When temperatures drop, enjoying your patio does not have to stop. The right patio space heater can transform chilly outdoor areas into warm, comfortable spaces perfect for relaxing, dining, or entertaining year round.
Designed to deliver efficient heat while withstanding outdoor conditions, modern patio heaters come in a variety of styles, power options, and heat outputs to suit different spaces and needs.
From compact electric models to powerful gas powered units, choosing the best heater ensures consistent warmth, safety, and energy efficiency. In this guide, we explore the top 9 best patio space heaters for cold weather to help you extend your outdoor comfort with confidence.
9. VAGKRI Electric Patio Heater, 1500W
The VAGKRI Outdoor Electric Patio Heater delivers instant, sun‑like warmth with its dual carbon fiber tubes, heating up in just 1 second. Choose from three power settings—600 W, 900 W, or 1500 W—to tailor the temperature for a chilly patio, a damp garage, or a cozy indoor nook.
Its sleek 36‑inch tower design rotates 100° for wide‑angle coverage, spreading heat evenly across a large area while staying whisper‑quiet and odor‑free.
Built with an ETL‑certified, corrosion‑resistant housing, the heater features tip‑over and overheat protection plus an IPX5 waterproof rating, making it safe for families, pets, and outdoor humidity.
The integrated handle lets you move the unit effortlessly from the living room to the backyard, ensuring comfort wherever you need it. Infrared heat promotes better blood circulation without drying the air, creating a relaxing atmosphere for gatherings, dinner al fresco, or quiet evenings at home.
Pros
- Instant 1‑second carbon heat start
- Three adjustable power levels for any setting
- Wide 100° heat spread covers large spaces
- Tip‑over, overheat and IPX5 waterproof safety
- Quiet, odorless operation promotes healthy air
Cons
- Requires a nearby power outlet
- Limited to electric‑only heating
- No built‑in remote control
8. Dura Heat DH2402 Electric Heater
The Outdoor Electric Patio Heater delivers instant, sun‑like warmth with a 1500 W carbon infrared element that heats the space instantly—no noisy fans, no dry air, and no CO₂ emissions.
Its 42‑inch tall tower spreads heat evenly from head to toe, making it perfect for patios, balconies, decks, restaurants, garages, living rooms, or offices. Choose from nine heat levels (620‑1500 W) and set a convenient 9‑hour timer using the included remote, which also stores neatly on the unit.
Built with an aluminum‑alloy frame and an IPX5 waterproof rating, it stands up to rain, humidity, and daily wear. Safety is paramount: the heater automatically shuts off if tipped, moved, or overheated, and a lock activated by the remote or a 5‑second knob press prevents accidental operation.
UL‑certified and backed by a 3‑year warranty, this heater offers reliable, eco‑friendly comfort wherever you need it.
Pros
- Instant, sun‑like warmth without drying air
- Adjustable 9 heat levels for personalized comfort
- Weather‑proof IPX5 design tolerates rain exposure
- Tip‑over and overheat auto‑shutdown safety feature
- Remote control with built‑in storage for easy use
Cons
- Requires a nearby power outlet
- Remote batteries not included in the box
- Heavier than comparable propane models
7. Lasko 5150 Space Heater
The 24‑inch Space Heater delivers rapid, even warmth with a 1500 W heating element that reaches your set temperature in seconds. Its 60° oscillation sweeps heat across the room, eliminating cold spots whether you’re in a bedroom, office, or on a patio.
The adjustable thermostat (60 °F – 99 °F) and 12‑hour timer let you fine‑tune comfort while conserving energy, and the heater automatically maintains the chosen temperature. Safety is built in: tip‑over detection, overheat shut‑off, and a child‑lock protect you and your loved ones.
Flame‑retardant housing and UL certification add extra peace of mind. Ambient lighting offers three mood‑setting modes, and the ultra‑quiet fan operates silently, so warmth never interrupts conversation or work.
Compact and lightweight, this unit moves easily between indoor spaces and outdoor decks, making it a versatile solution for year‑round comfort.
Pros
- Fast 1500 W heating in seconds
- 60° oscillation spreads warmth evenly
- Adjustable thermostat up to 99 °F
- 12‑hour timer for energy‑saving scheduling
- Tip‑over, overheat, and child‑lock safety features
Cons
- Cord length may limit placement
- No remote control included
- Light modes limited to three settings
6. Encyclpo Patio Heater – 1500W
Encyclpo’s 1500 W infrared patio heater delivers instant, sunshine‑like warmth the moment you switch it on. Powered by two high‑efficiency carbon‑fiber heating wires, it radiates heat directly to people and objects, reaching full output in just 1 second.
