The Best Outdoor Patio Heaters for Every Budget

Extend the seasons with our favorite outdoor heaters for your deck, patio, porch and more.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
January 05, 2023

Our Top Patio Heater Picks


The bugs are at bay and humidity has dropped to a level that no longer feels personally offensive. Relish the moment and get your daily dose of that crisp winter air with a little help from a new outdoor heater. From portable patio heaters on wheels to flame towers and full-blown fire pyramids, we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing our top picks for patio heaters on any budget to heat up your backyard design throughout the cold-weather months.

How to Choose the Right Patio Heater

First, it’s crucial to figure out the size and fuel type best suited for your lifestyle before investing in a patio heater for your space. There are three popular patio heater fuel types: natural gas, propane and electric. Each option provides different experiences and uniquely caters to outdoor settings.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters: Natural gas patio heaters are hooked up directly to your home’s existing natural gas line and serve as more permanent fixtures in your outdoor space. Because natural gas heaters are connected to your gas line, they do not offer the same mobility as propane or electric heaters, but they do provide top-notch heating for expansive outdoor living spaces.

Propane Patio Heaters: Propane-powered patio heaters offer the best of both worlds: the seamless mobility of electric heaters with the dreamy flame display of natural gas heaters. These popular heaters come in varied sizes and silhouettes, including luxurious flame pyramids and a mod mushroom-top design.

Electric Patio Heaters: Lucky enough to live with small children and/or rambunctious pets? Electric patio heaters are the safest option to keep your chilly patio warm and cozy all winter long. Electric heaters are available in freestanding or ceiling-mounted designs and use either electric heat or infrared rays to raise the brisk outdoor temps.

Choosing the Right Size: Once you’ve determined which fuel type best suits your lifestyle or space, consider how many square feet you’d like to heat with your new patio heater. Use your porch, patio or deck square footage to calculate the BTUs (British Thermal Units) necessary to heat the space, then shop for patio heaters that meet your BTU and fuel criteria to find the perfect fit.

$299

Don’t let the bitter winter temps stand between you and your beloved patio. Make the most of your outdoor space with the help of this freestanding portable heater. The propane-powered design will blanket your deck with unmatched warmth and flair. Each heater comes with a turn ignition, caters to 200 square feet and boasts an impressive 10-12 hour burn time with a full tank. Choose between a sleek silver, bronze or modern black finish to complement your existing outdoor furniture or exterior palette.

$127

Need to heat your deck or patio stat? Add this beauty to your Amazon cart to take advantage of Prime shipping. The event-ready propane heater comes in five powder-coated finishes (including turquoise!) and provides commercial-grade heating for a nine-foot radius with 46,000 BTUs. Each heater also includes a Piezo ignition system and is made from durable aluminum, plastic and steel to withstand wintery weather with ease.

$399 $355.1

This sleek, stainless-steel design offers professional-level heating to your outdoor lounge or patio with an expansive heating range. The propane heater outputs 45,000 BTUs, is crafted with high-quality steel burners and includes a temperature-control knob that allows owners to adjust output based on the weather or occasion. Even better? Each patio heater comes with an auto shut-off valve to ensure safety at all times.

$499

Cook and entertain outside all year long with this lightweight patio heater that looks like a chic, modern lamp. The nylon and steel lampshade disguise a powerful heater that has an output of 51,000 BTUs and reaches up to 86 square feet. Three heat settings allow you to choose how much warmth you need.

Looking for a heater that takes up little-to-no square footage? Look no further than the Romano Hanging Patio Heater. This electric heater can be easily suspended on terraces, balconies and gazebos via adjustable chains and hooks. It generates 5,100 BTU of high-quality heat through its 360-degree round steel shell that's perfect for small spaces.

$129.99

The portable Cuisinart tabletop patio heater heats 30 square feet and boasts 11,000 BTU output, making it a must-have for breezy apartment balconies, covered porches and patio tabletops. The propane heater boasts a modern mushroom-inspired silhouette that provides effortless style and inviting warmth to any outdoor space. Better still? Each Cuisinart tabletop heater features a rotary dial control and safety tilt switch to adjust the temperature and maintain safety if the heater becomes knocked off your table. Snag the compact patio heater design to use as an inviting centerpiece for your next alfresco dinner party or a trusty companion to your early morning coffees all winter long.

$1,299 $1,169.1

Fashion meets function with this high-end patio heater design. The propane-powered heater boasts a head-turning silhouette and comes equipped with both exceptional durability and long-lasting burn time. The heater features a faux concrete base and a sleek stainless-steel upper, yielding a high-contrast design fitting modern and rustic exteriors alike. The Sundry puts out 50,000 BTUs, allowing it to heat a 6.5-foot outdoor area while in use.

$399.99

Keep a crowd cozy outdoors with the Cuisinart Perfect Position patio heater. The propane-powered heater is innovative and convenient, with a swivel arm design that directs heat where you need it the most. Other noteworthy features include a stainless steel drink table, a hidden propane tank and wheels for easy mobility from one side of your patio to the next.

$279.97

Savor fireside conversations without the lingering smell of woodsmoke on your clothes or hair at the end of the night. This propane-powered pyramid flame heater is just what you need to get the job done. Nestle the commercial-grade design between your favorite outdoor chairs to set the scene for adult storytime at home. The stainless steel heater measures 7’6” tall, has a push-to-start ignition and withstands the elements with rust and corrosion-resistant materials. Snuggle up with a mug of hot cider or glass of cabernet and enjoy the company of your partner below the striking flame display.

$107.09

Working with limited patio space? Ensure your outdoor space feels open, inviting and warm by skipping freestanding designs and installing a wall-mounted patio heater instead. This infrared heater is our top pick for your wall because it’s waterproof and features a protective sheath covering that makes it safe for kids and animals to touch without being burned.

More Cold-Weather Buys We Love

Next Up

20 Best Porch Swings for Every Style and Budget

Take a load off this summer with these top-rated porch swings.

The Best Outdoor Cushions, Pillows and Poufs for Every Style and Budget

Find the best UV- and water-resistant cushions, pillows and poufs, and successfully prep your outdoor space for summer.

60 Best Patio Furniture Buys for Every Style and Budget

From Adirondack chairs to benches to gliders, refresh your space with our top picks for patio furniture seating so you can kick back with a cold drink and enjoy patio season in your outdoor oasis.

The Best Patio Chairs for Every Style and Budget

These weather-resistant chairs are just what you need to transform your outdoor space into a summer oasis.

The Best Outdoor String Lights for Every Space

Give your backyard or balcony a glow-up with some of our favorite string lighting ideas and product picks.

15 Best Outdoor Storage Solutions for Your Backyard

Curb the clutter around your patio, deck or pool with these clever outdoor organization ideas.

52 Best Pots and Planters for Every Style and Budget

Perk up your patio or indoor space no matter your budget with these stylish planters and pots.

The Best Wicker Patio Sets for Every Budget

Shop the summer mainstay to bring timeless style to your porch, deck or patio.

10 Best Hammocks of 2024 to Help You Enjoy Some R&R

Spring is in full swing! Make sure you get a little "me time" with these top-rated hammocks.

35 Outdoor Buys From Grandin Road for Every Backyard

Find backyard bliss with these stylish patio sets, outdoor rugs, planters and more.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.