The 7 Best Electric Patio Heaters for Outdoor Living, According to Customer Reviews

Extremely versatile and easy to use, the Wall-Mounted Patio Heater from Dr. Infrared Heater earned the highest ratings.

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The backyard is a great place to spend a warm day, but that often changes when the sun sets and temperatures drop. To keep the fun going while evening approaches, electric patio heaters are a handy tool.

Needing only an outlet, electric patio heaters can warm your outdoor space easily and quickly. And with a wide variety of products on the market—from hanging lanterns to under-table lamps—you can find the type of heater that fits your needs.

We researched to find the best electric patio heaters. We took into account important factors like maneuverability, ease of use, and of course, heat output. As you shop, remember to consider your own patio space and preferences to select the heater that's best for you—you won't want a tabletop lantern if you plan on playing card games with friends!

Read on for the seven best electric patio heaters that will keep you comfortable outside when the weather cools.

Best Rated

Dr. Infrared Carbon Infrared Patio Heater with Tripod

Carbon Infrared Patio Heater with Tripod

Amazon

This electric patio heater from Dr. Infared Heater is well-loved for a reason. It is highly versatile with three different heat settings ranging from 900 to 1,500 watts. It can be used both indoors and outdoors by being mounted to ceilings or walls, plus there is a version that comes with a tripod stand if you wish to use it freestanding.

This heater is also extremely easy to use. It comes with a remote control, so there's no need to reach for buttons or switches on the unit. Additionally, a convenient timer function allows you to run the heater without worrying about turning it off when you are finished.

Price at time of publish: $239

Best Tabletop

Star Patio Electric Tabletop Patio Heater

4.6
Star Patio Electric Tabletop Patio Heater

Amazon

This tabletop patio heater is compact enough to fit on small patios (it's about 17x30 inches), and it heats up to 12 square feet to keep you and a few guests warm. It also has a dome-shaped design that resembles a lamp (it even gives off some light!), so it won't look out of place on a table. For safety purposes, the electric patio heater has an anti-skid base and will automatically turn off if it accidentally gets tipped over. Customers love that it helps extend the season in which they can comfortably sit outside. "We use this on our lanai when the evenings get cool and it is perfect," one shopper wrote. "Throws off a lot of heat and lets us use the outdoor area no matter the temperature."

Price at time of publish: $170

Best Weatherproof

Heat Storm Tripod Infrared 1500 Watt Electric Patio Heater

Heat Storm Tripod Infrared 1500 Watt Electric Patio Heater

Wayfair

There's no need to panic if a little bit of rain gets on Heat Storm's electric patio heater. It has an IPX4 weatherproof rating, which means it can withstand rain and dust. Reviewers appreciate that it's easy to move around their patios as needed, and some people mention using it on their decks and balconies, too. Plus, it has a heavy-duty stand that features an adjustable base and rubber feet to keep it securely on the ground. "I didn't want a bulky propane heater but wanted to be able to use my outside area into the fall," said a shopper. "[I] tried this heater out the other night and it is perfect for warming up the area around our conversation set."

Price at time of publish: $200

Best Hanging

EnerG+ Hanging Infrared Electric Patio Heater

Hanging Infrared Electric Patio Heater

EnerG+

If you're looking for something more decorative, opt for EnerG+'s hanging patio heater. In addition to covered patios, the water-resistant heater can also be installed on the roof of your outdoor gazebo or balcony. The lamp has a 5,000-hour lifetime (the equivalent of running nonstop for nearly seven months), and it operates at three different heat settings. It has a 6-foot power cord and hangs from a 24-inch chain. Customers love that it gives off a "warm ambient light" and say it heats better than expected. "This heat lamp has been the perfect addition to our 'bistro,'" one wrote. "We enjoyed many fall nights and look forward to the warmth during the spring." Another added: "It creates a nice, warm glow and light for sitting outside when it's 40-60 degrees."

Price at time of publish: $160

Most Versatile

Briza Infrared Patio Heater

4.2
Briza Infrared Patio Heater

Amazon

This electric patio heater from Briza is one of the most versatile options. In addition to being safe for both outdoor and indoor use, the infrared heater can either be mounted on the wall to save floor space or attached to the included tripod. It has helpful features like tip-over protection and a remote control with a timer function. Overall, the electric patio heater works so well that shoppers are going back and ordering more for other outdoor areas. "This was easy to assemble and throws off good heat," one person wrote. "We are using it outdoors on our patio and are happier with it than the propane model it replaced." Another customer even said they were able to prevent "frozen water pipes" by running the heater in their garage during a winter storm.

Price at time of publish: $250

Best Freestanding

Fire Sense Telescoping 1500 Watt Electric Patio Heater

Fire Sense Telescoping Electric Patio Heater

Amazon

Unlike many of the options on this list that have a tripod stand, Fire Sense's electric patio heater has a pedestal base that's much less bulky. It even comes with wheels that make it easy to move around and a protective cover to throw on when not in use. Customers like the telescoping feature, which allows them to adjust the heater's height with tension knobs. A few reviewers mentioned having some trouble with assembly; others suggest enlisting a second person and taking your time. "We were pleasantly surprised at how sturdy it is and how much warmth it projects," one shopper wrote. "We do have an open deck (not a covered area) so our expectation was not to keep us completely warm, but just to take the chill off."

Price at time of publish: $435

Best for Under Tables

EnerG+ Infrared Electric Portable Outdoor Heater

4.6
Infrared Electric Portable Outdoor Heater

Amazon

Thanks to its compact size (just over 2 feet tall), this electric patio heater from EnerG+ can fit discreetly under most tables to keep your feet warm while dining outdoors. The heater has a simple on/off switch that's intuitive to use. You don't have to worry about bringing it inside every time it rains since the design is waterproof, though the convenient handle on top makes it easy to move around if you choose to. One customer bought the under-table patio heater for their dad who drinks coffee outside in the mornings, and he described it as the "best heater he has ever had." Another reviewer wrote, "The size is great and it really works well. Gives off just the right amount of heat and helps keep the space cozy."

Price at time of publish: $150

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