if you’re anything like us, you’re probably wishing that the warmer weather would stay all night long. Instead of dashing inside when a cool breeze drifts in, make the most of your open space and BBQ area with the best patio heaters.
The Office for National Statistics found that between 28 March to 26 April 2020, "There was a substantial increase in the time spent gardening and doing DIY by 147 per cent to 39 minutes a day."
It's clear that for many of us, we took this time to do jobs that we have otherwise put off for years - like building or sprucing up the shed and planting a wildflower patch. Now that we've exhausted these chores, we've spent the last year enjoying our gardens more than ever before.
Because of this, here at Yours, we've seen the importance of getting out and enjoying our green space. That's why we think that outdoor heaters are the best way to optimise your garden as the winter months roll in.
Best places to buy garden heaters
Not sure where to start looking for the best patio heaters? Here are some of the best places to buy garden heaters online.
B&Q
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What types of outdoor heaters are there?
There are three main types of outdoor heaters: gas, solid fuel, and electric heaters. They come in all shapes and sizes, from wall-mounted options to freestanding pyramid-shaped ones. Whether you’re looking for something portable, stylish, or high-tech, we’ve found something for everyone.
Pyramid heater: Unlike any other gas patio heater, this is sure to become the eighth wonder of the world; well, your world anyway. Shaped like the Great Pyramids, it's been designed to release maximum heat and warmth.
A pyramid heater is great if you have a large garden and outdoor seating area.
Balcony heater: This outdoor heater does exactly what it says on the tin, it's useful for heating your balcony. Guarantee the luxury of using a balcony in winter, thanks to a compact, wall-mounted heater or rechargeable heater.
A balcony heater is best for limited outdoor space.
Wall-mounted heater: This is a patio heater that is has been engineered to give off infrared heat, rather than gas.
A wall-mounted heater is best for protection from the rain.
Tabletop heater: If you're looking for a portable outdoor heater that is stylish and practical, then a tabletop heater is your safest bet.
Tabletop heaters or freestanding heaters are best for warming up your outdoor seating areas.
The best patio heaters UK 2021
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections. Why trust us?
Best patio heater for warmth
Need to know: The heater is gas-powered and it comes with a gas regulator and regulator hose. However, it doesn't include the LPG tank.
Size: Almost 7.5 ft - incredible!
We love: The wow factor you get from the pyramid shape and open flame.
Review: "Just as everyone else states regarding erecting the heater it took me around I'd say the five-hour mark as many of the instructions are in my opinion missing or in the wrong order.
"The heat output is good and does look pretty classy. I would recommend this heater as it does a good job; I'm no novice at putting bits together, but this was a challenge, I'd give plenty of time."
Best patio heater for entertaining
Need to know: Set of two freestanding heaters.
Size: 174.5 - 210 x 50 x 47cm (height is adjustable).
Three heat settings: 650W, 1350W, 2000W.
We love: Not only will these take off the chill from the cooler evening, but they're a fantastic light source too. For over £300, this is a lot to fork out on, but it works out good value for money as you get two heaters.
Review: "Bought these for our new patio area - they look good, work well and I am well pleased with them. However, don't be caught out by the horrendous price of the 'correct' covers. I purchased a couple of waterproof, ripstop nylon, laundry bags from Amazon, and they work a treat - they saved me over £40. If you go that route, just remember to check the heaters are cooled down before fitting the covers."
Best patio heater for design
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Need to know: This chimenea includes a mesh door, rain lid, log grate and safety tool. Logs sold separately.
Size: H72cm x W36cm.
We love: Although this is different to other patio heaters that feature on this list, the chimenea is an alternative way to stay warm during the colder months. The best way to describe it is an outdoor fireplace.
Review: "Great item, just right for a small garden patio or yard, The added grill shelf was great for toasting marshmallows and barbecuing meat, the chimenea throws out plenty of heat, great little addition to a family social evening in the garden."
Best patio heater for budget
Need to know: It has a two-metre power cord and can heat an area of up to 15 square meters.
Size: Adjustable height - 130-210cm.
Three heat settings: 650W, 1350W, 2000W.
We love: How easy this patio heater is to assemble! You'll be able to use it in no time at all.
Review: "Does exactly what it says in the tin! It heats up fairly quickly, the base is sturdy and gives off a nice wee heat. The only downside is the short cable, this is slightly restrictive, however, this was easily fixed with an extension cable."
Best column patio heater
notonthehighstreetwww.notonthehighstreet.com
Need to know: It has a 360-degree tip-over safety switch, 1. 8m power supply cord and it's waterproof.
Size: 140cm x 40cm x 40 cm
Two heat settings: 1000W and 2000W.
We love: Durability is essential when it comes to patio heaters, and this option is waterproof, beautifully designed and has a corrosion-resistant finish. What's not to like?
Patio heater FAQs
You don't have to wait until the end of summer sale to treat yourself to that patio heater you've always wanted. If you've finally decided to invest, then you've probably got some questions you want answering. Instead of spending hours looking up the answers, we've pulled together a quick Q&A guide to help.
Are electric patio heaters expensive to run?
According to an article written by thisismoney.co.uk, it should cost you approximately £200 a year. The article says, "Let's take the 2000w - or 2kW - top-level setting. This will cost roughly 31p an hour to run, based on the average UK tariff. If you have this on in an evening for three hours, this would mean nearly £1 of usage.
"Using your example of 12 hours a week, it would cost £3.72. Over the course of the year, this would equate to just shy of £200."
What fuel is right for my patio heater?
We enlisted the help from resident tech expert, William Lobley over at What's The Best to help us understand what fuel is right for our patio heaters.
William said, "If you’re looking at getting yourself a patio heater, there are a few technical aspects that you should consider before making your final decision. These points aren’t particularly complicated, but they’re important to consider – and it all comes down to the fuel type that you opt for.
"Patio heaters that use natural gas will require professional installation by a certified engineer. This will increase your initial outlay, as you’re paying for both the heater and professional’s labour.
"Electric heaters are easy to install, as they typically run from a standard main plug socket. The only issue you may encounter here is ensuring that the heater can reach said plug socket. While some of you will already have safe access to mains power in the garden, some may need to install an outdoor power extension. Depending on your situation, the solution may require professional installation.
"Propane heaters are a popular option because they're easy to set up and use. However, propane tanks can be expensive and a little bit of a hassle to get refilled.
"Wood heaters are the most economical and straightforward of outdoor heaters. Wood fuel can be gathered from your garden or purchased at a very reasonable price online or in retail stores. The only issue you may find here is that the temperature is difficult to control, and the ashes can be very messy to tidy out."
Can patio heaters be used in the rain?
Did you know that some garden heaters can get wet, and others can't? When you're looking to buy a patio heater, make sure you do your research. Not sure whether yours can be out in the rain? Then check the instruction manual when your heater arrives.
How many patio heaters do I need?
This depends on how big your garden is. For an average size garden, one outdoor heater should be enough to warm up a seating area.
Can a patio heater be used indoors?
We would not recommend using a garden heater indoors. If you buy an outdoor heater that uses gas, if used in a confined space like your house, garage or caravan, you could put yourself and others at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Are patio heaters safe to use?
Anything that uses heat or open flames will come with a risk. Make sure to keep this away from flammable materials such as rugs and a good distance from walls and ceilings.