Patio Heater Buying Guide: Propane vs. Electric vs. Natural Gas

The better choice depends on how permanent the layout is, where energy is available and how directly the heater can serve the occupied seating area.

Propane Patio Heaters

A propane patio heater draws fuel from a refillable or exchangeable cylinder. Because it does not require a permanent household gas line, it can provide more placement flexibility when the appliance is designed to be moved.

Advantages of Propane

• Does not require an existing natural-gas connection
• Available in freestanding, pyramid and compact formats
• Can be repositioned between approved locations after it is turned off and completely cool
• Provides adjustable heat output on compatible models
• Works independently of a household electrical outlet unless the controls require power

Considerations

• The cylinder must be monitored, refilled or exchanged
• Fuel can run out during use
• The heater requires safe cylinder storage and handling
• Wind can affect flame stability and perceived warmth
• The base may occupy more floor space because it houses the cylinder
• The heater must not be moved while operating or hot
• Outdoor-use and clearance requirements must be followed

Before purchasing, confirm the required cylinder size, regulator, ignition system, heat settings and tip-over protection. Use only the fuel components specified by the manufacturer, and never bring an outdoor propane patio heater indoors for operation or storage.

Electric and Infrared Patio Heaters

Electric patio heaters convert electricity into heat without a fuel cylinder or open gas flame. Many use infrared elements that direct radiant energy toward people and nearby surfaces rather than attempting to heat all the surrounding outdoor air.

Common configurations include:

• Wall-mounted heaters
• Ceiling-mounted heaters
• Suspended heaters
• Freestanding units
• Portable tabletop models

Advantages of Electric Heaters

• No propane-cylinder replacement or storage
• No permanent gas line
• Suitable for targeted heating zones
• Available in mounted formats that preserve floor space
• Simple switch, remote or integrated controls on compatible models
• No on-site combustion when operating

Considerations

• Requires a suitable outdoor-rated electrical supply
• Higher-output or multiple heaters may require dedicated circuits
• Extension-cord use may be prohibited by the manufacturer
• Mounted models require careful height, angle and clearance planning
• The heater remains limited by its cord, wiring or fixed mounting location
• Rain, moisture and enclosure ratings must match the installation
• Performance depends on heater placement, mounting height and wind exposure

Review the heater’s wattage, voltage, amperage, mounting requirements and weather rating before purchasing. Permanent wiring and new circuits should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable electrical requirements.

Natural-Gas Patio Heaters

A natural-gas patio heater connects to a permanent household gas supply. It can provide convenient, frequent operation without replacing portable cylinders, but the heater remains tied to the installed gas-line location.

Advantages of Natural Gas

• Continuous fuel supply when household service is available
• No propane-cylinder exchanges or on-site cylinder storage
• Well suited to permanent outdoor seating and dining areas
• Available in freestanding and mounted configurations
• Adjustable heat output on compatible models

Considerations

• Requires an available natural-gas supply with adequate capacity
• Gas-line sizing, routing and pressure must match the heater
• Usually requires installation by a qualified gas professional
• May require permits and inspection
• Offers little or no placement flexibility after installation
• Shutoff valves and service connections must remain accessible
• Patio or landscaping work may increase installation cost

Finalize the seating layout, heater location and required clearances before installing the gas line. Never connect a propane heater directly to natural gas unless the manufacturer provides an approved conversion system and instructions.

Choose the Right Patio Heater Style

Choose the heater style after mapping where people actually sit. A heater positioned for visual symmetry may not direct useful warmth toward the occupied area.

How to Size a Patio Heater

Gas patio heaters are commonly compared by BTU input, while electric heaters are commonly rated in watts. Neither number tells you exactly how comfortable a patio will feel.

