How much it costs to run a patio heater in the UK
By Tim McGregor · Updated April 2026
Understand electricity and ownership costs for patio heaters with simple formulas and examples.
This guide is part of our patio heater cluster. Use it alongside our main comparison page to shortlist faster and avoid mismatched purchases.
Quick actions
Running cost context for patio heaters in UK homes
Specific product context
Wind and distance strongly affect perceived heat.
Practical numbers and examples
- Electric often 1.5–2.5kW.
- Gas often 5–13kW.
- Comfort radius often ~1–2.5m.
Actionable outcomes
- If usage is occasional, choose smaller/lower-cost classes first.
- If usage is daily, prioritize reliability and easier maintenance.
- If space/noise limits apply, prioritize compact and quieter models.