The best patio heaters keep you toasty, even in the dead of winter — these are our top picks

This comprehensive review article details the top nine patio heaters available in 2025, categorized by their features and intended use. The selection process involved extensive testing of over 50 different models across the United States over three weeks, evaluating them based on heating performance, safety features, value, setup ease, and overall usability. The testing environment included cold weather with brisk winds, providing a realistic assessment of each heater's effectiveness. The article highlights that patio heaters are primarily available in three types: electric, propane, and natural gas. Gas heaters and fire pits requiring natural gas hookups were excluded from this specific list due to their installation requirements. Electric heaters are noted for their portability, ease of installation, and suitability for covered decks without the risk of flames or carbon monoxide. Propane heaters, on the other hand, offer higher heat output but require fuel replacement. The review emphasizes that all tested outdoor heaters performed optimally in temperatures not lower than the mid-40s Fahrenheit, with their efficiency decreasing in colder conditions. The best overall patio heater identified is the AZ Patio Heaters Patio Heater With Table, praised for its functionality and aesthetic appeal. This propane heater demonstrated effective heating in 45-degree Fahrenheit weather, warming the immediate area up to 7 feet away on its highest setting. Its quick assembly, portability due to built-in wheels, and integrated table for gatherings were significant advantages, although it lacked a cover. For electric options, the EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater was recommended for its ability to warm individuals from the ground up, thanks to its 50-inch height. Despite a shorter heating range than propane models, it effectively warmed users within 3 feet and featured a convenient remote control with three heat settings. The unit's weatherproof design and stability against moderate winds were also noted, though assembly instructions were found to be somewhat ambiguous. The Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater was selected as the best wall-mounted option, ideal for households with children or pets due to its secure installation and elimination of tripping hazards. This ETL-certified electric heater provided instant, sun-like infrared heating across nine settings, with a remote control for easy adjustment. Its waterproof design and durable aluminum frame ensure resilience against outdoor elements, and its swivel brackets allow for directional heat. Other notable recommendations include the Hampton Bay Heat-Focusing Propane Gas Patio Heater for its adjustable heat reflector, allowing precise heat direction; the Tiki Customizable Propane Fire Pit for its versatility as both a fire pit and a heater, suitable for small outdoor spaces; the Thermo Tiki Patio Heater for its sleek pyramid design and sturdy construction; the EnerG+ Hanging Electric Outdoor Heater for covered spaces, offering both heat and LED lighting; the EnerG+ Electric Tabletop Patio Heater, which doubles as a side or bistro table while warming legs; and the Frontgate Commercial Patio Heater for its heavy-duty construction, portability, and high heat output, even in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Key considerations for purchasing a patio heater include the fuel source (electric for convenience, propane for higher heat, natural gas for permanent setups), the required heat coverage for the space, and the British thermal units (BTUs) output, with higher BTUs indicating more heat. Safety is paramount, especially regarding enclosed areas where only electric heaters are safe due to the risk of carbon monoxide from propane and natural gas models. The article also confirms that most freestanding patio heaters are safe for use on hardwood decks when properly supervised. #PatioHeaters #OutdoorHeating #ProductReview #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #ElectricHeaters #PropaneHeaters #HomeDecor #OutdoorGatherings

The transition between seasons and the onset of cold weather often reveal temperature inconsistencies within homes, prompting the need for efficient supplemental heating solutions. Concerns regarding the safety and performance of space heaters are common, particularly in older residences with limited electrical capacity. To address these concerns and identify reliable options, a comprehensive evaluation of top-rated space heaters was conducted by Better Homes & Gardens. This testing process spanned over 200 hours, involving 55 different units, focusing on critical aspects such as heating performance, design, safety features, and overall value. The Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat was identified as the best overall space heater. This model excels due to its dual functionality as both a heater and a fan, offering extensive customization options. It features three heat settings, ten fan speeds, and precise temperature control. The unit demonstrated rapid heating capabilities and consistent temperature output in various orientations, effectively distributing warmth across an open-concept living area from a distance of 10 feet. Its user-friendly touch-screen controls and remote, with a range of up to 15 feet, enhance convenience. Despite its considerable size (approximately 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide in tower orientation, doubling in width when horizontal), its stability was a notable advantage, resisting accidental tipping. For budget-conscious consumers, the Amazon Basics Small Space Personal Mini Heater proved to be a valuable option. This compact and lightweight ceramic heater, priced at $15, offers targeted personal warmth rather than heating an entire room. With a single setting and a low power draw of 500 watts, it is suitable for older electrical systems. It heats up quickly (within 10 seconds) and maintains consistent output, with the body remaining