Best Outdoor Electric Heater: 8 Top Picks for 2026
Quick answer
Our top pick for the best electric patio heater is the Infratech WD-Series. It gives strong, even warmth, mounts flush in the ceiling and comes with a 3-year warranty. For a softer glow at dinner, choose the Bromic Platinum. For a spot that gets rain, choose the IP65-rated Dimplex DIR. If you cannot hardwire, the plug-in Napoleon Phantom works with no install.
An electric heater is the easiest way to keep using your patio when the evenings turn cool. There is no tank to refill and no flame, and it warms you the moment you switch it on. The hard part is choosing, because outdoor models range from small plug-in units to hardwired heaters built for restaurant patios.
To pick the 8 heaters below, we looked at four things: what the top-ranking buying guides recommend, what owners say in forums, how many people search for each model, and what our own customers buy most. Every spec comes from the manufacturer's listing or manual, and every heater here is one we sell and support.
Our Top Electric Patio Heater Picks
Short on time? Here is each heater and who it suits best. Tap a card to jump to the full review.
Best Overall1. Infratech WD-SeriesStrong warmth, flush mount, 3-year warranty
Best Low-Glare Smart Heater2. Bromic Platinum Smart-HeatGlass front with almost no glare
Best Heater With a Light3. Bromic EclipsePendant heater with a dimmable LED
Best Weatherproof4. Dimplex DIRIP65 rated for rain and spray
Best Value Hardwired5. Infratech C-SeriesInfratech quality for less
Best for Large Spaces6. Bromic Tungsten 6000WUp to 160 sq. ft. per heater
Best Decorative and Coastal7. Infratech MotifDecorative fronts, marine grade option
Best Plug-In8. Napoleon PhantomPlugs in, rolls anywhere
The 8 Best Outdoor Heaters, Reviewed
Each review covers what the heater does well, where it falls short, and the specs that matter most: output, power, coverage and weather rating.
1. Infratech WD-Series: Best Overall Electric Heater
The WD-Series is the heater we would put on most covered patios. Two quartz elements in one slim stainless body put out a lot of warmth for the size, and the deeper housing is made to sit flush in the ceiling with an optional frame, so all you see is the face. It is also our best-selling Infratech heater.
Watts5,200W (48 in.); 3,000W to 6,000W in the series
Power240V
CoversAbout 10 x 10 ft. (5,200W)
Mount height8 to 11 ft.
RatingUL listed for indoor and outdoor use
Warranty3 years, made in the USA
PriceFrom $930 (48 in.)
What we like
- Strong, even warmth from two elements
- Built for a clean flush-mount look
- Stainless steel or 8 powder coat colors
- Zero noise, odor or emissions
Keep in mind
Needs a 240V circuit and an electrician. Flush frame is sold separately.
2. Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat: Best Low-Glare Heater
Platinum hides the element behind tinted glass-ceramic, so it gives off far less light than a bare quartz tube. That makes it the pick for a dining patio or living area where you want warmth without a bright glow. It works with Bromic dimmers and home automation, and it can be recessed into the ceiling.
Watts4,500W (53.2 in.); 2,300W and 3,400W sizes too
Power240V or 208V, hardwired
CoversUp to 143 sq. ft. (4,500W)
Mount height8 ft. minimum
RatingIPX4; marine grade version in 316 stainless
Warranty1 year from Bromic plus 1 year from us
PriceFrom $2,761 (4,500W)
What we like
- Very little glare at night
- Smart dimming and automation ready
- Can be recessed for a built-in look
- Marine grade option for the coast
Keep in mind
Costs more than quartz heaters. Controls are sold separately.
3. Bromic Eclipse: Best Heater With a Built-In Light
The Eclipse looks like a modern pendant light, and it is one: a dimmable LED sits under a ceramic glass heating screen. Hang one over a table and you get warmth and light from a single fixture. It is our top-selling electric heater since early 2025.
Watts2,900W, 4 heat levels (0, 33, 66, 100%)
Power240V
CoversUp to 144 sq. ft.
Clearance96 in. to the floor, 6 in. to the ceiling
Light13W warm white dimmable LED
Warranty1 year from Bromic plus 1 year from us
PriceFrom $2,766 (twin pole)
What we like
- Heat and light in one fixture
- Soft, low-glare warmth
- Works on ceilings, walls or a freestanding base
Keep in mind
Must hang straight down, no tilt. Dimmer and remote sold separately.
