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There’s nothing quite like enjoying the company of your loved ones outside. You can get plenty of fresh air, let your children play outside with the family dog, and enjoy disconnecting from the world—even if only for a few hours.
While this is easy to do during the summer months, it isn’t quite as easy once the weather starts to get colder. Well, that is if you don’t have the best patio heater to warm up your space.
5 Top Heaters On The Market
- Amazon Basics Patio Heater (BEST Overall)
- Belleze 48,000BTU Premium Patio Heater (BEST Price)
- Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater (BEST Quality)
If these activities sound like something you want to do with your family, you’re probably going to want to know what is the best patio heater available and how you can get one for your own home.
Well, before you run out and by any patio heater, you have to know what exactly you should be looking for.
That is where this guide comes in! We are going to tell you what features you should look for when you’re trying to choose the best patio heater and then we are going to give you five options of propane patio heaters that have good ratings from people who have purchased the heaters.
All these heaters are priced between $150 and $300, so they are going to be affordable, also.
Let’s get started with the must-have features!
Features To Look For In A Patio Heater
Before you go online and buy any old patio heater, you’re going to want to pay attention to a few essential things:
- Portability – Most people do not leave their patio heaters up year round, so you are going to want to find a heater that will be able to move and be stored easily without a lot of effort. Portability is important and you’ll want to consider purchasing a heater that doesn’t require a fixed fuel line and also has wheels on the base.
- Power Rating – It is important that when you look at heaters, you look for a heater with a high rating. These ratings are expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher that BTU rating is, the broader the heater range. If you want an effective heater, look for a unit with a high BTU rating.
- Construction – There are several different materials that are used to create a good quality patio heater. The most common heaters are made from steel and aluminum. Not only will you want to consider the material used, but you’ll want a heater that was built to be durable so that you don’t have to go out and by another heater next year.
- Ignition – The way you start the heater is also another important factor to consider. The best patio heaters use a piezo electric ignition, which simplifies the starting system. Other classic heaters will feature an automatic or electric ignition so you won’t have to fiddle with dangerous candle lighters or anything that could singe off your eyebrows and arm hair.
- Fuel – Depending on the type of patio heater you’re going for, you may use electric, natural gas, or propane. The most common fuel type you’ll encounter will be propane, as they don’t require special hookups or the need for electricity access.
- Safety Features – Safety is going to be another important thing you’ll need to consider. You will want to find a patio heater that has basic safety features like an automatic shut-off mechanism, anti-tilt safety mechanisms, heat adjustments, pilot lights, and heat resistant construction. If you go with a pyramid type patio heater, make sure that it uses cool-touch glass.
- Also, look for a heater that has safety approvals by the UL and CSA. With these safety approvals, you know that the product underwent numerous tests and safety checks before it was given the OK to be sold.
5 Top Heaters On The Market
- Amazon Basics Patio Heater (BEST Overall)
- Belleze 48,000BTU Premium Patio Heater (BEST Price)
- Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater (BEST Quality)
Now that you know what type of features you’ll want to look for in the best patio heater, now we can talk to you about our five favorite heaters that are currently available.
With these features in mind and our reviews of the product, we will give you our recommendation of which patio heater is the best, and you can make your decision for what feels right to you.
Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
Just imagine how great it would be to relax outside and watch a beautiful sunset, even when it’s cold outside. With the Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater, you can do that.
The company, Fire Sense, believes in extending the life of your outdoor living area throughout the entire year with style.
This patio heater puts out an incredible 46,000 BTUs of heat, keeping you nice and toasty through the colder seasons. The easy electric ignition system will allow you to warm up your patio area as quickly and easily as by pushing a button! Literally.
Features
Notable features of the AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater include:
- 46,000 btu’s
- Piezo ignition
- Durable stainless steel burners and double mantle heating grid
- Safety auto shut off tilt valve
- Wheel assembly included
- Uses propane
When looking at the reviews for the product, 81% of customers left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these reviews, customers said that putting the heater together was a cinch. All the holes lined up perfectly, the pieces were all in the package, and it arrived undamaged, as expected.
Customers said that once the unit was put together, it produced a “respectable amount of heat” and it stood high enough as to not accidentally catch anyone’s hair on fire. Customers like the bronze color of the patio heater, as it gives their patio a look of refinement and class.
Of the remaining 19% of customers who left 3-star reviews or lower, the common complaint was that their heaters didn’t work as soon as they were able to put the unit together. They stated they called the manufacturer and they sent a replacement, but that too did not work.