The sleek 36‑inch tower design is ultra‑quiet—no fan noise, wind, or odors—so you can relax, dine, or even sleep outdoors without distraction.
Built for any setting, the heater carries an IPX5 waterproof rating, making it safe for rainy patios, damp garages, or breezy balconies. Three adjustable power levels (600 W / 900 W / 1500 W) let you fine‑tune comfort for a chilly backyard, a spacious garage, or a cozy indoor nook.
Safety is front‑and‑center: a flame‑retardant housing, tip‑over shut‑off, and automatic overheat protection keep you and pets worry‑free.
Whether you’re hosting a summer evening gathering, extending your work‑from‑home hours, or simply adding warmth to a large room, this portable tower heater blends rapid heating, quiet operation, and robust protection in a compact, stylish package.
Pros
- Instant 1‑second infrared heating performance
- Ultra‑quiet operation, no fan noise
- IPX5 waterproof for outdoor and indoor use
- Three power levels for customized warmth
- Tip‑over and overheat safety shut‑off
Cons
- Requires a dedicated 120 V outlet
- No built‑in remote control option
- Carbon fiber wires may need occasional cleaning
5. HETRAROOT HTH-001 Space Heater
The HETRAROOT Outdoor Heater combines rapid‑response PTC ceramic heating with smart safety features for a reliable, year‑round comfort solution.
In just one second the 1200 W (high) or 900 W (low) setting delivers uniform warmth, while a dedicated fan mode provides a gentle breeze when the temperature rises.
A 70° oscillation sweeps warm air across up to 250 sq ft, and the ultra‑quiet 30 dB motor keeps the space peaceful—perfect for bedrooms, offices, garages, patios, or workshops. Dual control options let you switch modes from the sleek front panel or a long‑range remote (up to 20 ft).
Built‑in tip‑over and overheat protection, a reinforced fine‑mesh grille, and UL‑listed flame‑retardant materials keep children and pets safe.
The lightweight 3.3 lb unit (5.1″ × 4.1″ × 10.7″) plugs into a grounded safety outlet with a 6‑foot extension cord, making setup as easy as “unpack‑plug‑enjoy.” Backed by a 12‑month warranty and 24‑hour support, this portable heater offers both performance and peace of mind.
Pros
- Instant 1‑second heat with PTC technology
- Two heat levels plus fan mode flexibility
- 70° oscillation covers large 250 sq ft area
- Whisper‑quiet operation at only 30 dB
- Lightweight, portable design with built‑in handle
Cons
- Extension cord may limit placement flexibility
- Remote range reduced by large metal objects
- No built‑in thermostat for automatic temperature control
4. AmazonBasics AHT34
The Outdoor Electric Patio Heater delivers instant, sun‑like warmth the moment you flip the switch. Its 34‑inch carbon infrared tower houses dual carbon heating tubes that reach full 1500 W output in just one second, warming you from head to toe without the dry, noisy blast of traditional fans.
The silent, clean heat produces no CO₂ or smoke and costs a fraction of propane to run.
Built with an aluminum‑alloy frame and an IPX5 waterproof rating, this heater thrives in rain‑soaked patios, humid garages, or breezy decks, while the UL‑certified safety system automatically shuts off if the unit tips, moves, or overheats.
Three adjustable power levels (600 W, 900 W, 1500 W) let you tailor the warmth for a cozy night’s sleep or a lively outdoor gathering. An ergonomic handle and a 6.6 ft flame‑retardant cord make relocation effortless, and the rugged construction is backed by a 3‑year replacement‑only warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Instant heat reaches full power in 1 second
- Silent operation keeps evenings peaceful
- IPX5 waterproof, perfect for any weather
- UL‑certified tip‑over and overheat protection
- Portable with ergonomic handle and long cord
Cons
- Requires a nearby electrical outlet
- No built‑in remote control option
- Limited to indoor‑rated power cords only
3. Westinghouse WGen1500 Patio Heater
The 1500 W 36‑inch infrared patio heater delivers fast, reliable warmth for garages, workshops, or any indoor space where you need a cozy temperature boost.
With a 12‑hour programmable timer, you can set it to pre‑heat before you arrive home or keep the heat on while you work, then automatically shut off to save energy.
Two power settings—P1 (750 W) for gentle comfort and P2 (1500 W) for rapid heating—let you tailor warmth to the size of the room and the outside chill.
Safety is built in: an anti‑tip switch and overheat sensor instantly cut power if the unit is knocked over or gets too hot, protecting children, pets, and your property.
Its IPX5 waterproof rating means it can tolerate light humidity—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or a slightly damp garage—without risking damage. The sleek tower design includes a handy remote for effortless temperature adjustments from across the room.
