10 Quick Tips About Best Electric Patio Heater
Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget-friendly purchase that won't cost you power bills. It comes with various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around your garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth over a bigger area, but they will require regular refills of propane or natural gas. It's a great option for large gardens with lots of seating areas and sofas.
1. Infrared heaters
The majority of the freestanding electric patio heaters that we tested were infra-red models. They are more affordable than gas-powered models and depending on the model you choose they will have lower operating costs as well. There's also little assembly required and you won't need to refill your propane tank.
The most effective ones have remote controls to make the operation simple and have an LED light built in to provide ambiance. One of our top picks is from German company Herschel. It uses circular filaments to emit infrared heat across an area that is the size of a table. It has easy-to-use heating settings and 360deg rotation. Another option that is worth considering is the Westinghouse 1500W infra red heater, which uses an aluminium reflector to direct the beam of heat to your preferred spot.
Both models are energy efficient and emit a cosy and clean glow. However the Herschel is more sleek, making it more suitable for modern gardens, or if you're looking to blend it in with your outdoor furniture. It can be integrated into home automation systems that allow you to choose your preferred temperature and brightness. This could help you save money over time.
It's worth bearing in mind that even though infrared heating is effective, it only warms objects and people in the vicinity of the heater. It will cease to work if you move away. It will also not warm your garden or patio when the winds blow the heater around.
On the other hand, gas heaters will warm up a much larger space if they're not moved and are equipped with a wind-shield to keep them in their place. They are often located in pub gardens and have a cosy 'burning log' effect that is attractive in most decors.
Propane-powered heaters for patios are generally less efficient and produce a lot of smoke and noise when the flame is burning. Contrary to propane, which is stored in a cylinder that will require refilling when it runs out Most electric heaters do not require refilling and are more environmentally friendly. Gas heaters are more expensive and produce more heat.
2. Gas heaters
As Summer begins to wind down and evenings turn colder, it might be the time to purchase a patio heater to keep you warm and comfortable. There are plenty of options to choose from regardless of whether you opt for gas or electric, ranging from small tabletop models to floor-standing units designed to warm large outdoor spaces like a decked backyard.
While gas heaters are cheaper to purchase than some electric models however, they can be costly to run - in fact, according to Heat Outdoors, "they are among the most inefficient regarding both the amount of heat they create and the energy they consume". A typical 13kg cylinder costs PS90 or PS50 for refilling and lasts approximately 13 hours.
Electric heaters, unlike gas, use radiant heat instead of air to warm objects and human. Electric heaters are more affordable to run, and have a lower carbon footprint. They are also much simpler to use. You can simply plug them into the outlet, and they will turn on.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings including restaurants, bars and private gardens. Some models have a built-in dimming switch that allows you to control the brightness the light is. They can be used either in a closed or open space. They are also smaller than gas models, and can be moved easily. This is very beneficial for when you need to move your heater from one section of your garden to another.
The heaters are connected to the power source and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. The majority of electric heaters aren't permitted to have an extension lead longer than 1.8m. This is to be in line with safety standards. It is also important to be aware of blocking any sockets in the vicinity or leaving the cable trailing.
3. Freestanding heaters
If you're a fan the design of the gas heater but do not want to be restricted by where it can be placed or you want to cut costs and save money, these freestanding electric patio heaters are a great option. Powered by electricity, they're quick to heat up and easy to operate at the flick of a switch or remote. They are also less expensive to run than their gas-powered equivalents.
The one from Kettler is a stylish and attractive option that won't be out of place amongst your rattan furniture and is weatherproof for year-round use. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against windblown rain and dust (although we wouldn't suggest aiming the hose of a high-pressure model at it). The model comes with three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, and an automatic timer ranging from 1-9 hours.
Another alternative for those who do not want to be restricted by the location of gas heaters on their patios is this electric model made by Blumfeldt. It is available in two sizes, and includes many features, such as a timer remote control, as well as 360-degree oscillation. It also has splash-proofing to ensure your safety. However, we do not recommend getting it wet excessively as this could alter the performance and lifespan of the heater.
This portable patio heater is popular with those who like to control their heating. It's simple to use, with a remote control, 2 heat settings, and the ability to turn on or off the light from a distance. It comes with a built-in safety feature that shuts the unit off when it is tipping.
As opposed to gas patio heaters, electric ones don't emit any carbon monoxide, which is why they are a great option for those with pets or small children who are not yet old enough to recognize the dangers of staying close to flames. These models are great for large outdoor gazebos and spaces as they can quickly warm up an area of 15m2. These models are lightweight and easy-to-move, and some even come with an remote that lets you alter the temperature from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
After the summer has ended, and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time to think about adding some warmth to your outdoor space. Electric heaters are available in various styles that include freestanding models as well as wall-mounted models.
patio electric heater is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater along with low running costs. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on the base of a pedestal, making it ideal for covered porches, gazebos, and covered patios and smaller gardens in which a freestanding model may look too big. It comes with an adjustable remote control that can be used to alter the temperature. Users describe it as being a Goldilocks choice because it's just warm enough to reduce the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a confined space, like a covered porch or garage since it doesn't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. Gas heaters, on contrary, must be placed in a space that is open and has sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas ones. They're also less portable as they require access to an electricity outlet. That's particularly important if you reside in a region that has expensive energy charges.
Electric heaters are not as powerful as gas heaters however, there are plenty of options in the PS50 to PS200 price range. Some can be hung from parasols or awnings. Others are powered by rechargeable batteries.
If you're looking for an infrared device that is affordable to run, this is a good option. It's available in two sizes and comes with various options that include 360deg oscillation as well as easy-to-use temperature settings. It's also certified IP44 which means it's able to withstand splashes of water as well as light rain.