We are doing some patio heater reviews, these are outside propane heaters. We’ll review many popular models, different price ranges. All of these will be free standing units, and all at affordable prices. These are not table top units, they are full length stand up heaters.
We review major online sellers and we did additional reviews of products available in our region, but we try to keep the article focused on items that can be bought from most geographic locations. That is online sellers. My 3 favorite websites for outdoor products:
Of course, many other locations sell propane heaters. Costco, Home Depot, etc. But their styles tend to turn over quickly and different in different regions. So I focused on the major online sellers and these are my 3 favourites. Luckily for free standing patio heaters all these sellers have a bunch on offer.
Ok. I am a big lover of outdoor heaters... nothing better than a sitting in your backyard / deck and chatting with friends and family with the warmth of a great patio heater. Early evening ,with a brisk, fresh feel in the evening air but yet temperature controlled fun! Or for those that are early risers, I walk past a gentleman every morning on my way to buying my Starbucks coffee, and see him reading the newspaper with his dog by his side, warm from the heat of a quality patio heater. Sorry, if it includes beer or coffee I tend to be very happy!
Numerous options in this category, in general, they tend to range in price from a hundred bucks on the low side up to $800+ on the high side. It’s like most things, design and visual options plus specs and options, drive the price variation. We do see a large swing in pricing from seller to seller, so in general the prices mentioned in the quote are usually from the more aggressive priced retailers. I am of the option that you won’t buy a lot of these, so I tend to think any heating product in the $200 – $300 is a very fair price point. The unit I use is close to $300, but it looks great and if I am only buying 1 or 2, and they last multiple seasons, that is a reasonable price to pay.
Once your function requirements are met, pay extra for the right look. These tend to stand out in your space, so if they are ugly, you may have just wasted your money. Get the look you like best, the little extra money on the $250 – $300 units are usually worth it in my opinion. The exception is large spaces that require many units, it’s fair to be a bit more budget conscious then. Budget under a hundred bucks?? Check out table top heaters (a different review to look for on my site, but as a sneak peak, based on my research to date, the top selling table top propane outdoor heater, under $100, is this one: )
Most of these patio heater reviews will be in the 4 to 5-star quality, we generally lean towards 4 1/2 out of five-star ratings. I you are considering 3 stars or less, frankly, life is too short, its not worth the risk, so we don’t spend much time reviewing those. In general, we try and provide a direct link for you to check out the product directly yourself, but please stay with us to the end of the article (I talk about parties and dancing!), but heres hoping we can open your eyes to some great products. Prices are always approximate and subject to change. We blend the price if we see the same unit at multiple sellers. I will call out if I have seen the product priced high or lower recently. Of course, we can’t control if these sellers change their price, especially as seasons change. Hopefully the reviews helps you get closer to a great patio heater purchase. Stay warm my friends!
First of the patio heater reviews
The lower end of the price scale: Amazon has a house brand called Amazon Basics. Essentially they approach a volume producer on a popular product and get an amazing price. This is a great price for you to consider, especially if you need to cover a large area with multiple units. The Havana Bronze Commercial Patio Heater has very high buyer reviews (4.5 out of 5 stars) for a value priced product. As mentioned it is a top seller, selling for approximately $129. That’s it’s really, really good value actually and in comparisons, it’s tough to beat. Most of the year I saw this unit on Amazon for $140, so this could be a temporary price, but great value regardless. Especially if you get fee shipping. It’s a durable powder coated products, an above average 46,000 BTUs, safety auto shut off tilt valve, wheel assembly comes with it, and with all these units, it is a propane powered product. If I forget to say it, every one of the units reviewed requires you to provide your own propane. This unit comes in two other colors, a Slate Grey and a Stainless Steel, for a bit extra money (usually $10 to $30 bucks extra).
