The Best Patio Heaters for 2026: Propane and Electric Picks
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
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A good patio heater adds months to your outdoor season. Crisp autumn dinners, winter fire-pit nights and early spring brunches all become comfortable when there’s a reliable source of warmth nearby.
We based our picks on Wirecutter’s February 2026 testing of patio heaters, with additional notes from Business Insider. We haven’t tested these heaters ourselves. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Quick answer: the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01 is the best propane patio heater for most people. The East Oak UR50 is a strong alternative with a longer warranty. For electric warmth, consider the Westinghouse WES31-15110 or a hanging EnerG+ heater.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Type | Output | Key detail | Approx. price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01 | Propane tower | 48,000 Btu | Warms a 10-15 ft circle; 8+ hours a tank | Check current price |
| East Oak UR50 | Propane tower | 50,000 Btu | 3-year warranty when registered | Check current price |
| AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GT | Propane glass tube | 40,000 Btu | About 100 sq ft | About $320 |
| Westinghouse WES31-15110 | Electric vertical | 1,500 W | 4-ft beam; tip-over switch | About $239-256 |
| EnerG+ HEA-21288LED | Electric hanging | About 5,100 Btu | About 200 sq ft; IP24 | About $166 |
*Prices from Wirecutter’s listings. Check current prices.
The best patio heaters
1. AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01: best overall
Best for: most patios and decks.
Wirecutter’s top pick. This classic mushroom-style propane tower puts out 48,000 Btu, warms a circle about 10 to 15 feet across, and runs for more than eight hours on a tank. It has a tip-over safety switch, and Wirecutter praises the company’s parts support.
Pros
- Strong, even heat
- Long run time
- Good parts support
Cons
- Needs propane tanks
- Large footprint
2. East Oak UR50: best alternative
Best for: buyers who want a longer warranty.
Wirecutter’s runner-up delivers 50,000 Btu and comes with a 3-year warranty if you register it. Business Insider found it raised the temperature of its test area by 20°F in 30 minutes.
Pros
- Powerful
- 3-year warranty with registration
Cons
- Propane tanks required
3. AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GT: best glass tube
Best for: style-focused patios and entertaining.
Wirecutter’s glass-tube pick, about $320. A dancing flame in a glass column puts out 40,000 Btu and warms about 100 square feet. It looks spectacular but heats a smaller area than a mushroom tower.
Pros
- Striking flame
- Ambiance
Cons
- Smaller heat area
4. Westinghouse WES31-15110: best electric
Best for: covered patios and places where propane isn’t allowed.
Wirecutter’s electric pick, about $239 to $256. This 1,500-watt vertical heater warms in a beam about 4 feet wide and has a tip-over switch. It needs an outlet nearby.
Pros
- No propane
- Tip-over switch
Cons
- Narrow heat beam
- Needs an outlet
5. EnerG+ HEA-21288LED: best hanging electric
Best for: pergolas and covered dining areas.
Wirecutter’s hanging chandelier pick, about $166. It puts out about 5,100 Btu, warms about 200 square feet and is rated IP24 for splashing water.
Pros
- Keeps floor space clear
- Integrated light
Cons
- Lower output than propane
- Needs mounting and power
6. Bromic Tungsten: luxury option
Best for: high-end outdoor rooms.
Wirecutter lists the Bromic Tungsten, about $2,500, as a premium heater it plans to test. We include it as an option to research, not a tested pick.
Pros
- Premium design
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not yet tested by Wirecutter
Which pick is right for you?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Have an open patio or deck and want maximum warmth | AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01 |
| Want a powerful tower with a longer warranty | East Oak UR50 |
| Want a showpiece flame for entertaining | AZ Patio Heaters HLDS01-GT glass tube |
| Have a covered patio or balcony | Westinghouse WES31-15110 |
| Want to keep floor space clear under a pergola | EnerG+ hanging heater |
| Are designing a high-end outdoor room | Research the Bromic Tungsten or other mounted heaters |
Propane vs electric
| Propane | Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Much more; Wirecutter says about 8x electric | Lower; focused |
| Coverage | Wide circle | Beam or smaller area |
| Fuel | 20 lb tanks; about 8-10 hours each | Outlet; no refills |
| Best for | Open patios | Covered areas, balconies |
| Setup | Tank swaps | Outlet needed |
Wirecutter says propane heaters deliver about eight times the heat of electric. A 20-pound tank lasts about 8 to 10 hours. Electric heaters must plug directly into an outlet. Wirecutter says to avoid extension cords unless they’re 14-gauge and outdoor-rated.
