Types of Patio Heaters: Propane, Electric and Tabletop

On this page (8 sections)

1. What are the main types of patio heaters?
2. Is a freestanding propane patio heater right for you?
3. When does a tabletop propane heater make sense?
4. How does an electric infrared patio heater work?
5. Are wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted patio heaters useful?
6. How should you choose a patio heater by space?
7. What should you check before using a patio heater?
8. Which type of patio heater should you choose?

Types of patio heaters include propane towers, electric infrared heaters, tabletop propane units and mounted electric heaters. Choose based on where people sit, whether you have outdoor power or propane, and how much floor space you can spare.

A tall tower can serve a group around a patio table. A compact tabletop model fits a smaller seating area, while an electric tower or mounted heater can work where a propane tank is inconvenient.

This guide compares the main heater styles and the setup each one needs. For a direct fuel comparison, read electric vs gas patio heaters.

What are the main types of patio heaters?

The main types of patio heaters differ by fuel, shape and where they direct warmth. Start by deciding whether a heater needs to move, stand beside seats, sit on a table or mount above the space.

These categories are not interchangeable. A heater's fuel, dimensions, mounting method and manual determine where it can go.

How do types of patio heaters differ by heat source?

Propane heaters burn fuel, while electric infrared heaters use electricity to create radiant warmth. The choice affects setup as much as heat: propane needs a fuel supply, and electric models need a usable outlet or installed connection.

Infrared heat is directed toward people and nearby surfaces rather than being intended to warm all the air in a large open yard. Wind, distance and the arrangement of chairs can change how warm a spot feels, so allow for the maker's stated coverage and placement instructions.

Natural gas heaters connect to a gas line instead of a portable propane tank. They suit a fixed setup only when the location and installation meet the heater's requirements.

Is a freestanding propane patio heater right for you?

A freestanding propane tower can suit open seating areas where a portable fuel source is useful. It takes up floor space and needs a safe location with access to the tank.

The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater uses a 20 lb propane tank, has wheels and is rated for heating up to a 9 ft radius.

The maker includes a water box for weighing down the base, a chain to secure the tank and a tilt safety shutoff valve. Those features do not replace following the manual's clearance and placement rules.

Choose a tower when several people gather around a shared seating area. Check the footprint, tank access and the required distance from combustible materials before setting one in place.

A standing heater can also be useful if you may rearrange chairs between seasons. See hanging vs standing patio heaters for a closer look at those placement trade-offs.

When does a tabletop propane heater make sense?

A tabletop propane heater makes sense when you want warmth close to a small group without placing a full-height tower beside the table. It still uses fuel, so check the tank type, surface stability and the maker's safety directions.

The Tangkula 11,000 BTU Tabletop Patio Heater is 38 in tall, weighs 13 lb and is designed to sit on a tabletop or the ground. Its stated heating radius is 2.5 ft.

Tangkula describes tip-over, flameout and anoxic protection, along with an adjustable flame control. The heater uses a 1.02 lb propane tank that is not included.

Choose a tabletop model for nearby seats, not as a substitute for heating a broad patio. Confirm that the table is stable and follow the manual for clearances and outdoor use.

For other compact options, browse our portable outdoor heater guide.

How does an electric infrared patio heater work?

An electric infrared heater needs an appropriate power source and sends radiant warmth toward people and surfaces nearby. It can be a good fit when you have outdoor power and want to avoid propane tanks, but its reach depends on placement and the heater's specifications.

The Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Patio Heater is a freestanding 1,500 W electric tower with 9 heat levels, a timer from 1 to 9 hours, tip-over and overheat shutoff, and an IPX5 water resistance rating.

Haimmy describes the heat as focused and says the model can be used indoors or outdoors. The manufacturer also lists a safety lock and remote control.

Choose a floor-standing electric model when you have a suitable outlet and want a movable tower. Keep the cord and heater positioned according to the manual, and use an outdoor-rated connection where required.

If electricity costs are part of your decision, see whether electric patio heaters are expensive to run.

Are wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted patio heaters useful?