Start by documenting:

1. The dimensions of the occupied seating or dining area
2. Whether the patio is open, partially sheltered or covered
3. Typical wind direction and exposure
4. The heater’s mounting height or distance from guests
5. Available propane, natural-gas or electrical capacity
6. Manufacturer-stated coverage under its test conditions

Then compare:

• Heat direction and reflector design
• Minimum and maximum output settings
• Mounting angle for electric infrared models
• Number and placement of heaters
• Required clearances
• Whether heat must serve one table or several seating zones

One large heater is not always more effective than two properly positioned heaters. Outdoor warmth is highly localized, and wind can carry heated air away or reduce how much radiant warmth reaches guests.

Treat advertised coverage as a planning estimate—not a guarantee. Compare models under similar conditions and follow the manufacturer’s placement guidance.

Match the Heater to Your Patio

Open Patio or Deck

A freestanding propane heater can provide placement flexibility, while multiple electric infrared heaters may create more targeted heating zones. Wind exposure is especially important in an open area.

Covered Patio

A mounted electric heater may preserve floor space and direct heat toward seating. Verify that the heater is approved for the location and that all mounting, moisture and clearance requirements can be met.

Small Seating Area

A compact freestanding, tabletop or wall-mounted electric heater may provide enough localized warmth without dominating the layout. Confirm that furniture will not enter the required clearance area.

Permanent Outdoor Kitchen

Natural-gas or permanently wired electric heaters can integrate into a planned outdoor kitchen. Coordinate gas capacity, electrical service, controls and mounting locations before construction is complete.

Flexible Entertaining Space

Portable propane or freestanding electric heaters can adapt to changing furniture arrangements. The heater must be turned off and completely cool before being moved.

Large Dining Area

Several properly spaced heaters may distribute warmth more evenly than one high-output unit. Divide the occupied area into zones and follow the manufacturer’s placement instructions for each heater.

If you are deciding between directed overhead heat and an open-flame gathering feature, compare your options in our Outdoor Fire Pit Buying Guide.

Plan the Installation and Clearances

Before purchasing a patio heater, confirm that the proposed location can satisfy every requirement in the product manual.

Measure clearance from:

• Ceilings, eaves, beams and pergolas
• Walls, siding, railings and screens
• Umbrellas, awnings and outdoor curtains
• Furniture, cushions and decorations
• Trees, branches and vegetation
• Grills, fire pits and other heat-producing equipment
• Doors, stairs and primary walking paths

Also verify the requirements for the selected energy source:

Propane

Confirm cylinder size, enclosure ventilation, regulator compatibility and safe access for replacement. Keep the cylinder upright and use only the components specified by the manufacturer.

Electric

Confirm voltage, wattage, amperage, circuit capacity, weather rating and permitted wiring method. Permanent wiring or a new circuit should be completed according to applicable electrical requirements.

Natural Gas

Confirm available gas pressure and capacity, pipe sizing, shutoff location and service access. Permanent gas work should be completed by a qualified professional.

Do not reduce clearances because a patio is partially open or because the heater has a safety shutoff. If the complete installation does not fit, choose another heater or location.

Depending on the installation, you may also need compatible patio heater accessories such as controls, mounting hardware or installation components.

Compare Purchase, Installation and Operating Costs

The heater price is only one part of the ownership cost. Compare the complete setup for each fuel type.

For an electric heater:

Hourly electricity cost = heater kilowatts × local electricity rate per kWh

For propane or natural gas, use the manufacturer’s published fuel-consumption information and your current supplier rate. Compare the same number of operating hours for every option.

A lower operating rate does not automatically mean a lower total cost. A natural-gas heater may require substantial installation work, while multiple electric heaters may require new circuits. Propane may have simpler initial setup but requires ongoing cylinder management.

Patio Heater Features to Compare

Focus on features that improve control, durability and safe operation.