cool to the touch. Key safety features include tip-over and overheat protection. Although it has a limited heating range of about 18 inches, its stability on various surfaces was unexpected given its small size. The Vornado Velocity Cube 5S Whole Room Heater was recognized as the best small option. This compact yet powerful forced-air heater is designed for small to mid-sized rooms, capable of uniformly heating a space without oscillation. In testing, it consistently brought a room to a set temperature of 72°F within 10 minutes. While it lacks a remote, its manual swivel base allows for directional airflow. The unit’s portability is enhanced by a built-in handle and cord organizer, and its digital temperature display is visible from different vantage points. Safety features include a cool-to-the-touch exterior, robust tip-over resistance, and an automatic shutoff mechanism activated if the unit is not on its base, along with lockable controls. The Lasko Duo Comfort Electric Ceramic Space Heater was selected as the best tower-style unit, functioning as both a fan and a heater for year-round use. It offers three heat settings, an Auto Eco mode for temperature maintenance, and four fan settings. The remote control allows for easy adjustments, and the heater quickly becomes effective, evident within a minute of activation. Its slim, tall design makes it suitable for placement in corners, and its shape contributes to stability, though it lacks automatic shutoff for tipping. The unit includes overheat protection and a cleanable filter to maintain performance. Finally, the Dreo Whole Room Heater 714 earned recognition for its superior safety features. Despite being tested in an open-concept living area larger than its recommended coverage, the Dreo model provided strong targeted warmth, especially on its highest setting, and quickly reached its operating temperature within 30 to 45 seconds. Its robust design makes it difficult to tip over, and when tipped, it promptly emits an alarm, ceases operation, and displays an error code indicating the issue, with additional codes for temperature sensor problems. This clarity in error reporting aids in troubleshooting. The unit is portable, weighing about 6.45 pounds, and includes a digital control panel and remote, making it a convenient choice despite its higher price point for its size. Overall, the selection process involved evaluating heating elements (convection, radiant, oil-filled), crucial safety features like tip-over and overheat protection, and wattage, which impacts heating power and compatibility with household electrical circuits. Recommendations emphasize following manufacturer instructions, avoiding extension cords for space heaters, and considering the energy efficiency aspects tailored to specific room sizes and needs. The article concludes by advising against leaving space heaters on overnight, promoting safer practices like pre-heating spaces and utilizing alternative warmth sources during sleep. #SpaceHeaters #HomeHeating #ProductReview #HomeSafety #EnergyEfficiency #ApplianceTesting #SeasonalComfort #HomeImprovement

Patios serve as excellent spaces for entertaining during warmer months. As temperatures drop, many are inclined to discontinue outdoor activities and store their patio furniture. However, incorporating a patio heater or smokeless fire pit can significantly extend the outdoor entertaining season. While gas-powered heaters are known for producing the most heat, electric patio heaters offer greater convenience and are often the only option permitted in shared living spaces like condos or co-ops. Therefore, checking building regulations is advisable before purchasing a patio heater. To identify the best electric patio heaters, 30 popular models were rigorously tested in a lab setting and in personal backyards. Each heater was evaluated based on heating performance, safety features, ease of use, and setup. The East Oak Outdoor/Indoor Infrared Electric Heater emerged as the best overall choice due to its extensive heat range and user-friendly remote control. This model provided ample warmth, even at a distance, without occupying excessive space. Its three distinct heat settings allowed for comfortable use, with the lowest setting being suitable for milder conditions. The unit is adjustable in height (55 to 75 inches) and features a sturdy base with tip-over protection, automatically shutting off if it falls. It can also be wall-mounted and includes a remote control. Initial setup required consulting a YouTube video due to a lack of assembly instructions, but its performance remained consistent over months of use. For smaller patios, the EnerG+ Electric Patio Heater proved to be highly effective. This model, offering three heat settings (low, medium, max), provided sufficient warmth for two to four people within a 10-foot range. Unlike many other tested heaters, its heat is directed from one side, making it ideal for corner placement. It exhibited exceptional stability and cooled quickly after use, featuring auto-off protection for added safety. While assembly was easier with two people, instructions could have been clearer. The remote control was intuitive, and the unit operated quietly. The only minor drawbacks noted were its heat range limitations for larger areas and the absence of a remote storage spot. For garage use, the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater was recommended as a wall-mounted unit. Installed in a garage that was 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature, it significantly enhanced comfort for various activities. The heater provided immediate warmth across its three settings, with the highest setting capable of warming up to 15 feet away. