Best Natural Gas Patio Heaters: 9 Top Picks of 2026
Quick answer
Our top pick is the Bromic Tungsten 500. It covers up to 215 sq. ft., aims with a pivot arm and starts at $2,087. For a softer look, choose the Bromic Platinum 500. For an open, windy patio, choose the SunStar SGL35 with its 40 mph glass face. For an open yard, the Sunglo PSA265 stands on its own post.
Natural gas heaters on a fixed gas line are the most practical way to warm a space you use often. It never runs out of fuel, it costs less per hour than electric or propane, and a good patio heater puts out enough warmth for open and windy spaces. The hard part is choosing, because mounted units differ a lot in coverage, wind rating and how they are controlled.
Below are the 9 picks of gas heaters we recommend most, from the brand shoppers search for most to post and hanging picks for open yards. From ceiling-mounted natural gas heaters, post heaters, to wall-mounted heater, we covered every spec, feature, and detail you need to make right choice. All picks except the two Sunglo models come in natural gas or propane.
Our Top Gas Outdoor Heater Picks at a Glance
Short on time? Here is each heater and who it suits best. Tap a card to jump to the full review.
Best Overall1. Bromic Tungsten 500Most coverage of any mounted pickOutput43,000 BTUCoversUp to 215 sq. ft.From$2,087
Best Low-Glare Design2. Bromic Platinum 500Tinted glass face with a soft glowOutput39,800 BTUCoversUp to 215 sq. ft.From$2,657
Best for Wind3. SunStar SGL35Glass face rated for 40 mph windOutput35,000 / 24,000 BTUCoversAbout 144 sq. ft.From$2,193
Best Remote Control4. Sunpak S34 TSRHandheld remote and wireless switchOutput34,000 / 25,000 BTUCoversAbout 144 sq. ft.From$3,080
Best for Small Patios5. Bromic Tungsten 300Bromic quality at the best priceOutput26,000 BTUCoversUp to 160 sq. ft.From$1,828
Most Heat6. SunStar SGL5050,000 BTU for high ceilingsOutput50,000 / 35,000 BTUCovers144+ sq. ft.From$2,673
Best Stainless Steel7. Twin Eagles 48 in.304 stainless with a remoteOutput37,000 / 25,000 BTUCoversAbout 10 x 10 ft.From$2,899
Best Post Heater8. Sunglo PSA265Heat in the open yardOutput50,000 BTUCovers12 to 15 ft. circleFrom$1,882
Best Hanging Heater9. Sunglo A244360 degree heat over a tableOutput50,000 BTUCoversAbout 12 ft. spacingFrom$2,070
Our 9 Picks, Reviewed in Detail
1. Bromic Tungsten 500: Best Overall Natural Gas Heater
The Tungsten 500 is the patio gas heater we would put on most patios. Five ceramic burners cover up to 215 sq. ft., the most of any mounted heater here, and a pivot arm turns it 25 degrees so you can aim this patio heater at a table or lounge. Bromic is also the brand shoppers search for most, by a wide margin.
Output43,000 BTU
CoversUp to 215 sq. ft.
Mount height8 ft. minimum
IgnitionDirect electronic ignition, no pilot light
Wind ratingUp to 8 mph
PriceFrom $2,087
What we like
- Widest coverage of any mounted pick
- Pivot arm aims it where you sit
- Flame failure shutoff
- Ceiling, wall or optional pole mount
Keep in mind
Its 8 mph wind rating is the lowest here, so it works best on a sheltered patio or covered porch. A heat deflector is sold separately for short ceilings. A heat deflector is sold separately for low ceilings.
2. Bromic Platinum 500: Best Low-Glare Design
The Platinum 500 hides its burners behind a tinted glass-ceramic face, so you get a soft red glow instead of an open honeycomb screen. It suits modern homes and upscale restaurants where the heater is part of the look.
Output39,800 BTU
CoversUp to 215 sq. ft.
Mount height8 ft. minimum
IgnitionDirect electronic ignition, no pilot light
Wind ratingUp to 12 mph
PriceFrom $2,657
What we like
- Sleek glass-ceramic front
- Better wind rating than the Tungsten
- Pivot arm bracket included
- Optional wireless and home automation controls
Keep in mind
It costs more than the Tungsten 500 for a little less output. A wall bracket is included, but ceiling brackets are sold separately.
3. SunStar SGL35: Best for Windy Patios
The SGL35 puts a tinted glass shield over its burner, rated for winds up to 40 mph, the best wind rating on this list. Two settings let you start on high and turn it down once everyone is warm, and the switch and adjustable mount come in the box.
Output35,000 / 24,000 BTU (two stages)
CoversAbout 12 x 12 ft.
Mount height7 to 10 ft.
