The Bottom Line
After putting patio heaters to the test in our testing lab and our own backyards, the best patio heater is the Arlmont & Co. Triplett Propane Patio Heater, which we liked for its sleek design and effective heating. If you’re looking for an electric model, we recommend the EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater.
Our Testing Process
To come up with our list of the best patio heaters, we put top models to the test in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and our own backyards. Using a pre-determined methodology, we rated each patio heater for setup, heating performance, ease of use, safety, and value.
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After the patio heaters arrived, we timed ourselves assembling each unit, noting how difficult it was to set up, how clear the instructions were, and if we needed to provide any tools. For propane patio heaters, we noted whether the start-up was simple and reliable or whether it took multiple tries to ignite.
In the lab, we evaluated the heating performance of electric patio heaters by taking our surface body temperature before and after sitting 3 feet away from the unit for five minutes. If a patio heater had multiple heat settings, we cycled through each setting and recorded the results. Then, we left the heaters on the highest setting to measure the maximum distance we could feel the warmth. We also noted how evenly the heat was distributed from the unit.
To evaluate the safety of each patio heater, we purposely bumped into the heater (while off) to determine if its base was stable or if it knocked over easily. For electric patio heaters, we recorded the temperature of the heater’s surface both while operating and five minutes after turning it off to note if it was safe to touch. For propane heaters, we noted if the unit produced any smoke and if so, how quickly it dissipated.
Lastly, we set up each patio heater in our own backyards to use in our everyday lives. 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.
What to Know About Patio Heaters Before Shopping
Power Source
While propane patio heaters provide the most heat, working with gas can be tricky, especially for beginners. Plus, propane heaters might not be allowed on your patio if you live in a condo or apartment. In this case, you’ll want to opt for an electric model.
Propane
If you’re looking for significant heat, a propane model is the best patio heater for you. While they’re not as convenient as electric heaters (you’ll need to provide and replace your own propane and setup typically takes longer), they are much more powerful.
Propane heaters require extra safety precautions, especially regarding clearance. “Make sure that it’s being used in an open area,” Kahn says. “Most of these propane patio heaters are 7 to 7.5 feet high and they have significant combustible clearance requirements.” If you have a covered patio, check the product’s instruction manual to ensure you have enough clearance for safe operation or opt for an electric model.
While you may want to store your patio heater in the garage during the off-season, you’ll need to store propane tanks separately. Always keep propane tanks outdoors in well-ventilated areas without direct sunlight.
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Electric
Overall, electric patio heaters require less maintenance than propane models, and you don’t run the risk of running out of fuel during operation. You can also use most electric models in covered or enclosed patios, though you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so. While they’re more convenient, they’re typically not as powerful as their propane counterparts, so you won’t feel the same warmth.
Electric patio heaters are often the best choice if you don’t live in a single-family home. “The Department of Buildings in New York City, for example, does not allow propane tanks to be used on people’s rooftops or terraces,” says Amber Scott Freda, owner of Amber Freda Home & Garden Design, “which can be a deciding factor for many people on which type of patio heater to purchase.”
It’s important to note that the electricity on most patios runs on a single circuit breaker, even if there are multiple outlets, Kahn explains. Because of this, it’s likely you are only able to run 120 volts at a time, which is a very small area of coverage, especially if you have anything else plugged in, like patio lights.
Heat Output
There are multiple ways to measure the efficiency of a patio heater’s heat output. First, manufacturers typically provide a heat range of how far from the unit you can feel the warmth. In our tests, we found that the distance at which we could feel warmth was often much shorter than what the manufacturer claimed.
When shopping for a patio heater, you’ll notice that most models list their BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. This measurement refers to how much heat is necessary to raise the temperature by one degree. In theory, the more BTUs a unit has, the more powerful it is. However, it’s important to note that a patio heater’s effectiveness depends on the weather conditions, placement, and shape. A patio heater placed near high walls will feel more effective than one in a completely open space, for example.
Patio heaters are only meant to raise the temperature in their heat range from 5 to 10 degrees at best. Keep that in mind when you’re shopping, as you won’t find one to keep you super warm in freezing temperatures. We found that the patio heaters performed best in 50 to 60-degree weather.
