Propane mushroom heaters are a familiar sight at restaurants, but electric infrared heaters are catching up, especially for homes.
We compare the two and recommend the best electric options.
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Quick Picks
- Best portable electric: Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater
- Best mushroom-style electric: 83-Inch Adjustable-Height Patio Heater
- Best freestanding: Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Heater
- Best high power: Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W
- Best rolling: onlyfire FlexRay 80″ Infrared Heater
- Best tripod: Briza Infrared Patio Heater
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Type | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater | Best portable electric | 1500W, IP55 | Indoor/outdoor, portable | View |
| 83-Inch Adjustable-Height Patio Heater | Best mushroom-style electric | 1500W | Adjustable height to 83 in | View |
| Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Heater | Best freestanding | 1500W, 42 in | 9 heat levels, tall element | View |
| Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W | Best high power | 3000W, 240V | Wall or ceiling mount | View |
| onlyfire FlexRay 80″ Infrared Heater | Best rolling | Rolling, 80 in | Rolling base, magnetic remote | View |
| Briza Infrared Patio Heater | Best tripod | 1500W | Tripod stand + wall/ceiling | View |
Detailed Reviews
1Dr. Infrared’s portable heater is one of the most reviewed electric patio heaters on Amazon. It is IP55 rated for indoor and outdoor use and gives clean, instant infrared heat.
It moves easily between the patio, garage and workshop, and runs on a standard outlet. It is our go-to recommendation for a first electric patio heater.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Huge owner base
- IP55 rated
- Portable
Watch out for
- Covers a small area
- Basic styling
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W (120V)
- Rating: IP55
- Use: patio, garage, deck
2. 83-Inch Adjustable-Height Patio Heater
2This freestanding heater raises up to 83 inches, so it can throw heat down over a table like a traditional mushroom heater. It has a timer, remote, three heat levels and tip-over and overheat protection.
It is our pick for a tall heater on a stand.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Tall adjustable stand
- Tip-over protection
- Remote
Watch out for
- Larger footprint
- Newer brand
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Height: up to 83 in
- Safety: tip-over, overheat
3Haimmy’s 42-inch freestanding heater has a long heating tube covering about two-thirds of its height, so it warms from your feet to your shoulders. It has nine heat levels and a remote.
It is a great choice for seating areas where you want warmth at body height rather than overhead.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Tall heating element
- 9 heat levels
- Remote control
Watch out for
- Takes floor space
- Lighter base can tip if bumped
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Height: 42 in
- Levels: 9
- Extras: remote, timer
4The DR-239 delivers 3,000 watts (about 10,260 BTU) of carbon infrared heat. It runs on 220 to 240 volts and mounts on a wall or ceiling, with an IP55 weather rating.
Because it needs a 240V circuit, plan on an electrician. In return you get noticeably stronger heat than any plug-in model.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Twice the power of plug-in models
- IP55 rated
- Wall or ceiling mount
Watch out for
- Needs 240V wiring
- Fixed installation
Key Specs
- Power: 3000W (10,260 BTU)
- Voltage: 220-240V
- Rating: IP55
- Mount: wall/ceiling
5onlyfire’s FlexRay is a tall rolling heater with a magnetic remote and cover, three heat modes and a light mode.
Wheels make it easy to move it to where the party is.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Rolling base
- Includes cover
- Light mode
Watch out for
- New listing
- Bulky
Key Specs
- Height: 80 in
- Base: rolling
- Extras: cover, magnetic remote
6Briza’s heater comes with hardware for walls or ceilings and an adjustable tripod stand. A remote controls power, timer and heat levels.
It has built-in safety features and a large owner base, which makes it a reliable all-round pick.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Tripod and mounting kit
- Remote
- Large owner base
Watch out for
- Tripod takes floor space
- Modest range
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Mount: tripod, wall, ceiling
- Control: remote, timer
How We Chose
We compared materials, sizes, safety features and accessories across dozens of listings, then read verified owner feedback to find durability and usability problems that spec sheets miss. We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner feedback and overall value.
Electric vs Gas Patio Heaters
- Electric: no fuel tanks, no emissions at the point of use, instant heat and low maintenance. Best for covered patios and small, sheltered spaces. Range is limited, and higher-wattage models may need wiring.
- Propane: powerful and portable with no outlet needed, but tanks must be refilled and they must only be used in open, well-ventilated outdoor spaces because they produce carbon monoxide.
- Natural gas: endless fuel supply once plumbed in, lower running cost in many areas, but installation is permanent and needs a professional.
For a covered or semi-enclosed patio, electric is usually the safest choice. For large, open areas, gas heaters put out more heat.
How to Choose an Electric Patio Heater
Electric patio heaters use infrared elements to warm people and objects directly rather than heating the air. That makes them efficient outdoors, where warm air blows away quickly.
- Wattage. Most plug-in models are 1,500 watts, which runs on a standard 120V outlet and warms a small seating area. 3,000 to 4,500 watt models usually need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by an electrician.
- Mounting. Freestanding models move around; wall and ceiling models save floor space and are safer around kids and pets.
- Weather rating. Look for an IP rating such as IP55 or IP65 for outdoor exposure, and still protect the plug and cord from rain.
- Controls. Remotes, timers, multiple heat levels and app control make heaters easier to live with.
- Safety. Tip-over and overheat protection are essential on freestanding models.
Propane Safety Reminder
Propane heaters burn fuel and produce carbon monoxide. Use them only outdoors in open, well-ventilated areas, never in garages, tents or enclosed porches. Store tanks upright and away from heat.
Related guides: best electric patio heater vs gas, best electric patio heater vs natural gas, best electric patio heater vs., best electric patio heaters free standing. See every pick in our Patio Heaters category.
How Much Heat Do You Need?
Infrared heaters warm the people and objects they face, so think about seating zones rather than square footage. As a rough guide, one 1,500 watt heater comfortably warms one or two people sitting within a few feet, or a small table on a sheltered balcony. A 3,000 watt heater covers a larger table or lounge area, and 4,500 watt units suit big covered patios and restaurant seating. On wide patios, two smaller heaters aimed at different seating areas often work better than one large one.
Wind is the biggest factor. A heater that feels toasty on a still night may barely register on a breezy one. Screens, glass panels, outdoor curtains (kept well clear of the heater) and planters all help hold warmth near your seats.
Sources and further reading: NFPA: safety with heating equipment and CDC: carbon monoxide poisoning basics. Product details come from brand listings on Amazon. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and electrical instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 1500W patio heater run on a normal outlet?
Yes. Most 1,500 watt patio heaters plug into a standard 120V outlet. Use an outdoor GFCI outlet and avoid running other big loads on the same circuit.
Can electric patio heaters get wet?
Heaters with IP55 or IP65 ratings are designed to handle splashes and rain, but protect plugs and cords, and do not use them in standing water.
How far does an electric patio heater reach?
Most 1,500 watt models warm a seating area roughly 6 to 10 feet in front of the heater. Higher-wattage, hardwired models cover more.
Are electric patio heaters expensive to run?
A 1,500 watt heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour on high. Multiply that by your electricity rate to estimate the running cost.
Are electric patio heaters safe under a covered patio?
Electric heaters are well suited to covered patios because they do not burn fuel. Follow the clearance distances in the manual and keep them away from fabric.
Final Verdict
Propane is portable and powerful for open areas, but electric heaters such as the Dr. Infrared Portable are safer under cover and need no tanks.
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