Best Patio Heaters

The best patio heaters are the AZ Patio Heaters 46,000 BTU propane tower for open patios, the Hiland 48,000 BTU propane heater with an attached table for dining areas, and the Fire Sense 1500W infrared electric heater for a covered patio with an outlet. Which type is right depends on three things: whether the space is open or covered, how many people sit within reach of the heat, and whether you want fuel tanks or a power cord.

Patio heaters do not warm the air much. Propane towers radiate warmth from a burner and reflector, and infrared heaters warm people and objects directly. That is why a heater can feel strong at four feet and weak at ten, and why wind matters more than the number printed on the box. This guide compares nine models by fuel type and coverage, includes a BTU and runtime calculation, and lists the clearance and ventilation rules that make outdoor heating safe.

Our top picks

Top pickSweetcrispy 48

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Also greatHykolity 50

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Also greatHykolity 50

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Also greatNEWBULIG Patio Heater 48

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Quick picks

• Best overall propane tower: AZ Patio Heaters 46,000 BTU tower.
• Best tower with a built-in table: Hiland 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Adjustable Table.
• Best alternative 48,000 BTU tower: Fire Sense 62785.
• Best decorative flame tower: Hiland HLDS01-GTHG Pyramid Flame (40,000 BTU).
• Best electric for covered patios: Fire Sense 1500W Infrared Electric Patio Heater.
• Best hardwired infrared: Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric Heater (professional installation).
• Best wall or ceiling mount electric option: Dr Infrared DR-238.
• Best tabletop propane: Hiland tabletop heater (about 11,000 BTU) or Fire Sense 60262 (10,000 BTU).
• Best compact tabletop for tiny spaces: Cuisinart COH-500 (11,000 BTU).

How we chose

This guide is research-based. We compared published manufacturer specifications, the heat output ratings (BTU for propane, watts for electric), the coverage figures reported across independent buying guides, and the safety features each model lists. Coverage radius figures vary between sources, so we use them as ranges and not as guarantees. We kept models that are widely sold in the US in 2026, that state their output clearly, and that fit a distinct buyer need.

The criteria, in order:

1. Output versus space. BTU or watts matched to the number of seats and whether the area is open.
2. Fuel and runtime. Tank size, burn time and ease of refilling for propane; outlet and circuit needs for electric.
3. Safety features. Tilt or tip-over shutoff, stable base, certified burner.
4. Placement flexibility. Freestanding, wheeled, tabletop, wall or ceiling mount.

Comparison table

Propane, electric or tabletop?

Propane towers

Towers produce the most heat and work in the open. They need a 20 lb tank, a flat stable base and plenty of ventilation. They are the right choice for open decks and lawns, where electricity is not available.

Electric infrared

Electric heaters warm people directly without flame, fuel or exhaust. They need an outlet or a hardwired circuit and work best on covered or partly enclosed patios with limited wind. Their output is far lower than propane towers, so seats must be close.

Tabletop

Tabletop heaters serve one table of two to four people. They are portable and inexpensive to run, and are a good fit for balconies where rules allow, small decks, and cafe-style seating. Many use small propane cylinders.

Worked example: how much heater do you need?

The numbers below show why a tower with a big BTU rating still leaves a large open patio cool, and how long a tank lasts.

Step 1: convert watts to BTU for comparison

One watt equals about 3.412 BTU per hour. A 1,500 W electric heater produces 1,500 x 3.412 = about 5,118 BTU per hour. That is roughly one tenth of a 46,000 BTU tower, which explains the smaller coverage radius.

Step 2: check tank runtime

One pound of propane holds roughly 21,500 BTU. A 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTU (20 x 21,500). Running a 46,000 BTU heater at full output uses 46,000 BTU per hour, so the tank lasts about 9.3 hours (430,000 / 46,000). This matches the roughly 10 hours reported for that class, and a lower flame setting stretches it.

Step 3: match output to the seating area

A 10 ft radius circle covers about 314 square feet (3.14 x 10 x 10), but heat falls with distance, so plan on a comfortable seating arc of about 6 to 8 feet from the heater. A table of four fits inside that. A 20 x 20 ft patio (400 sq ft) with two seating groups needs two towers, not one.

Step 4: adjust for wind and cold

Wind carries radiant warmth away and can blow out the flame. If the patio is open on three sides, treat the coverage as the lower end of the range, and consider adding a windbreak or choosing a higher output.

Sizing by space

The 9 heaters compared

1. AZ Patio Heaters 46,000 BTU Propane Tower

Specs: Propane tower · 46,000 BTU · About 10 ft radius · About 10 hours on a 20 lb tank · Tilt sensor shutoff · Stainless steel dome and pole

Best for: Open decks and lawns where one strong heater serves a seating group.
Skip if: You need a covered or enclosed space; towers are for open air only.

• Pros: High output, tilt shutoff, stainless parts resist weather.
• Cons: Tank takes up floor space, and coverage reports vary between sources.

2. Hiland 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Adjustable Table

Specs: Propane tower · 48,000 BTU · Attached adjustable table

Best for: Dining and drinks, where a table around the pole saves space.
Skip if: You prefer a clean pole without accessories.

• Pros: High output with a handy built-in table.
• Cons: Never leave items on the table close to the burner heat zone; follow the manual for limits.

3. Fire Sense 62785

Specs: Propane tower · 48,000 BTU

Best for: A familiar brand in the 48,000 BTU class with broad parts support.
Skip if: You want a visible flame or a table.

• Pros: High output, straightforward tower design.
• Cons: Confirm tank requirements and base weight on the listing.