Safety
Safety should always be top of mind, as even the best patio heaters can be dangerous when misused. However, there are safety features that you can look for in a heater to provide extra peace of mind.
First, patio heaters should be third-party certified. While it’s rare to find a model without certification, we recommend making sure a model has one before purchasing. Each of our top picks was either ETL- or UL-certified. You’ll also want to check for an IP rating, which refers to the level of protection against foreign objects.
Operating a patio heater with propane is dangerous. “Any propane heater is going to have some sort of a safety valve to shut off if the flame blows out, ” Kahn says. If the safety mechanism no longer allows you to light the heater, it’s best to ask a professional for help or replace the heater altogether.
If you are looking for an electric patio heater, think about where you’ll place it and how long the cord is. If you need to run cords across busy walkways, that becomes a tripping hazard.
Many patio heaters also offer tip-over shutoff protection, which automatically turns the heating element off if the heater falls or is on an uneven surface. While this adds a layer of security, Kahn recommends looking for a unit with a heavy base to prevent a fall in the first place.
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When testing, we also noted whether the patio heater got hot to the touch. We didn’t include any models that we found dangerously hot. If you have children or forgetful adults, consider whether the patio heater has adequate warning labels on the unit itself. Many units also glow to indicate that they’re turned on.
Size
When it comes to size, you’ll want to note the patio heater’s clearance needs compared to the space you have. The heating element on a propane heater is typically around seven feet tall, which requires a high clearance, typically three feet above the unit and two feet on all sides. One of the biggest patio heaters we tested, the Cuisinart COH-400 Perfect Position Overhead Propane Patio Heater, has a swivel head that helps accommodate these clearances.
Tall propane patio heaters provide heat from the top down in all directions. While it’s nice to have a wide heat range, the placement of the heater will make a big difference in the warmth you feel.
“They’re heating in all directions, which means if you put it at the corner of a table, two-thirds of the heat is going [the] opposite direction from where you need it,” Kahn says.
Electric patio heaters like the Hanover 800-Watt Electric Patio Heater run much smaller and may not require as much clearance, which is why they may be better suited for small or covered patios. Outdoors, you may also consider a small propane heater like the Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater, as it’s portable enough to take camping.
Other Patio Heaters We Tested
East Oak Outdoor Patio Heater
This propane patio heater from East Oak performed well in our tests but wasn’t a standout performer. The setup was straightforward and the instructions were clear. The unit itself was very lightweight without the propane tank attached, but we found it awkward to move, especially for shorter people. We also liked that the base doubles as a small table, a feature we appreciated.
Hampton Bay Stainless Steel Patio Heater
The Hampton Bay Stainless Steel Patio Heater provided ample heat and was easy to use. We ran into some troubles during assembly, specifically when removing the protective film that was caught in the rivets. Once set up, however, it felt stable and heated our patio well.
Living Accents Freestanding Propane Patio Heater
A pyramid-style patio heater, this propane model from Living Accents was one of the most expensive we tested. However, it performed similarly to the less expensive models we tested. The setup took over an hour to complete and once assembled, it didn’t meet our heating expectations, especially for the price. We did appreciate the stylish design, visible flames, and sturdy build.
Your Questions, Answered
Is an electric patio heater cheaper to run than a gas patio heater?
The amount it costs to run a patio heater largely depends on the price of utilities where you live and how often you use the unit. However, propane heaters are typically cheaper to run. While you’ll need to purchase a propane tank separately, if you’re using the unit for multiple hours, multiple days a week, it will cost much more to run the electric model. Plus, a propane heater will provide greater warmth for the price.
Who We Are
Jessica Comstock is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens who writes about the best products for your home. To come up with this list, she consulted insights from our expert testers, who tested each of these patio heaters in the lab and in their own backyards. In addition, she spoke with Eric Kahn, founder of Alfresco Heating and Amber Scott Freda, an interior designer and owner of Amber Freda Home & Garden Design, for their insights and experiences working with patio heaters.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks.
Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
