How we chose these patio heaters
The best patio heater depends heavily on the space around it. We focused on how these heater styles behave in real outdoor settings rather than just comparing headline output. What matters in practice is not only raw power, but where the warmth goes, how exposed the area is and how easy the heater is to live with once the novelty wears off.
Heat style and coverage
Whether the heater suits open spaces, covered areas or more focused seated warmth.
Ease of use
How simple the heater is to power, position and keep using through the season.
Outdoor practicality
Whether the design makes sense for patios, balconies, terraces and social areas.
Running style
How convenient the fuel or power source feels for the kind of buyer most likely to choose it.
Value for money
How much comfort, usefulness and likely satisfaction you get for the price.
What most people are really trying to work out
Buyers are rarely just choosing a patio heater. They are usually trying to work out how to stay outside longer without making the whole setup feel awkward or expensive to keep using.
Do I need broad heat or direct heat?
That depends on how you sit outside. Larger social areas often suit broader heat, while smaller tables and covered spots usually work better with more direct focused warmth.
Is gas too much hassle?
For some buyers it is worth it because the stronger heat feels more outdoor ready. For others, plug in convenience matters more than maximum output.
Will this actually work in an open garden?
Open exposed spaces often make weaker patio heaters feel disappointing. The more wind and exposure you have, the more heater type matters.
Do I want occasional warmth or a proper outdoor setup?
Some people want a heater for the odd cooler evening. Others want to make the patio feel like an extension of the home. Those are different purchases.
At a glance
These three heater styles cover the main outdoor needs well: stronger gas heating for larger social spaces, an easy electric option for smaller areas, and infrared heating for a more efficient premium approach.
| Model |
Heater type |
Best for |
Main drawback |
| Pyramid Gas Patio Heater |
Gas patio heater |
Most buyers with larger outdoor social spaces |
Heavier and less convenient than electric options |
| Electric Patio Heater |
Plug in patio heater |
Budget conscious buyers and smaller spaces |
Less effective in more open exposed areas |
| Infrared Patio Heater |
Infrared outdoor heater |
Buyers wanting efficient targeted warmth |
Usually covers a smaller area than gas heaters |
Top 3 patio heaters compared
Each pick below includes a clearer buying judgement, the trade offs and the kind of buyer it really suits.
🏆 Best overall
Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
This is the strongest all round choice for most buyers because it gives the kind of noticeable outdoor warmth people expect from a patio heater. It suits gardens, patios and outdoor seating areas where you want a more social, visible heat source. For many homes, it is the option that feels most like a real outdoor heating feature rather than an improvised add on.
Best overall pick
Strong heat
Great for patios
Why it won
It wins because it gives the broadest mix of heat presence, outdoor impact and buyer appeal for larger patio style spaces. It is the easiest answer for people who want something that feels properly outdoor capable rather than only just warm enough.
Key strengths
- Gas powered heater style with stronger heat presence
- Better suited to larger outdoor social areas
- Visible feature that adds atmosphere as well as warmth
- Strong all round choice for bigger patios and garden seating areas
What it is best at
- Larger patios and outdoor social areas
- Buyers who want more obvious warmth
- People who value heat presence as well as atmosphere
What could be better
- Needs gas canisters or fuel management
- Heavier and less portable than plug in options
- Running costs can feel higher than electric
Who should buy it
Buy this if you want the strongest all round patio heating style for a bigger outdoor space and do not mind the extra bulk and upkeep.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you want something simpler, cheaper to run or better suited to a smaller covered area.
Check price on Amazon
Best value
Electric Patio Heater
This is the better value option for buyers who want easier setup and lower fuss. It makes sense for balconies, smaller patios and covered seating areas where access to power is simple and you do not need the strongest outdoor heat. It is often the most realistic starting point for people who want to try outdoor heating without committing to a larger gas unit.
Value pick
Plug in ease
Best for small spaces
Why it won
It wins on value because it gives buyers an accessible route into patio heating without the cost and hassle of a larger gas style unit. For many smaller homes and simpler setups, that balance is exactly right.
Key strengths
- Plug in heater style with simpler daily use
- Lower fuss than gas for many buyers
- Good fit for compact patios and sheltered outdoor corners
- Easy entry point into outdoor heating
What it is best at
- Covered outdoor spaces
- Buyers wanting simple setup and use
- Smaller patios, balconies and compact seating areas
What could be better
- Less effective in open windy conditions
- Needs a nearby power source
- Usually not as visually striking or powerful as gas
Who should buy it
Buy this if you want the simplest patio heater to live with and your outdoor space is relatively compact or sheltered.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you need stronger heat for a larger exposed patio or want a more dramatic outdoor heating presence.
Check price on Amazon
Best premium
Infrared Patio Heater
This is the stronger premium option if you want more efficient, more focused warmth. Infrared heaters suit buyers who prefer a cleaner, more modern way to warm people directly rather than trying to heat the air around them. In the right setup, they can feel like the smartest solution rather than simply the most expensive one.