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control (batteries not included). Although assembly was simple, mounting was preferred due to the unit getting hot to the touch, making it difficult to move manually. Electric patio heaters, unlike their gas counterparts, are safe for enclosed areas like garages. The EnerG+ Electric Tabletop Patio Heater is a versatile solution for small patios, functioning as both a heater and a bistro table. The tabletop remained cool, allowing for drinks to be placed without melting ice. The heating element, located in the table's leg, was powerful, sometimes even too strong, necessitating users to sit slightly further away. Its single heat setting is robust, and while it warms the lower body, upper body warmth still required additional clothing. The heat range is limited to about 3 feet, making it suitable for compact apartment patios rather than larger spaces. Assembly was straightforward with assistance, and a faint plastic smell dissipated after initial use. The power cable's length and placement were noted as minor inconveniences. Overall, proper selection of an electric patio heater depends on the specific use case, desired heat output, and available space, considering features like certification, safety, adjustable temperature, and remote control capabilities. #PatioHeaters #ElectricHeaters #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #ProductReview #PatioDesign #HomeComfort #OutdoorEntertaining

Space heaters offer a practical solution for supplemental warmth during cold weather, whether in a drafty home or a metropolitan apartment. The selection of a space heater involves considering not only its heating effectiveness but also crucial safety aspects. Dr. Kenneth L. d’Entremont, a professor at the University of Utah, emphasizes the importance of reading and adhering to manufacturer instructions for safe operation. The market primarily features electric infrared, ceramic, metal radiating, and convection forced air heaters for home use. To identify the best options, 50 space heater models were rigorously tested. Evaluation criteria included heating efficiency (both direct body heat and ambient air temperature increase), impact on humidity levels, and the performance of safety features. The testing process involved measuring body and room temperatures before and after heater use, sound decibel levels during operation, kilowatt-hours consumed, and the speed of shut-off mechanisms upon tipping. Remote control functionality was assessed at various distances, and the heating effect and oscillation range of relevant models were noted. Tip-over shut-off protection was specifically tested by lightly kicking units and observing the response time. Following laboratory assessments, top-performing models underwent long-term home testing to observe changes in quality and heating effectiveness across different room sizes. The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater was recognized as the best overall due to its quiet operation (48.1 decibels), efficient forced air heating with medium, low, and high settings, and a sleek design that oscillates across 70 degrees. It features comprehensive safety measures, including tip-over and overheat protection, automatic power shut-off, and a 12-hour timer. While the body remains cool, the grill can get very hot. The Mainstays 1500W Ceramic Space Heater emerged as the best budget option, offering rapid heat-up within 15 minutes, quiet operation, and portability. It includes overheat and tip-over protection, though its lower heat settings are less effective, and it lacks oscillation and a remote. The Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove was selected as the best splurge, providing powerful infrared heating and an appealing 3D faux-fireplace aesthetic. It offers continuous heat with a thermostat ranging from 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a timer for safety, though its front surface gets very hot. The GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater was chosen for its portability, weighing under 4 pounds, and its ability to deliver solid direct heat using ceramic forced air. It features two wattage settings (750W and 1500W), a thermostat, and robust tip-over and overheat protection. The Better Homes & Gardens 23-Inch Electric Ceramic Tower Heater was named the best tower heater, effectively warming entire rooms with adjustable temperatures from 41–95ºF. It incorporates crucial safety features like tip-over protection (shutting off in five seconds) and overheat protection, along with an eight-hour timer. However, its oscillating feature may develop a clicking noise over time. The Heat Storm Phoenix Space Heater, recognized as the best wall-mounted option, offers flexibility as it can also be used freestanding. This infrared heater provides 750 to 1500 watts, primarily warming objects rather than the ambient air, thus avoiding humidity reduction. It includes tip-over and overheat protection, a night mode, and a timer. Lastly, the Vornado VHEAT Vintage Heater was lauded as the best fan-heater, featuring a distinctive retro design and delivering soft warmth with 750 to 1500 watts. It boasts tip-over and overheat protection and a 5-year warranty, though its front grill can reach 186 degrees. Key distinctions among heating elements include electric infrared heaters, which warm objects directly and are generally more energy-efficient, and convection forced air heaters, which warm the surrounding air using ceramic or metal coils often paired with fans. Safety remains paramount, with recommendations to ensure space heaters have reliable tip-over shut-off functions and to consult resources like the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for recall information. Using extension cords with space heaters is discouraged due to potential overheating and trip hazards. Most effective heaters operate between 750 and 1500 watts, a range suitable for standard room sizes without overloading electrical circuits. While some budget options exist, investing in reputable brands with better features and warranties can offer long-term value. It is not advisable to leave space heaters on overnight; instead, they should be used to pre-warm spaces and then turned off before sleep, relying on alternative warmth sources like blankets. #SpaceHeaters #HomeHeating #ProductReview #HomeSafety #EnergyEfficiency #DreoSolaris #Duraflame #BetterHomesAndGardens #Vornado