Best Patio Heaters UK 2024: Stay Warm Outdoors This Winter
As the UK weather turns chilly, enjoying your garden can quickly become less appealing. However, with the right patio heater, you can extend the outdoor season and make the most of your garden even during the colder months. The demand for a good best patio heater UK has soared in recent years, as more of us look to create cosy outdoor spaces. With rising energy costs, choosing the right type of heater – gas, electric, or infrared – is more important than ever. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect solution for your needs.
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Our Top Pick
For overall value, power, and suitability for most UK gardens, the Outsunny Gas Patio Heater 13kW stands out. It offers a powerful heat output, is relatively affordable at £189.99, and provides a good balance between cost and performance. It’s available at Argos and Amazon UK.
Understanding Patio Heater Types
Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to understand the different types of patio heaters available. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, influencing running costs, safety, and suitability for different spaces.
Gas Patio Heaters
Gas patio heaters, typically using propane or butane, are known for their powerful heat output. They’re ideal for larger gardens or areas where consistent, strong warmth is needed. However, they require gas canisters, which need to be replaced, and require careful handling and ventilation due to combustion byproducts. UK regulations require gas heaters to have safety features like Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) and tilt protection.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters are a convenient and cleaner alternative. They’re portable, easy to use (simply plug them in), and don’t produce any emissions. However, they can be more expensive to run than gas heaters, especially for prolonged use. They are best suited for smaller, covered areas like patios or verandas.
Infrared Patio Heaters
Infrared heaters work differently than traditional heaters. Instead of heating the air, they directly warm objects and people within their range. This makes them highly efficient, as energy isn’t wasted heating empty space. They come in shortwave, mediumwave, and longwave varieties, each offering different heating characteristics. If you’re looking to enhance your garden experience, consider pairing your heater with comfortable outdoor seating. You can find some amazing options in our guide to the Best Garden Furniture Sets UK.
Gas Patio Heaters: Powerful & Efficient
Gas patio heaters are a popular choice for those looking for a substantial heat source. Portable models are easy to move around, while fixed models (connected to a larger gas supply) offer continuous heating. Safety is paramount with gas heaters; always ensure adequate ventilation and check for gas leaks before use. The Outsunny Gas Patio Heater 13kW, for example, boasts a tilting switch for safety and a wheel kit for portability.
Electric Patio Heaters: Convenient & Clean
Electric patio heaters offer the convenience of instant heat with minimal fuss. Quartz, halogen, and carbon fibre are common heating elements. Carbon fibre heaters are particularly popular for their energy efficiency and gentle warmth. When considering an electric heater, pay attention to the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates its resistance to water and dust. For outdoor use, an IP44 or higher rating is recommended. Maintaining a well-kept garden goes hand-in-hand with enjoying your outdoor space. Don’t forget to read our guide on the Best Garden Hoses UK for keeping your garden looking its best.
Infrared Patio Heaters: Targeted Warmth
Infrared heaters offer a focused heat source, making them ideal for warming specific areas like seating arrangements. Shortwave infrared heaters provide instant heat but can be harsh, while mediumwave and longwave heaters offer a more comfortable, radiant warmth. They are generally more energy-efficient than traditional electric heaters because they heat objects directly, rather than the air. The Lifesmart Infrared Patio Heater is a good example of this technology.
