All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Have you ever loved sitting on your patio but gotten chased indoors by a sudden chill? A patio heater extends those warm evenings by several hours—sometimes the whole season. Beyond comfort, heaters add a social element to outdoor living, turning a cool night into a cozy conversation. Whether you host backyard dinners, want a toasty porch for morning coffee, or need to keep a covered patio usable well into the cooler months, the right heater can make your outdoor space feel like an extra room.
Choosing the right heating technology is the first big decision. Each type has pros and cons depending on where you live, how often you use the heater, and how much maintenance you want to manage. Let’s break them down so you can decide which suits your space and lifestyle.
Propane heaters are the classic choice for patio heating. They blast heat quickly and typically cover larger footprints—think patio fireplaces on a stick. Many standing models put out 40,000 to 50,000 BTU and can heat an area of 100 to 200 square feet comfortably. They’re portable and don’t require wiring, which makes them ideal if you want to place heat wherever guests gather. The tradeoff? You’ll need to swap or refill tanks and store them safely.
Electric heaters are cleaner and quieter. You’ll find plug-in standing units, slim wall mounts, and stylish freestanding towers that deliver steady warmth. Electric models are often rated by wattage; a 1500-watt patio heater can be effective for a small seating area up to about 50 square feet, while commercial-style units rated 3000 watts or more are better for larger covered patios. They’re less flexible in placement unless you have outdoor circuits, but they’re low-maintenance and ideal for areas with restrictions on open flames.
Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly, rather than heating the air. Think of the sun on your skin—that’s infrared in action. These heaters are efficient in windy or semi-open spaces because the heat isn’t blown away. You’ll find them as wall-mounted, hanging, or patio-floor models and they work great in directional setups, like a bench or a dining table. If you want immediate warmth without wasted energy, infrared is worth a close look.
Patio heaters come in shapes as varied as your backyard furniture: tall mushroom-shaped towers, low tabletop units, sleek wall-mount panels, and under-umbrella inserts. Different retailers specialize in different styles, so knowing what you want makes shopping easier.
Standing heaters are everywhere at big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. They stock a broad range of propane towers and electric columns, plus hard-to-miss outdoor brands that are engineered for usability and durability. These stores are great if you want to see a unit in person, compare heights—often 7 to 8 feet tall—and ask staff about accessories like wind guards and patio-safe mats.
If your patio is more about intimate seating or you want a portable heat source for a patio table, tabletop heaters from retail giants like Walmart and Target are budget-friendly and fuss-free. These models are usually small, running on butane or low-wattage electricity, perfect for adding a little warmth to a table for 2 to 4 people without taking up much space.
For covered patios, pergolas, or alfresco dining spaces, hanging and wall-mounted heaters from Wayfair and Amazon offer stylish, space-saving solutions. These stores carry models ranging from sleek electric panels to high-output infrared bars that blend into your design while delivering targeted heat. Installation can be DIY or professional, depending on wiring needs and mounting surfaces.
Different stores cater to different needs—budget, variety, pro-level performance, or quick replacements. Here’s a quick guide to where to shop depending on what matters most to you.
Home Depot carries a wide spectrum of patio heaters, from entry-level tabletop options to heavy-duty propane towers. You’ll find established outdoor brands and seasonal sales in spring and fall. If you want hands-on advice or the ability to return to a physical location, Home Depot is a reliable stop.
Lowe’s mirrors Home Depot in offering both propane and electric heaters, including elegant patio heater towers and wall-mounted infrared units. Their online filters make it easy to search by BTU, fuel type, and coverage area, which is handy if you have a specific heating target in mind.
Walmart is a strong budget option for casual buyers looking for small to mid-sized heaters. You’ll find a fast turnover of trendy portable models and competitive pricing on basic units. It’s a good choice if you want a practical, affordable heater for occasional use.
Costco often stocks higher-end patio heaters in limited seasonal runs. Their bundles sometimes include outdoor furniture or heating accessories that deliver value for larger purchases. If you’re after a premium heater and you’re a member, check Costco’s seasonal catalogue for deals that can rival specialty outlets.
Amazon biggest advantage is selection. You can read thousands of user reviews, compare many brands, and find specialty infrared and commercial-grade units shipped to your door. Look for trusted sellers and review photos to get a sense of real-world performance and durability.