Ignition120V electronic ignition
Wind ratingUp to 40 mph
PriceFrom $2,193
What we like
- Stays warm on open, breezy patios
- Two-stage heat saves fuel
- Switch and adjustable mount included
- No transformer needed
Keep in mind
It needs 120V power at the mount for the ignition. Coverage is smaller than the Bromic 500.
4. Sunpak S34 TSR: Best With a Remote
The TSR adds wireless control to the slim Sunpak heater. A handheld remote and a wireless switch let you change the heating level without walking over, and an optional transmitter ties it into home automation.
Output34,000 / 25,000 BTU (two stages)
CoversAbout 12 x 12 ft.
Mount height9 ft. minimum
IgnitionElectronic, with plug-in power adapter
ControlsRemote (about 25 ft. range) and switch
PriceFrom $3,080
What we like
- Easiest heater to control from your seat
- Two-stage heat
- Slim 48 in. profile
- Works with home automation through an add-on
Keep in mind
It has the highest starting price here and needs a 9 ft. minimum mounting height.
5. Bromic Tungsten 300: Best for Small Spaces
For a small patio, balcony or dining nook, the Tungsten 300 gives you Bromic build quality for the least money on this list. It shares the same direct ignition, flame shutoff and pivot arm as the larger 500.
Output26,000 BTU
CoversUp to 160 sq. ft.
Mount height8 ft. minimum
IgnitionDirect electronic ignition, no pilot light
MountingWall, ceiling or optional pole
PriceFrom $1,828
What we like
- Lowest starting price of our picks
- Compact three-burner body
- Pivot arm turns 25 degrees
- Same flame shutoff as the 500
Keep in mind
One heater warms a single table, not a large patio.
6. SunStar SGL50: Most Heat Output
The SGL50 has 43% more power than the SGL35 in the same glass-face design. SunStar built it for larger spaces, high porch ceilings and colder climates, where a smaller heater can feel weak.
Output50,000 / 35,000 BTU (two stages)
Covers144+ sq. ft.
Mount height8 to 11 ft.
Ignition120V electronic ignition
Wind ratingUp to 40 mph
PriceFrom $2,673
What we like
- Most heating output of any mounted pick
- Same 40 mph glass face
- Two-stage heat
- Switch and adjustable mount included
Keep in mind
Below 8 ft. this patio heater is too strong. Pick the SGL35 for shorter ceilings.
7. Twin Eagles 48 in.: Best Stainless Steel
Twin Eagles builds this heater in 304 stainless steel with a slim 9 x 48 in. face, so it matches a stainless outdoor kitchen. It runs on batteries, with an optional 120V adapter, so you do not need to run power to the mount.
Output37,000 / 25,000 BTU (two stages)
CoversAbout 10 x 10 ft.
MountingWall or ceiling, 0 to 30 degree brackets
IgnitionSpark ignition with standing pilot
Wind ratingUp to 15 mph
PriceFrom $2,899
What we like
- 304 stainless steel body
- Wireless remote with two levels
- Battery power, no circuit needed
- Flexible gas hose included
Keep in mind
Coverage is smaller than the larger Bromic picks, and our listing does not give a mounting height range, so check the manual before you plan.
8. Sunglo PSA265: Best Post Patio Heater
Need a patio heater in the middle of a yard or deck, far from the house? The PSA265 sets into the ground or deck on its own post, and its deep dish reflector spreads warmth in a wide circle. The manual pilot needs no power, so it keeps working in an outage. Browse more post and portable patio heaters.
Output50,000 BTU
FuelNatural gas only
Covers12 to 15 ft. circle
MountingPermanent post in ground or deck
IgnitionManual pilot, no power needed
Wind ratingUp to 10 mph
PriceFrom $1,882
What we like
- Heats an open yard on its own post
- Works during a power outage
- Pilot and thermocouple shutoff
- Also comes with 24V ignition for timers
Keep in mind
It has no propane version and needs 24 in. of side clearance. The post is permanent, so see the Sunglo A242 for a movable base.
9. Sunglo A244: Best Hanging Patio Heater
The A244 hangs from a ceiling, trellis or mezzanine and warms every direction. It is the best fit over a round table or a central gathering spot, and it keeps the floor clear.
Output50,000 BTU
FuelNatural gas only
Covers360 degrees, about 12 ft. spacing
MountingHangs from a ceiling or trellis
IgnitionManual pilot, no power needed
Wind ratingUp to 10 mph
PriceFrom $2,070
What we like
- Even heat in every direction
- Keeps the floor clear
- 34.5 in. deep dish reflector
- Works during a power outage
Keep in mind
It has no propane version and needs a sturdy overhead structure to hang from.
Want to see every option? Browse every patio heater we carry, including the Sunpak S25, SunStar marine grade stainless models for coastal homes, and the Bromic Platinum 300.
How to Choose the Right Patio Heater
Before you compare any patio heater, check these six things in order. They decide whether an outdoor heater feels warm or weak on your patio.
