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Best Overall

Hampton Bay

48,000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The restaurant patio heater you've seen everywhere—now for your backyard. 48,000 BTUs of warmth covering an 18-foot circle. Wheels to move it where needed, anti-tilt safety if bumped. Extend patio season by months.

BTU

48,000

Height

87"

Material

Stainless steel

Heating Range

18' diameter

Pros

✓ 48,000 BTU output
✓ Stainless steel
✓ Wheels for mobility

Cons

✗ Propane tanks required
✗ Assembly needed
✗ Tall—can blow over

$189

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
48,000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater Best Hampton Bay	4.5	$189	View
Outdoor Carbon Infrared Heater Dr Infrared Heater	4.6	$299	View
Commercial Patio Heater Value Amazon Basics	4.3	$139	View
Tabletop Patio Heater Star Patio	4.4	$79	View
Pyramid Patio Heater with Glass Tube Hiland	4.5	$379	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Hampton Bay

48,000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The restaurant patio heater you've seen everywhere—now for your backyard. 48,000 BTUs of warmth covering an 18-foot circle. Wheels to move it where needed, anti-tilt safety if bumped. Extend patio season by months.

BTU

48,000

Height

87"

Material

Stainless steel

Heating Range

18' diameter

Pros

✓ 48,000 BTU output
✓ Stainless steel
✓ Wheels for mobility

Cons

✗ Propane tanks required
✗ Assembly needed
✗ Tall—can blow over

$189

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Dr Infrared Heater

Outdoor Carbon Infrared Heater

4.6 (5,678 reviews)

Electric heat that actually works outdoors. Infrared technology warms objects (you) not air, making it effective even with breeze. Mounts to wall, ceiling, or pergola. No propane tanks, no open flame.

Watts

1500W

Mount

Wall or ceiling

Heat Type

Infrared

IP Rating

IP44

Pros

✓ Electric—no propane
✓ Wall/ceiling mount
✓ Instant heat

Cons

✗ Needs outlet
✗ Smaller heating area
✗ Visible element

$299

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Best Value

Amazon Basics

Commercial Patio Heater

4.3 (23,456 reviews)

Amazon's take on the classic patio heater hits the value sweet spot. Not fancy, but it pumps out serious heat for under $150. The entry point to outdoor heating.

BTU

46,000

Height

87"

Material

Steel with powder coat

Tank

Standard 20 lb propane

Pros

✓ Excellent value
✓ Standard mushroom design
✓ 46,000 BTU

Cons

✗ Basic construction
✗ Some assembly issues
✗ Generic design

$139

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Budget Pick

Star Patio

Tabletop Patio Heater

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Personal heating for the patio table. This tabletop unit won't heat your whole deck, but it'll keep the dinner table comfortable. Perfect for small spaces, balconies, or focused warmth.

BTU

11,000

Height

36"

Fuel

1 lb propane cans

Heating Range

5' diameter

Pros

✓ Tabletop size
✓ Portable
✓ 11,000 BTU

Cons

✗ Small heating range
✗ Burns through fuel fast
✗ Limited height

$79

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Hiland

Pyramid Patio Heater with Glass Tube

4.5 (6,789 reviews)

Fire as sculpture. The flame visible through the quartz glass tube creates ambiance that regular patio heaters can't match. Yes, it costs more. Yes, everyone asks about it. Some things are worth it.

BTU

40,000

Height

89"

Style

Pyramid with glass tube

Material

Stainless steel

Pros

✓ Visible flame column
✓ Stunning design
✓ Good heat output

Cons

✗ Expensive
✗ Glass tube vulnerable
✗ Heavy

$379

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Outdoor Heaters

How to Choose an Outdoor Heater

Outdoor heaters turn your patio from a three-season space into a nearly year-round destination. When temperatures drop, the right heater keeps dinner outside instead of driving everyone in.

Heater Types

Propane Tower/Mushroom
The commercial standard. Standalone units using 20 lb propane tanks. 40,000-50,000 BTU output heats roughly 18-20 foot diameter areas. Portable, powerful, no electrical needed.

Propane Tabletop
Scaled-down versions using 1 lb propane cans. 10,000-15,000 BTU. Perfect for small spaces, balconies, or focused table heating. Less powerful but more portable.

Electric Infrared
Mounts to walls, ceilings, or pergolas. Heats objects directly via infrared radiation, not air. Works even in breezy conditions. Requires outdoor-rated outlet.

Natural Gas
Permanent installation connected to gas lines. Unlimited fuel, no tanks. Best for built-in outdoor kitchens or dedicated entertainment areas.

### BTU Basics

BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures heat output. Rough guide:
10,000-15,000 BTU: 5-foot radius, tabletop heaters
- 30,000-40,000 BTU: 10-foot radius, medium units
- 40,000-50,000 BTU: 15-20 foot radius, full-size heaters

Remember: outdoor heat dissipates into infinite space. You need more BTUs outside than inside.

### Placement & Safety

Clearance: 3+ feet from anything flammable, overhead clearance for rising heat
Stability: Weight base or sandbags for tall units in windy areas
Surface: Level, non-flammable surface
Ventilation: Always—never use gas heaters in enclosed spaces

### Cost to Run

Propane: A 20 lb tank runs about 10-12 hours on high (roughly $20-25 per tank at current prices).
Electric: 1500W heater running 4 hours = about 6 kWh, roughly $0.60-1.20 depending on your electricity rate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Heaters

How long does a propane tank last in a patio heater?

A standard 20 lb tank lasts 8-12 hours on high heat, longer on lower settings. Tabletop heaters using 1 lb cans get 2-3 hours. The math: 20 lb propane ÷ burn rate (pounds per hour) = runtime. Full-size heaters typically burn 1.5-2 lbs/hour on high.

Can I use a patio heater on a covered porch?

Only with adequate clearance and ventilation. You need 3+ feet of clearance above the heater top, open sides for air circulation, and awareness that propane produces carbon monoxide. Many people do it, but manufacturers generally advise open-air use only.

Are outdoor heaters safe on wood decks?

Yes, with caution. The base doesn't get dangerously hot—the heat goes up. Don't place on untreated or old brittle wood. Watch for tip-over risk. The bigger concern is the radiant heat above: keep away from deck railings, umbrellas, and overhangs.

Electric vs. propane patio heater—which is better?

Depends on your setup. Propane: more powerful, portable, no outlet needed. Electric: lower operating cost, no fuel to buy, mount anywhere with power, works in wind. For large areas or no electrical access, propane wins. For covered patios with outlets, electric is more convenient.

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