Best Electric Outdoor Heaters of 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: December 21, 2021

Bringing the true definition of cozy to your backyards, electric patio heaters will be the perfect addition to the open outdoors of your sweet homes. 

They have a high versatility that makes them suitable for both indoors and outdoors alike, making them the perfect purchase. 

And to guide you through the array of available options, here is a review of some of the best electric outdoor heaters. Have a look!

Comparison of the Best Electric Outdoor Heaters

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Can be used for a variety of space heating options
  • Designed to be mounted to the ceiling
  • Great protection for heating elements included
View Latest Price →
  • Best for the Money
  • Uses Halogen tubes for heating purposes
  • Weather and dust proof and low maintenance options
View Latest Price →
  • Best Weatherproof Outdoor Electric Heater
  • Quite easy to operate and install
  • Made to be strong and durable
View Latest Price →
  • Best Outdoor Electric Patio Heater
  • Comes with an easy to use remote control included
  • Very easy to assemble and install
View Latest Price →

What Makes an Electric Heater Great for Outdoor Use?

Before you make your pick for the perfect heater for your cozy little home to be even cozier, first, you need to look into the general specifications. You should know what features you should be looking for when choosing your model. Here are a few things to look for.

Power Source

The first feature people should look into is power. Is your preference towards a pure electric patio heater or a gas-powered one? Gas-powered ones also come in two different types; propane gas-powered and natural gas-powered. Know your pick.

Photo credit: shocho.co

Style

Once you’ve locked on to your pick of power, the next thing to consider is your preference in build style. There are four different styles available: table-top, free-standing, wall-mounted, and parasol. Each design comes with its own perks and advantages, so you can pick one that suits your needs.

Cost

Electric Heaters are usually a little on the costlier side, but not all are as expensive. Some are cheaper than the other and even provide better functionality. Make sure that you pay only for the features that you want and do not overspend your budget.

Review of the Best Electric Outdoor Heaters

Now that you’ve considered all the factors that will have an impact on your experience on the patio, let’s look into some of the finest outdoor electric heaters that.

Best Overall

Comfort Zone CZQTV5M

Comfort Zone Ceiling Mounted Dual Quartz Radiant Electric Space Heater, 90-Degree Adjustable Tilt, Safety Grille, Overheat Protection (Hardware Included), Ideal for Workshop or Garage, 1,500W, CZQTV5M

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 25.88 x 5.25 x 14.38

Weight: 7.44 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

The combination of various premium features has made this unit a highly praised one. Its top-quality metal build and efficient heating have left the customers very satisfied. In addition, the unit has some safety features that have surely attracted customers. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Comfort Zone is a popular brand in the world of heaters. It is known for manufacturing quality heating units. The same is the case with the Comfort Zone CZQTV5M. It is a high-quality electric heater with two-way variable heat settings: 750W and 1500W. Other than this, the heater can also be angled up to 90⁰ for targeted warmth.

Moreover, it is highly user-friendly due to several reasons. Firstly, it has a space-saving design that lets you have free space on the ground. Secondly, there is an in-built halogen light that helps illuminate the surrounding without being too bright. Last but not least, it has an overheat protection feature that turns the heater off at a set temperature, making the unit very safe to use.

Bottom Line

To conclude, this heater has a great combination of features. It not only keeps you warm but also acts as a light. The targeted warmth feature lets you direct heat in any direction without any added nuisance. It is both energy-efficient and long-lasting, making it a great choice for you.

Pros

Durable metal build makes it long-lasting

Can be angled up to 90⁰ for targeted warmth

Overheat protection with the help of a safety sensor

Integrated halogen light helps illuminate the surroundings

Space-saving design keeps the ground free for other purposes

Cons

Not suitable for smaller areas

Control panel is difficult to operate

Best for the Money

Air Choice Outdoor Heater

Air Choice Outdoor Heater, Electric Halogen Patio Heater, Space Heater with 3 Power Levels for Patio, Courtyard, Garage Use, Waterproof, 1500W

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.9 x 70.8

Weight: 19.4 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers only gave positive reviews, saying that this Air Choice Outdoor Heater is worth it for its low price and high-quality standards. This patio heater does not use propane or any other flammable gas as its fuel. This makes it safe for the environment as well as the users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Air Choice Outdoor Heater is a pretty good electric heater for its fairly low-cost price and exceptionally good quality at the said price. It provides a fairly good amount of heat and is eco-friendly as it does not emit toxic fumes in the environment. This product is weather and dust-proof, making it usable in the rain and other weather conditions. It is also maintenance-free. It is usable both indoors and outdoors. It has a pull switch control and also has a standing pole to adjust the height according to your preferences.

