In-depth review
Amazon Basics Patio Heater Review
A detailed review of the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU propane patio heater: heat coverage, ignition, and build.
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Patio Heater
46,000 BTU propane tower with wheels and piezo ignition.
Our verdict
The Amazon Basics tower delivers the standard propane-heater experience at a below-brand price: documented 46,000 BTU, a 9-foot heat circle, and piezo ignition that just works. The trade-off is that it is a commodity tower; the reflector, emitter, and steel finish are functional rather than refined, and it does nothing to solve propane's wind and storage logistics.
What we like
- 46,000 BTU output heats a roughly 9-foot diameter area
- Piezo ignition lights the burner without matches or lighters
- Wheels make it easy to roll into storage between uses
- Costs less than name-brand towers with the same BTU rating
What to watch out for
- Propane tank not included and must be stored safely
- Open flame design loses efficiency in wind
- Tall standing design needs stable, level ground
Who it is for
Homeowners who want proven tower-heater warmth for evening patios and do not want to pay a brand premium for identical BTU output.
Heat output and coverage
The documented 46,000 BTU output is the industry standard for residential towers, and Amazon documents a roughly 9-foot diameter heating area. That is enough for a standard patio dining set. Published reviews from The Spruce and Bob Vila confirm the class performs as documented in calm conditions, with the usual caveat that wind shrinks the warm zone on every open-flame tower.
Ignition and controls
Piezo ignition means one button press lights the burner, no matches needed. A control knob adjusts the flame from low to high, which matters because you will not always want full 46,000 BTU output; dialing down stretches a propane tank across more evenings.
Build and mobility
The steel construction is powder-coated for outdoor use, and built-in wheels let one person roll it to storage. Assembly is required and takes the better part of an hour per customer documentation; the emitter screen and reflector are the fiddliest steps. The propane tank sits inside the base and is not included.
How it stacks up
Against the Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU tower, the Amazon Basics gives up 2,000 BTU of documented output but typically costs less and ships to your door; the Hampton Bay's advantage is in-store inspection at Home Depot. Against the Dr Infrared DR-238, the Amazon Basics delivers roughly nine times the raw heat output for whole-patio coverage, but the DR-238 wins on wind resistance, needs no propane, and mounts off the floor.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Strong heat output
- Quick push-button ignition
- Tilt safety shut-off
Common complaints
- Struggles and can tip in wind without anchoring
- Very tall and bulky
- Some report regulator leaks or missing parts
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Heat output
- 46,000 BTU
- Fuel
- Propane (20 lb tank, not included)
- Heating area
- 9-foot diameter
- Ignition
- Piezo electric
- Mobility
- Built-in wheels
Also consider
Hampton Bay Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Patio Heater
48,000 BTU tower sold through The Home Depot.
- Heat output: 48,000 BTU
- Fuel: Propane (20 lb tank, not included)
Dr Infrared Dr Infrared DR-238 Heater
1500W carbon infrared heater, wall or ceiling mountable.
- Power: 1500W
- Heating type: Carbon infrared, radiant
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
How long does a propane tank last?
A standard 20-pound tank holds about 430,000 BTU of energy. At full 46,000 BTU output that is roughly 9 hours; dialing the flame down for mild evenings stretches it considerably.
Is assembly difficult?
Customer documentation describes about an hour of assembly with basic tools. The reflector panels and emitter screen take the most care; the base and pole are straightforward.
Can it stay outside in rain?
The powder-coated steel tolerates weather, but a cover between uses slows corrosion of the emitter and reflector. Store the propane tank per local safety guidance regardless.