Owning one of the best patio heaters means you can relax in your garden or entertain friends and family without worrying about the unpredictability of British weather, especially as the nights become more chilly.
Before you buy though, knowing what to look for is important. Electric heaters tend to be cheaper but need to be plugged in, while gas heaters are portable but require more effort to set up. You'll also need to consider how the size and design of your patio heater will impact on yourgarden design.
To ensure your new model doesn't leave you hot and bothered, we've rounded up the best patio heaters worth investing in.
Best Patio Heaters
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The La Hacienda Electric Patio Heater is a fantastic choice for most gardens, providing versatility, flexibility and a powerful heating system.
Freestanding with a discreet overhead design, it has three adjustable heat settings up to 2000W, meaning it can left running in the background. Plus, it has an adjustable head.
You needn't worry about its stability - it comes with a sturdy base to ensure it won't fall in the event someone accidentally kicks or trips into it. And it can be easily be packed away and stored during the winter months.
It's remarkably energy efficient too: it costs just 29p per hour to run and has a bulb life of 3,000 hours. And no noise or fumes are given off either.
Buy the La Hacienda Electric Patio Heater(opens in new tab)
This wall mounted patio heater from Swan provides a clever space-saving solution for small patios, decks or balconies.
You can select between two heat settings up to 1800W, and the 1.8 metre power lead means it can be placed a good distance from your living space, depending on how warm you want it to be. It comes with a remote control too for added convenience.
Another great feature is the 360° tip over safety switch, which will automatically switch the heater off should it fall.
It's not the largest heater, but once it's installed you can leave it up all-year round without worry - and due to its carbon fibre material it's very durable.
买天鹅在野外SH16340N壁装式的庭院Heater(opens in new tab)
This hanging patio heater is great if you own a canopy or patio umbrella: you can hook it up easily and it will keep you warm throughout the night.
We really like the 360° heating in all directions, ensuring the heater covers every guest in your group. And the two halogen heating pipes are brilliantly efficient at increasing temperature quickly.
Another benefit is that it's luminous, so it will provide extra light on slightly darker nights. It can also be used indoors, providing you have somewhere to hang it up.
The 1m chain is a little on the smaller side, so you'll need to make sure you place it near to a plug point when using it outdoors.
Buy the Donyer Power Electrical Patio Heater(opens in new tab)
The simple, stylish design of this portable heater extends to how it works: it can be lit at the push of a button, with the controls directly underneath the heater.
This is the only gas heater in this list, and to make it work you'll need to buy gas cylinders separately. Luckily though, this Dellonda patio heater has a built-in storage space for your gas tank.
If you don't mind doing that, the benefits to be had are vast. It's portable, features variable heat output controls, and even though it has a wide, secure bases, it also includes a safety tip-over switch.
Just be mindful to ensure you use this model in a well-ventilated area.
Buy the Dellonda Propane Gas Pyramid Patio Heater(opens in new tab)
This lightweight Swan model is suitable for placement on tables or under them, and it comes with a built-in handle to make it easy to move.
It also has 360° heating, with an aluminium reflector in place to heat in all directions, while its carbon heating element is designed to cut down on energy use.
The heater does need to be plugged in, despite its label as a 'portable' heater, but a massive tick in the plus column is the generous 1.8m power lead, so you don't need to have a plug socket immediately nearby.
Buy the Swan Al Fresco SH16330N Patio Heater(opens in new tab)
How to Choose The Best Patio Heater
Before you buy your patio heater, it's worth being aware of some considerations to ensure you purchase the right model for you.
Which fuel should you choose?
There are pros and cons to electric heaters and gas heaters. Many prefer electric patio heaters because they're more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly, but they need to be plugged in. Gas heaters are portable, but to use them you'll need to buy and operate gas cylinders, and they are generally more expensive.
How much space do you have?
The best patio heater for you will depend on the space you're working with. For smaller patios, a discreet wall-mounted patio heater or tabletop design can work well, while overhead and floor-standing designs can be fantastic outdoor features in larger living spaces.
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