Bottom Line

This electric heater, for its fairly low-cost price, is a highly impressive one. It is made of good-quality materials. It is eco-friendly as it does not emit toxic fumes and produces a good amount of heat to heat up an area fairly quickly and does not consume a lot of power.

Pros

Easy to operate with a pull switch control

Good heating capabilities and does, not any output carbon dioxide

Top-quality product that can be used for indoor and outdoor heating use

Has a standing-pole whose height can be adjusted for personal preference

Weather-proof and dust-proof, making it a usable even in extreme conditions

Comes with a tip-over switch for safety and does not need any flammable fuel to work

Cons

Cannot heat up large areas very quickly

Assembly instructions are very bad with a few missing instructions

Best Weatherproof Outdoor Electric Heater

SURJUNY Electric Heater

Electric Patio Heater, 1500W Outdoor Patio Heater with Remote, Instant Heat & Golden Tube, Wall Mount Infrared Heater for Garage Outdoor Use, Sliver

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 26.5 x 7.4 x 6.3

Weight: 5.8 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

Several buyers have praised its high build quality and its fairly low price. The heater is already assembled when it arrives, and you only have to mount it where you want. It mounts on the wall with the help of screws and heats up a small area fairly quickly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

SURJUNY Electric Heater is usable both indoors and outdoors. It is an electrical heater which is eco-friendly and does not produce any odors, toxic fumes, or chemicals while it is radiating. It heats the room quickly and provides warmth. Ease of access and on and off switch, a 24-inch pull line switch, and remote control are also present. The heater is weather and dust-proof and can work in rain or wet areas with no problems. It is very sturdy and durable. The quality is very good and has a Carbon fire tube that is efficient with a long life span of about 5000-5500 hours.

Bottom Line

With this product, there’s no more worrying about your heater in the rainy or snowy season. This weatherproof unit is designed to provide you with the best of its functionality throughout the year. Be it the mild breezes of autumn or the chilly winter; it will be sure to keep you warm.

Pros

Assembling the unit is pretty simple and does not require much time

Features a very user-friendly design and has a 24-inch pull line switch as well

Weather and dust-proof design allows the heater to work even in the rainy seasons

Heats up a small area pretty quickly and does not consume a lot of electricity compared to other heaters

Can be used indoors and outdoors without any problems and is eco-friendly as it uses electricity as power

Cons

Does not provide enough heat for a large area

Screws provided with the heater to wall mount are short

Best Outdoor Electric Patio Heater

TRUSTECH Patio Heater

Outdoor Patio Heater - TRUSTECH Adjustable 500/1000/1500W Space Heater, Outdoor Heater w/1s-Fast Heating & Remote Control, 24H Timer Overheat Protection, Super Quite Infrared Heater In/Outdoor

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 400

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 25.3 x 3.3 x 6.1

Weight: 7.63 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

According to buyers, this heater is remarkably good as it is weather and dust-proof, allowing it to be used even in the rain. The cost of this product is pretty low. It is made of good-quality materials and is quite sturdy. The heater heats up a small area very quickly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

TRUSTECH Patio Heater can be easily mounted using the four brackets it comes with. The fasteners provided help you to mount it on the wall, without the fear of it falling. And all it takes is four simple steps. It can also be mounted on a stand. This electric heater comes with a remote control to make adjustments, even if you are not in front of it.It comes with several safety measures. For instance, when the heater overheats, it automatically turns off. It also has a timer, which you can set to make the heater turn itself off after a set period of time. It is manufactured with great quality materials.

Bottom Line

To sum up, this electric heater can be easily mounted. It comes with a remote control to make adjustments even if you are not close-by. It can be mounted indoors and outdoors with ease and provides good heat in small areas.

Pros

Can be mounted on a wall or a stand according to users’ needs

Has many adjustable functions for safety and personal preferences

Heat produced by the electric heater rapidly heats up the room in seconds

Comes with a 3-level heat setting, 500/1000/1500W modes, for you to choose the ideal mode

Features a carbon fiber gold-coated tube which delivers heat directly to people or objects instead of the environment

Cons

Does not heat up fairly large areas quickly

Instructions given for installing the product are not very elaborate

Hiland HLI-1P

Hiland HLI-1P Electric Paras ol/Umbrella Patio Heater, 1500 Watts, IP Certified Water Proof, Variable Heat Output, Black

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): 15

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 6

Weight: 9.98 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

A number of recent buyers are quite impressed with the heater’s performance. It has been regarded as a great outdoor heating unit with convenient three-way heat settings. It works well on any occasion, like for a barbeque or a weekend get-together. In addition, the installation process has been regarded as fairly easy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Hiland HLI-1P is one of the best-rated outdoor electric heaters for smaller areas. It has a maximum power capacity of 1500W and a three-stage variable heat setting: 500W, 1000W, and 1500W. This lets you set the heat in accordance with the temperature, making the unit more useful. It can warm up an area of around 15 sq. ft. with relative ease. 

