Seriously, have you actually been cooped up in the house all winter long? It’s no wonder an extended family of squirrels has “renovated” your pergola.
Oh, come on, we all know that a little fresh air does wonders for the mind and the spirit. But we also know it’s tough to decide how best to keep everyone warm and happy outside. SO many options. So many considerations. Like wood-burning bans, safety issues, space constraints, and smoke allergies.
Luckily, I’ve spent the past two weeks researching just this kind of thing at garden centers and online. And if you read on, maybe–just maybe–I can help lift that sinking mood that seems to have settled over your place.
So have a look. I’ve posted reviews of five excellent outdoor patio heaters by type. They’re all worthy of consideration. And I hope there’s one that will get you back outside for some fresh air and warmly remembered evenings.
Table of Contents
- #1 MOUNTED ELECTRIC – Aura MW 3000W Infrared Outdoor Heater
- #2 FREESTANDING ELECTRIC – Fire Sense Pole-Mounted Infrared Heater
- #3 ELECTRIC UMBRELLA HEATER – Fire Sense Patio Umbrella-Mounted Heater
- #4 FREESTANDING PROPANE – Fire Sense Pyramid Outdoor Heater
- #5 TABLE TOP PROPANE – AZ Portable Tabletop Patio Heater
- SUMMARY – The One-Minute Recap
#1 MOUNTED ELECTRIC – Aura MW 3000W Infrared Outdoor Heater
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Silent operation.
- Odorless. No byproducts of combustion.
- Heats instantly, no initial warmup period.
- Low glare. Warm, ambient glow.
- IP65 weatherproof enclosure for outdoor use.*
- Fully electric.
- Windy conditions not an issue.
- Durable construction.
- Low operating cost.
- Heat zone of 120 square ft.
WHAT I LOVE
This is one of the AURA series of heaters from Solaira, a leading manufacturer of architectural-quality infrared heaters. Solaira’s AURA line is value-priced and designed for residential use.
Infrared heat will warm objects (and you) rather than the air, making the AURA MW Series especially suited to backyard dining and family gatherings.
This is a good solution for small patios and decks, where you want to clear or maximize floor space. Or for families with small children or pets, to keep the heat source safely out their reach.
It’s also a great choice if you have family or friends with allergies to wood smoke, or you want to comply with wood-burning bans in your area.
The MW Series features an extruded aircraft grade anodized aluminum body with stainless steel components, an adjustable wall-mounting bracket for re-direction of heat, and once installed, is virtually maintenance free.
*PLEASE NOTE: IP65 Enclosure means that this heater is protected against dust that might cause harm to the unit, and against water spray from all directions, but not against powerful jets of water or immersion. Or heavy seas, just FYI.
A dealbreaker for you?..
- It needs to be hardwired and installed by a qualified, licensed electrician.
- It requires an 8-foot minimum hanging height.
- It requires a 12-inch minimum clearance from the ceiling.
It’s best at warming a group of people while dining or relaxing, but isn’t suited to, say, a large party where guests are moving about “working the crowd.”
Measures 37.2″ W x 3.8″ H x 4.8″ D. Heat coverage area is about 120 square feet, uses 208 – 240V, 12.5 Amps.
**There is also a smaller model, the AURA MW 1500W Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater, which measures 25″ W x 3.8″ H x 3″ D. Heat coverage area of about 65 square feet, uses 120V, 12.5 Amps.
#2 FREESTANDING ELECTRIC – Fire Sense Pole-Mounted Infrared Heater
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Runs on regular 110V household electric current (must be dedicated).
- Fully electric. 12-foot electrical cord, not retractable.
- Constructed of durable, lightweight aluminum.
- Telescoping, adjustable pole.
- Includes PVC storage cover.
- Freestanding and portable (has wheels).
- Patented design.
- Heats almost instantly, with heat coverage area of about 9 square feet.
WHAT I LOVE
Unit is made from durable, lightweight, weather-resistant aluminum. Can be used as an outdoor patio heater or in a garage or workshop!
Pole is adjustable for height. Very attractive black powder coat finish works nicely with almost any decor. The infrared method heats objects, so there is no wasteful heating of the air.
This is an excellent heater if you want something clean, versatile, portable, and efficient, without the need for propane tanks.
A dealbreaker for you?.. A dedicated electrical circuit is required. Assembly is required.
Measures 18 inches at base, 87 inches high. Weighs 53 lbs. Heat coverage area of about 9 square feet. Heat output of 5,118 BTUs. Total 1500W.
#3 ELECTRIC UMBRELLA HEATER – Fire Sense Patio Umbrella-Mounted Heater
- Durable, high-quality steel construction.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Quick, easy assembly.