Supplier Product notes:
Durable, powder-coated bronze finish
Heat output of 46,000 BTU’s
Piezo ignition
Safety auto shut-off tilt valve
Wheel assembly included
Measures approximately 18×89 inches (LxH)
On a little more of the higher price, price point wise, is the AZ Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube in Hammered Bronze. Another popular seller, it has 4 out of 5-star rating. Pretty good patio heater review rating for a high volume seller, Price is a bit on the higher side, at $229 range the last time I checked. This is a standard 40,000 BTUs and has some safety features, thermal coupling anti-tilt safety devices and it’s CSA approved. Again, for all these products, you’ll need your own propane tank. This does have wheels as well for a give you some mobility and it’s pretty cool looking unit, more modern, pyramid look. I saw these at a restaurant lounge in Anaheim, CA last week, they looked great. See below review on the other pyramid products, it really can transform a space (in a good way).
Supplier Product notes:
Access Door Design. 2 Piece Quartz Glass Tube
40,000 BTU’s, Variable Control. Wheels for Easy Mobility
Thermocouple & Anti-tilt Safety Devices. Regulator included
CSA Approved.
Uses a 20lb Propane Tank (Lasts 8- to 10 hours on high)
Propane tank is not included
For our third review: Fire Sense has a Hammertone Bronze Commercial Patio Heater in the $135 to $259 range. I saw this at $160 on Amazon in October, so expect to see the $135 price creep back up. The base model is a 46,000 BTU, bronze finish. The collection has 4 1/2 stars. The base model is very close to the Amazon house brand reviewed above, but my favorite is the $269 unit (XL-Series Mocha Wicker 46,000 BTU Deluxe Propane (LP) Heater w/Wheels). I love the wicker basket bottom, matched my brown wicker patio furniture perfectly (I got both the wicker patio heater and the wicker furniture at BuildDirect.com). On BuildDirect website the unit is called ‘Heritage Heaters – Outdoor Gas Heaters – All Weather Wicker – Specialty Patio Heater’. I know that this supplier has several other finishes (matte black as an example). There’s a safety auto shut off valve and wheels included. Track them down to explore the other styles or click below, the range is worth a look.
Supplier Notes:
46,000 BTU’s with SS Burners, Double Mantel Heating Grids, & Patented Reflector Dome. Attractive All-Weather Mocha Resin Wicker & Mocha Powder Coat Finish w/Mobility Wheels
Below is the wicker version that I love. Note that the amazon link also has a short Fire Sense video on the wicker version. The video shows the product pool side with beautiful people. It shows the bottom unit raised up and shows where the propane tank is stored. Its a tight unit, again, matches brown wicker patio furniture really well:
what my Kontiki wicker patio furniture from BuildDirect.com looks like:
Belleze a has a premium patio standing heater, uses propane gas, in hammered bronze color, this is a good looking unit, and good value at $159. I have seen this unit cheaper in the past, so if you aren’t in a hurry and you like this unit, keep your eyes open for a deal, it was at least $30 cheap a few weeks ago. But hey, people that buy it seem to love it (maybe because they got it for $125 bucks!) but lets not split hairs, it looks like a good unit. It’s a newer release but from what I have seen, has five-star reviews. A Large control unit that has an anti-tilt automatic shut-off mechanism, which is super handy and safe. Spits off a very hot 48,000 BTUs, claims to have a good heat range of approximately a 15-foot radius. I have not used this product. This a CSA certified product.
Seller notes:
Weight bladder is able to be filled with water or sand to stabilize, one-step, Piezo ignition system
Large variable-heat control knob allows for low or high heat settings
The patio heater features the latest anti tilt Automatic Shut Off Mechanism
Allowing you and your family to relax comfortably without having to crowd next to the heater
Heat Output: 48,000 BTU; Heat Range: 175 Sq/Ft (15′ Radius) Certification: CSA Certified
Thermo Tiki is another seller with a full range, and multi-colors. Of course, it’s another standing propane outdoor heater in silver, stainless steel, and a brownish color. $145 to $179 range, but I think I saw this unit on one site for over $250. The $145 is a promoted sale price I believe. Units are easy-to-use, ultra efficient infrared heating elements, the unit is tall (over 7 feet). I’ve seen it sold with a cover, so see if that bundle is still available. But that could have been when it sold for over $200. Sorry, I didn’t track my notes if the $250+ price had a cover included and I can’t find it. This is a good four-star reviewed product.
