Looking Into The Future: What Will The Best Electric Patio Heater Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't add to your electricity bills - it has different heat settings as well as overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters are a great option for large gardens with lots of seating outside and sofas. But, they'll require frequent refills using natural gas or propane. This is a great option for large gardens with lots of outdoor sofas and seating.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. They are more affordable than gas-powered models and, in the event you pick wisely, have lower running costs too. There's no need to refill a tank of propane, and there's no assembly involved.
The top ones come with a remote control for easy operation as well as an integrated LED light to create ambiance. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel utilizes circular carbon filaments to release mediumwave infrared warmth across a table-sized area. It is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and a 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Heater is a different option. It makes use of an aluminum reflector that focuses the heat beams on your preferred area.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy light that is clean and fresh. However, garden patio heater electric is more modern and more suited for modern-day garden spaces or if you're looking to blend it in with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated with home automation systems, which allow you to select the desired intensity and temperature. This can help save energy over time.
You should be aware that infrared heaters are efficient but only heat objects and people in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effect when you leave. It won't also heat your patio if the winds blow it around.
On the other the other hand, gas heaters provide warmth to a greater space if they're not moved and can be fitted with a wind shield to keep them in position. They are often located in pub gardens. They have a cosy "burning log" look that's great in a variety of decors.
Propane-powered patio heaters are generally less efficient and produce a lot of noise and smog when the flame is burning. Electric heaters are greener than propane, which must be refilled when it is empty. It is important to remember that a gas heater produces a higher level of heat than an electric model and is likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
As the summer winds down and evenings turn a little chilly it's the perfect time to invest in a patio heater to keep you outside for longer. There are plenty of options to choose from regardless of whether you opt for gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models up to floor-standing units designed to heat large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more costly to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most inefficient both in terms of energy they consume as well as the heat they produce". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and humans. As a result, they are much cheaper to run and leave less carbon footprint than gas heaters. They are also much easier to use. You just connect them to the power source and switch them on, while you'll need to create a fire or wait for the propane model to heat up.
Outdoor electric heaters can be utilized in a variety of locations, from restaurants and bars to private gardens. They can be used in open or closed spaces, and some come with a built-in dimmer switch to allow you to adjust the brightness of the lighting. They are also smaller than gas models, and they can be easily moved. This is great if you need to move your heater from one area of your garden to another.
These heaters are plugged in and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. To comply with safety standards electrical heaters aren't able to be sold with an attached lead that exceeds 1.8m and you'll have to be sure not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable in a trail where it could pose a trip hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be utilized if you like the style of a gas heater but don't wish to be limited by its placement or wish to cut costs. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and are easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. They're also cheaper to run than gas-powered counterparts.
This one from Kettler is a nice-looking choice that won't look out of place amongst your garden furniture made of rattan and is fully weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and rain that is blown in from the wind (although we wouldn't recommend aiming a high-pressure hose at it). The model also has three heating levels to fit your space, as well as a timer shutdown between 1-9 hours.
This electric model made by Blumfeldt is a different alternative for those who do not want to be limited by the placement of a patio heater. It is available in two sizes, and comes with a variety of options, including a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace of mind, although we wouldn't recommend getting it too wet, as this can affect the performance and longevity of the heater.
A popular choice with many customers This portable heater for patios is a good budget-friendly option for those who want to control their heating. It's easy to use and comes with an adjustable remote, two temperature settings, as well as the ability turn on and off the light from a distance. It also has an inbuilt safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's tipped over.
Electric patio heaters do not emit carbon monoxide, unlike gas patio heaters, making them a fantastic option for those with pets or young children who have not yet developed the maturity to be aware of the dangers that come with being close to a flame. These models are also great for gazebos and large outdoor areas because they can quickly warm up an area of 15 square meters. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some have a remote so you can adjust the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer has ended and your children have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in various designs that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
This popular model offers the advantages of a gas heater along with low operating costs. It can be wall-mounted or placed on the base of a pedestal which makes it perfect for covered porches and gazebos and smaller gardens where a freestanding model might appear too large. It also comes with a remote control for adjusting the temperature. Users say they find it a Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut through the chill, but not too hot.
Electric patio heaters are perfect for spaces that are small, such as garages and covered porches because they don't release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Contrary to gas heaters, they are best installed in open spaces that have adequate ventilation, or else they could pollute your home.
However, the downside is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas ones. Electric models are also less portable and require an electrical outlet. This is particularly crucial for those who live in an area where energy costs are high.
Electric heaters are not as powerful as gas ones however, there are plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be attached to parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great option if you want an infrared heater that's inexpensive to run. It comes in two sizes and comes with a range of features including 360deg rotation as well as easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also rated IP44 which means that it can withstand light rain and splashes of liquid.