4. Dimplex DIR: Best Weatherproof Outdoor Heater
If your heater will see rain, the Dimplex indoor/outdoor electric infrared heater, the DIR, is the one to look at. It carries an IP65 rating, the highest on this list, in an anodized aluminum case that resists corrosion. It reaches full output in about 6 seconds and comes with a remote.
Watts2,200W; 3,000W model also available
Power240V
RatingIP65, indoor and outdoor
ControlsRemote included, standby after 8 hours
Element lifeUp to 5,000 hours
PriceFrom $699.99 (2,200W)
What we like
- Highest weather rating here
- Lowest price for a 240V heater
- Remote and auto standby included
Keep in mind
Smaller coverage than 4,000W+ heaters. Red glow from the halogen element.
5. Infratech C-Series: Best Value Hardwired Heater
The C-Series is the simplest way into Infratech quality. A single element, a slim curved profile and brackets that make it look like it floats off the wall. You get the same USA build and 3-year warranty as the WD for less, and owners in online forums call their Infratech heaters reliable year after year.
Watts3,000W or 4,000W (61 in.)
Power240V
Covers8 x 8 ft. (3,000W) to 10 x 10 ft. (4,000W)
Mount height8 to 11 ft.
RatingUL listed for indoor and outdoor use
PriceFrom $862 (61 in.)
What we like
- Lowest entry price for Infratech
- Clean surface-mount look
- 8 powder coat colors
Keep in mind
Single element, so less output than the dual CD and WD. Best as a surface mount; the WD is the flush-mount pick.
6. Bromic Tungsten 6000W: Best for Large Spaces
Tungsten is Bromic's workhorse. Two quartz elements and a mirror-finish reflector push warmth across up to 160 sq. ft., and Bromic designed the body for wind and splashing rain. It mounts almost any way you need: wall, ceiling, chain, tube or recessed.
Watts6,000W; 2,000W to 6,000W in the line
Power208V, 240V or 277V, hardwired
CoversUp to 160 sq. ft.
Mount height8 to 10 ft.
RatingIPX4
Warranty7 years on elements with Bromic controls
PriceFrom $1,161
What we like
- Most coverage per heater on this list
- Commercial voltages available
- Long element warranty with Bromic controls
Keep in mind
Bright quartz glow. Needs a 25A circuit at 240V.
7. Infratech Motif: Best Decorative Heater for the Coast
Motif snaps a laser-cut decorative front onto an Infratech C or CD body, so the heater reads as a design piece instead of a utility box. Choose Contemporary, Traditional or Mediterranean styles, and pick the marine grade version in 316 stainless if you live near salt air.
Watts2,000W to 6,000W; 6,000W covers 12 x 12 ft.
Power240V, 208V, 277V or 480V
Mount height10 to 12 ft. (6,000W)
Build304 or marine grade 316 stainless
Warranty3 years, made in the USA
PriceFrom $777; marine grade 6,000W $1,324
What we like
- Looks like decor, not a heater
- Marine grade for coastal homes
- Three styles in black or stainless
Keep in mind
Surface mount only. Costs more than a plain C-Series.
8. Napoleon Phantom: Best Plug-In Heater, No Install
No electrician, no wiring. The Phantom plugs into a standard outdoor outlet and rolls where you need it. Its arm folds over a chair or sofa, and it has 9 heat levels, a timer, a child lock and an automatic shut-off if it tips over. Keep expectations realistic: at 1,500W it warms one or two people sitting close, not a whole patio.
Watts1,500W, 9 heat levels
Power120V plug-in, 15A outlet
RatingIP34
SafetyTip-over shut-off, overheat protection, child lock
Extras1 to 9 hour timer, LED spotlight, cover
PriceFrom $859
What we like
- No installation at all
- Moves with the seating
- Lots of safety features
Keep in mind
Much less heat than 240V models. Takes up floor space.
Compare Outdoor Heaters Side by Side
Here are all 8 picks in one place. Output and power are the two numbers that decide whether a heater fits your patio and your electrical panel.
Heater
Best for
Output
Power
Weather rating
From
Prices are starting prices on our site as of October 2026. Ratings and specs are from each maker's listing or manual.
How We Chose These Heaters
We did not want a list built on guesses, so each pick had to show up in at least two of these sources:
- Buying guides that rank today. Bromic, Infratech and Dimplex appear most often on specialist and retailer guides.
