We’ve uncovered the best rated propane patio heaters based on customer feedback, performance, appearance and 
features in a number of categories. You can’t go wrong with any of these high-powered heaters!
- Best Overall Affordable Heater
- Best Pyramid Patio Heater
- Best Infrared Patio Heater
- Best Square Patio Heater
- Best Storable Patio Heater
- Best Table Top Patio Heater
Best Overall Affordable Heater
Golden-Flame 46,000 BTU *XL-Series* Rich Mocha & SS Commercial Grade Propane Patio Heater w/Drink Table & Wheels
From Fire Sense, a leader in patio heating products, the Golden-Flame Patio Heater is packed with the very latest advancements in propane heating and has an attractive finish to boot!
At 46,000 BTUs it is one of the most powerful patio heaters on the market. The stainless steel and powder coated construction wear extremely well in the elements and its list of features include what they call the new Easy Start, “Rapid-Spark” ignition system which replaces the old push button single spark system.
It also features a pilotless burner system meaning there is no standing pilot light which is a nice safety feature. 30 pounds of sand for bottom weight-ballast in the base keeping it secure.
Rollers for portability, a cocktail table, and an 18-foot heating radius round out its feature set making this our pick for the best overall affordable patio heater.
Best Pyramid Patio Heater
Garden Radiance GRP4000BK Dancing Flames Pyramid Outdoor Patio Heater
If you’re in the market for a Pyramid Style Patio Heater we’ve picked the Garden Radiance as our favorite. It’s shape and design along with the 4-feet tall dancing flame makes this the focal point of any backyard or patio.
The burner and 50” ceramic glass tube provide 34,000 BTUs which will warm an area up to a 15-feet diameter. The concealed 20-pound propane tank will run about 10 hours at its highest heat setting.
The pyramid design and sturdy base lend stability in high winds and the stainless steel construction with anti-tip shut-off sensor make this our pick for the best pyramid patio heater.
Best Storable Patio Heater
EMBER Stainless Steel Patio Heater
With a gorgeous stainless steel design and collapsible construction, the Ember Patio Heater tops our list for storable models.
A huge benefit of this unit is that it comes fully assembled out of the box meaning saving the time and hassle of putting it together. The upper unit collapses into the lower unit making it easy to take indoors and store.
With 51,000 BTUs, it will heat a 36 square foot area for 14 hours on one 20 pound propane tank. The spiral flame lights up the night in a truly unique way which makes the Ember Outdoor Patio Heater our pick for the best storable model.
Best Infrared Patio Heater
Lava Heat Italia LHI-ALTO-48BTU-GM-LP Patio Heater Alto Propane, 48,000 BTU
Infrared heat works differently than regular patio heaters. It heats all of the objects in the area rather than the surrounding air keeping everyone toasty and warm.
The Lava Heat Italia tops our list as it uses less fuel due to infrared technology and will last 12 hours on one 20 pound propane tank which makes it one of the best-performing heaters on the market.
The easy start electronic ignition system, 48,000 BTUs, tilt switch auto-shutoff, and solid steel construction round out the feature set.
It will heat an area of about 144 sq feet and comes with a 5-year warranty which makes the Lava Heat Italia our pick for infrared heaters.
Best Square Patio Heater
Fire Sense Mocha Finish Square Flame Heater
The Fire Sense tops our list for square heaters. Its patented mocha square design emits great light as well as heat in any outdoor space. It has 41,000 BTUs and wheels for portability. One Amazon Reviewer Writes:
Fire Sense make nice outdoor products, period. We own a Fire Sense “mushroom top” heater that throws lots of heat…easily keeps everyone at my oval table of 6 warm. But we needed more soft light so turned to “big flame” heaters and chose this one. Product: Nice finish to it, great mocha color that blends with the earth tones in our patio setting. Had some rub marks and dust out of the box, but that might have been from shipping…cleaned-up easily. Overall look is fantastic…we chose square verses pyramid to match our swing, also square top vs. an “A”-frame.
Best Table Top Heater
Napoleon Tabletop Patio Heater
With dozens of portable propane heaters on the market today, we’ve widdled down the list and chosen the Napoleon Tabletop Patio Heater as the best of 2015 based on its solid construction, BTU output, heating radius, safety features, and customer reviews.
Made from 304-grade stainless steel the Napoleon won’t corrode or rust in an outdoor setting. It also allows for easy clean up and has the look and feel of a more expensive commercial model.
BTU’s – On the higher end of the table top heater BTU range, the Napoleon can output up to 11,000 BTU’s.
Heating Radius – This model is capable of heating a 7’x7′ diameter making it one of the largest heating radius’ on the market.
Safety Features – The patio heater has several safety features including a flame failure device and a safety switch so it turns off in case the heater is tipped over.
Fuel – This heater accepts a standard 1 pound propane tank. If you prefer to hook up a 20-Pound tank, you can buy the Napoleon adaptor sold separately.
Ignition – There is a battery operated push button electronic ignition system.
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Do you have a favorite Patio Heater? Let us know….leave a comment below.
Great option for decoration in every space of a house. I’m very curious because the way it looks and it also works, it’ extremely elegant. I seriously consider at the time I do house improvement because this piece give life to every space that it’s present. Well done my freidn I just bookmarked this post.
Thanks Javier – good luck with your home improvement projects!
Ryan,
Great timing going into the cooler months with these propane patio heaters.
I like the idea of the table top model. It does not state how tall it is or how far to keep away from items that may burn. What are your recommendations on the amount of space needed for this kind of heater?
About how long does one of the little propane tanks last? If it will require several of the smaller tanks to keep warm, the kit for the 20 pound tank would be a good investment.
John
Hello – most table top propane heaters are about 2′ tall. If you set the heat at its highest setting you should get about 2 hours out of one propane tank.
I’m not that familiar with the different types of propane heaters, so your post gives me lots to think about on which type to choose from.
Where I live anyone of these would certainly come in handy but it would be best for me to consider the pros and cons to each one you have mentioned and pick what would suit my needs the best.
Thanks for the information to make my desition easier to look into what I should choose between.
Thanks for stopping by…glad we could help!
I’m seriously glad to have found your site – I was pretty much giving up on outdoor patio heaters because I thought I needed to have a massive amount of space for anything with decent BTUs!
I really like the tabletop model, but do you think it will be enough for outdoor barbecues in a small space?
Cheers!
JH
The tabletop heaters work well if your guests are gathered close to the table. Otherwise I’d suggest a full size model. The footprint is small enough even for small spaces. Good luck!