4. Hiland HLDS01-GTHG Pyramid Flame Patio Heater

Specs: Propane tower · 40,000 BTU · Glass tube pyramid flame · Wheeled

Best for: Decorative flame and mobility on a flat deck.
Skip if: You want the maximum output or need a low profile.

• Pros: Visible flame, easy to move.
• Cons: Lower output than 46,000 to 48,000 BTU towers; glass needs careful handling.

5. Fire Sense 1500W Infrared Electric Patio Heater

Specs: Electric infrared · 1,500 W (about 5,100 BTU per hour) · Standard 120 V outlet · About 6 ft radius · Wall mount

Best for: Covered patios with an outlet nearby and seats within a few feet.
Skip if: You have an open, windy deck or need to heat a crowd.

• Pros: No flame, fuel or fumes; plug in and use.
• Cons: Limited reach; needs a suitable outdoor-rated outlet and cord arrangement.

6. Dr Infrared DR-238

Specs: Electric infrared · Mounted design for covered areas · Confirm wattage on the listing

Best for: Covered porches and pergolas where a mounted heater keeps floor space free.
Skip if: You need a heater you can move around.

• Pros: Mounted, out of the way, fuel-free.
• Cons: Fixed position; electrical needs vary by version.

7. Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric Heater

Specs: Electric infrared · About 15 ft heated zone · Wall or ceiling mount · Smart switch and remote compatible · Professional electrical installation

Best for: Premium hardwired installations on covered patios and pergolas.
Skip if: You want a plug-in or portable solution.

• Pros: Larger heated zone, clean look, remote control options.
• Cons: Installation by a qualified electrician is required, and it sits at the premium tier.

8. Hiland Tabletop Patio Heater (HLDS032 class)

Specs: Propane tabletop · About 11,000 BTU · Heat radius roughly 6 to 8 ft

Best for: A single table for two to four people.
Skip if: You need to warm a larger group.

• Pros: Compact, uses a small cylinder.
• Cons: Short reach; place it on a stable, heat-safe surface.

9. Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater

Specs: Propane tabletop · 10,000 BTU · Suited to small patios up to about 100 sq ft

Best for: Small patios and balconies where rules allow propane.
Skip if: You have more than one seating group or constant wind.

• Pros: Portable and inexpensive to run.
• Cons: Limited output; cylinders need refilling or replacement.

Safety rules that matter

• Outdoors only for propane. Propane towers and tabletop heaters produce carbon monoxide and must never be used in a garage, tent, enclosed porch or under a low roof. Use them only where there is open air on all sides.
• Clearance. Keep the heater at the distance from walls, awnings, umbrellas and overhead covers stated in the manual. Heat rises, so overhead clearance matters most.
• Stable, level base. Place on a hard, flat, non-combustible surface. Wind can tip a tall tower, so keep it out of strong gusts and away from foot traffic.
• Tank handling. Check hose and connections for leaks with soapy water, never with a flame. Close the tank valve after each use and store tanks upright outdoors.
• Never move it lit. Turn off the burner and let it cool before moving or covering.
• Electric units. Use outdoor-rated, correctly sized circuits, never daisy-chain extension cords, and have a licensed electrician hardwire mounted models.
• Carbon monoxide. A battery carbon monoxide alarm indoors, near any patio doors you open, is cheap protection.
• Local rules. Some apartment buildings, HOAs and municipalities restrict open-flame or propane heaters on balconies.

Buying checklist

1. Decide open or covered. Open: propane tower. Covered with an outlet: electric infrared.
2. Count seats. Within 6 ft: tabletop or small electric. Several groups: towers or multiple heaters.
3. Check the tank size and refill access, or electrical capacity and mounting height.
4. Confirm the safety shutoff feature on the exact model.
5. Measure the base footprint against your space and think about storage in the off-season.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best patio heater overall?

For open patios, the AZ Patio Heaters 46,000 BTU tower is the strongest all-round choice. It combines high output, a tilt shutoff and about 10 hours per tank.

For covered patios, a 1,500 W infrared model like the Fire Sense is simpler and fuel-free.

How many BTUs do I need for a patio heater?

Towers in the 40,000 to 48,000 BTU range suit open seating areas, while tabletop models at 10,000 to 11,000 BTU suit one small table.

Add a second heater if your seating area is larger than about 150 to 200 square feet.

How long does a propane tank last in a patio heater?

A 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTU, so a 46,000 BTU heater at full output runs about nine to ten hours.

Running on a lower setting extends that time proportionally.

Can I use a propane patio heater under a covered patio?

No, not under a low or enclosed cover. Propane heaters release carbon monoxide and need open air and overhead clearance.

Follow the manual’s minimum clearances; for a covered space, choose an electric infrared heater.

Are electric patio heaters worth it?

Yes, for covered patios and small seating areas. They give instant heat with no flame or fuel, but their reach is short.

A 1,500 W unit gives about 5,100 BTU per hour, so it warms people within a few feet, not the whole yard.

Do patio heaters work in wind?

They lose effectiveness in wind. Gusts blow radiant warmth away and can disturb or extinguish a propane flame.

Place the heater in a sheltered spot or add a windbreak, and plan for the lower end of the stated coverage.

How far should a patio heater be from my house?

Follow the clearances in the manual, which specify minimum distances to walls, overhead covers and combustible materials.

As a practical rule, keep towers well clear of siding, awnings and umbrellas, and never under a low roof.

Is a tabletop patio heater strong enough?

For two to four people seated close, yes. Tabletop models at about 10,000 to 11,000 BTU reach roughly 6 to 8 feet.

They are not meant to heat a whole deck.