Buying guide
Patio Heater Buying Guide
How to choose a patio heater: fuel types, heat output, wind, placement, and the decision framework.
Fuel types: propane, electric, wood
Propane towers deliver the most heat per dollar of hardware: 46,000-plus BTU for whole-patio coverage, at the cost of tank logistics and wind sensitivity. Electric infrared delivers less total heat but aims it precisely, with zero fuel effort. Wood chimineas trade raw output for ambiance and demand the most owner effort. There is no best fuel, only the best fuel for your tolerance of logistics.
BTU, watts, and what they mean on a patio
BTU measures total heat output; watts measure electrical power draw (1500W is roughly 5,100 BTU per hour). But delivery method matters as much as the number: convection towers lose heat to wind, radiant infrared does not, and a chiminea's cast iron stores heat between refuels. Compare numbers only within the same heating method.
Wind and placement
Wind is the dominant real-world variable. Open towers belong in wind-sheltered spots; infrared belongs where it has line of sight to seating; chimineas belong where smoke drifts away from neighbors. Measure your prevailing wind before you buy, not after.
Decision framework: buy this type if, avoid if
Buy a propane tower if you need maximum heated area, have propane storage sorted, and your patio is reasonably sheltered. Avoid towers if your patio is very windy, tiny, or lacks tank storage. Buy electric infrared if your patio is covered, has an outlet, and you want instant, no-maintenance zone heat. Avoid infrared if you need to heat a large open area. Buy a chiminea if firelight is the goal and you accept wood logistics. Avoid wood if your area has burn restrictions or close neighbors.
Questions, answered
How many heaters do I need?
One 46,000 BTU tower covers a standard dining set. Larger patios need one heater per seating zone; two smaller heaters beat one oversized tower for even coverage.
Can patio heaters be left outside year-round?
With covers, yes for most steel towers and IP-rated infrared units. Remove propane tanks to sheltered storage for winter, and bring chimineas under cover to slow rust.
Are there safety certifications to look for?
Look for CSA or ETL certification on gas and electric heaters; it means an independent lab tested the safety systems. Uncertified heaters are a documented fire risk.
Do patio heaters work in real cold?
They extend the season, not defeat winter. In near-freezing temperatures, even 48,000 BTU struggles against heat loss; infrared and wind shelter help most when it is genuinely cold.