Patio Heaters: Reviews

We didn't find many reviews of electric patio heaters, but recent comparison tests favor this type and brand. This weatherproof 1,200-watt patio heater hangs on the wall and plugs into an ordinary outlet. It radiates more… than 4,000 BTUs per hour of heat into an area about 10 feet by 10 feet. Electric patio heaters aren't affected by wind, though wind chill can still affect people in its path. There are no tanks to refill and no air pollution. Wall-hung patio heaters are also safest for kids and pets. The main drawbacks are the extra light and orange glow they cast, and the possible need to buy more than one heater to provide enough warmth for your space.

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This budget-priced Endless Summer tabletop heater is recommended in more reviews than any other patio heater. Designed to sit on an outdoor table, it radiates its warmth in a circle up to ten feet across. Heat output… adjusts from 7,000 to 11,000 BTUs an hour. The hexagonal stainless-steel base covers a 1-pound disposable cylinder of propane. You can also use a refillable propane tank (but neither tank nor connecting hose are included). Like all gas-fueled patio heaters, it's easily disrupted by wind, and is most effective in temperatures of 65 degrees or more.

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Unusual in this price range, this 41,000-BTU per hour freestanding patio heater has a 31.9-inch reflector, about as big as those used on many commercial-level patio heaters that cost much more. This helps spread the… warmth more evenly to a wider circle. The Garden Sun heater weighs 46 pounds, comes with a wheel kit, and can accommodate either a 20- or 30-pound propane tank. The handful of owner-reviews we found say it's easy to assemble and works fine, but at this price level, quality control may present an occasional problem. The steel base comes in a choice of finishes including stainless steel and copper. A similar model is all stainless steel (*est. $280).

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Experts say natural gas is nearly always the least expensive fuel option for patio heaters, though professional installation is advised and you can't move it around much. Like most natural-gas patio heaters, this one… adjusts up to 50,000 BTUs an hour. A hose lets you move the heater around the patio at least somewhat. Then you can keep it from moving with optional clamps. The 34-inch reflector helps spread the heat evenly over a 20-foot-wide circle, and this Canadian brand carries an outstanding three-year warranty. The powder-coated base comes in black or green, or you can get the heater with a stainless-steel base (*est. $835).

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This circular steel fire pit stands on legs but is designed for use on a masonry patio floor, not on wood decks. This wood-burning patio heater earns high ratings from owners, who say it's attractive, fun to use and holds… plenty of logs. It comes with a cooking grate, poker and spark shield. The fire glows through the moon and star cutouts; other designs are also available. It comes in a clay color or black and carries a one-year warranty. A copper model by this brand also gets good reviews.

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