A gas patio heater runs on a 20 lb propane tank, a 1 lb cylinder or a natural gas line, and puts out the most heat for the money. A standing heater warms a wide circle around a table, a pyramid heater trades some heat for the look of its flame, and a tabletop heater warms the people at one table.
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.
Full ranking 18
- 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- - Hiland HLDS01-WCBT Patio Heater#6 of 18Full review
A good value CSA approved mushroom heater for home patios, with an easy tank change. Buyers wanting a longer warranty should look at EAST OAK.
Amazon $159.99$159.9948,000 BTU/hStanding1 year - Hiland HLDS01-SSHST Patio Heater#7 of 18Full review
A CSA approved mushroom heater with a drinks table for a home patio or small restaurant. Pay the extra over budget heaters for the listing and the table.
Amazon $238.91$238.9148,000 BTU/hStanding1 year - Dyna-Glo DGPH102SS Patio Heater#8 of 18Full review
A plain stainless mushroom heater from a known heater brand. Cheaper heaters give more heat and more published detail.
Amazon $249.99$249.9941,000 BTU/hStanding- - Hiland HLDS01-GTSS Pyramid Heater#9 of 18Full review
A CSA approved glass tube flame heater for buyers who want the look of a pyramid heater. A mushroom heater gives more warmth for the money.
Amazon $321.51$321.5140,000 BTU/hPyramid1 year - Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series#10 of 18Full review
A solid Fire Sense mushroom heater, but at this third party price most buyers do better with EAST OAK or Hiland.
Amazon $298.55$298.5546,000 BTU/hStanding1 year - Hiland HLDS01-CGTHG Commercial Pyramid#11 of 18Full review
A sturdier glass tube flame heater for restaurants and patios where looks matter. Home buyers get the same look for less from cheaper pyramids.
Amazon $424.99$424.9942,000 BTU/hPyramid1 year - Legacy Heating 40,000 BTU Pyramid#12 of 18Full review
A budget pyramid flame heater for home patios. EAST OAK costs a little more but adds a listing and a longer warranty.
Amazon $239.98$239.9840,000 BTU/hPyramid1 year - Thermo Tiki PH650 Glass Tube Heater#13 of 18Full review
A good looking flame column heater for patios where style comes first. The short warranty is the drawback.
Amazon $229.99$229.9938,000 BTU/hPyramid0.2 years - Golden Flame XL Natural Gas Heater#14 of 18Full review
For a patio with a natural gas stub, this mushroom heater ends tank swaps. Without a gas line, a propane model is the practical choice.
Amazon $378.87$378.8745,000 BTU/hStanding1 year - Bali Outdoors Glass Tube Patio Heater#15 of 18Full review
A decorative glass tube heater for buyers who want the flame show first and heat second. Anyone after warmth per dollar should buy a mushroom heater.
Amazon $499.99$499.9936,000 BTU/hPyramid- - Tangkula 11,000 BTU Tabletop Heater#16 of 18Full review
A low cost tabletop heater for warming one table or a small balcony. Buy it for a couple of people, not a crowd.
Amazon $109.99$109.9911,000 BTU/hTabletop- - Hiland HLDS032-GTTSS Tabletop Heater#17 of 18Full review
A tabletop flame heater for a small table or balcony where a tall heater would not fit. It is more about ambiance than heat.
Amazon $149.38$149.389,500 BTU/hTabletop1 year - Tangkula 34" Pyramid Tabletop Heater#18 of 18Full review
A small decorative flame heater for a table centerpiece. It is for ambiance more than warmth.
Amazon $125.99$125.999,500 BTU/hTabletop-
