Best Electric Patio Heater: The Ugly The Truth About Best Electric Patio Heater
Best Electric Patio Heaters
It has a variety of temperature settings, and it also protects you from overheating. 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 need to be refilled regularly using natural gas or propane. This is a great option for large gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and couches.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of freestanding electric patio heaters we tested were infra red models. They are more affordable than gas-powered models and depending on the model you choose, have lower running costs as well. You won't have to replenish a tank of propane and there's not much assembly involved.
The top ones come with a remote control for easy operation, as well as a built-in LED light to create ambiance. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel, uses a circular carbon filament to release mediumwave infrared warmth across a table-sized area. It comes with easy-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heating System is a different option. It makes use of an aluminum reflector to focus the beams of heat on your favorite location.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a warm, clean glow. However the Herschel is more sleek, making it more suitable for modern gardens or if you're looking to blend it in with your outdoor furniture. It can also be paired with home automation systems to allow you to choose the brightness and temperature you prefer and save more energy in the long term.
It is important to know that infrared heaters work but they only heat things and people who are in direct contact with the heater. They lose their effectiveness when you leave. It will also not heat your garden or patio when the wind blows the heater around.
Gas heaters on the contrary, will heat a larger area if they are not moved. They can also be fitted with shields to ensure they stay in place. They are often found in pub gardens and provide a cozy 'burning log' effect that looks good in all decors.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce a lot of smoke and noise when the flame is burning. Contrary to propane which is stored in a cylinder and will require refilling after it has run out the majority of electric heaters don't require refilling and are more eco-friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce more heat.
2. Gas heaters
It's the perfect time to invest in patio heaters as the Summer slows down and evenings get somewhat chilly. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space for a longer time. Whether you opt for gas or electric, there's plenty on offer, from small tabletop units to larger floor-standing models that are designed to heat large outdoor areas such as a decked garden.
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 the amount of energy they use and the heat they generate". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and humans. Electric heaters are more affordable to run and have a smaller carbon footprint. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them in and they'll turn on.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be used in a variety of settings such as bars, restaurants, and private gardens. They can be used in open or closed spaces, and some come with an integrated dimmer switch that will allow you to adjust the brightness of the light. They're also more compact than gas models and are able to be moved around, which is great if you have to move the heater from one section of your garden to another.
These heaters are powered by plugs and require an extension cord that is suitable for outdoor use. To meet safety standards electrical heaters aren't able to be supplied with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need to be cautious not to interfere with any sockets in the vicinity or leave the cable trailing in a place where it could become an accident hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters can be used to complement the look of a gas-powered heater but do not want to be limited by its location or to reduce your costs. Electricity is the power source, and they're quick to heat up and easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. They're also cheaper to run than gas-powered counterparts.
The Kettler model is a stylish choice that looks fantastic with your rattan furniture. More methods 's also weatherproof and can be used all year round. Its IP55 rating protects it from wind-blown dust and rain (although we wouldn't suggest using a high pressure hose on it). The model also comes with three levels of heating to fit your needs, as well with a timer that shuts off between 1-9 hours.
Another option for those who don't want to be restricted by the location of a gas patio heater is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It comes in two sizes and boasts numerous features, including a remote control as well as a timer shut off function and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof to ensure your peace of mind, but we wouldn't recommend letting it get too wet as this may impact on the performance and longevity of the heater.
A favorite choice for many customers This portable heater for patios is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to be in control of their heating. It's simple to use with a remote control, 2 heating settings, and the ability turn on and off the light from the distance. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts off the unit off when it is tipping.
As opposed to gas patio heaters, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they are a great option for pet owners or children who aren't old enough to recognize the dangers of being close to flames. These models are great for gazebos and large outdoor spaces, as they can quickly heat up an area of up to 15 square meters. They're lightweight and easy to move around, and a lot of them come with a remote control so you can alter settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer is over and your children have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some warmth to your outdoor space. If you're looking for a freestanding model or one that's wall-mounted, there's plenty of options to choose from in the electric range.
This popular model combines low operating costs with the utility of heating. It can be mounted on the wall or placed on a pedestal, making it ideal for gazebos, covered porches and small gardens in which a freestanding model might appear too big. It also has a remote control for adjusting the heat. People have said that they consider it an ideal Goldilocks option, as it's warm enough to cut the chill, but not too hot.
The major benefit of electric patio heaters is that it can be put in a restricted space, like a covered porch or garage since it doesn't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that are dangerous to your health. Gas heaters, on the contrary, must be placed in an open space with adequate ventilation to avoid contaminating your home.
However, the drawback is that electric models tend to be more expensive than gas models. They're also less portable, requiring access to an electricity outlet. This is particularly crucial if you reside in a region that has expensive energy charges.
Electric heaters aren't as powerful as gas ones however, there are many options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be hung from parasols and awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
This is a great choice when you're looking for an infrared heating system that's cost-effective to run. It's available in two sizes and comes with various options, including 360deg oscillation and easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also classified as IP44, which means it's resistant to splashes of water as well as light rain.