How much heat do you need?
Think about your space in three ways: size, exposure and how you use it. A small balcony or covered nook can be comfortable with a single electric heater aimed at the seating. A typical open patio for four to six people suits one 40,000 to 50,000 Btu propane tower, which Wirecutter says warms a circle about 10 to 15 feet across. Larger entertaining areas often need two heaters on opposite sides rather than one big one.
Wind matters more than most people expect. Moving air carries heat away fast, so an exposed rooftop or lakeside deck will feel colder than a sheltered courtyard at the same temperature. Screens, walls, hedges and outdoor curtains (kept well clear of the heater) all help. And remember that heaters warm people, not the whole yard. Arrange seating within the heater’s range rather than trying to heat the entire space.
How to choose a patio heater
Heat output and coverage
For open patios, a 40,000 to 50,000 Btu propane heater is the standard. For covered spaces, electric is often safer and easier.
Safety features
Look for a tip-over switch and an automatic shutoff. Keep heaters away from overhangs, plants and anything flammable, following the manufacturer’s clearance guidance.
Running costs
Propane costs depend on local prices, but the math is simple: one 20-pound tank gives you about 8 to 10 hours of heat, according to Wirecutter, so regular evenings outdoors can mean a refill every week or two. Electric heaters have no refills but draw power while they run. A 1,500-watt heater like the Westinghouse uses 1.5 kWh an hour, so multiply by your electricity rate to estimate the cost.
Style
Mushroom towers, glass-tube flames, hanging chandeliers and wall or ceiling heaters all suit different spaces.
Parts and warranty
Good parts support matters, since igniters and thermocouples can wear. East Oak’s 3-year warranty requires registration.
Mounted and built-in heaters
In luxury outdoor rooms, heaters often disappear into the architecture. Wall- and ceiling-mounted infrared heaters, like the Bromic range, sit under pergolas, eaves and covered terraces, aiming warmth down at seating and dining areas without taking up floor space. They’re usually hardwired and require an electrician, and premium models can cost several times as much as a freestanding tower. If you’re designing or renovating an outdoor space, plan the heater with your lighting and electrical layout so wiring can be hidden.
Placement tips
- Set freestanding heaters on a level, stable surface, and use the base weight or sand fill if the maker recommends it.
- Keep clear of overhangs, umbrellas, plants, curtains and furniture, following the manual’s clearances.
- Use propane heaters only outdoors in well-ventilated areas, never in enclosed spaces.
- Position the heater near seating, not in a walkway where it could be knocked.
- For electric heaters, use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and avoid extension cords unless they’re 14-gauge and outdoor-rated, as Wirecutter advises.
Propane tank tips
Keep a spare 20-pound tank so the party doesn’t end early. Wirecutter says a tank lasts about 8 to 10 hours. Check hoses and connections with soapy water at the start of each season: bubbles mean a leak. Store tanks upright and outdoors, away from heat sources. Tank exchange programs at hardware and grocery stores make swaps easy, though refilling is often cheaper.
Care and storage
Cover your heater when it’s not in use, and store it in a dry place during the off-season if you can. Keep the burner, reflector and igniter clean and free of spider webs and debris, which can disrupt the flame. If the heater won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may need replacing, which is where good parts support, like AZ Patio Heaters’, pays off. For electric heaters, check cords and plugs for damage and keep them dry.
Create a cozy outdoor room
Pair a heater with a fire pit, outdoor sofas and a hot tub. For more, see our luxury patio ideas.
How we researched this guide
We don’t test patio heaters in-house. Our picks come from Wirecutter’s February 2026 testing, with additional notes from Business Insider. Prices are from Wirecutter’s listings and change often.
FAQ
What is the best patio heater?
Wirecutter’s top pick is the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01.
How long does a propane tank last in a patio heater?
About 8 to 10 hours for a 20-pound tank, according to Wirecutter.
Are electric patio heaters any good?
They’re less powerful than propane but suit covered patios and places where propane isn’t allowed.
Can I use a patio heater under a covered patio?
Follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidance. Electric heaters designed for mounting are often the better choice for covered spaces.
How much area does a patio heater warm?
Wirecutter says the Hiland warms about a 10 to 15 foot circle, while the glass-tube model covers about 100 square feet.