Mounted electric heaters can free up floor space and direct warmth from a fixed position. They suit patios with an appropriate wall or overhead mounting point, but installation clearances and surface requirements need careful checking.

The Sundate Ceiling-Mount Infrared Patio Heater is a 1,500 W electric model with 9 heat levels, a 24-hour timer and Wi-Fi, remote and touch controls. It includes a mounting bracket and is described as suitable for ceiling or wall mounting.

Sundate describes the heater as waterproof for outdoor use. Check the manual for required clearances, mounting height, electrical connection and weather exposure before installation.

Choose a mounted heater when the fixed position can serve the seating area. Don't mount a heater over a spot until you have checked the instructions for the model and the mounting surface.

For a detailed look at a covered setup, read how to heat a covered patio safely.

How should you choose a patio heater by space?

Choose a patio heater by the seats you want to warm and the space available around them. The same model may feel different in an open, windy area than in a sheltered seating nook.

• Open patio with several seats: Consider a freestanding propane tower if you can place and secure the tank as directed.
• Small table or close seating: A tabletop propane heater may fit the scale, as long as the table and clearances suit it.
• Patio with an outdoor outlet: A freestanding electric infrared tower can be easier to place where its cord reaches safely.
• Covered area with a fixed mounting point: Consider an electric wall or ceiling model only when its manual allows that setting.
• Balcony or tight space: Measure the available area and check building rules before bringing in any heater.

Patio heaters warm a local area, so position people within the maker's stated coverage rather than expecting a single unit to warm a whole yard. Wind and open sides can reduce comfort, and no heater should block an exit or sit where people can bump into it.

Our guide to best outdoor heaters for a covered porch compares options for that kind of space.

What should you check before using a patio heater?

Check the manual, location and fuel or power setup before every use. The heater type alone does not tell you whether a particular patio is safe for it.

For propane models, confirm the tank and connection type, and keep the unit outdoors. Follow the required clearances.

For electric models, check the outlet, cord routing, weather rating and mounting instructions. Do not use a heater in a way its manual does not allow.

Place a freestanding heater on a stable surface, away from foot traffic and anything that could fall against it. Keep children and pets at a safe distance, and turn the heater off when you leave the area.

Read are patio heaters safe on a patio or deck? for placement and safety considerations.

Which type of patio heater should you choose?

Choose a propane tower for an open group seating area, a tabletop heater for close seats, or an electric infrared model when your power setup and placement suit it. A mounted heater can save floor space if the location meets its installation requirements.

Start with the seats and available space, then check the fuel, power, clearances and manual for the specific heater. If you are deciding between fuel types, compare electric and gas patio heaters next.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of patio heaters?

The main types are propane tower heaters, electric infrared heaters, tabletop propane heaters and mounted electric heaters. Propane models use a gas tank or a gas line, while electric models need an outlet and may stand on the floor, hang from a ceiling or attach to a wall.

Pick a type that fits your seating area and setup.

Are propane or electric patio heaters better?

Propane heaters can work where an outdoor outlet is not convenient, but you need a suitable propane supply and safe clearance. Electric infrared heaters need power and direct warmth toward people and nearby surfaces.

Compare fuel access, installation, seating layout and operating costs before choosing.

Do tabletop patio heaters warm a whole patio?

A tabletop heater is meant to warm a smaller area around its position, not a whole patio. For example, Tangkula gives its tabletop model an 11,000 BTU output and a 2.5 ft heating radius.

Match the heater's stated reach to the people seated nearby.

Can you use an electric patio heater under a covered patio?

Some electric heaters can suit a covered patio, but the mounting instructions and required clearances decide whether a specific spot is safe. Check the heater manual, ceiling or wall materials, outlet location and exposure to weather.

Our covered patio guide explains the placement questions to check first.

What type of patio heater is easiest to move?

A freestanding heater is usually the simplest type to reposition, provided it is designed to move and can be handled safely. Some tower models have wheels, while compact tabletop units can be carried or stored.

Turn off and cool any heater before moving it, and follow its manual.