Premium pick
Efficient warmth
Modern heating style
Why it won
It wins the premium position because it is the option most likely to appeal if you want a more refined and efficient outdoor heating approach. It is especially attractive when the goal is direct comfort in a defined seating area rather than trying to warm a whole open patio.
Key strengths
- Infrared heating style with more direct warmth
- Better suited to targeted comfort in seated areas
- Cleaner modern feel than larger freestanding gas units
- Often a better match for more design conscious outdoor spaces
What it is best at
- Covered or semi sheltered seating areas
- Buyers who want direct focused warmth
- People preferring a cleaner modern style over large gas units
What could be better
- Usually costs more than basic electric options
- Coverage can feel narrower than a larger gas heater
- Less traditional patio heater look
Who should buy it
Buy this if you want a more efficient premium patio heater and your space suits direct targeted warmth rather than broad outdoor heat.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you want the broadest heat spread possible or need to keep spending low.
Check price on Amazon
How to choose the right patio heater for your space
Start by thinking about how open the area is. Larger exposed spaces often need stronger heat, while smaller covered areas can work well with a simpler electric or infrared model. Wind and exposure make a bigger difference than many buyers expect, which is why the same heater can feel excellent in one patio and disappointing in another.
It also helps to be honest about convenience. A powerful heater is not always the best choice if the running style feels inconvenient every time you want to use it. The easier the heater feels to turn on and use, the more likely it is that you will actually keep using the space.
Gas, electric and infrared patio heaters compared
Gas heaters suit buyers who want stronger heat and a more traditional outdoor heating feel, especially in social spaces where several people may be sitting outside together. They tend to make the biggest visual and physical impact, which is why they often feel like the main event in a patio setup.
Electric models are easier to plug in and use, which makes them more appealing for smaller patios, balconies and simpler outdoor setups. Infrared heaters often appeal to buyers who want more direct efficient warmth in a modern format, especially where the seating area is clearly defined and the goal is to warm people rather than the surrounding air.
Are patio heaters worth it in the UK?
For many people, yes. They can make spring evenings, cooler summer nights and early autumn gatherings far more comfortable. In the UK especially, outdoor spaces often feel just slightly too cool rather than completely unusable, which is exactly where a patio heater can make the difference between going inside early and staying out longer.
The key is choosing a heater that matches the space. A poor fit can feel disappointing, while the right fit can genuinely extend how often you use the garden or patio through the year.
Running practicality matters more than people expect
Running cost matters, but so does ease. A heater that is awkward to fuel, awkward to position or awkward to power can end up being used less than a slightly less powerful option that fits your routine properly. That is why convenience is such a big part of outdoor heating value.
Buyers often focus on the heat first and only later realise that access to power, storage and overall hassle have a big effect on whether the heater feels like a good purchase.
Final verdict
For most buyers, the Pyramid Gas Patio Heater is the best overall choice because it offers the strongest mix of visible heat, outdoor presence and practical comfort for larger patio spaces. The Electric Patio Heater is the better value option if you mainly want something easy and lower fuss, while the Infrared Patio Heater is the premium pick for buyers who want more focused and more efficient warmth in a modern format.
The best next step is to think clearly about how exposed your outdoor space is, how often you will use the heater and whether convenience or stronger heat matters more to you. That answer usually points to the right heater faster than price alone.
Frequently asked questions
Are patio heaters worth it in the UK?
They can be very worthwhile for extending evenings outdoors, especially in spring, autumn and cooler summer nights.
What type of patio heater is best?
The best type depends on your outdoor space, power source and whether you want portability, wall mounting or more focused heat.
Do patio heaters use a lot of energy?
Energy use varies by model and fuel type, so it is worth checking the output and running style before buying.
Can patio heaters stay outside all year?
Some are designed for outdoor use, but many last longer if covered or stored properly during poor weather.
Are electric patio heaters better than gas ones?
Electric models can be simpler and cleaner to use, while gas heaters may suit spaces where mains power is less convenient.
Which patio heater is best for a covered patio?
Electric and infrared patio heaters are often better suited to covered patios because they provide more direct warmth and are easier to use in smaller sheltered areas.
Do patio heaters work in open gardens?
They can, but open exposed gardens often reduce how effective the warmth feels. Larger gas heaters usually cope better in more open spaces than smaller electric options.
What matters most when buying a patio heater?
The most important thing is matching the heater to the space. Outdoor size, shelter, power access and the kind of warmth you want all matter more than headline output alone.
Is infrared heat better than ordinary electric heat outdoors?
It can be, especially when you want more direct focused warmth in a defined seating area rather than trying to warm the surrounding air.
Should a patio heater look decorative as well as practical?
For many buyers, yes. Outdoor heaters often become part of the space visually, so the best choice usually feels right both in heat and in how it sits within the patio or garden.
