Outdoor Heater Comparison – Gas and Electric Heaters

Determining which outdoor heater is good for your patio or outdoor space

Which outdoor heater should I buy? An outdoor heater comparison will reveal that there are many features to consider in order to determine what the best outdoor heater may be for your needs.

In order to determine which outdoor heater you should buy, First consider

• • Do I want a gas outdoor heater, or an electric outdoor heater (Ambient or Infrared Heat)
  • What kind of outdoor area do I intend to heat?
  • Which style of heater do you want?
  • What type of maintenance are you willing to perform?

Gas vs Electric Outdoor Heaters

Should I get a gas outdoor heater, or an electric outdoor heater? This is a very important question to ask. It impacts the experience, maintenance, and type of outdoor heater you will buy. The first thing to consider is that while gas heaters put out a significantly higher amount of BTUs they only heat the air immediately around them. Much like a camp fire, to truly experience the warming nature of a gas (usually propane) heater, you need to get close and stay close. That being said, at close proximity, it is hard to beat the warmth of a propane heater.

With electric heaters, the experience is different. Electric heaters provide infrared heating. It’s more like the warm rays of the sun than a campfire. You might be able to be further from the heat source with an electric heater and still experience some of its benefit. With the more intense heat of a gas heater, being up close may bring a very intense heating experience, but as you begin to step away, the warming effects become much less noticeable.

Then there is the question of fuel. With Gas heaters, the fuel source must be regularly serviced/refilled. However, with electric heaters, you only need a source of electricity.

Where will the heater be used?

Where will the heater be used? Will the heater be used in a large outdoor space, or in an intimate patio area? Will you be expecting to socially distance with others, or are the heat requirements for a small household gathered around a common table? Determining the size of the area you want heat is key to determining the type of outdoor heater you should buy. You should also consider the weather. Extreme conditions such as torrential rains, wind or freezing temperatures may have an impact your outdoor heater. Also, if you need to regularly move your patio heater the weight and mobility of the outdoor heater is important to consider.

Outdoor Heater Styles

There are many different designs and styles for outdoor heaters. For example, table top heaters are generally smaller, more portable and have less comparative heat output. Typically heat output is measured in BTUs (especially when referencing gas heaters). However sometimes it is measured in watts with electric outdoor heaters.  Chandelier heaters are typically fixed devices that hang from a stationary overhead location. Table top heaters are often less preferable due to overall heat output. Chandelier heaters are often challenging due to their fixed position. They cannot be easily adjusted/moved as they hang from the ceiling.

When it comes to heating your patio standing umbrella heaters are a top choice. Sometimes these outdoor heaters are called mushroom heaters. This style of heater offers varying degrees of mobility (some come with wheels). Also, they offer some of the highest levels of BTUs by size.

For a more refined aesthetic consider a pillar heater. These are generally taller and take up less horizontal space. However they provide less heat output by comparison to umbrella heaters.

Forced air bucket heaters are also an option if a smaller, portable heater that can be more discreetly positioned on the ground is important.

If you hope to sit around a heater with a number of people, consider buying a fire table.

Outdoor Heater Maintenance

Gas heaters generally require more maintenance and upkeep compared to electric heaters. Your gas heater product documentation should provide further direction on maintenance and upkeep. In general, the fuel line for gas heaters must be kept in good working condition. Also, special attention must be given to gas heater fuel line connection points in order to keep them free of rust and debris and the fuel source must be refilled.

Top Rated Outdoor Heaters

Umbrella Style Outdoor Heaters (Gas)

Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater

Product Name: ​Fire Sense Hammer Tone Bronze Patio Heater
Reviews/ratings: 4.5 Stars
Gas/electric: Gas (Uses standard 20lb LPG BBQ tank—not included)
BTUs: 46,000
Mobility/Portability: Includes Wheels
Size: 18 x 33 x 89
Weight: 43 Pounds
Infrared or Ambient: Ambient
Style: Umbrella Patio Heater

Table Top Outdoor Heaters

Forced air “Bucket Heaters”

Product Name: Remington REM-60V-GFA-O
Reviews/ratings: 4.4 Stars
Gas/electric: Gas
BTUs: 60,000
Mobility/Portability:
Size: 19 x 7.5 x 13 inches
Weight: 14 Pounds
Infrared or Ambient: Ambient
Style: Bucket (forced air)

Mr. Heater MH60QFAV 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Forced Air Heater

Product Name: Mr. Heater MH60QFAV
Reviews/ratings: 4.5 Stars
Gas/electric: Gas
BTUs: 60,000
Mobility/Portability:
Size: 15.98 x 8.82 x 13.5 inches
Weight: 13.01 pounds
Infrared or Ambient: Ambient
Style: Bucket (forced air)

Top Rated Outdoor Electric Heaters

Briza Infrared Patio Heater – Electric Patio Heater 

Product Name: Briza Infrared Patio Heater – Electric Patio Heater
Reviews/ratings: 4.3
Gas/electric: Electric
Watts: 1500
Mobility/Portability: Requires mount or stand
Size: 35.5 x 4 x 4 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Infrared or Ambient: Infrared
Style: Mountable (mount to stand or approved outdoor structure)

Outdoor Fire Tables

Outland Living Fire Table

Product Name: Outland Living Series 403-Slate Grey Fire Table, Slate Grey/50,000 BTU
Reviews/ratings: 4.7
Gas/electric: Gas
BTUs: 50,000
Size: 44” L x 32” W x 24” H
Weight: 96 pounds
Infrared or Ambient: Ambient
Style: Fire Table

BALI OUTDOORS Propane Gas Fire Pit Table, 30 inch

Product Name: BALI OUTDOORS Propane Gas Fire Pit Table, 30 inch 50,000 BTU Square Gas Firepits with Fire Glass for Outside
Reviews/ratings: 4.6
Gas/electric: Gas
BTUs: 50,000
Size: 30″ L x 30″ W x 25″ H in
Weight: 80 pounds
Infrared or Ambient: Ambient
Style: Fire Table