Furthermore, it has long-lasting durability due to its stainless steel build. The unit is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it versatile. Also, the unit is very simple to install and has a reassuring one-year warranty to back the claims made by the manufacturer.

Bottom Line

To sum it up, the Hiland HLI-1P is an outstanding outdoor heater with great premium features. It warms you up on a cool evening, and the variable heat settings come in handy over the months. In addition, the unit has great customer reviews, as well.

Pros

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Built with stainless steel for high durability

Can efficiently warm an area up to 15 sq. ft.

Capable of generating up to 5,115 BTU warmth

Variable heat settings, ranging between 500W and 1500W

Cons

Power cable is not very long

Light emitted from the unit is too bright

Best Small Outdoor Electric Heater

EnerG+ HEA-21523

EnerG+ Infrared Electric Outdoor Heater - Hanging, white

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 1500

Dimensions: 16.75 x 16.75 x 12.2

Weight: 4.4 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers gave positive reviews, stating that it was exceptionally easy to install. Users also love that it has weather protection and does not need to be dismounted when rain occurs. Instead, it can be used in all sorts of conditions to keep them warm and cozy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The EnerG+ HEA-21523 is fairly cheap and quite sturdy due to its quality of materials used in building it. It is eco-friendly as it does not use flammable fuels and does not produce toxic fumes, which are bad for the environment. The heat it produces is fairly good in comparison to others. It uses a standard electrical outlet and does not need any electricians to help set it up. The installation is quite simple, too, and does not require a lot of time or effort. It has weather protection and can work even in the rain.

Bottom Line

All in all, this product is a pretty reliable option when looking for an electric heater. It is quite affordable and provides enough heat for you to be satisfied. It is quite easy to install with just a hook and chain, which is provided with the heater.

Pros

Cost for running this heater is fairly low and does not waste power

Extremely simple installation by just using the provided hook and chain

Designed with a stylish modern look with an aluminum finish for durability

Easy to use; no need for electricians as it can be used with standard electrical outlets

Weather-proof design allows it to be used outdoors even in wet and rainy environments without any troubles

Cons

Bulb that comes with it is not so good

Not enough to heat up a large area completely

Best Small Outdoor Electric Heater

EnerG+ HEA-21523

No products found.

Specifications

Coverage Area (sq ft): N/A

Power (watts): 900

Dimensions: 23.6 x 11 x 11

Weight: 15.2 pounds

We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers gave positive reviews, stating that it was exceptionally easy to install. Users also love that it has weather protection and does not need to be turned off when it rains. Instead, it can be used in all sorts of conditions to keep them warm and cozy. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The EnerG+ HEA-21523 is fairly cheap and quite sturdy due to the quality of materials used. It is eco-friendly as it does not use flammable fuels. It also does not produce toxic fumes, keeping the people around safe. The heat it produces is fairly good in comparison to others. 

It uses a standard electrical outlet and does not need any electricians to help set it up. The installation is quite simple, too, and does not require a lot of time or effort. It has weather protection and can work even in the rain. 

Bottom Line

To sum up, this product is a pretty reliable option when looking for an electric heater. It is quite affordable and provides enough heat for you to be satisfied. It is very easy to install with just a hook and chain, which is provided with the heater. 

Pros

Easy to use; it can be used with standard electrical outlets

Cost for running this heater is fairly low and does not waste power

Extremely simple installation; only needs the provided hook and chain

Designed with a stylish, modern look with an aluminum finish for durability

Weather-proof design allows it to be used outdoors even in wet and rainy environments without any trouble

Cons

Bulb that comes with it is not so good

Not enough to heat up a large area completely

When Would an Electric Outdoor Heater Come in Handy?

An electric outdoor heater may sound like too fancy of an appliance for some people, but trust us when we say, everyone can find good use of them. Here are some situations where you may find them to be extremely useful.

Camping Trips

Going out for a camping trip with your group of friends but can’t light a fire to keep yourself warm? Do not worry; an electric outdoor heater would be your savior. It will keep you warm and cozy when you’re out in the open and do a very good job at that.

Cold Nights in the Backyard

Who doesn’t love to sit out in their backyard during cold nights of winter, gaze at stars or talk to a loved one? It’s the best time to be out. But you need to keep yourself warm and comfortable. An electric outdoor heater will do the trick for you.

Keeping Watch

If your job involves keeping watch outdoors through the night, then the cold at night maybe your greatest enemy.