Customers also said they were disappointed that this wasn’t a commercial-grade heater, although it is clearly marketed as one.
They also mentioned that the heater is not built to withstand windy conditions, as it feels relatively lightweight and could blow away in heavy wind, which, as you can imagine is a cause for concern.
AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater
When it comes to equipment for the home and office, AmazonBasics is pretty popular. They’ve expanded their product list to include this commercial patio heater in their lineup.
This unit is designed to provide you and your family with ample warmth during the colder months.
You can place the heater anywhere in your yard and enjoy the heat that radiates from the unit. The heater uses a 20-pound propane tank, which will be able to provide you with several hours of comfort and warmth.
Features
Notable features of the AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater include:
- 46,000 btu’s
- Piezo ignition
- Durable stainless steel burners and double mantle heating grid
- Safety auto shut off tilt valve
- Wheel assembly included
- Uses propane
When looking at the reviews for the product, 79% of customers left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these reviews, customers said the heater was perfect for their needs, and they were especially impressed by its affordability.
Customers like that it works silently, so it doesn’t disrupt any conversations that may be going on around it.
Folks said the heater was packaged well and when it was put together, they felt like it was sturdy and it looks amazing. Several people commented that they enjoy being able to start the heater with just a single push of a button and the heater emits heat almost instantly.
Of the remaining 21% of customers who left 3-star reviews or lower, the common complaint was it was difficult to put the heater together because they felt the instructions could have been a bit clearer.
One customer shared an instance where they tried to use the heater and a gust of wind blew it over, damaging a part of the product.
When they contacted customer service, they were told to disassemble the entire heater and they would send a new heater.
Understandably, having to take a product apart to send it back for just a replacement piece is a bit ridiculous and unacceptable.
Belleze 48,000BTU Premium Patio Heater
When you’re looking for the best propane patio heater, then you may want to consider this premium patio heater brought to you by Belleze.
With this heater, you will be able to enjoy its warmth within a 15-foot radius, meaning you don’t have to be right under the unit to enjoy the comfortable heat this product produces.
Not only does it create a substantial amount of heat, but you can also trust the fact that if ever there is an accident and it tips, the unit features the latest anti-tipping mechanism that shuts the heater off the moment it tilts to 30 degrees.
If you’re trying to find a patio heater that will be the perfect accent to your outdoor living space, you can choose one of four colors with this unit, black, hammered bronze, stainless steel, and mocha.
Features
Notable features of the Belleze 48,000BTU Premium Patio Heater include:
- Weight bladder is able to be filled with water or sand to stabilize, one-step,
- Piezo ignition
- Large variable-heat control knob allows for low or high heat settings
- The patio heater features the latest anti tilt Automatic Shut Off Mechanism
- Allowing you and your family to relax comfortably without having to crowd next to the heater
- Heat Output: 48,000 BTU; Heat Range: 175 Sq/Ft (15′ Radius) Certification: CSA Certified
- Uses propane
When looking at the reviews for the product, 80% of customers left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these reviews, customers said that it was really easy to light, as all they had to do was push a button.
Customers said that they felt safe using this heater and they were really impressed by the amount of heat the unit put out. They felt like the heater wasn’t too heavy when they were moving it around on the built-in wheels, but they felt that it would stay put in case of strong winds.
Customers said that this was one of the most affordable patio heaters they looked at, especially considering the many other patio heaters Amazon had to offer. Customers said that assembly took about an hour, which isn’t that great, but it isn’t that bad either.
Of the overall look of these heaters, customers said they receive numerous compliments about them.
Of the remaining 20% of customers who left 3-star reviews or lower, the common complaint was that the glazing on their heater had chipped in several places, and that’s just from taking the unit out of the box. A few customers said that they were not able to light the heater.
Several people have said that they didn’t receive all the necessary pieces to assemble to heater—one customer is even on their third reorder. Each previous item arrived either damaged or had missing pieces.
Customers have also said that the 15” heating radius is incorrect, as they needed to be much closer to feel even a little bit of heat.
Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
If you’re looking for a stylish patio heater that is going to add some drama to your outdoor living space, then the Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater isn’t going to disappoint.
This pyramid-style heater features a dancing flame in the center, so not only will you feel the heat, but it can also illuminate your living space and act as a conversation starter.
This 7.5-foot tall patio heater is made from high-quality stainless steel and aluminum making the product quite durable.