- Fully electric. 7-foot, 8-inch cord, not retractable.
- Silent operation.
- Heats almost instantly, no initial warmup period.
- 3 x 500 watt power.
- Approximately 10% the energy costs of propane heaters.
- No harmful emissions or byproducts of combustion.
- Uses standard 110V household current.
- ETL Approved.
WHAT I LOVE
Such a clever idea in outdoor patio heating. And the heat level is so easy to adjust. Press the switch once for 500W, twice for 1000W, and a third time for 1500W.
Infrared warms objects and people, not the air.
Heater folds down when you want to collapse your umbrella, or you can simply remove it from the umbrella pole. Either way, it’s fast and easy.
There are no moving parts, just silent and efficient heating for your family and guests.
ETL approved means this heater complies with North American safety standards.
This is an excellent choice if you have an outdoor umbrella table or a freestanding market umbrella with your patio furniture, and you don’t want to use propane.
A dealbreaker for you?.. It must be mounted on a standard umbrella center pole.
Measures 3.3″ H x 4″ W x 39″ L. Weighs 7.92 lbs. Heat coverage area is about 9 square feet. Heat output of 5,118 BTUs. Total 1500W.
#4 FREESTANDING PROPANE – Fire Sense Pyramid Outdoor Heater
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- 40,000 BTUs.
- Tall, visible flame is windproof, enclosed in glass.
- Pyramid design. Tank is accessed via a hinged door.
- Stainless steel burners and heating grid.
- Tilt-off and flame-off safety features.
- Electronic ignition system.
- Attached wheels for easy mobility.
- Uses standard 20lb. propane tank, not included.
- Consumption rate approximately 10 hrs.
- ETL approved.
WHAT I LOVE
Stylish pyramid design has a modern “tiki torch” look. Tall flame is visible, unlike more traditional propane heaters, and heats from all four sides, bringing both warmth and light effects to your outdoor space.
This is an excellent heater if you want the clean burn of propane in a contemporary style outdoor heater.
A dealbreaker for you?.. Requires a standard 20 lb. propane tank, not included. Requires AAA battery, not included. Should be covered and wheeled out of rainy or windy weather. Assembly required.
Measures 20.5 x 20.5 x 88 inches high. Weighs 60 lbs.
#5 TABLE TOP PROPANE – AZ Portable Tabletop Patio Heater
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- 11,000 BTUs, with variable control
- Anti-tilt safety feature.
- Base is weighted for additional stability.
- Burner screen guard.
- Includes storage cover.
- Uses a 1 lb. propane tank, not included.
- Can be used with 5 ft. adapter hose to connect to 20 lb. tank
- Heat radius of about 5 feet.
- CSA approved.
WHAT I LOVE
Modestly sized, practically effortless to use. Has attractive, durable, grey and black speckled finish (called Gunmetal).
Propane connector swings out, making it easy to attach the 1 lb. tank, not included. Tank will last about 2 or 3 hours on high.
I’ve had positive experiences with customer service at AZ Patio Heaters.
This little tabletop heater is perfect if you have a small patio or porch and don’t want to fill or store 20 lb. propane tanks.
A dealbreaker for you?.. While it’s roughly 50 inches shorter than many floor models, I still find it too tall for a small patio dining table, especially if I’m serving lunch or snacks. I use mine on a nearby side table. It depends on your furniture and specific needs, but the heater is a little over 3 feet tall.
Assembly required.
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 37 inches high. Weighs 19 lbs.
SUMMARY – The One-Minute Recap
If you want to clear patio floor space, and mount a high quality, maintenance-free electric heater that is silent, odorless, weatherproof, and efficient, consider the Aura MW 3000W Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater. Heat coverage, 120 sq. feet.
If you’re looking for an innovative, freestanding, portable, electric heater that can be used outside on the patio or inside a garage or workshop, the Fire Sense Telescoping Offset Pole-Mounted Infrared Patio or Deck Heater would work nicely for you. Heat coverage, 9 sq. feet.
If you want a durable, high quality, lightweight infrared heater that mounts quickly and easily on your patio umbrella’s center pole, the Fire Sense Umbrella-Mounted Halogen Patio Heater is an excellent option. Heat coverage, 9 sq. feet.
If you’re searching for something sleek and stylish in a full sized, freestanding propane heater with excellent safety features and easy operation, the Fire Sense Pyramid Outdoor Heater in Stainless Steel is the way to go. 40,000 BTUs.
If you want a table top propane heater that’s super easy to use and move around the patio, the AZ Portable Tabletop Patio Heater in Gunmetal Finish is a very reliable and high quality option. 11,000 BTUs.