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Make the most of your outdoor space with these electric and propane heaters.
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For small spaces, opt for a compact patio heater that wont consume all the square footage.
While these models might have a lower heat output, smaller areas require fewer BTUs for effective heating.
There are two main types of patio heater styles: pole and pyramid.
PHOTO: Wayfair
Though it largely depends on your design preferences, there are a few differences.
Pole patio heaters typically have a wider heat radius and higher BTUs, making them ideal for larger areas.
(Every pole patio heater had a higher BTU than the pyramid heaters on our list.)
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Also, with their sleek, traditional design, theyre typically taller and take up less floor space.
Most patio heaters list their heating output in BTUsa higher BTU means more warmth.
Theyre also less expensive than propane.
PHOTO: Amazon
The main downside to electric heaters is that they are less powerful.
After testing, we only recommend one electric heater.
They are a bit pricier to run and require frequent refills.
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NRTLs test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards.
In addition to considering safety certifications, she also advises purchasing from well-known and reputable brands.
“Any devices that generate heat should be plugged directly into an outlet, she says.
PHOTO: Wayfair
Also, never leave patio heaters unattended and keep out of reach of pets.”
We tested 27 electric heaters and 18 propane heaters.
While the testing was different, some processes were completed for both models.
PHOTO: Real Simple
You might experience difficulties aligning the screws with the premade holes.
This sleek, propane-powered patio heater performed impressively throughout the three-week testing period.
We found the heaters materials to feel long-lasting and appreciated its classy appearance.
It features an automatic tip-over shut-off, propane tank straps, wheels, and a fitted cover.
After six months of frequent use, we’ve observed no changes in quality or appearance.
While the setup was straightforward overall, we did encounter difficulties aligning the screws with the premade holes.
The instructions are difficult to follow, which makes the initial setup challenging.
In our testing, we were able to read outside on a brisk day without worrying about getting chilly.
This patio heater features an automatic tilt shut-off valve, ETL certification, and an easy ignition button.
It has a limited heating field.
The heater has three settingslow, medium, and maxwhich adjust the output accordingly.
We immediately felt warmer after using the infrared heater.
After two months of use, the heater has continued to meet our standards.
During the tip test (did the patio heater tip over?
We also like its lightweight design, which made it easy to transport.
The temperature dial is not intuitively designed.
We found it had an impressive heating performance and loved its modern appearance.
The Bali Outdoors Portable Patio Heater is ideal for cozy evenings on a small outdoor patio.
That said, it may not be the best choice for the cold winter months.
The instructions were clear and the parts were packaged all together, making for a smooth installation process.
Cleaning proved similarly simpleif it looked filthy, a quick wipe of a rag did just the trick.
There is no automatic shut-off feature in case the heater tips over.
The components all felt high quality, and the knobs felt tight and secure.
Setup took 50 minutes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
PHOTO: Amazon
The heat was also evenly distributed around the heater.
You may need to hold the button a bit longer to make it fully ignited.
The setup took just 30 minutes, making it one of the quickest assemblies of the heaters we tested.
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Note, you may need to hold the button a bit longer to make it fully ignited.
If you’re still hesitant, the included three-year warranty and lifetime customer service support should provide some reassurance.
It’s very time consuming and cumbersome to assemble, even with help.
PHOTO: Amazon
But if you plan on building your patio heater alone, you may want to consider another option.
This pick has a heat output of 48,000 BTU, which could reach 4 feet away from the heater.
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PHOTO: Frontgate
PHOTO: Amazon
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PHOTO: Home Depot
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