Wi-Fi heaters let you warm the patio from your phone before you step outside, and set schedules.
We picked the best app-controlled patio heaters.
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Quick Picks
- Best wall mount: Wall-Mounted Wi-Fi Patio Heater with Light
- Best hanging: Hanging Wi-Fi Ceiling Patio Heater
- Best with thermostat: 1500W Infrared Heater with Thermostat
- Best with external probe: Pasapair Wi-Fi Thermostat Heater
- Best slim: YUEES Wi-Fi Infrared Wall Heater
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Type | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted Wi-Fi Patio Heater with Light | Best wall mount | 1500W | Wi-Fi app + light | View |
| Hanging Wi-Fi Ceiling Patio Heater | Best hanging | 1500W | 9 levels, Wi-Fi | View |
| 1500W Infrared Heater with Thermostat | Best with thermostat | 1500W, IP65 | Thermostat + app | View |
| Pasapair Wi-Fi Thermostat Heater | Best with external probe | 1500W PTC | Wi-Fi + external probe | View |
| YUEES Wi-Fi Infrared Wall Heater | Best slim | 1500W | Wi-Fi app, slim 28 in | View |
Detailed Reviews
1This wall-mounted heater adds Wi-Fi app control and a built-in light. It runs at 1,500 watts.
Being able to warm the patio from your phone before you step outside is the reason to choose it.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- App control
- Built-in light
- Quick install
Watch out for
- Newer brand
- App quality varies
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Control: Wi-Fi app, remote
- Extras: light
2This hanging ceiling heater uses carbon fiber tubes with nine heat levels, a 24-hour timer and Wi-Fi control.
Hanging the heater over a table keeps the floor clear and spreads warmth over the whole seating area.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Ceiling hanging
- Wi-Fi control
- 9 levels
Watch out for
- Needs a sturdy ceiling
- Newer brand
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Mount: hanging ceiling
- Control: Wi-Fi, timer
3This carbon infrared heater adds a thermostat and smart app control, plus a remote and 24-hour timer. It mounts on a wall or ceiling and is rated IP65.
A thermostat lets the heater cycle to hold a set temperature in enclosed spaces like sunrooms and garages instead of running flat out.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Thermostat
- App and remote
- IP65
Watch out for
- Thermostat less useful in open air
- Newer brand
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Control: thermostat, app, remote
- Rating: IP65
- Mount: wall/ceiling
4Pasapair’s 1,500-watt heater uses a Smart Life app with an external temperature probe, 7-day schedules and a 24-hour timer.
The probe measures temperature where your plants or seating are, not at the heater, for more accurate control.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- External probe
- Wi-Fi app
- 7-day schedule
Watch out for
- Fan type
- Built for greenhouses
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Control: Wi-Fi app, external probe
- Schedule: 7-day
5YUEES’ slim 28-inch carbon fiber heater runs at 1,500 watts on 120V, with Wi-Fi app control and a 24-hour timer.
It is a compact smart heater for covered patios and enclosed spaces.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Wi-Fi control
- Slim design
- Plug-in 120V
Watch out for
- Newer brand
- Limited reviews
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Size: 28.35 in
- Control: Wi-Fi, 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.
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.
Where to Place a Patio Heater
Infrared heat travels in a straight line, so aim the heater at people, not at the open sky.
- Mount wall and ceiling heaters 7 to 9 feet above the floor, or at the height the manufacturer recommends.
- Keep at least 3 feet of clearance from anything that can burn, such as curtains, cushions and umbrellas. NFPA uses this 3-foot rule for space heaters.
- Use weather-rated outdoor outlets with GFCI protection.
- Avoid long extension cords. If you must use one, choose a heavy-duty outdoor cord rated for the heater’s wattage.
- Windbreaks such as screens or plants make a big difference to how warm you feel.
Smart Heater Tips
- Check that the app works on your phone and with your home Wi-Fi (most use 2.4 GHz).
- Use schedules so the heater does not run when nobody is outside.
- Never rely on remote control alone if the heater is near anything that can burn; check clearances first.
Related guides: best electric patio heater with thermostat, best electric patio heater, best electric patio heaters, best electric patio heaters 2026. 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.
Understanding Running Costs
To estimate cost, multiply the heater’s wattage in kilowatts by the hours you use it and your electricity rate. A 1,500 watt heater on full power uses 1.5 kWh each hour; a 3,000 watt heater uses 3 kWh. Lower settings, timers and thermostats cut that. Because infrared heaters warm people directly and start instantly, they waste less energy than heaters that need to warm the surrounding air first. Turning the heater off when nobody is outside is the simplest way to save.
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
The Wall-Mounted Wi-Fi Patio Heater with Light is our top smart pick, and the Hanging Wi-Fi Ceiling Heater is best over a dining table.
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