5 Killer Queora Answers On Best Electric Patio Heater
Best Electric Patio Heaters
A budget buy that won't add to your power bills. It comes with various heat settings and overheat protection. It's also easy to move around the garden.
Gas patio heaters can put out lots of warmth over a larger area, but will require a regular refill of natural gas or propane. This is a great solution for large gardens with plenty of outdoor sofas and seating.
1. Infrared heaters
Most of the electric freestanding patio heaters we tested were infra-red models. These heaters are cheaper than gas-powered models and, if you select wisely, they have lower operating costs, too. There's also no assembly required and you won't have to refill your propane tank.
The most effective ones have a remote control that makes operation easy and an LED light integrated to provide ambiance. One of our top picks, from German company Herschel makes use of circular carbon filaments to emit mediumwave infrared heat across a table-sized area. It is equipped with simple-to-use heat settings and 360deg oscillation. The Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infra-red Heater is another great option. It uses an aluminum reflector that focuses heat beams over your favorite location.
Both models are efficient and emit a clean warm glow, however the Herschel has a more modern look which is more suitable for modern garden rooms or if you're looking for a way to incorporate it with your furniture for your outdoor space. It can also be integrated with home automation systems that allow you to choose the brightness and temperature you prefer which can save more energy over the long haul.
It's worth bearing in mind that even though infrared heating is efficient, it only warms objects and people directly in front of the heater and will lose its effect when you move away. It won't also provide heat to your patio if wind blows it around.
Gas heaters on the other hand will heat up more space in the event that they are not moved. They are also equipped with a shield to help keep them in place. They're often located in pub gardens. They provide a cozy 'burning log' effect that looks good in a variety of decors.
Propane patio heaters can be less efficient, and they can also generate more smog and noise. Electric heaters are greener than propane, and is required to be replenished after it runs out. Also, keep in mind that a gas heater generates a higher level of heat than an electric model and is more likely to be more expensive.
2. Gas heaters
It's time to purchase patio heaters as the Summer winds down and evenings become somewhat chilly. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer. If you decide to go with gas or electric, there's plenty on offer in the form of small tabletop units to huge floor-standing models designed to heat large outdoor spaces such as decked gardens.
Gas heaters are more expensive to purchase however they can be more expensive to operate. According to Heat Outdoors "they are amongst the most wasteful both in terms of the amount of energy they consume as well as the heat they generate". A typical 13kg calor cylinder gas is priced at PS90 new or PS50 to refill and will last about 13 hours of heating.
Electric heaters are, unlike gas, rely on radiant heat instead of air to heat objects and humans. Electric heaters are more affordable to run, and have a smaller carbon footprint. They're also much simpler to use - simply plug them in and switch them on, while you may have to build an outdoor fire or wait for the propane heater to warm up.
Electric heaters for outdoor use can be utilized in a variety of settings including bars, restaurants and private gardens. They can be used in open or closed areas, and some come with a built-in dimmer switch to allow you to alter the intensity of the lighting. They are also smaller than gas models, and they can be easily moved. This is very beneficial if you need to move your heater from one part of your garden to another.
are electric patio heaters any good are powered by plugs and require an extension cord that is approved for outdoor use. To meet safety standards, most electric heaters can't be sold with an attached lead longer than 1.8m and you'll need to be cautious not to block any nearby outdoor sockets or leave the cable in a trail where it could be a trip hazard.
3. Freestanding heaters
These freestanding electric patio heaters are ideal if you like the style of a gas-powered heater but do not want to be restricted by its location or to cut costs. These heaters are powered by electricity and heat up quickly. They can be operated via a switch or remote. They're also cheaper to run than their gas-powered counterparts.
This Kettler model is a stylish option that looks fantastic with your furniture made of rattan. It is also fully weatherproof and can be used throughout the year. Its IP55 rating means it's protected against dust and wind-blown rain (although we wouldn't suggest aiming a high-pressure hose at it). This model has three heating levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, as well as an automatic timer between 1-9 hours.
This electric model from Blumfeldt is another alternative for those who don't want to be restricted by the placement of a heater for their patio. It is available in two sizes and boasts many features, including remote control, a timer shut off function, and a 360deg oscillation. It's also splash-proof for your peace mind, though we don't recommend letting it get too wet as this may impact on the efficiency and life span of the heater.
This portable patio heater is popular with customers who want to control their heating. With a remote, 2 heating settings, and the ability to turn the light on and off from the distance, it's easy to operate. It also comes with an integrated safety feature that will shut off the unit in the event that it's tipped over.
Electric patio heaters emit no carbon monoxide like gas heaters for patios, making them a fantastic choice for pet owners or young children who haven't yet reached the age where they can be aware of the dangers that come with being close to a flame. These models are also ideal for large outdoor gazebos or spaces because they can quickly warm up an area of 15m2. They're lightweight and easy to move around and a lot of them come with an remote control so that you can alter settings from your chair.
4. Wall-mounted heaters
When the summer is over and your kids have returned to school, it's the perfect time for you to consider adding some heat to your outdoor space. Electric heaters come in different designs including freestanding models and wall-mounted models.
This popular choice is a combination of the benefits of a gas heater with low operating costs. It can be wall-mounted or positioned on a pedestal base which makes it perfect for gazebos and covered porches, as well as small gardens where a freestanding model might look too big. It has a remote control to adjust the temperature. Users describe it as a Goldilocks choice, as it's warm enough to decrease the chill, but not too hot.
The main advantage of using an electric patio heater is that it can be set up in a small area, such as garages that are covered, because it doesn't emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide or other gases that pose a threat to your health. Gas heaters, on contrary, must be placed in a space that is open and has sufficient ventilation to ensure that they don't pollute your home.
The downside is that electric models are generally more expensive than gas models. Electric models are also less mobile and require an electrical outlet. That's particularly important if you reside in an area that has expensive energy charges.
Another disadvantage of an electric heater is that it's not as powerful as a gas one however there are a lot of options in the PS50-PS200 price bracket to pick from. Some are suited for hanging from awnings or parasols, and you can even find heaters that operate with rechargeable batteries.
If you're looking for an infrared system that's affordable to run it's a good option. It comes in two sizes, and comes with a range of features, including 360deg rotation and simple heating settings. It's also certified IP44 which means that it can withstand small drops of rain and splashes of liquid.