Best Patio Heater: 10 Top Picks of 2026
Quick answer
Our top pick is the Bromic Tungsten 500 infrared patio heater. It covers up to 215 sq. ft., runs on natural gas or propane and starts at $2,087. For a covered patio, choose the Infratech WD-Series electric heater. If you need to move your heater around, choose the Bromic Tungsten Portable.
Search for a patio heater online and most of what you find is a $200 mushroom heater that rusts in two seasons. Those are fine for a few nights a year. If you want to sit outside most nights from fall into spring, you need something built for it.
We sell patio heaters every day, so we put together our 10 favorites across every fuel and style: gas and electric, mounted and portable, for homes and for business patios. Each pick wins at a specific job, with the specs pulled from the maker listing and an honest note on its tradeoffs.
Our Top Patio Heater Picks at a Glance
Short on time? Here is each heater and the job it does best. Tap a card to jump to the full review.
Best Overall1. Bromic Tungsten 500Biggest coverage of any mounted pickOutput43,000 BTUCoversUp to 215 sq. ft.From$2,087
Best Electric2. Infratech WD-SeriesTwo elements, flush ceiling installOutput5,200W (48 in.)CoversAbout 10 x 10 ft.From$930
Best Portable3. Bromic Tungsten PortableMounted-heater quality on wheelsOutput38,500 BTUCoversUp to 215 sq. ft.From$2,431
Best for Dining4. Bromic EclipseHeater and dimmable light in oneOutput2,900WCoversUp to 144 sq. ft.From$2,766
Best for Wind5. SunStar SGL35Glass face rated for 40 mph windOutput35,000 / 24,000 BTUCoversAbout 144 sq. ft.From$2,193
Best Low Glare6. Bromic Platinum ElectricTinted glass, almost no glowOutput4,500WCoversUp to 143 sq. ft.From$2,761
Best With No Power7. Sunglo A270Tank hides in the base, no outletOutput40,000 BTUCovers12 to 15 ft. circleFrom$2,470
Best Stainless Steel8. Twin Eagles 48 in.304 stainless, runs on batteriesOutput37,000 / 25,000 BTUCoversAbout 10 x 10 ft.From$2,899
Best With a Remote9. Sunpak S34 TSRHandheld remote and wireless switchOutput34,000 / 25,000 BTUCoversAbout 144 sq. ft.From$3,080
Best Plug-In10. Napoleon PhantomPlugs into an outdoor outletOutput1,500WCoversOne or two peopleFrom$859
Compare Our Patio Heater Picks
All 10 heaters side by side. Prices are starting prices on our site and can change.
| Heater | Best for | Fuel | Output | Covers | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromic Tungsten 500 | Best Overall | Natural gas or propane | 43,000 BTU | Up to 215 sq. ft. | $2,087 |
| Infratech WD-Series | Best Electric | Electric, 240V | 5,200W (48 in.) | About 10 x 10 ft. | $930 |
| Bromic Tungsten Portable | Best Portable | Propane or natural gas | 38,500 BTU | Up to 215 sq. ft. | $2,431 |
| Bromic Eclipse | Best for Dining | Electric, 240V | 2,900W | Up to 144 sq. ft. | $2,766 |
| SunStar SGL35 | Best for Wind | Natural gas or propane | 35,000 / 24,000 BTU | About 144 sq. ft. | $2,193 |
| Bromic Platinum Electric | Best Low Glare | Electric, 208V or 240V | 4,500W | Up to 143 sq. ft. | $2,761 |
| Sunglo A270 | Best With No Power | Propane | 40,000 BTU | 12 to 15 ft. circle | $2,470 |
| Twin Eagles 48 in. | Best Stainless Steel | Natural gas or propane | 37,000 / 25,000 BTU | About 10 x 10 ft. | $2,899 |
| Sunpak S34 TSR | Best With a Remote | Natural gas or propane | 34,000 / 25,000 BTU | About 144 sq. ft. | $3,080 |
| Napoleon Phantom | Best Plug-In | Electric, 120V plug-in | 1,500W | One or two people | $859 |
Our 10 Picks, Reviewed in Detail
1. Bromic Tungsten 500: Best Overall Gas Heater
If we could only recommend one patio heater, it would be the Tungsten 500. It covers up to 215 sq. ft., more than any other mounted heater on this list, and you can order it for natural gas or propane. A pivot arm turns it 25 degrees so the heat lands on your table instead of the floor. Restaurants use it for the same reason homeowners do: it puts out serious warmth from a slim box that mounts on a wall, a ceiling or an optional pole.
Output43,000 BTU
CoversUp to 215 sq. ft.
FuelNatural gas or propane
Mount height8 ft. minimum
IgnitionDirect electronic ignition, no pilot light
Wind ratingUp to 8 mph
PriceFrom $2,087
What we like
- Most coverage of any mounted pick
- Order it for natural gas or propane
- Pivot arm aims the heat
- Flame failure safety shutoff
Keep in mind
The 8 mph wind rating is low, so it does best on a sheltered patio or covered porch. It needs 120V power for the ignition.
Want more gas options? See our natural gas heater picks and propane heater picks.
2. Infratech WD-Series: Best Electric Heater
For a covered patio, an electric patio heater is the cleanest choice, and the WD-Series is the one we recommend most. It packs two quartz elements into one slim stainless housing, and with the optional frame it sits flush in the ceiling so only the face shows. It is made in the USA, carries a 3-year warranty and is our best-selling Infratech heater.
Output5,200W (48 in.); 3,000W to 6,000W in the series
CoversAbout 10 x 10 ft. (5,200W)
Power240V, hardwired
Mount height8 to 11 ft.
RatingUL listed for indoor and outdoor use
PriceFrom $930 (48 in.)
