Best Outdoor Heaters for Patios: Stay Warm All Season

Don't let cooler evenings cut your outdoor time short. The right patio heater can extend your season by months — here's how to choose between propane, electric, and natural gas options.

A good patio heater is one of the best investments you can make in your outdoor space. It extends your usable season from a few warm months to nearly year-round in most climates — and it makes evening entertaining far more comfortable for your guests.

Propane tower heaters are the most popular choice for open patios. They're portable, powerful (typically 40,000–48,000 BTU), and require no installation. A standard 20-pound propane tank provides about 10 hours of heat. The main downside is the ongoing cost of propane and the need to store and swap tanks.

Electric infrared heaters are a cleaner, lower-maintenance alternative. They heat objects and people directly rather than warming the air, which makes them more efficient in breezy conditions. Wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted electric heaters are ideal for covered patios and pergolas where a freestanding unit would be in the way.

Natural gas heaters are the most convenient option if you have a gas line near your patio. They run indefinitely without refueling and cost less per hour to operate than propane. The trade-off is the installation cost and the fact that they're permanently fixed in one location.

For tabletop warmth, small electric or propane tabletop heaters are a great supplement to a larger heater. They're perfect for intimate dinners where you want heat close to the table without a tall tower heater blocking the view.

Safety is paramount with any outdoor heater. Keep heaters at least 3 feet from combustible materials, never use propane heaters in enclosed spaces, and always turn off and cover your heater when not in use. With proper care, a quality patio heater will serve you reliably for many seasons.