Best Patio Heaters
Top patio heaters ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 46,000 BTU commercial-grade output
- Weighted base for stability
- No batteries needed for ignition
Cons
- Consumes a 20-lb tank in 8-10 hours
- Difficult to store due to height
Don't buy this if…
- Never operate under a ceiling lower than 8 feet or under any combustible overhead structure.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Anti-tilt automatic safety shutoff
- Attractive bronze finish
- 20-foot heating diameter
Cons
- Heavy to move when assembled
- Bronze finish can fade outdoors
Don't buy this if…
- Keep all combustible materials and furniture at least 3 feet away from the heater during operation.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Instant-on infrared heat
- No propane tanks to refill
- Remote control with timer
Cons
- Limited to 1500W coverage area
- Requires covered mounting location
Don't buy this if…
- Must be installed under a covered structure as the unit is not fully waterproof and rain can damage the heating element.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Stunning visible flame display
- 40,000 BTU heat output
- Built-in wheels for mobility
Cons
- Glass tube requires careful handling
- More expensive than standard mushroom style
Don't buy this if…
- The glass tube must be replaced if cracked as any damage creates a serious safety hazard during operation.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- IP44 water resistant rating
- Adjustable tilt angle
- Works in garages and workshops too
Cons
- Requires outdoor electrical outlet
- Heats a small area only
Don't buy this if…
- Use only with a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet to prevent electrical shock in wet conditions.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- High 48,000 BTU output
- Variable heat control
- Thermocouple safety shutoff
Cons
- Assembly takes over an hour
- Igniter may need replacing after a season
Don't buy this if…
- The piezo igniter is a common failure point and a long-reach lighter should be kept on hand as a backup ignition method.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Three adjustable heat settings
- Slim tower saves floor space
- Tip-over safety shutoff
Cons
- Power cord limits placement options
- Less heat than propane models
Don't buy this if…
- The power cord is only 6 feet long so an outdoor-rated extension cord may be necessary for proper placement.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Compact tabletop size
- Uses portable 1-lb propane cylinders
- Good for small spaces and camping
Cons
- 1-lb tank lasts only 3 hours
- Limited heat output for large areas
Don't buy this if…
- Never use on an unstable or uneven table surface as the heater can tip and cause a fire hazard.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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