Patio heaters have become increasingly popular in UK gardens, allowing homeowners to enjoy outdoor spaces even when temperatures drop. Whether you’re entertaining guests, relaxing on your patio, or dining outdoors, a good patio heater can keep your garden warm and comfortable.
Modern patio heaters come in several styles, including gas heaters, electric heaters, tabletop models, and infrared heaters. Many are designed to be energy-efficient while providing powerful heat for outdoor areas.
In this guide, we explore the best patio heaters for UK gardens, what features to look for, and the most popular models available for homeowners.
Why Buy a Patio Heater?
Outdoor heating allows homeowners to use their gardens more often throughout the year.
Extend Outdoor Living
Patio heaters make it possible to enjoy outdoor spaces during cooler evenings.
Ideal for Entertaining
Warm outdoor areas make gatherings and garden parties more comfortable.
Improve Garden Comfort
Heating helps create a cosy outdoor atmosphere.
Perfect for Autumn and Spring
Patio heaters are especially useful during transitional seasons.
With the right heater, your garden can become a comfortable outdoor living area.
Best Patio Heaters for UK Gardens
Here are some of the most popular patio heaters available today.
The Amazon Basics propane patio heater is one of the most widely used outdoor heaters.
Key Features
- 46,000 BTU heating output
- Adjustable temperature control
- Stable base design
- Wheels for easy movement
This heater provides strong heat coverage for large patios.
Best for: large garden spaces
The Fire Sense patio heater is known for its durability and performance.
Key Features
- Stainless steel construction
- 46,000 BTU heat output
- Push-button ignition
- Large heat radius
Best for: reliable outdoor heating
Infrared patio heaters provide efficient directional heat.
Key Features
- Electric infrared heating
- Wall or ceiling mounting
- Quiet operation
- Energy-efficient design
Best for: covered patios and terraces
The Pro Breeze electric heater is a compact and affordable option.
Key Features
- Electric infrared heating
- Portable design
- Multiple heat settings
- Easy plug-in operation
Best for: small patios or balconies
The Bromic Smart Heat heater is a premium outdoor heating solution.
Key Features
- High-performance infrared heating
- Stylish modern design
- Weather-resistant construction
- Wall or ceiling mounting
Best for: modern outdoor spaces
Patio Heater Comparison
| Patio Heater | Best For | Heat Type |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Propane Heater | Large patios | Gas |
| Fire Sense Patio Heater | Reliable heating | Gas |
| Dr Infrared Heater | Covered patios | Infrared electric |
| Pro Breeze Electric Heater | Small spaces | Electric |
| Bromic Smart Heat | Premium outdoor areas | Infrared electric |
Choosing the right heater depends on garden size and heating preferences.
Types of Patio Heaters
There are several types of outdoor heaters available.
Gas Patio Heaters
Gas heaters use propane or butane to generate heat.
Advantages:
- Very powerful heat output
- Ideal for large patios
- Freestanding designs
Disadvantages:
- Requires gas cylinders
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric heaters plug into standard outlets.
Advantages:
- Easy to use
- No fuel required
- Quiet operation
Disadvantages:
- Limited heat coverage compared to gas heaters
Infrared Patio Heaters
Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly rather than heating the air.
Advantages:
- Very energy efficient
- Instant heat
- Silent operation
These are popular for modern outdoor spaces.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a patio heater, consider the following features.
Heat Output
Gas heaters are usually measured in BTU (British Thermal Units).
Typical heat outputs include:
30,000–40,000 BTU: medium patios
40,000–50,000 BTU: large outdoor areas
Electric heaters are measured in watts.
Safety Features
Important safety features include:
Tip-over protection
Automatic shut-off
Flame failure protection
These features improve safety when using outdoor heaters.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor heaters should be designed for outdoor conditions.
Look for heaters with weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel or aluminium.
Portability
Some patio heaters include wheels for easy movement around the garden.
Portable heaters provide greater flexibility.
Tips for Using Patio Heaters
To maximise safety and performance:
Place heaters on flat surfaces.
Keep heaters away from flammable materials.
Use heaters in well-ventilated outdoor spaces.
Turn heaters off when not in use.
Following these precautions helps ensure safe operation.
Patio Heating Ideas
Patio heaters work best when combined with other outdoor features.
Examples include:
Outdoor furniture sets
Garden lighting
Outdoor rugs
Fire pits
These additions help create a comfortable outdoor living space.
Patio Heater Maintenance
Maintaining your heater will extend its lifespan.
Clean burners regularly.
Store heaters in dry areas during winter.
Check gas connections periodically.
Use protective covers when the heater is not in use.
Proper care ensures reliable performance.
Final Thoughts
Patio heaters are an excellent way to extend the usability of your garden and create a comfortable outdoor environment. Whether you choose a powerful gas heater or an efficient infrared electric heater, the right model can keep your outdoor space warm throughout cooler months.
Some of the best patio heaters for UK gardens include:
- Amazon Basics Propane Patio Heater
- Fire Sense Patio Heater
- Dr Infrared Outdoor Heater
- Pro Breeze Electric Patio Heater
- Bromic Smart Heat Electric Heater
Choosing the right patio heater depends on your garden size, heating needs, and budget.
With the right heater, you can enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun goes down.