Wayfair focuses on style and design. If you want a heater that complements a specific aesthetic—modern, rustic, or industrial—Wayfair’s curated selection tends to include designer-friendly wall mounts and towers. Their site makes pairing heaters with outdoor decor simple.
Ace Hardware and local outdoor living dealers are great if you prefer community-level service and hands-on knowledge. Small stores often stock replacement parts and can advise on the best heater for local weather patterns and codes.
Picking a heater isn’t just about picking the prettiest model. Ask yourself: How big is my area? Is it covered or open? How often will I use it? How portable do I need it to be? Answering these questions narrows down the field quickly.
Measure your seating area in feet—length times width gives you square feet. As a rule of thumb, a typical standing propane heater rated at about 40,000 to 50,000 BTU covers 100 to 200 square feet; electric and infrared units are best matched to smaller or directional areas. Oversize for gatherings: if you often host six or more people, aim for a larger BTU or multiple units to avoid cold spots.
Propane runs on tanks measured in pounds; a standard 20-lb tank can power a 40,000 BTU heater for several hours, depending on the output. Electric heaters cost based on wattage and your electric rate—1500 watts draws about 1.5 kilowatts per hour, so estimate hourly operating cost based on your local price per kilowatt-hour. Infrared tends to be the most efficient for spot heating because it doesn’t waste energy warming open air.
Standing heaters usually require several feet of clearance on all sides and overhead, while wall or ceiling-mounted units need sturdy supports and possible electrical work. Always read manufacturer instructions for clearance in feet and make sure installation fits your space.
Safety is non-negotiable with heaters. Whether you choose propane or electric, proper placement and maintenance will keep your outdoor evenings warm and worry-free.
Place heaters on level surfaces away from flammable materials like curtains, umbrellas, and low-hanging branches. Most standing towers are about 7 to 8 feet tall and require at least 3 to 4 feet of side clearance; always follow the specific model’s clearance labels. Use wind guards for propane units in breezy locales to protect the flame and improve heat retention.
Turn off and disconnect propane tanks when not in use, and keep electric units protected from heavy rain if they’re not rated for full exposure. It’s smart to store small tabletop heaters indoors during long freezes. For winter-ready models, a light cover that allows ventilation protects finish without creating a moisture trap—always remove covers before switching the unit on.
Energy efficiency matters if you plan to heat your patio regularly. Infrared heaters often win on efficiency because they heat people directly; electric units show predictable costs on your energy bill, while propane costs fluctuate with fuel prices. Consider a thermostat-controlled electric unit or a low-BTU infrared option if you want to minimize hourly running costs. Also, think about whether a single high-output tower or multiple smaller heaters gives you the best balance of coverage and expense.
A heater can be a focal point, not an afterthought. Tall stainless-steel towers lend a modern vibe; bronze-finished units feel classic, while slim electric panels tuck into contemporary decks. Match your heater to existing furniture and materials—wood, wicker, and metal each pair differently with heating finishes. Lighting and placement matter too: angle a wall-mounted infrared bar over a bench or dining table to create a warm pool of light and heat that feels intentional and inviting.
There are reliable models across all budgets. For a dependable propane tower with wide coverage, check Home Depot or Lowe’s for well-reviewed heaters in the 40,000–50,000 BTU range. For sleek electric or infrared options, Wayfair and Amazon offer designer units and commercial-grade bars suited for covered patios. Walmart and Target are go-to spots for affordable tabletop heaters that work great for smaller gatherings, while Costco occasionally carries premium bundles that deliver strong value for big outdoor spaces.
Timing matters: many retailers discount patio heaters in late summer and during holiday sales. If you need a heater urgently, big-box stores and Amazon stock popular models year-round, but shopping off-season can save money. Read customer reviews for real-world notes about wind tolerance, assembly, and weathering. Don’t forget accessories—wind guards, protective covers, and replacement parts can extend performance and keep your heater looking great for seasons to come.
With the right heater and a bit of planning, you can transform your patio into a comfortable year-round retreat. Think about the size of your space, the kind of heat you prefer, and which retailers match your priorities—whether that’s selection, price, or quick availability. A well-chosen patio heater feels like a warm welcome every time you step outside.
| Patio Heaters | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe Electric Patio Infrared Heater Remote Controlled Tip-over & Overheat Protection 5118 Btu | $ 77,73 |