An electric outdoor heater can be your best companion while you work and keep you comfortable all through the night.

How Do I Choose an Electric Outdoor Heater?

Now that you have looked through the features of some of the best electric outdoor heaters, it now finally comes down to making your ultimate decision. The following factors are important to look for in a heater to know if it is good for you or not.

Usage

This is one of the most important factors to look at. The use that is intended for the unit plays a big role in deciding which one to choose. Will it be used for long hours? Will it have to heat a large room? How many people would be in the room? The answers to these questions will help you understand the kind of heater you require to satisfy your needs.

Cost

Before looking for an electric heater, it’s wise to have an idea of the budget you are going in with so that you know the range to look into. The cost of different heaters depends on the size and type, so you have to be mindful of that.

Power

The power of a heater will determine how much space it will efficiently cover and heat up. Manufacturers will tell you how much heat is given off by the heater and how far it will spread. Another thing to remember is that the range of heat dispersed by the heater will also depend on various factors.

Photo credit: applianceanalysts.com

Outdoor Heater: Electric vs. Propane – Comparison Overview

Electric and propane heaters are both great options for a patio, and it depends upon the buyer’s personal preference as to which one is the better choice. There are quite a lot of advantages for using both; here’s a comparison between the two:

Cost and Functionality

Generally, electric heaters are preferred for their low costs and different mounting capabilities in comparison to propane heaters. On the other hand, the latter generates more heat better for colder climates and heats up larger areas quickly. 

Convenience and Suitability

Similar to propane heaters, electric heaters are also able to be used outside. However, electric heaters are relatively less damaging to the environment as they do not burn any fuels and are cheaper than gas heaters. 

Gas heaters may be more powerful and produce a lot more heat than electric heaters. However, the latter is easier to set up. 

Consistency and Hazards

Even though electric heaters produce less heat than gas heaters, they produce heat at a consistent rate and tend to heat up a room evenly. This is because the supply of electricity is constant, while fuel consumption in the form of gas is not as consistent.

Gas heaters are quite heavy and prove to be a fire hazard when using indoors. The fuel is burned and produces carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

These problems don’t arise when using electric heaters as they don’t burn any fuels and do not produce any toxic fumes.

Photo credit: thesun.co.uk

Conclusion

Electric outdoor heaters are a great way to keep yourself warm and be able to enjoy chilly nights in the cold seasons of winter. If staying outside isn’t your thing, many of the heaters listed above are also usable in your homes to provide you with a way to beat the cold and continue what you want to do. We hope that you were able to find the heater best suited to your needs on our list. 

People Also Ask

Before you go on buying an electric heater for your needs, there will be some questions that may arise while you try to figure out what you need. To help with that, the following are some common questions that might help make things clearer. 

Do Outdoor Heaters Work in Winter?

Outdoor heaters can provide heat and warmth throughout the winter by emitting heat radiations even while the air is cold. Naturally, they can’t give you complete protection from the blowing winds and the rain, but they can still provide sufficient warmth in the cold and harsh winters.

Can You Use an Outdoor Heater Under a Covered Patio?

An outdoor heater can work under a covered patio, but it will only be able to provide adequate light and heat if it is positioned at an appropriate angle. Even if they are placed under a covered patio, they can provide the light and warmth through an open side of the patio. This way, the patio will be heated, and the heater will stay below the patio.

Can Outdoor Heaters Be Left Out in the Rain?

Most outdoor patio heaters are now designed to be water and dust-proof to be able to withstand rain and other weather. But that certainly does not make it a good idea to leave it outside under such conditions.

Water should be kept away as much as possible from these electric patio heaters, and a protective cover should be bought to cover it when it is not in use to protect it from the rain.

Are Outdoor Electric Heaters Safe?

Outdoor heaters are actually quite safe if you keep in mind all the warnings and manufacturer’s guidelines. Some things to be cautious about are keeping the heater away from anything that could melt and/or burn and frequently checking the wiring and connections.

How Far Should an Outdoor Heater Be From the House?

Electric outdoor heaters should be placed at the very least three feet away from any material that could combust. Patio heaters are not intended for heat radiations to be sent over long distances. Instead, they heat up everything that is nearby, be it people or some other objects. If something that could combust is present nearby, it will become a fire hazard. 

Can You Use Any Electric Heater Outdoors?

Not every electric heater is designed to be used outdoors. Most units aren’t designed to be able to withstand the adversities that come with the outdoor environment. There are only some weatherproof units that are appropriate for use outdoors.

Are Outdoor Electric Heaters Expensive to Run?

The cost of running an electric heater depends on how much electricity it will consume and the rate of electricity in the area you are in. On average, an electric heater would cost you about 20 cents when running for an hour.



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.