Top 5 Gas Patio Heaters UK (Reviewed)
| Product Name | Price (GBP) | Heat Output (kW) | Fuel Type | Pros | Cons | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outsunny Gas Patio Heater 13kW | £189.99 | 13 | Propane/Butane | Powerful heat, Portable, Safety features | Requires gas canister replacement, Can be bulky | Argos, Amazon UK |
| Roma Bio-Ethanol Patio Heater | £149 | N/A | Bio-Ethanol | Clean burning, Stylish design, No gas canister needed | Lower heat output, Bio-ethanol fuel can be expensive | Amazon UK |
| Veito Titan Gas Patio Heater | £249.99 | 13 | Propane | High heat output, Stainless steel construction, Tilting safety feature | More expensive, Requires propane canister | Currys |
| Garden Life Gas Patio Heater | £159.99 | 11 | Propane | Good heat output, Affordable, Portable | Canister needs frequent changing | Argos |
| Outsunny Pyramid Gas Patio Heater | £179.99 | 13 | Propane | Stylish pyramid design, Powerful heat output, Portable | Requires gas canister, Can be tippy | Amazon UK |
Top 5 Electric Patio Heaters UK (Reviewed)
| Product Name | Price (GBP) | Power (W) | Heating Elements | Pros | Cons | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duraheat 2000W Electric Patio Heater | £79.99 | 2000 | Quartz | Affordable, Portable, Easy to use | Higher running costs, Less powerful than gas | Currys, Argos |
| VonHaus 2000W Halogen Patio Heater | £65 | 2000 | Halogen | Compact, Lightweight, Instant heat | Can be harsh, higher running costs | Amazon UK |
| Patio Heater Pro 2200W | £99.99 | 2200 | Carbon Fibre | Energy efficient, Gentle warmth, Quiet operation | More expensive than halogen models | Amazon UK |
| Pro Breeze 2000W Electric Patio Heater | £89.99 | 2000 | Quartz | 3 heat settings, Tip-over protection, Portable | Can be slow to heat up | Amazon UK |
| Duramax 1800W Electric Patio Heater | £69.99 | 1800 | Quartz | Compact, Lightweight, Affordable | Limited heat output, suitable for smaller areas | Currys |
Top 5 Infrared Patio Heaters UK (Reviewed)
| Product Name | Price (GBP) | Power (W) | Wavelength | Pros | Cons | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifesmart Infrared Patio Heater | £129.99 | 1500 | Mediumwave | Energy efficient, Targeted heat, Quiet operation | May not be powerful enough for very cold weather | Amazon UK |
| Dr Infrared Heater Portable Infrared Heater | £149.99 | 1300 | Quartz | Portable, Energy efficient, 60-second heating | Lower heat output than some models | Amazon UK |
| Duraheat Infrared Patio Heater | £99.99 | 1800 | Mediumwave | Good heat output, Affordable, Portable | Can be harsh if too close | Currys |
| Belleville Infrared Patio Heater | £119.99 | 1500 | Longwave | Gentle, comfortable heat, Energy efficient | Slower to heat than shortwave models | Argos |
| VonHaus 1800W Infrared Patio Heater | £85 | 1800 | Halogen | Instant Heat, Portable, Affordable | Can be harsh, higher energy consumption | Amazon UK |
Patio Heater Buying Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right best patio heater UK depends on several factors. Consider your garden size, budget, fuel type preference, desired heating area, and safety features. The IP rating is crucial for weather resistance. Portability is important if you want to move the heater around. Also, think about the desired heating area – infrared heaters are best for focused warmth, while gas heaters are better for larger spaces. Don’t forget to protect your garden furniture too! How to Winter Proof Your Garden Furniture is a great place to start.
Patio Heater Safety Tips
Safety is paramount when using patio heaters. Always use gas heaters in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Install a carbon monoxide detector as a precaution. Keep heaters away from flammable materials and ensure they are positioned on a stable surface. For electric heaters, avoid using them in wet conditions unless they have a suitable IP rating. Regularly inspect gas hoses for leaks and damage.
Maintaining Your Patio Heater
Proper maintenance ensures your patio heater lasts for years. For gas heaters, regularly check the gas canister and hose for leaks or damage. Clean the burner and ensure the vent is unobstructed. Electric heaters require minimal maintenance; simply wipe down the heating elements to remove dust. Store heaters indoors during the off-season to protect them from the elements.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Patio Heater for You
The best patio heater UK for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Gas heaters offer powerful heat, electric heaters provide convenience, and infrared heaters offer targeted warmth. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can choose a heater that will keep you warm and comfortable all winter long, allowing you to enjoy your garden no matter the weather.
What is the most energy-efficient patio heater?
Infrared patio heaters are generally the most energy-efficient, as they directly heat objects and people rather than the air. Carbon fibre electric heaters are also relatively efficient compared to quartz or halogen models.
Is it safe to use a gas patio heater on a covered patio?
Yes, but only if the area is well-ventilated. Gas patio heaters produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas, and require adequate airflow to prevent buildup. Always use a carbon monoxide detector.