• Adjustable output: Multiple heat settings help match changing weather and seating conditions.
• Tip-over shutoff: Important for compatible freestanding and portable heaters.
• Flame-failure protection: Stops gas flow when the burner flame is not maintained.
• Ignition system: Compare manual, push-button and electronic ignition requirements.
• Remote or wall controls: Useful for mounted electric heaters, especially when installed overhead.
• Weather rating: Must match the heater’s exposure to rain, moisture and outdoor conditions.
• Mounting adjustment: Allows compatible electric heaters to direct radiant energy toward the occupied area.
• Reflector design: Influences how heat is distributed around gas heaters.
• Protective guard: Helps limit accidental contact with hot components but does not eliminate required clearances.
• Wheels or transport hardware: Can make a compatible freestanding unit easier to reposition after it is off and cool.
• Compatible cover: Protects the cooled heater when it is not in use.
• Replacement-part availability: Confirm access to approved elements, ignition components, regulators and controls.

Do not choose a heater solely because it displays a large flame or advertises broad coverage. Compare verified specifications, installation requirements and the way heat reaches the occupied area.

Common Patio Heater Buying Mistakes

• Choosing only by maximum output: BTUs or watts do not show how effectively heat reaches the occupied area.
• Treating advertised coverage as guaranteed: Wind, mounting height, patio exposure and heater placement affect real-world performance.
• Ignoring overhead clearance: Ceilings, awnings, umbrellas and pergolas can make a planned location unsuitable.
• Assuming one heater will cover every seat: Large or irregular patios may require multiple heating zones.
• Buying before checking energy access: Confirm propane storage, electrical capacity or natural-gas availability first.
• Using an extension cord without approval: Many electric heaters require a dedicated outlet or permanent wiring.
• Confusing a visible flame with stronger heat: Pyramid and flame-tower designs may emphasize appearance rather than heat delivery.
• Blocking controls or service access: Furniture should not obstruct ignition controls, ventilation openings, cylinders or shutoff valves.
• Using an outdoor heater indoors: Outdoor-use heaters should never be brought into enclosed indoor spaces for operation.
• Skipping replacement-part research: Confirm that approved controls, elements, regulators and ignition components remain available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a propane or electric patio heater better?

Propane offers more placement flexibility and does not require a permanent electrical connection. Electric heaters eliminate cylinder handling and work well for targeted or mounted heating. The better choice depends on energy access, patio layout and installation requirements.

Are infrared patio heaters better for windy areas?

Infrared heaters direct radiant energy toward people and surfaces rather than relying only on warming the surrounding air. However, wind, mounting height and placement still affect comfort. Compare manufacturer performance information for the planned location.

How many patio heaters do I need?

The number depends on the occupied area, heater output, coverage pattern, mounting position and wind exposure. Divide a large patio into seating zones rather than assuming one heater will serve the entire space.

Can a patio heater be used under a covered patio?

Only when the specific heater is approved for the location and all overhead, side, ventilation and mounting requirements can be met. Do not assume that open sides make every outdoor heater suitable beneath a roof.

How much electricity does an electric patio heater use?

Divide the heater’s wattage by 1,000 to determine kilowatts, then multiply by operating hours and your electricity rate. For example, the cost formula is:

Kilowatts × operating hours × local cost per kWh

Is a natural-gas patio heater cheaper to run?

Natural gas may have a lower operating cost in some locations, but rates vary. Include gas-line installation, permits and maintenance when comparing total ownership cost.

Can patio heaters stay outside all year?

Weather resistance varies by model. Follow the manufacturer’s storage and covering instructions, allow the heater to cool completely before covering it and inspect the equipment after severe weather.

Can I move a propane patio heater while it is running?

No. Turn the heater off and allow it to cool completely before moving it. Secure the cylinder and follow the manufacturer’s transport instructions.

Choose the Right Patio Heater

Choose a patio heater by matching its energy source, heat pattern and installation style to the occupied area.

• Choose propane when placement flexibility matters and cylinder management is practical.
• Choose electric for targeted heat, mounted installations or spaces where avoiding on-site combustion is important.
• Choose natural gas for a permanent, frequently used patio with suitable gas service.

Before ordering, verify the heater’s dimensions, output range, weather rating, energy requirements and manufacturer-required clearances. For larger or exposed patios, plan multiple heating zones instead of relying on a single coverage claim.

Explore FYRE Direct’s patio heaters to compare freestanding, mounted, propane, electric and natural-gas options for your outdoor space.