Important: This heater is intended for indoor use only; exposure to wind or open air will reduce efficiency. The surface becomes hot during operation, so keep hands, pets, and kids at a safe distance.
Pros
- 12‑hour timer eliminates manual shutdown
- Two heat levels for versatile comfort
- Anti‑tip and overheat protection ensures safety
- IPX5 rating tolerates light indoor moisture
- Remote control adds convenient operation
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor environments
- Surface becomes hot; keep away from children
2. AmazonBasics 27-Inch Infrared Tower Heater
Stay warm with this 27-inch Infrared Tower Heater, designed to deliver targeted, sun-like radiant heat for cozy comfort on chilly days and nights.
Advanced infrared heating technology quickly warms people and objects rather than just the air, providing efficient, steady warmth whether you’re indoors or outside on a patio or in a garage.
Built with a weatherproof aluminum alloy frame and IPX5 water resistance, it’s durable enough for everyday use. Safety features like automatic shut-off for tip-overs and overheating give you peace of mind.
Lightweight and portable with a stable base and ergonomic handle, this heater is ideal for gatherings, outdoor spaces, workshops, and living areas.
Pros
- Rapid, targeted infrared heating for fast warmth
- Indoor/outdoor-ready with durable, weatherproof design
- Safety features: tip-over and overheat shut-off
- Stable wide base reduces risk of falling
- Portable with ergonomic handle
Cons
- Only one heat level (1200W)
- Radiant heat limited by distance
- Needs power outlet access for use
1. AmazonBasics ABH23 1500W Space Heater
The 23‑inch Space Heater delivers rapid, even warmth with its 1500 W heating element and 70° oscillation, spreading comforting heat throughout any room or patio in seconds.
An adjustable thermostat lets you set the temperature from 50 °F to 95 °F, while a 12‑hour timer provides hands‑free control for day or night use.
Safety is built in: tip‑over protection, overheat shut‑off, and a child lock work together with flame‑retardant materials and certified quality to keep you and your family secure.
Ambient lighting adds a soothing glow with seven selectable modes, and the ultra‑quiet motor ensures the heater runs silently—perfect for bedrooms, offices, or outdoor evenings.
Its compact, portable design fits effortlessly on a bedside table, desk, or patio railing, making it a versatile solution for indoor and outdoor heating needs.
Pros
- Fast 1500 W heating reaches set temperature quickly
- 70° oscillation distributes warmth evenly, no cold spots
- Adjustable thermostat up to 95 °F with 12‑hour timer
- Multi‑layer safety: tip‑over, overheat shut‑off, child lock
- Ultra‑quiet operation plus ambient light for cozy ambiance
Cons
- No remote control for temperature adjustments
- Cord length may be short for larger patios
- Light modes limited to seven preset options
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing the best patio space heater?
- Heat output: Look for BTU or wattage that matches the size of your outdoor area.
- Fuel type: Gas (propane or natural), electric, and infrared models each have pros and cons regarding cost, convenience, and safety.
- Portability & mounting: Freestanding units are easy to move, while wall‑mounted or ceiling‑mounted heaters free up floor space.
- Weather resistance: Ensure the heater has a weather‑proof rating (e.g., IP44 or higher) for rain and humidity.
- Safety features: Automatic shut‑off, tip‑over protection, and cool‑touch surfaces are essential for safe operation.
Are infrared patio heaters more efficient than traditional propane heaters?
Yes. Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating the air, which means less heat loss in windy conditions. They typically use less fuel to achieve the same perceived warmth, making them more energy‑efficient for small to medium‑sized patios.
However, for very large, open spaces, a high‑output propane heater may still be preferable.
How can I safely use a patio space heater on a deck or near furniture?
- Maintain clearance: Keep at least 3 feet of space between the heater and any combustible material (e.g., wooden railings, furniture, curtains).
- Use a stable base: Place freestanding heaters on a level, non‑flammable surface; avoid tilting or uneven ground.
- Install a fire‑resistant mat: If the heater sits on a wooden deck, a heat‑resistant pad can protect the surface.
- Never leave unattended: Turn off the heater when you leave the area, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for start‑up and shut‑down.
Conclusion
Investing in a patio space heater ultimately comes down to balancing warmth, safety, and convenience for your outdoor oasis.
Prioritize models that deliver consistent heat while offering reliable safety features such as tip‑over protection and automatic shut‑off, especially if children or pets are nearby.
Consider the fuel source that best fits your lifestyle—whether the instant power of electric units or the extended runtime of propane options—and look for energy‑efficient designs that keep operating costs low.
Finally, a heater that blends seamlessly with your décor and offers easy mobility will enhance both comfort and ambiance, ensuring your patio remains inviting long after the sun sets.