These materials feature a commercial-quality finish so that they are resistant to rusting, fading, or corroding, providing your outdoor space with the perfect accent pieces that also serve to keep your family nice and warm
Features
Notable features of the Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater include:
- Our patio heaters are expertly crafted from premium materials.
- The heating column provides more even heat than overhead units.
- Heater is very easy to use, with built-in safety valve, and has wheels for portability.
- Height: 7.5 feet. Reflector size: 18 inches square.
- Fuel type: Propane (also called LP or LPG). Run time: 10 hrs typical with a 20-lb tank.
- Uses standard propane tank (not included).
When looking at the reviews for the product, 80% of customers left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these reviews, customers said how clear and complete the assembly directions were. Customers felt like while reading the directions, they knew exactly how to assemble the heater.
Customers felt like the unit was engineered well and it didn’t have any components that felt cheap or flimsy.
Several people said that they like the nice glow that it is able to produce, thus adding to the overall ambiance of the patio. Customers have said that this puts out quite a bit of heat, much more than other heaters they have tried in the past.
Of the remaining 20% of customers who left 3-star reviews or lower, the common complaint was their unit was missing the screws and bolts there were needed to put the unit together.
Other customers said that it was didn’t put out much heat at all, which was a very big disappointment.
Another customer said they had to “practically hug it” to feel any significant amount of heat. Others were disappointed in the fact that their heater didn’t last long at all—one person said their heater stopped working after six months, another customer said their igniter only worked six times before it stopped working.
AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater
For a propane heater that is going to give your outdoor living space the look of high class and elegance, then you may want to consider the AZ Patio Heaters Quartz Glass Tube heater.
These heaters stand at 89 inches high, so you don’t have to worry about headspace when walking around the heater. The device is capable of putting out 40,000 BTU of heat, ensuring that your guests and family will be warm, even on those chilly nights.
Not only that, but because you can see them in this pyramid-shaped heater, it creates a beautiful glow, adding to the overall ambiance of your outdoor living space.
When your propane is getting low, you can access the tank through the easy access door on the unit, allowing for quick and easy tank replacement.
Features
Notable features of the AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater include:
- Access Door Design. Two Piece Quartz Glass Tube
- 40,000 BTU’s, Variable Control. Wheels for Easy Mobility
- Thermocouple and Anti-tilt Safety Devices, Regulator Included
- CSA Approved. Uses a 20lb Propane Tank (Sold Separately)
When looking at the reviews for the product, 71% of customers left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these reviews, customers said how amazing these patio heaters look when they are lit. Customers have said they enjoy watching the flame dance inside the quartz glass tube because it’s relaxing.
Customers said that they have several of these around their patio area, and when the heaters are lit, not only is the whole space warm enough, but there is enough light in the area where no other light sources are needed.
Customers have said that the product was made exceptionally well. Customers have said the assembly instructions were pretty straightforward.
Of the remaining 29% of customers who left 3-star reviews or lower, the common complaint was the product didn’t work once it was put together. Customers have said that the unit tends to rust relatively quickly, especially around the screws and wing nuts at the top of the unit.
A few customers have stated that the product they received came slightly damaged, which, as you can understand, was a disappointment.
A small handful of people have said that these heaters emit little to no heat and they are more for creating a “mood” in the outdoor area.
Our Recommendation
When looking at the features you could expect from the best patio heater and looking at patio heater reviews left by customers who have purchased and used these heaters, we feel that all of these products are great choices.
There is no clear choice, as they all have pretty much had similar ratings, except for AZ Patio Heaters, as that is ranked the lowest with a 71% approval rating.
If we are basing our recommendations solely on approval ratings, the Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater would be our top choice, as 81% of its reviewers have given it 4 or 5-star reviews.
One concern is that it is priced close to $200, so while it isn’t the most expensive, it can be a little costly.
If we are going to recommend a product based on the quality of the product at an affordable price, both the AmazonBasics Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater and the Belleze 48,000BTU Premium Patio Heater are excellent choices, as they are priced below $150.
If you want a product that is going to make your neighbors envious of your backyard, you may want to consider Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater and the AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater, as they feature a quartz glass tube that allows you to see the flame, thus creating a beautiful atmosphere in your outdoor living space.
Whichever product you choose, we feel that they are all incredible outdoor patio heaters that will extend the length of time you can enjoy your patio space. You won’t be sorry about any of these options.
