10 Best Outdoor Heaters 2025 in the United States

Unlike regular heaters, patio heaters are designed to heat up outdoor areas, ensuring you stay snug during those winter barbeques. From portable to industrial, there are a host of patio heaters on the market, and finding the best one for you can seem like a daunting task. Comparaboo understands your need to invest in the best buy, which is why we have put together this patio heater buying guide that includes everything you need to know to make the right purchasing decision.

Patio heaters are either gas or electric powered and differ in how portable they are and where they are used. The main types of patio heaters are propane, natural gas, and electric powered, and portable, tabletop, mounted, and in-ground. Below is an outline of each type for you to compare to find the best type of patio heater for you:

Portable Patio Heaters: Great for convenience and mobility, portable heaters can me moved from place to place, depending where heat is needed. Portable heaters range in size and can heat up to a 20-foot diameter. Sleek designs and good heating range make this a popular patio heater option.

Electrical Patio Heaters: A convenient solution, electric heaters are usually mounted. Offering efficient heat without the need for gas installations, they are a popular choice for smaller properties.

Propane Patio Heaters: Patio heaters that use propane tanks are the most portable heater options. With no need for installation, and affordable running costs, propane patio heaters are easy to use and offer the most flexibility.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters: Hooking up to your natural gas system, natural gas patio heaters offer a more permanent solution. With the added bonus of never having to worry about forgetting to fill them, they are ideal for homes where heater movement is not needed.

Tabletop Patio Heaters: Tabletop patio heaters are a cost effective option for smaller patios. With fuel tanks housed in their bases, they warm up small areas like a pro and are a good budget option.

Mounted Patio Heaters: Mounted patio heaters are typically designed to be placed on ceilings. Easily connected to an established gas supply system or plugged into an outlet, mounted patio heaters save valuable patio space and are ideal for buyers looking for a more permanent solution.

In-ground Patio Heaters: If you are looking for a patio heater to heat up large spaces efficiently, then an in-ground patio heater is what you need. Designed for commercial uses such as restaurants or big catering venues, in-ground heaters offer a permanent powerful solution.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

1. Heating: The most import factor that contributes to patio heater buyers’ satisfaction is how well their new unit heats the area. Most owners feel gas heaters warm up quicker than electric, and heaters with multiple heat settings are real crowd pleasers.
2. Operation: Patio heaters that are easy to operate and simple to use are top scorers in reviews. Many consumers value pilotless ignition on gas models as a must-have feature for easy use and recommend it to other patio heater buyers.
3. Assembly: Models that are easy to assemble and have clear, followable instructions are rated much higher than patio heaters that don’t offer the same simplicity. Set up should be hassle free, and to ensure your new heater gives you the same satisfaction it is worth buying a top rated brand with good reviews for assembly.

• Patio heater power is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and the higher the BTU rating a patio heater has, the wider the heat range of the heater will be. Simply put, a higher BTU will mean you can heat more and further away, and is a worthwhile comparing factor when choosing between patio heater brands and models.
• From small heaters with 3000 BTUs to industrial heaters at 40,000 BTUs, choosing the best heater for you will depend on how much patio space you have for heater placement as well as the size of the area you wish to heat up.
• Patio heaters are made from a variety of materials including stainless steel, weather treated steel, and aluminium. Your choice between them will be based on your available budget and how durable you want your heater to be.
• For much better safety, look for a patio heater with an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating, tilt shut-off that will shut off the heater should it be knocked over or bumped, and shut-off switches for add protection during severe weather.
• Patio heaters, especially tabletop and portable units, are displayed for guests to see. Patio heaters come in a variety of styles and designs and if home decor is important to you, design will be a deciding factor when choosing your new heater.
• It is important to note, when purchasing a propane gas heater, that gas tanks are sold separately and are not included in the purchase.

AZ Patio Heaters: AZ Patio Heaters are experts in outdoor heating and since forming in 2002 they have become a leading patio heater manufacturer.

Fire Sense: Established in 1998, Fire Sense has grown into a top outdoor heating and electric fireplace brand and boast a wide range of gas and electric heaters.

Garden Sun:Garden Sun are experts at steel manufacturing and furnace technology, supplying quality heaters since 2002.