Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has multiple heat settings, and it protects your body from overheating. It's also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great option for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and sofas. But, they'll require frequent refills with natural gas or propane. It's a good option for large gardens with lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are cheaper than the gas-powered models and, if you select wisely to begin with they will have lower operating costs, too. You won't have to replenish a tank of propane, and there's no assembly required.
The top models come with the remote control for effortless operation, as well as a built-in LED light to provide ambience. One of our top picks from German company Herschel, uses a circular carbon filament to emit mediumwave infrared heat over a table-sized area and includes easy-to-use settings for heat and 360deg oscillation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500W infra-red heater, which uses an aluminum reflector to create the beam of heat to the area you prefer to be in.
Both models are efficient and emit a crisp, cosy glow, but the Herschel has a sleeker look that is better suited to modern gardens or if you want to blend it with your furniture for your outdoor space. It can also be paired with home automation systems to enable you to set the brightness and temperature you prefer and save more energy over the long haul.
You must be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but they only heat objects and people who are directly in contact with the heater. They cease to work when you move away. outdoor electric heater for patio www.fireplacesandstoves.uk will also not warm your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will warm up a much larger space if they're not moved, and they can be equipped with a wind shield to ensure they stay in place. They are usually located in pub gardens and provide a warm "burning log" effect that works well in any design.
Propane-powered patio heaters are typically less efficient and can produce lots of noise and smog when the flame burns. Electric heaters are more eco-friendly than propane, but they must be refilled after running out. It is important to remember that a gas-powered heater produces more heat than an equivalent electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to purchase heaters for your patio as Summer slows down and evenings get somewhat chilly. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space longer. There are many options available, whether you choose gas or electric, from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to buy, but they can also be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most wasteful both in terms of the amount of energy they consume and the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder of calor gas costs PS90 new or PS50 to refill and lasts about 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and humans. As a result, they are much less expensive to run and have an incredibly smaller carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much simpler to use. Plug them in, and they'll start to turn on.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be used in many different settings, including bars, restaurants and private gardens. Some models come with a dimming switch that allows you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used either in an open or closed space. They're also smaller than gas models and can be easily moved around which is great for when you need to move the heater from one area of your garden to another.
These heaters are plugged in and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. To comply with safety standards, most electric heaters can't be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need to be sure not to block any outdoor sockets nearby or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become an injury risk.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used if you like the style of a gas heater, but do not want to be restricted by its placement or wish to reduce your costs. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate at the flick of a button or remote. They're also less expensive to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place with your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof for use all year round. Its IP55 rating means it's safe against windblown rain and dust (although we don't recommend using an hose with high pressure at it). This model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, and an automatic timer that ranges from 1 to 9 hours.
This electric model by Blumfeldt is another alternative for those who don't want to be limited by the location of a heater for their patio. It is available in two sizes and has multiple features, such as remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to provide you with peace of mind. However, we do not recommend letting it get wet excessively as this could affect the performance and life of the heater.
This portable heater for patios is popular with those who prefer to control their heating. With a remote, two heat settings and the ability to switch the light on or off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit off when it is tipped.
Electric patio heaters do not emit carbon monoxide, unlike gas patio heaters, making them a great choice for people with pets or children who have not yet developed the maturity to understand the dangers associated with being close to a flame. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos or areas because they can quickly warm up an area of 15m2. These models are lightweight and easy to move. Some even come with a remote so you can control the temperature from your seat.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer has ended and your kids have returned to school, it's time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in a variety of styles including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular model combines low operating costs with the utility of heating. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a pedestal, making it suitable for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens, where a freestanding unit might appear too big. It also has an adjustable remote control that can be used to adjust the heat. Users say they find it an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut through the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of using an electric patio heater is that it can be put in a small space, like garages that are covered as it doesn't release pollutants like carbon monoxide and other gases that can be harmful to your health. In contrast, gas heaters must be placed in open areas with adequate ventilation or risk contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas ones. They're also less mobile as they require access to an electricity outlet. This is particularly crucial for those who reside in an area that has expensive energy charges.
Electric heaters are not as powerful as gas ones but there are plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some are hung from parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're looking for an infrared option that's cheap to run, this is a good option. It comes in two sizes and comes with a range of features including 360deg rotation and simple temperature settings. It is also certified IP44 which means that it can withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.