By: Nick Janco, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional
How to Choose a Patio Heater – Ultimate Buying Guide
Learn about patio heater styles, heat output, installation and safety
Last Updated: October 15, 2025
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your patio open year-round — even in the cooler months — consider adding an outdoor patio heater.
Patio heaters are available in a variety of styles to fit every outdoor area. Some heaters can also be installed inside, offering a solution for covered porches and sunrooms.
Explore your options with this comprehensive heater buying guide and check out our most recommended designs!
What Are Patio Heaters?
Patio heaters use radiant heat to warm the objects around them. Since radiant heat is transferred directly to a person or object, the warmth created won’t get carried away in the wind. This makes patio heaters extremely efficient at heating your space.
A perfect example of radiant heat transfer is the sun. Think of standing outside on a bright sunny day and letting the sun warm your skin or sitting on the ground and feeling the heat radiate up from the Earth.
The sun warms up any solid object in its path; patio heaters function in the same way. Outdoor heaters usually come with a curved or dome-shaped metal reflector panel to reflect heat to the surrounding area.
What Types of Patio Heaters Are Available?
There are four main styles of patio heaters — freestanding, wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, flush-mount/recessed, and ground/post mount.
Freestanding
- Natural gas & propane
- Portable
- Hides propane tank
- Tilt-switch for safety
Wall/Ceiling Mount
- Natural gas, propane, & electric
- Mounts on wall or ceiling
- Saves floor space
- Easy to use
Flush-Mount/ Recessed
- Electric
- Flush with ceiling
- Hardwired
- Can be grouped into heating zones
Ground/Post Mount
- Natural gas only
- Mounts in ground
- Permanent
- Constant fuel
What Type of Fuel Should You Use?
There are two different types of fuel you can use for a patio heater — natural gas and propane.
Gas patio heaters can either be fueled by propane or Natural Gas, while electric heaters only need an electrical connection.
Propane Patio Heaters
Portable propane patio heaters use a standard, 20-lb. propane tank as their fuel source and require very minimal installation.
Once the heater itself is assembled, simply attach a propane tank to it, check for leaks, and turn it on.
Propane heaters give you the freedom to move the warmth wherever you need it most. The tank is conveniently housed inside the base of the heater, hiding it from view and allowing you to move the heater from place to place.
Mounted propane patio heaters won't interrupt the flow of your outdoor room. They provide plenty of warmth while staying out of the way.
Wall/ceiling mounted propane patio heaters require a permanent gas line that connects to a large residential or commercial propane tank. The gas line must be installed by a licensed professional.
Pro Tip:
Gas patio heaters should not be used in enclosed spaces. Avoid using them in high-wind areas and never place them near combustible objects, like low-hanging trees or plants.
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Natural Gas Patio Heaters
Natural Gas patio heaters can either be ground-mounted or wall/ceiling-mounted. Since they're connected to a permanent gas line, you’ll never run out of fuel.
You’ll also have the freedom to install multiple heaters throughout your space to distribute the warmth evenly.
Natural gas lines require professional installation. If you don’t have a gas line already, you’ll need to hire a certified expert to put one in and hook up your patio heaters.
While it costs more upfront, adding Natural Gas patio heaters are more affordable to operate over time and help you save money on propane tank refills.
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Detroit Radiant DSCS Series High Intensity Gas Patio Heater
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Electric Patio Heaters
Unlike gas models, electric patio heaters don’t require ventilation, so they’re perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
While they take a little longer to warm up than gas heaters, electric models are easy to use, energy efficient, and eco-friendly with zero carbon emissions.
Electric patio heaters are available in freestanding and mountable styles. You can also find flush-mounted designs that blend seamlessly with your outdoor decor.
Some electric heaters plug into a standard, 120-volt outlet, while others require higher voltage to produce more heat at once. For heaters that need higher voltage, you'll need to recruit an electrician to hardwire your heaters.
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What are the Best Locations for a Patio Heater?