Seller notes:
Our units are expertly crafted from premium materials. The ultra-efficient infrared heating element provides comfortable heat over a wide radius. Heater is very easy to use, with built-in safety valve, and has wheels for portability. Over 7 foot tall (87 in. ). Reflector diameter: 32 inches. Fuel type: Propane (also called LP or LPG). Run time: 10 hrs typical with a 20-lb tank.
The Final word?
Ok, you gotta check this model out. Wanna have a deck party?!? Fire up the dance floor, literally! The Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Outdoor Patio Heater – Pyramid Style with Dancing Flame. Comes in either a Black or Silver finish. Great reviews (4.5 stars). Attractive price, unique look. Personally I am torn on this type of unit… I am not a lover of the pyramid shape, but seriously, the flame effect is really cool. On a dark evening these have the same effect as an outdoor fire, they are mesmerizing. In the right space I have seen this style look amazing (as mentioned above at the outdoor restaurant in Anaheim. It really can transform a dark space into something special. Consider it. One of our most interesting patio heater reviews.
Supplier notes:
Our patio heaters are expertly crafted from premium materials.
The heating column provides more even heat than overhead units.
Heater is very easy to use, with built-in safety valve, and has wheels for portability.
Height: 7.5 feet. Reflector size: 18 inches square. Fuel type: Propane (also called LP or LPG). Run time: 10 hrs typical with a 20-lb tank.
Uses standard propane tank (not included).
Same idea, different seller:
Another version from AZ Patio Heaters, the Resort Model 40,000 BTU Pyramid Style Glass Tube Flame Patio Heater in Rich Hammered Bronze. $327. Four star rating.
Supplier notes and product spec timeline updates:
40,000 BTU’s w/Variable Flame adjustment & Attractive Hammered Mocha Bronze Finish
**New for Fall 2015** Partially assembled base (reduces build time by Approx 50%)
**New for Fall 2015** Heavy Duty packaging (Ensures item will arrive safely without bent or damaged parts)
**New for Fall 2015** Advanced “Rapid-Spark” Electronic Ignition System
**New for Fall 2015** “Red Glow” top emitter screen & Mobility wheels for easy movement around the patio.
First off, it looks pretty cool. But listed at $1,299 (and reduced to $699 on Amazon) so that starts to make me question some things. $1,299 better be the best darn patio heater on the planet! Dig deep before you buy (disclosure: I have never seen this unit in person for myself). The company video is very well done, and I like what it says (arrives assembled, as many of the other patio heaters need assembly) it gives off sideways / surround heat (rather than from above) it looks cool (dancing flame) and best of all, it collapses and packs away at half the size. It really caught my attention. But here is where the wisdom of the crowd takes over. Onsite reviews: 3 out of 5 stars… but dig into those and read them and there is a huge number of 1 and 2 stars and a lot of concerning compliants. I hate to hear when someone pays good money for any product and if an issue occurs there isn’t a quick and fair resolution (hey, life happens and sometimes things don’t work out perfectly, but customer service is customer service and that should be expected when you buy a top end product). When something happens and the supplier is not responsive, I avoid that product, no matter how good the features sound. That is table stakes in my eyes. Hey, I am writting a review article. I have spent a large amount of time researching products to try and help you make a good buying decision and great a great deal, but I don’t own all these products. It’s hard to trust all reviews. Just be careful. Hopefully we save you some time, some money and expose you to what others have experienced. I love the wisdom of the crowd, it is far more knowledgeable than the individual. So, I like the look of this unit. I love the features. But I think its too much money, but yet I am intrigued. It has some great features… I guess I have to say, just do more digging yourself. if you like this product and have that budget. My guess is you may be like me and really happy with spending $300 (or less) and we still get to stay warm and drink a beer/tea/coke/whatever with good company.
Best of luck on your search for a great patio heater, I hope there patio heater reviews helped, please keep any eye out for upcoming table top heater review and other outdoor space heater articles. Until next time, happy heating!!
