 percent on electricity.

If you want heating you can immediately and directly feel, this wall-mounted heater is for you. It uses a carbon fiber gold-coated tube that delivers heat right to the object or the bodies that need it instead of the environment creating a warm and comfortable heating area. Equipped with remote control, you can easily adjust the heater without getting up from your chair. And, with the 24-hour timing automatic shut off, you can set the timer before you go to sleep so you can stay warm and comfortable all night long.

This easy-to-install unit comes with wall-mounting equipment, but can also be mounted to a stand that can be purchased separately. In fact, with a bit of creativity you could probably get away with wall or ceiling mounted installation. The Trustech Patio Heater has a high-level power that can warm up a large garage, patios, and commercial outdoor spaces during the cold winter months.

Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater

It’s never a bad idea to look for an outdoor heater that’s going to fit in with your outdoor furniture. Though there are plenty of very nice units that have a utilitarian look about them, it’s nice to know that there are at least a few that won’t stand out in a negative way. If you’re going to prioritize looks, though, you’ll also need to make sure that they don’t come at the expense of functionality. If your goal is to find something that both looks and works great, you’ll definitely want to consider this excellent stainless steel patio heater from Hampton Bay— one of the brands that made it to our list of today’s best patio heaters.

A lot of praise rightfully goes to the stainless steel construction of propane patio heaters. They simply look great, especially compared to the more plastic-like builds that tend to be used in so many other outdoor heating units. While it’s spectacular to have something that looks this good, the stainless steel is actually very beneficial in other ways. This type of construction makes the unit much less susceptible to weather damage, allowing you to worry less about it when it’s rainy or windy. This unit is going to maintain its outer appearance despite almost anything that nature might throw at it, making it a great long-term investment for most buyers.

In addition to the construction, there’s also a lot to like about how the unit itself works. It puts out about 40,000 BTUs of heat energy per hour, allowing it to easily heat up about two hundred square feet. This is perfect for a deck or a small backyard gathering spot, allowing users to stay warm without getting overwhelmed. This is the best patio heater for anyone looking for an outdoor heating unit that looks great, stays in good shape, and that will keep working for a long time. 

Westinghouse WES31-15110 1500W Freestanding Patio Heater

One of the bigger problems that many people have with outdoor heaters is that they require a fuel source. Whether this means oil or propane, these electric heaters just aren’t as easy to use as their indoor counterparts. Fortunately, there are some really solid electric patio heaters that make use of your home’s electrical power to provide all the heat that you could need. If you are in the market for an excellent outdoor heater that plugs into a wall outlet, WES31-15110 Freestanding Patio Heater from Westinghouse may be the perfect choice for you. 

You’ll never have to worry about filling up a propane tank with this excellent electric patio heater. Hook it up to a wall outlet and you’ll get access to 1500 watts of radiant energy - plenty to heat up a deck or a pergola making everyone comfortable. This simple bit of utility might not be life-changing for everyone, but it can make many users feel like the heater is much more reliable. After all, you’ll have access to excellent outdoor heating as long as there is electricity in your home. 

There are some other nice features that make many consumers a fan of this outdoor heater. Electrical-style heating makes it slightly more environmentally-friendly than most of its propane or natural gas-powered counterparts and you’ll never have to worry about carbon monoxide. In fact, these electric patio heaters are even safe enough to use inside - a great bonus for those nights when it gets exceptionally cold. The heater also includes a remote control, which lets you access all of its features no matter where you are. If you’re looking for something that mixes convenience with ease of use, you’ll love this heating unit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best outdoor heater to buy?

For anyone that needs heating outside of an enclosed space, an outdoor heater can be a great solution. Whether it’s your patio or you own a business and need an outdoor socializing area warmed, these heaters can provide a wide choice of power options. You don’t have to rely on an electrical outlet to operate your heater since they work on propane as well, plus they are super portable and easy to move when needed.

The best outdoor patio heater to buy really depends on your needs and how large an area you need to heat. Not only do they offer different fuel options, but they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and heat outputs. Once you determine your needs as far as heat output and fuel source, you should easily be able to find a freestanding heater that can add plenty of heat to your outdoor space.

As a side note, if you are looking for a more permanent solution to a covered area that is open to the elements, you may want to check out our guide to finding the best garage heater.

What is the best outdoor propane heater?

Even when the weather starts to cool off and evenings become chilly, most don’t want to give up all the fun times you can have in an outdoor space. By using an outdoor propane heater, you can extend the life of your patio and entertainment option in your yard without having to worry about the availability of an electrical outlet. With all the outdoor heater options on the market today, it’s important to know what your needs are to determine the best outdoor propane heater for you.

Propane heaters come in many types. You can find simple tabletop patio heaters for camping or large natural gas-powered commercial heaters that can be used in restaurant patios for dining. When you are considering the type of outdoor propane heater you need, make sure that you not only get the maximum output you need but also the assurance that everyone near the heater is safe. With that in mind, it’s important to look for heaters that have built-in safety features

Do outdoor heaters really work?

Yes, outdoor heaters really work. However, you need to make certain you are using the heater in the right conditions and that they have the right amount of output and coverage you need for the area you want to heat.
Whether you use electricity or propane, an outdoor heater is a great source of radiant heat. An effective heat source, radiant heaters work by blowing hot air that dissipates into the area in between you and the heater. Similar to space heaters, radiant heat will travel through the air to keep you warm and toasty.

To make sure your outdoor heater really works, you will need to consider the coverage area. Typically, you will see outdoor heating units listing their coverage specifications in British Thermal Units and square feet. What size heater you need will depend on the size of the area you want to heat and how much you need to raise the temperature. Also consider the location where you will be placing the heater as well as the wind in the area, which can cause a cooling effect and lessen the effectiveness of the heater.

Do patio heaters work in the winter?

They can if you find the best heater for the outdoor space you want to heat. Always keep in mind the geographical region that you live in. Someone that lives in Florida won’t need the same amount of heat output as someone that lives in New York. Depending on the average winter weather conditions in your area, different outdoor heaters will work differently as well, when it comes to warming your patio.

Typically, an electrically powered patio heater won’t be as effective as propane if you are heating a large area. For heat during the winter, propane and gas patio heaters are the best for heating an outdoor space. Not only can they generate the most power, but they will also help in keeping you safe from the winter chill. You can also consider kerosene heaters as another alternative. For hotter summer days, you might want something that will provide a breeze— check out some of our recommendations.