Coverage area

Most outdoor patio heaters will heat an area to a radius of at least 10 feet, but some can blast warmth a bit farther. Determine how much or little space you need to heat regularly. If the area you want to heat extends farther than 10 feet from the heater, you might consider purchasing two heaters.

Style: Pole or pyramid?

The two main styles are traditional pole heaters and more modern pyramid-style patio heaters. This is more a matter of taste, but it’s worth noting that the pyramid heaters we tested were slightly more difficult to assemble.

Cost and value

Reliable patio heaters start around $150 and go up from there. The more powerful patio heaters with sleek design elements will cost closer to $400 or $500.

Energy usage and environmental impact

Propane patio heaters release carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to environmental issues like global warming. Due to these emissions and their impact on the air quality, they’re also not ideal for enclosed spaces, as you don’t want to breathe in a concentrated supply of polluted air.

Electric patio heaters don’t release such pollutants, so they’re often considered the more eco-friendly option. However, they do result in some added energy usage for your home. Keep in mind while shopping that if you opt for an electric patio heater, you’ll likely see an increase in your electric bill.

Real-world application

After crunching the data, the Hiland heater emerged as a strong contender. It was one of the hottest models I tested, and when you combine that with the cool visuals of a flame darting up a glass tube, it seemed like a no-brainer.

Then I added an extra step to the test: sitting outside beside each heater on a cooler evening. That revealed something that the thermocouples didn’t: The traditional pole-style heaters give off a much more concentrated heat. When I was sitting next to one, I felt comfortably warm. While the glass tube of the Hiland heater still performs pretty well — and looks neat — having the heat dispersed along the length of the tube simply didn’t warm me up as thoroughly.

As I mentioned earlier, a lot of the heaters were similar. When I tested them, it was clear that the Hiland and Amazon model 62516 — despite being nearly identical pyramid-style tube heaters — weren’t alike. The Hiland was one of the best-performing; the Amazon 62516 was one of the worst. Upon inspection, the reason was clear: The only difference was in the regulator controls. That simple variation made all the difference, and it proved true among several of the identical pole heater models, too.

When all of these heaters appear so similar, it may also be tempting to choose one based on additional accessories. The model from HomeLabs had one that stood out: a table attached to the heater. I wouldn’t recommend putting your cold beer on a table attached to a heater.