Electric patio heaters compete with propane heaters, natural gas heaters, fire pits and chimineas. Each has a place.
We compare them all and recommend the best electric heaters.
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Quick Picks
- Best all-round: Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater
- Best high power: Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W
- Best versatile: Briza Infrared Patio Heater
- Best smart control: 1500W Infrared Heater with Thermostat
- Best IP65: VAGKRI Infrared Patio Heater
- Best tower: Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Heater
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Type | Standout feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Infrared Portable Patio Heater | Best all-round | 1500W, IP55 | Indoor/outdoor, portable | View |
| Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W | Best high power | 3000W, 240V | Wall or ceiling mount | View |
| Briza Infrared Patio Heater | Best versatile | 1500W | Tripod stand + wall/ceiling | View |
| 1500W Infrared Heater with Thermostat | Best smart control | 1500W, IP65 | Thermostat + app | View |
| VAGKRI Infrared Patio Heater | Best IP65 | 1500W, IP65 | 700/1000/1500W, 12H timer | View |
| Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Heater | Best tower | 1500W, 42 in | 9 heat levels, tall element | 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
2The 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
3Briza’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
4This 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
5VAGKRI’s heater gives instant infrared warmth with three output levels (700, 1,000 and 1,500 watts), a remote and a 12-hour timer. It is rated IP65.
The lower settings save energy on mild evenings, and the higher water rating handles exposed patios better.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- IP65 rating
- Three wattage levels
- Remote and timer
Watch out for
- Smaller brand
- Freestanding stand sold in some versions only
Key Specs
- Power: 700/1000/1500W
- Rating: IP65
- Extras: remote, 12H timer
6Haimmy’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
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.
Electric Heaters vs Fire Pits and Chimineas
Fire pits and chimineas give ambiance and real flames but produce smoke, need wood and must be far from structures. Electric heaters give instant, smoke-free warmth and can be used under covered patios. Many households use both: a fire for atmosphere and an electric heater for practical warmth.
Related guides: best electric patio heater vs gas, best electric patio heater vs propane, best chiminea vs fire pit, best electric patio heater. 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
Compared with other options, electric heaters like the Dr. Infrared Portable are the cleanest and simplest for covered patios. For a social fire, see our chiminea vs fire pit guide.
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