Best Electric patio heaters UK Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won’t cost you electricity bills – it has multiple heat settings and overheat protection. It is also easy to move about the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great option for large gardens that have plenty of seating outdoors and sofas. However, they will require regular refills with propane or natural gas. This is a great option for large gardens with many outdoor sofas and seating.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heater electric patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. These are cheaper than gas-powered versions and, in the event you pick wisely they’ll have lower running costs too. It’s also easy to install and you won’t need to refill a propane tank.
The top ones come with a remote control for easy operation, as well as a built-in LED light to create ambiance. One of our top picks comes from German company Herschel. It utilizes a circular filament to radiate infrared heat across a table sized area. It has easy-to-use heating settings as well as 360deg rotation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heating System is another great alternative. It uses an aluminum reflector that focuses heat beams over your favorite area.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy light that is clean and fresh. However, the Herschel is more sleek, making it more suitable for modern-day garden spaces, or if you’re looking to integrate it with your outdoor furniture. It can be used with home automation systems, allowing you to choose your preferred intensity and temperature. This could save energy over time.
You should be aware that infrared heating devices are effective but they only heat things and people who are directly in contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you move away. It won’t also warm your patio if the wind blows it around.
On the other the other hand, gas heaters warm up a much larger space if they’re not moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to ensure they stay in position. They’re usually located in pub gardens. They offer a warm ‘burning log’ look that’s great in all decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are generally less efficient and can produce lots of noise and smog when the flame burns. Electric heaters are greener than propane, and requires refilling when it is empty. Also, keep in mind that a gas heater produces a higher level of heat than a comparable electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It’s time to purchase patio heaters as the summer slows down and evenings get a bit chilly. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space for a longer time. Whether you opt for gas or electric, there’s plenty on offer, from small tabletop units to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas such as decked gardens.
Although gas heaters are more economical to buy than la hacienda electric patio heater heaters however, they can be costly to run – in fact according to Heat Outdoors, “they are among the most inefficient regarding both the amount of heat they generate and the energy they use”. A typical cylinder of calor gas will cost PS90 new or PS50 to refill and will last approximately 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and humans. Therefore, they are much cheaper to run and have less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. You just connect them to the power source and switch them on, while you’ll need to create an outdoor fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be used in a range of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch, which allows you to control how bright the light is. They can be used in a closed or open space. They’re also more compact than gas models and can be easily moved around which is great for when you need to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
The heaters are connected to the power source and require an extension cord rated for outdoor equipment. To comply with safety standards the majority of electric heaters cannot be supplied with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you’ll have to be careful not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but do not wish to be limited by its placement or wish to reduce your costs. Powered by electricity, they’re quick to heat up and easy to operate with the flick of a switch or remote. They’re also cheaper to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish choice that will look fantastic with your rattan furniture. It’s also weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating means it’s protected against windblown rain and dust (although we wouldn’t suggest aiming a high-pressure hose at it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to your requirements, as well as an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who do not want to be restricted by the location of a gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes and comes with a variety of features such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It’s also splash-proof for your peace of mind, although we wouldn’t recommend getting it too wet, as this can impact on the performance and lifespan of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers This portable heater for patios is a great budget-friendly option for those who want to be in control of their heating. With a remote, two heat settings and the ability to switch the light on or off from a distance, it’s very simple to use. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that turns the device off if it’s tipping.
electric garden patio heater patio heaters do not emit carbon monoxide unlike gas heaters for patios, making them a fantastic choice for pet owners or children who haven’t yet reached the age where they can recognize the dangers of being close to a fire. These models are great for gazebos and large outdoor spaces, as they can quickly heat up an area of up to 15 square meters. They’re lightweight and easy to move around and many come with the option of a remote so that you can alter settings from the comfort of your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After summer is over and the children Are Electric Patio Heaters Any Good back in school, it’s time to think about adding some warmth to your outside space. Electric heaters are available in different styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular model is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater along with low operating costs. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on the floor, making it ideal for gazebos, covered patios and small gardens, where a freestanding unit may appear too big. It also has the option of adjusting the heat. Users say they find it a Goldilocks choice, since it’s just warm enough to reduce the chill without getting too hot.
Electric patio heaters are great for confined spaces such as garages and covered porches because they don’t emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. In contrast, gas heaters must be used in open spaces with adequate ventilation or they risk contaminating your home.
However, the downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. Electric models are also more difficult to transport and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial if you reside in an area where energy costs are high.
Electric heaters aren’t as powerful as gas ones but there are plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some are suitable for hanging from parasols or awnings, and you can even find a couple that work off a rechargeable battery.
This is a good option when you’re looking for an infrared heater that’s inexpensive to run. It’s available in two sizes and offers a range of options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use heating settings. It’s also classified as IP44 which means it can withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.