Best outdoor heaters: transform your backyard into a year-round oasis

When spending time in your garden during chilly evenings, it's important to stay warm and comfortable. Investing in one of the best outdoor heaters can provide this and more, keeping your hands and toes toasty while bringing a touch of style to your outdoor space when entertaining guests.

There are a wide variety of outdoor heaters available, including electric or gas, chimineas, and fire pits. In this article, we have rounded up our top choices to help with your decision.

There are a few things you will need to consider when shopping around, and our top picks include compact options, fully electric and propane gas models, and a range of sizes and budgets to suit everyone. Much like the best gas grills, our outdoor heater picks are designed to be used year-round, but summer is a great time to invest.

Best outdoor heaters: Quick list

The best outdoor heaters in 2024

Best modern outdoor heater

(Image credit: TerraFlame)

As a more eco-friendly and convenient heating option, the TerraFlame Lloyd Fireplace is an indoors/outdoors model with a freestanding, portable design. The heater uses SunJel Fuel Canisters, which are a more renewable option with a plant-based formula. This also makes it smoke-free, so you can enjoy the heat and atmosphere it creates without worrying about mess or smells.

The gorgeous electroplated finish will complement a variety of decor styles, and though the flame may not be as realistic as what you would get from a wood-burning fireplace, it's still a way to get effective heating for small-medium areas in an aesthetically-pleasing and environmentally-conscious way.

Best propane outdoor heater

(Image credit: Thermo)

The Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Heater is a fantastic way to extend the time you can spend outdoors, providing warmth and comfort all night long. It's modern and stylish as a primarily commercial product, but the propane-fuelled heater works just as well outdoors and is able to heat a large area up to 15 feet across. The safety tilt valve helps to prevent accidents.

Some reviewers have noted that the Thermo Tiki was tricky to set up and reported that windy conditions dampened its effectiveness. It could also be a little noisy, but it's overall an effective and stylish way to provide heat for your outdoor gatherings and parties.

Best outdoor ceiling heater

(Image credit: East Oak)

If you need something to heat a patio, porch, or small room, the East Oak Patio Heater is a great choice. Waterproof and dustproof, as well as overheating protection, make this hanging electric heater ideal for outdoor or indoor use. And, with a power output of 1500W, remote control, and portability, it's an energy-efficient and convenient option.

The model may not be the best for larger spaces, but great for small, intimate settings. Installation is easy due to its compact size, but you will need to ensure that there is a nearby power source before mounting it. Overall this is a reliable, safe, and cleaner way to stay warm during the chilly months.

Best outdoor fireplace

(Image credit: Sunjoy)

With an elegant and timeless design, the Sunjoy wood-burning fireplace offers a great combination of style and function for your outdoor space. Made of durable steel and designed to withstand all kinds of weather conditions, it should last you many years, and the screen provided means you won't need to worry too much about embers flying out.

The price point may be a little higher than other heaters, but the classic style creates an air of authenticity, and it's big enough to warm a group at a larger gathering or keep you toasty on a Saturday afternoon. If you want a wood-burning fireplace, this is a fantastic option.

Best outdoor heater for parties

(Image credit: Sunjoy)

With 40,000 BTUs, this portable propane gas heater lets you enjoy your outdoor space even when it's cooler outside. With a sleek steel design and black finish, it's perfect for outdoor gatherings or relaxing on your own. The side table provides a handy place to put drinks and snacks.

With easy-access controls, you can set the heat output to what you want, and the safety shut-off valve keeps everyone safe. With its lightweight and easy-to-move design, it's perfect for patios, decks, and even beside the pool. It's tough and durable, so you'll enjoy warmth and comfort in your outdoor space for years to come.

Best firepit table

(Image credit: Endless Summer)

Any outdoor space would look good with the Endless Summer Outdoor Gas Fire Pit Table with its chic, modern design and handcrafted slate tile mantel. Powered by a propane tank and an electronic ignition system, the fire pit is weather-resistant and designed to withstand harsh conditions outside.

A hidden compartment keeps the propane tank clean and seamless under the fire pit. In addition to producing 50,000 BTUs of heat, the fire pit doubles as a table, so you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance while gathering outdoors. You also get a protective cover and table insert for safe storage when it's not being used.

Best outdoor heater to prevent heat loss

(Image credit: Hykolity)

With its powerful 50,000 BTUs and 20-pound propane tank, this patio heater from Hykolity can heat up 200 sq ft quickly. The device is made of brown power-coated sturdy steel and has an innovative reflector design that reduces heat loss. This is good for efficiency when propane can get a little expensive to replace.

The safety auto shut-off valve turns the heater off automatically. It has wheels at the base, making it slightly easier to move (though its size and weight could make this tricky), and it has a push-button ignition, so you don't have to do any set-up. On the whole, it's a great way to warm up your outdoor space while adding style.

Best large firepit table

(Image credit: Cosiest)

A contemporary and sophisticated outdoor heating solution, the COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit is made with a bronze finish and stainless-steel burner that adds an elegant touch to your porch or backyard. This fire pit has a diameter of 40.5 inches and 50,000 BTUs, so it'll keep you and your guests warm all night long.

The heater is fueled by a standard 20-pound propane tank (not included) that can last for up to 15 hours, giving you more time to enjoy the warmth and atmosphere with your friends and family. It will stay dry and protected from the elements with a waterproof cover and glass wind guard.

Best electric outdoor heater

(Image credit: Bromic)

The Bromic Heating Outdoor Heater Platinum Smart-Heat Electric is a high-quality, powerful in-built heating solution for your outdoor space. With a sleek black design, it adds a touch of elegance to your patio or backyard without taking up space, and in general, electric systems are considered more cost-effective than gas.

The heater is made with durable materials, so you won't have to worry about too many maintenance issues. You can control the heat output with the included remote, set it to a temperature that works for you, and just get to enjoying your time in the yard without worrying about the weather. 

How to choose the best outdoor heater

(Image credit: Bromic)

Heating capacity

Think about the size of the room you're going to heat when buying an outdoor heater, and buy one that can handle it. BTUs (British Thermal Units) are the most common way to measure heating capacity. You should choose a product that provides enough power for your specific needs, which usually ranges from 8,000 to 90,000 BTUs per hour.

Safety

Make sure it has safety features. A tip-over switch detects if a heater has been knocked over and shuts it off. Another essential safety feature is an automatic shut-off that can prevent damage to the heater and reduce fire and electric shock risk. Additionally, protective screens keep you from burning yourself by preventing direct contact with the heating element. This should make accidents and injuries a lot less likely.

Fuel sources

Propane, natural gas, or electricity can power outdoor heaters. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and while propane heaters are portable, natural gas heaters require a dedicated gas line, but are more cost-effective in the long run. A heater that runs on electricity needs an outlet.

Design

Outdoor heaters can make a big difference to your outdoor space's aesthetics. Some heaters have a sleek, modern design that elevates their appearance, while others have a more traditional look that can make your outdoor space feel more comfortable and inviting. The outdoor heater you choose should fit seamlessly into your outdoor decor, based on your tastes and preferences.

Maintenance

If you want your outdoor heater to work safely and effectively, you'll need to clean and maintain it. If your heater is exposed to the elements, it can suffer. It's less likely that your heater will break down if you pick one that's easy to care for. The materials used have a lot to do with how hard-wearing it will be, and you might want to look at how easy it is to find replacement parts online. Have a storage plan too.