1
Heat Output and Coverage
Match the BTU to your seating area.About 35,000 BTU for a 12 x 12 ft. table
2
Mounting Height for Your Space
Stay inside the height range in the manual.Higher ceilings need more BTU
3
Wind Rating
Open patios lose warmth to wind.Ratings from 8 to 40 mph here
4
Ignition and Controls
Pick how you want to turn it on.Manual pilot, switch or remote
5
Two-Stage Heating
A second setting saves fuel once guests are warm.SunStar, Sunpak TSR, Twin Eagles
6
Finish for Your Climate
Match the build to your weather.Stainless or marine grade near salt airNot sure what size you need? Use our patio heater size calculator.
Mounting Options for Patio Heaters (Wall, Ceiling, Post, or Hanging)
- Wall mount: the simplest install on the house or a post, aimed down at the seating
- Ceiling mount: best for pergolas and covered patios with enough height and airflow
- Post or hanging heaters: for open yards, or over a central table
Installation and Hookup
These units are hooked up to your home gas supply, so they require professional installation by a licensed gas fitter. Plan for these items before you buy:
- A natural gas line sized for the heater BTU, with a shutoff valve
- Power for electronic ignition on most units. Manual pilot units and the battery-powered Twin Eagles skip this
- The clearances in the manual to the ceiling, walls and anything that can burn
- A heater listed for covered use if it goes under a roof
For a roof or pergola, read our guide to a patio heater under a covered patio. Not sure which fuel is right for you? Compare costs in gas vs electric patio heaters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most heater complaints we hear come down to setup, not the heater itself:
- Buying by BTU alone. A big heater mounted too high or in strong wind can feel weaker than a smaller one placed well
- Mounting outside the height range. Too close gets uncomfortably hot, and too high wastes fuel
- Buying a tube heater for a home patio. Long infrared tubes are built for garages and warehouses. A mounted patio heater suits a home deck or porch much better
- Forgetting power. Electronic ignition needs a circuit or transformer near the heater, so plan it with your electrician
- Skipping a second setting. A two-stage patio heater costs less to run once the space is warm
- Putting an unlisted heater under a roof. Only use a heater listed for covered spaces, with the clearances in the manual
- Buying the cheapest heater on Amazon. Check that the model is listed for natural gas, rated for your mounting height and covered by a real warranty before you order.
Natural Gas Line or Propane: Which Fuel Should You Use?
Most of our picks come in either fuel, so you choose at checkout. The two Sunglo picks have no propane version. Tabletop heaters are a different category, since most run on small propane tanks or electricity rather than a gas line.
Natural gas line
VSPropane
Natural gas line
Choose it when
- You already have gas service at the house
- You heat most nights and want the cheapest fuel per hour
- You never want to swap or refill a tank
Propane
Choose it when
- There is no natural gas line near the patio
- You want a heater you can move, like a propane patio heater
- You heat a few nights a month, so a tank lasts a while
Our Final Verdict
For most patios, the Bromic Tungsten 500 is the one to buy: this gas outdoor unit provides the most coverage of any mounted pick, an aimable pivot arm allowing you to make the heat land right on your seating area, and a slim 25 inches wide body that mounts at 8 feet or higher. adjust. Choose the Platinum 500 for a cleaner look, the SunStar SGL35 for wind, and the Sunpak TSR if you want a remote. Whatever you pick, match it to your mounting height and plan the gas line and power with a pro to ensure safety and proper heat coverage.
Need help picking a patio heater?
Tell us your patio size, ceiling height and whether it is covered. We will recommend the right heater, mounts and controls.
Get expert helpShop all patio heatersFrequently Asked Questions
Can you use a patio heater inside a house?
No. They burn fuel and make carbon monoxide, so they are made for outdoor use only. Never use one in a house, garage or closed room.
What gas is used for patio heaters?
Patio heaters run on natural gas or propane. The first comes from a fixed line at the house. Propane comes from a tank, which is why portable units use it.
How long will a 30,000 BTU heater run on a 20 lb. propane tank?
A full 20 lb. tank holds about 430,000 BTU, so a 30,000 BTU heater runs about 14 hours on high, on paper. Real run time is usually shorter in cold weather.
What are the best ceiling-mounted natural gas heaters?
Look at the Bromic Tungsten 500, Bromic Platinum 500, SunStar SGL35 and Sunpak S34. All four mount overhead. For hanging warmth over a table, the Sunglo A244 hangs from above.
Do gas patio heaters need electricity?
Most mounted models need power for electronic ignition and a switch. Manual pilot units like the Sunglo PSA265 and A244 need none, and the Twin Eagles runs on batteries.
How high should a gas patio heater be mounted?
It depends on the model. Our picks range from 7 to 10 ft. on the SunStar SGL35 to a 9 ft. minimum on the Sunpak S34. Always follow the manual.