- Owner forums. Infratech gets the most owner praise, with comments like reliable after 4 years of use. Owners also warn that small plug-in units feel weak outdoors.
- Search demand. Thousands of shoppers search for Bromic and Infratech heaters each month, and models like the Eclipse and Platinum get steady searches by name.
- What our customers buy. The Bromic Eclipse, Bromic Platinum and Infratech WD are our top-selling electric models since early 2025.
Cheap plug-in brands fill many editorial lists, but owners often say they disappoint unless you sit right under them. We kept one plug-in pick for renters and anyone who cannot add a circuit, and focused the rest on hardwired heaters that warm a real seating area.
Electric vs Gas Patio Heaters
Gas and propane patio heaters put out more raw heat per unit, which is why some owners still prefer them for big, open yards. But electric wins almost everywhere else:
- No flame and no carbon monoxide, so it is safe under a roof and on a screened porch.
- No tank to refill or store, and no gas line to run.
- Full warmth in seconds, at the flip of a switch or a phone tap.
- Quiet, clean and easy to zone with dimmers and timers.
The trade-off is power. Most good electric models need a dedicated 240V circuit, and wind carries warmth away faster on an open site. If your patio is open on every side and you have a gas line, compare our gas patio heaters and propane heaters. For a covered patio, an electric heater is usually the better buy. For running costs side by side, see our gas vs electric patio heater comparison.
How to Choose an Outdoor Heater
Six steps separate a heater you will love from one you will ignore. Work through them in order.
Step 1Size the heat output
Step 2Pick your power
Step 3Match the weather
Step 4Choose the mount
Step 5Plan the controls
Step 6Decide on glow
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Step 1: Heat Output and Coverage
Output is measured in watts. Makers list coverage for each size, and it is the best guide: about 8 x 8 ft. for 3,000W, 10 x 10 ft. for 4,000W to 5,200W, and 12 x 12 ft. for 6,000W on the Infratech line. One owner rule we saw again and again: plan about one heater per 10 x 10 ft. seating area. The sizing chart below shows it by square feet.
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Step 2: 120V Plug-In or 240V Hardwired
A standard outlet tops out around 1,500W. That is enough for one or two people sitting close, like the Napoleon Phantom. For a dining table or seating group, you want a 240V hardwired heater on its own circuit. Owners who tried both say they would not go back to plug-in.
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Step 3: Weatherproof Ratings
Check the IP rating if the heater will see rain. The second number is water protection: IPX4 handles splashing, and IP65 handles water jets. The Dimplex DIR is IP65, Bromic Tungsten and Platinum are IPX4, and Infratech heaters are UL listed for indoor and outdoor use. Near the ocean, look for 316 marine grade stainless, offered by Infratech and Bromic.
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Step 4: Mounting Style
Wall and ceiling mounts keep the floor clear and aim warmth down at the seating. Flush mounts, like the Infratech WD with its frame or the Bromic Platinum with a recess kit, sit inside the ceiling for the cleanest look. Freestanding models move around but take floor space. See every option in our wall and ceiling heater collection.
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Step 5: Controls and Heat Levels
A dimmer or multi-step control lets you match output to the night, which saves energy. The Eclipse has 4 heat levels and the Phantom has 9. Infratech and Bromic both sell smart controls for zoning several heaters; see Infratech controls and Bromic controls.
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Step 6: Glare and Light
Quartz elements glow orange-red, which some people love and others find too bright at dinner. If glare matters, choose a glass-front heater like the Bromic Platinum or Eclipse.
How Many Watts Do You Need?
Most people size a heater by square feet. Measure the area you want warm, usually the seating, not the whole patio, then find it on the chart. The coverage figures come from Infratech's sizing guide; Bromic lists slightly larger areas for some models.
1,500W to 2,200WUp to 50 sq. ft.About 7 x 7 ft.1 to 2 chairsA plug-in or small mounted heater
3,000WAbout 64 sq. ft.8 x 8 ft.Bistro set or small tableOne 3,000W heater
4,000W to 5,200WAbout 100 sq. ft.10 x 10 ft.Table for 4 to 6One mid-size heater
6,000WAbout 144 sq. ft.12 x 12 ft.Table for 6 to 8One 6,000W heater, or two smaller ones
About 40W per sq. ft.Over 150 sq. ft.Larger patiosSeveral seating groupsTwo or more heaters, one per seating group
Quick math
Square feet x 40 = watts. A 12 x 15 ft. seating area is 180 sq. ft. x 40 = about 7,200W, so plan two heaters of 4,000W each, one on each side of the table.
