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Natural Gas, Propane & Electric Patio Heaters for Every Backyard
When the sun goes down and the days get shorter, an outdoor patio heater lets you stay outside a little longer. Most modern patio heaters use infrared technology, which directly heats objects and people rather than warming the surrounding air. That's what makes infrared patio heaters so effective outdoors: you feel warm almost instantly, even on a breezy night, instead of waiting for the air itself to heat up.
Electric patio heaters are required to be UL listed, and the vast majority of the natural gas patio heaters and propane patio heaters we carry are UL listed as well, though this varies by manufacturer. Installing a gas heater outdoor also means following the clearance and ventilation instructions in your owner's manual, especially for wall, ceiling, or post-mount models.
Patio Heater Fuel Types
- Natural Gas: Natural gas patio heaters connect to an existing gas line, so they aren't a mobile option, but if you already have gas piped to your home, you'll never need to worry about refilling a tank. A licensed plumber should handle the connection.
- Propane: Propane patio heaters run on a standard 20lb tank or a property's bulk tank, and most propane models are freestanding or tabletop units with the tank hidden inside the base. A licensed professional is required to connect a bulk tank.
- Electric: Electric patio heaters are energy efficient and produce no emissions or odors. Lower-wattage models often just need a standard outlet, while higher-wattage models typically require a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician.
- Pellet: Pellet-fueled patio heaters burn natural wood pellets and require no electricity, since the flame is powered by gravity and the draft created by the stove pipe. Pellets typically run at a fraction of the cost of propane while producing significantly more BTUs, making pellet heaters one of the more efficient fuel options available.
The right fuel type usually comes down to what you already have access to. A home with an existing gas line pairs naturally with a natural gas patio heater, a home with a bulk propane tank works well with propane patio heaters, and a home without any gas on the property is often better suited to an electric patio heater or a portable propane patio heater.
How Long Does a Propane Patio Heater Run?
A portable patio heater running on propane gives you the flexibility to set up anywhere, since you're not tied to a fixed gas line. Runtime on a standard 20lb tank depends on the heater's BTU output and how high you run it. Higher-output propane patio heaters burn through a tank faster than smaller units, so if all-night runtime matters more than maximum heat, a lower BTU model paired with a bulk tank setup is worth considering.
Sizing Your Patio Heater
To estimate the BTUs you need, multiply your space's square footage by 20. A 500 square foot patio calls for a patio heater with roughly 10,000 BTUs. For electric models, wattage tells the same story: a 2,000W heater covers about 65 sq. ft., a 3,000W heater about 100 sq. ft., a 4,000W heater about 130 sq. ft., and a 6,000W heater about 160 sq. ft. Larger or more exposed spaces may need multiple units working together to cover the full area.
Patio Heater Styles
Style is just as important as fuel type, and many styles are available across more than one fuel option. If you want a portable outdoor heater you can move around as needed, look for a freestanding or tabletop model that requires no installation. If you'd rather keep your patio floor clear, a wall, ceiling, or post-mount heater takes up no floor space, though it does require installation.
- Wall and Ceiling Mount Patio Heaters: A more permanent solution that requires installation but frees up floor space, often controlled by a switch, dimmer, or remote.
- Hanging Patio Heaters: Suspended from the ceiling or an overhead structure like a pergola, these preserve floor space and heat from above, though they require professional installation.
- Freestanding Patio Heaters: These take up patio space, but propane and electric models require no installation and can be moved wherever you need heat.
- Post-Mount Patio Heaters: Installed into the ground or concrete, typically around a patio's perimeter, for a stable, permanent heating solution that can emit heat in a 360-degree radius.
- Tabletop Patio Heaters: These often give the appearance of an outdoor lamp and heat a small space, and while they require no installation, their weighted base makes them heavier to move.
Can an outdoor heater for patio use go under a covered space? It depends on the model and fuel type, and clearance and ventilation requirements vary by manufacturer. Always check your specific model's manual before installing any patio heater under a roof, pergola, or awning.
Patio Heater Brands to Know
- Bromic Heating: 4 distinct collections built around Smart-Heat technology, engineered to perform in all conditions and trusted globally for consistent radiant warmth.
- Infratech: Over 50 years in infrared heating, with systems featured in premium homes, restaurants, and resorts nationwide.
- RADtec: A wide variety of gas and electric heaters engineered with high-quality materials to perform in all weather conditions.
- Eurofase: Infrared heaters that blend modern design with a broad range of wattages and finishes, including marine-grade options.
Patio Heater Accessories
A few accessories go a long way toward getting the most out of your patio heater. Control devices like on/off switches, dimmers, and remotes give you more precise heat management, especially when running multiple units. A weatherproof cover extends the life of any patio heater between uses, and mounting brackets and hardware let you angle a wall or ceiling-mounted heater exactly where you need warmth most. Browse our full selection of patio heater accessories to complete your setup.
Talk to a BBQGuys Expert About Patio Heaters
Read our patio heater buying guide for a deeper dive into sizing, styles, and fuel types, check out our patio heater warranty comparison chart to see how brands stack up, or browse our Patio Heater FAQ for answers to more specific questions. Any questions about these products or anything else we offer? Outdoor living specialists are waiting to answer your call, give them a ring at 1-877-743-2269.
