Fan heaters blow warm air, which works well in enclosed porches, sunrooms and greenhouses. On open patios, wind carries that air away, so infrared heaters work better there.
We picked the best fan-forced heaters and an infrared alternative.
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Quick Picks
- Best with thermostat: Fan Heater with Digital Thermostat
- Best fan heater: PTC Ceramic Fan Patio Heater
- Best infrared alternative: Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater
- Best rugged fan heater: Dura Heat EUH1500 Forced Air Heater
- Best pivoting base: Dura Heat EUH1465 Fan Heater
- Best for large garages: InoKraft 7500W Ceiling Garage Heater
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Type | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Heater with Digital Thermostat | Best with thermostat | 1500W, ~215 sq ft | Digital thermostat | View |
| PTC Ceramic Fan Patio Heater | Best fan heater | 1500W, ~200 sq ft | Ceramic fan heater | View |
| Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater | Best infrared alternative | 1500W, IP55 | Indoor/outdoor, portable | View |
| Dura Heat EUH1500 Forced Air Heater | Best rugged fan heater | 1500W, ~250 sq ft | Built-in thermostat | View |
| Dura Heat EUH1465 Fan Heater | Best pivoting base | 1500W PTC | Pivoting base | View |
| InoKraft 7500W Ceiling Garage Heater | Best for large garages | 7500W, 240V | Remote, digital thermostat | View |
Detailed Reviews
1This 1,500-watt fan heater has a digital thermostat and, according to the brand, heats up to about 215 square feet.
It suits greenhouses, enclosed porches and workshops where holding a steady temperature matters.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Digital thermostat
- Overheat protection
- Fast heat
Watch out for
- Fan type, not infrared
- Newer brand
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Control: digital thermostat
- Coverage: ~215 sq ft (brand)
2Unlike infrared heaters, this 1,500-watt heater uses a PTC ceramic element and a fan, which the brand says can heat about 200 square feet.
Fan heaters warm the air, so they work best in enclosed or screened spaces such as greenhouses, sunrooms and garages rather than open patios.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Heats enclosed air
- Overheat protection
- Compact
Watch out for
- Less effective in open wind
- Fan noise
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Type: PTC ceramic fan
- Coverage: ~200 sq ft (brand)
3. Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater
3Dr. 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
4Dura Heat’s steel forced-air heater has a built-in thermostat, overheat shut-off and an adjustable stand, and the brand says it heats up to 250 square feet.
It is rugged enough for garages, workshops and enclosed porches.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Built-in thermostat
- Rugged steel
- Adjustable stand
Watch out for
- Fan type, not for open patios
- Basic controls
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W (5,120 BTU)
- Coverage: ~250 sq ft (brand)
- Safety: overheat shut-off
5The Dura Heat EUH1465 uses a 1,500-watt PTC ceramic element and a pivoting base to aim warm air where you need it.
Its steel body suits garages, workshops and enclosed patios.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Pivoting base
- Ceramic element
- Steel body
Watch out for
- Fan noise
- Enclosed spaces only
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Element: PTC ceramic
- Base: pivoting
6. InoKraft 7500W Ceiling Garage Heater
6InoKraft’s 7,500-watt fan-forced heater is a 240V hardwired ceiling unit with a remote, digital thermostat and 24-hour timer.
It is for large enclosed spaces such as garages and workshops, not open patios, and needs an electrician.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Very powerful
- Digital thermostat
- Remote control
Watch out for
- Hardwired 240V
- Overkill for small spaces
Key Specs
- Power: 7500W
- Voltage: 240V hardwired
- Control: thermostat, 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.
Fan Heater vs Infrared Heater
Fan (convection) heaters warm the air in a room, so they work best in closed spaces. Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly, so they keep working even when a breeze moves the air. For open patios, infrared wins; for greenhouses and enclosed porches, a fan heater with a thermostat keeps a steadier temperature.
Related guides: best electric patio heater with thermostat, best electric patio heater, best electric patio heaters 2026, best electric patio heater for a. See every pick in our Patio Heaters category.
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
For enclosed spaces, the Fan Heater with Digital Thermostat is our pick. On an open patio, choose an infrared heater like the Dr. Infrared Portable.
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