Two heaters on opposite sides of a table warm more evenly than one big one in the middle. On a windy or open patio, size up one step.
Where an Electric Heater Works Best
Electric infrared warms people and surfaces directly, not the air, so it shines where there is some shelter. Owners with three-sided patios and screened porches report the best results, while those on open, breezy decks notice the warmth fade when the wind picks up.
- Covered patios and porches: the ideal spot. The roof holds warmth in and protects the heater.
- Pergolas and gazebos: mount on beams and aim at the seats.
- Restaurants and bars: see our commercial heaters for 208V, 277V and 480V models.
- Open decks: choose more output and place heaters close to the seating.
Not sure what fits under your roof? Our guide to the best heaters for covered patios, porches and pergolas covers mounting heights for each brand.
Installation and Safety Tips
- Have a licensed electrician add a dedicated 240V circuit for hardwired heaters. The Tungsten 6000W, for example, draws 25A at 240V.
- Mount at the height in the manual. Most models here start at 8 ft. off the floor.
- Keep the ceiling and side clearances listed by the maker. Our patio heater clearance guide walks through them.
- Keep cushions, curtains and plants well away from the face of the heater.
- For freestanding heaters, look for tip-over protection and keep cords out of walkways.
Planning an Infratech install? Our Infratech wiring and controls guide covers breakers, switches and zoning.
Running Cost and Energy Use
Electric infrared is efficient because almost all of the power turns into heat you feel. Infratech rates its heaters over 90% efficient. Running cost depends on wattage and your power rate. Using the US Energy Information Administration's 2026 forecast of about 18.2 cents per kWh for homes:
- 1,500W plug-in: about 27 cents an hour
- 2,000W heater: about 36 cents an hour, or about $8.74 for 24 hours
- 4,000W heater: about 73 cents an hour
- 6,000W heater: about $1.09 an hour
Most people run a heater a few hours an evening, often on a lower setting, so the real cost is usually a few dollars a week. Check your own bill for your rate.
Our Final Verdict
For most covered patios, the Infratech WD-Series is the one to buy: strong overhead electric heat, a flush-mount option and a long warranty. Pick the Bromic Platinum if you want almost no glare, the Eclipse if you also need light over the table, and the Dimplex DIR if the heater will face rain. Whatever you choose, size it to your seating, give it its own circuit, and you can enjoy your home's outdoor space on cool nights all season.
Need help picking the right heater?
Tell us the size of your patio, how high the ceiling is, and whether you have 240V power nearby. We will recommend the heaters, controls and mounts that fit.
Get expert helpShop all electric heatersFrequently Asked Questions
Are infrared heaters good for an outdoor patio?
Yes. Infrared warms people and surfaces directly instead of the air, so it keeps working outdoors where heated air would drift away. It works best on a covered or partly sheltered patio.
What is the best way to heat an outdoor patio area?
For a covered patio, mount one or more 240V infrared heaters on the wall or ceiling and aim each at a seating group. For a large open yard with a gas line, a gas heater puts out more heat.
How much does it cost to run a 2000 watt heater for 24 hours?
About $8.74 at the US Energy Information Administration 2026 forecast of about 18.2 cents per kWh. A 2,000W heater uses 48 kWh in 24 hours. Your cost depends on your local rate.
Can an outdoor electric heater get wet?
Many can handle some rain. Check the IP rating: IPX4 resists splashing and IP65 resists water jets. The Dimplex DIR is IP65, and Bromic Tungsten and Platinum are IPX4. Mounting under a roof always helps.
Can I plug an electric patio heater into a regular outlet?
Only small units of about 1,500W, like the Napoleon Phantom. Most mounted heaters over 2,000W need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by an electrician.
Do electric heaters work in the wind?
Wind carries warmth away, so expect less heat on an open, breezy site. Shelter the area, mount the heater closer to the seating, or choose a higher output model.
Which type of patio heater is better, a mushroom or a pyramid?
Both are gas styles. Mushroom heaters spread heat in a wide circle, and pyramid heaters give off more glow but less heat. For a covered patio, a mounted electric heater is usually the better choice.
