A strong value mushroom heater with a three year warranty for home patios. It is the one to beat for most buyers.
Amazon $174.99 EAST OAK $149.99A patio heater keeps an outdoor table, deck or porch warm enough to sit out on a cool evening. These rankings compare what the makers publish on the same terms: how much heat you get for the money, how much it puts out, how it guards against tipping and whether it carries a safety listing, and how long it’s covered.
Gas or electric is the first choice. A propane heater puts out far more heat and goes anywhere, but needs tank swaps and open air. An electric infrared heater warms people rather than the air, costs little to run and suits a covered patio, but needs an outlet or a hard wired circuit.
Heat output decides how many people it warms. A standing propane heater of about 40,000 BTU warms a table of six to eight; a 1,500 W electric heater warms a couple of chairs.
Top Picks
Shop by Fuel
Gas
18 rankedStanding, pyramid and tabletop heaters that run on a propane tank or a natural gas line.
Top rated: EAST OAK UR50 50,000 BTU Patio Heater $149.99
Electric
17 rankedInfrared heaters that plug in or hard wire, for covered patios, pergolas and porches.
Top rated: Infratech WD-6024 $966
Narrow It Down
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Best Gas Patio Heaters (Propane and Natural Gas)
- EAST OAK UR50 50,000 BTU Patio Heater#1 of 18Full review
A strong value mushroom heater with a three year warranty for home patios. It is the one to beat for most buyers.
Amazon $174.99 EAST OAK $149.99$149.9950,000 BTU/hStanding3 years - EAST OAK PYROL 48,000 BTU Pyramid#2 of 18Full review
The pyramid flame heater to buy for its warranty and output. It suits a patio where looks matter as much as heat.
Amazon $284.99 EAST OAK $269.99$269.9948,000 BTU/hPyramid3 years - Legacy Heating CAPH-7-S Patio Heater#3 of 18Full review
The cheapest way to put a full size propane heater on a home patio. Expect little support beyond the price.
Amazon $129.99$129.9947,000 BTU/hStanding- - Nexgrill Sundara 92" Patio Heater#4 of 18Full review
A cheap stainless mushroom heater from a big grill brand, best bought direct from Nexgrill. Good for a home patio on a budget.
Amazon $175.99 Nexgrill $149$14948,000 BTU/hStanding- - Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Patio Heater#5 of 18Full review
A low cost mushroom heater for a home patio or small cafe that wants plenty of heat for the money. Buyers who need a named safety listing or warranty should look at Hiland or EAST OAK.
Amazon $135$13546,000 BTU/hStanding-
Best Electric Patio Heaters
- Infratech WD-6024#1 of 17Full review
For a custom outdoor kitchen or covered terrace where an architect wants a recessed, long lived heater. The price buys build and warranty, not extra heat.
Amazon $966$9666,000 WWall3 years - Infratech WD-4024#2 of 17Full review
For a custom outdoor kitchen or covered terrace where an architect wants a recessed, long lived heater. The price buys build and warranty, not extra heat.
Amazon $820$8204,000 WWall3 years - Dr Infrared Heater DR-239#3 of 17Full review
For a patio or garage door area with a 240 V outlet where a 1,500 W heater falls short. Good value for 3,000 W.
Amazon $293.20$293.203,000 WWall1 year - Bromic Tungsten Electric 6000W#4 of 17Full review
For a large, designed outdoor space where the fixture should disappear into the ceiling. Expect to pay extra for the brand and controls.
Amazon $812.70$812.706,000 WWall- - EAST OAK E-GLOW TPH22001 Tower#5 of 17Full review
For a couple who want a good looking, weatherproof tower heater by their chairs. The three year warranty sets it apart.
Amazon $221.81$221.811,500 WStanding3 years
How We Rank
Each heater is ranked against others of the same fuel, and scored on its price per 1,000 BTU of heat, its heat output, its safety features and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per 1,000 BTU/h of heat | 35% |
| Heat output | gas input in BTU/h, or electric power in W | 25% |
| Safety | tip-over shutoff, safety listing | 20% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 20% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.