Both residential and commercial spaces can benefit from patio heaters. Having a reliable source of warmth allows homeowners to enjoy their backyards, patios, porches, and sunrooms all year long.
Restaurants, hotels, bars, coffee shops, retail shops, and any public loitering spaces are also prime patio heater locations. For example, hotels and resorts can put patio heaters in the main entrance, by the valet, check-in area or lobby, courtyard, patio, terrace, and along outdoor walkways.
Patio heaters can also be combined with a fire pit or fireplace in outdoor seating areas to maximize heat, ambiance, and comfort.
Best spots for mounted or recessed heaters:
- Exterior wall of a house facing the patio/deck
- Overhang above a patio/deck
- Four-season rooms
- Screened-in porches
- Mounted into the ground of a patio
- Enclosed restaurant patios
- Open-air restaurant patios
- Indoor/outdoor rooms
Common locations for portable heaters:
- Patios
- Decks (if pre-approved by manufacturer)
- Open-air spaces with solid ground
- Garages
Are Patio Heaters Safe?
Patio heaters are a great way to heat your outdoor space safely and effectively. They’re designed with special safety features, such as tilt shut-off valves that prevent fire hazards if your heater is knocked over.
For the safest experience, look for patio heaters that are UL-approved and CSA-tested. These models have undergone rigorous testing to verify that they are reliable and safe to use in your space.
Always consult your patio heater installation manual before choosing your final location. There must be adequate space between the heater and any combustible materials, like patio furniture.
If you purchase a freestanding patio heater, make sure it’s placed on a solid, stable surface. Never leave it unattended while running, especially if you live in an area with windy weather conditions.
How Much Heat Do You Need?
Patio heater warmth is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTU limit, the more warmth your heater will put out.
To determine how many BTUs of heat you need in your space, multiply the area’s square footage by 20. For example, if your space is 500 square feet, you’ll need a patio heater with a 10,000-BTU limit.
Quick Recap
- Patio heaters are great low-maintenance options to bring additional heat and ambiance to your outdoor living space.
- They are safe, efficient alternatives to other outdoor fire products and won’t have significant operational costs.
- There’s a wide range of heater models available to fit every space and heating need.
- Electric patio heaters that use infrared heat are the most efficient and can be installed in both indoor and outdoor settings.
FAQs
Consider the size of your patio, the seating arrangement, and whether you want a freestanding, wall-mounted, or tabletop model. For small patios or outdoor dining tables, compact tabletop models offer convenience and ease of use, while larger freestanding heaters provide broader coverage.
Most patio heaters heat up quickly — typically within 5 to 10 minutes. Infrared heaters often warm up even faster, providing nearly instant comfort so you can enjoy your outdoor space without delay.
A patio heater’s lifespan depends on usage, climate conditions, and maintenance. Keeping it covered when not in use, cleaning the burner and reflector regularly, and storing it indoors during extreme weather can significantly extend its durability.
Wattage determines the heater’s power output. For small areas or tabletop models, 1,500 watts is usually sufficient. Larger spaces or open patios may require multiple heaters or units with higher wattage for effective coverage.
We're Here to Help
Do you need some help finding the best patio heater for your space? Our NFI Certified experts can answer all your questions. Give us a call at 800.919.1904 and we'll assist you with your project from start to finish.
More Resources
Head over to our Patio Heater FAQ Page for more information on patio heaters.
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Nick Janco is a seasoned Technical Sales Representative with a decade of experience at Woodland Direct. As an NFI-Certified Master Hearth Professional, Nick is dedicated to helping his clients seamlessly integrate fire features into their homes, ensuring every detail is perfectly executed. While he's trained to assist with any fire-related project, Nick specializes in patio heaters. He's helped thousands of satisfied clients find the best heating solutions, offering valuable design, safety, and installation advice. Outside of work, Nick often spends time on the green enjoying a round of golf with his 5-year-old son. Call Nick or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904. |