What we like
- No fumes, ideal under a roof
- Clean flush-mount look
- Made in the USA, 3-year warranty
- Wide range of sizes
Keep in mind
It needs a 240V circuit and an electrician. Like most electric heaters, it is meant for covered or sheltered spaces, not windy open yards.
Comparing electric options? See all 8 of our electric heater picks.
3. Bromic Tungsten Portable: Best Portable Heater
Most portable heaters are cheap mushroom units. The Tungsten Portable is different: it puts a commercial Bromic burner head on a tall freestanding stand, so you get the same reach as a mounted heater in a unit you can move. Battery push-button ignition means no outlet, which makes it a great fit for pool decks, gardens and event spaces.
Output38,500 BTU
CoversUp to 215 sq. ft.
FuelPropane or natural gas
IgnitionBattery push-button, no outlet needed
Size85 in. tall, 123 lbs.
PriceFrom $2,431
What we like
- Widest coverage of any portable
- Adjustable heat output
- Flame safety shutoff
- Natural gas version available
Keep in mind
At 123 lbs. it is heavy to roll around, and it costs far more than a big-box portable.
Want more portable options? See our propane heater picks and our freestanding heaters.
4. Bromic Eclipse: Best Heater Over a Dining Table
The Eclipse hangs like a modern pendant light, and it is one: a dimmable LED sits under the ceramic glass heating screen. Hang it over a dining table and one fixture gives you both warmth and light. It has been our top-selling electric heater since early 2025.
Output2,900W, 4 heat levels
CoversUp to 144 sq. ft.
Power240V
Clearance96 in. to the floor, 6 in. to the ceiling
Light13W warm white dimmable LED
PriceFrom $2,766 (twin pole)
What we like
- Heat and light from one fixture
- Looks like decor, not equipment
- Four heat settings
- Hangs right over the table
Keep in mind
It covers less area than a large mounted heater, so plan one per table. It needs a 240V circuit.
More ideas for covered spaces: see our covered patio heater picks.
5. SunStar SGL35: Best for Windy, Open Patios
Wind is the biggest reason a patio heater disappoints, because it carries radiant heat away before it reaches you. The SGL35 shields its burner behind tinted glass rated for winds up to 40 mph, the best wind rating of any pick here. It is built in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its two settings let you drop to low once everyone is warm.
Output35,000 / 24,000 BTU (two stages)
CoversAbout 12 x 12 ft.
FuelNatural gas or propane
Mount height7 to 10 ft.
Ignition120V electronic ignition
Wind ratingUp to 40 mph
PriceFrom $2,193
What we like
- Holds heat on breezy, open patios
- Low setting saves fuel
- Switch and adjustable mount included
- Made in the USA
Keep in mind
It needs 120V power at the mount, and it covers less than the Tungsten 500.
See every SunStar model in our SunStar heater collection.
6. Bromic Platinum Electric: Best Low-Glare Electric Heater
Bare quartz heaters glow bright orange, which some people love and others find harsh at dinner. Platinum hides its element behind tinted glass-ceramic, so you feel the heat with very little light. It can be recessed into the ceiling and works with Bromic dimmers and home automation.
Output4,500W (53.2 in.); 2,300W and 3,400W sizes too
CoversUp to 143 sq. ft. (4,500W)
Power240V or 208V, hardwired
Mount height8 ft. minimum
RatingIPX4; marine grade version in 316 stainless
PriceFrom $2,761 (4,500W)
What we like
- Very little glare at night
- Can be recessed for a built-in look
- Smart dimming and automation ready
- Marine grade option for the coast
Keep in mind
It costs more than a quartz heater, and controls are sold separately.
See every Platinum size in our Bromic Platinum collection.
7. Sunglo A270: Best Heater With No Power Needed
The A270 is the classic umbrella-style propane patio heater done right. A standard 20 lb. propane tank hides inside the base, the battery spark ignition needs no outlet, and the deep reflector spreads heat in a 12 to 15 ft. circle. Sunglo builds its heaters in the USA and has made outdoor heaters for more than 30 years.
Output40,000 BTU
Covers12 to 15 ft. circle
TankStandard 20 lb., hidden in the base
Run timeAbout 6 hours per tank, per Sunglo
IgnitionBattery spark, no outlet needed
PriceFrom $2,470
What we like
- Works anywhere, no gas line or outlet
- Tank stays out of sight
- Commercial build, made in the USA
- Black or stainless finish
Keep in mind
About 6 hours per tank means frequent swaps if you heat most nights. The stainless version costs more.
See every Sunglo model in our Sunglo heater collection.
8. Twin Eagles 48 in.: Best Stainless Steel Heater
If your outdoor kitchen is stainless, this heater matches it. Twin Eagles builds it in 304 stainless steel, and the ignition runs on four AA batteries, with an optional 120V adapter, so you may not need to run power to the mount at all. A wireless remote switches between two heat levels.
Output37,000 / 25,000 BTU (two stages)
CoversAbout 10 x 10 ft.
FuelNatural gas, propane version sold
MountingWall or ceiling, 0 to 30 degree brackets
Power4 AA batteries, optional 120V adapter
PriceFrom $2,899
What we like
- 304 stainless steel body
- No electrical circuit needed
- Wireless remote, two heat levels
- Flexible gas hose included
Keep in mind
Coverage is the smallest of the gas picks, so it suits one table or seating group.
See the full lineup in our Twin Eagles heater collection.
9. Sunpak S34 TSR: Best Heater With a Remote
The TSR is the easiest heater on this list to control from your chair. It comes with a handheld remote and a wireless wall switch, and an optional add-on ties it into home automation. Sunpak heaters come factory set for natural gas or propane, so order the one that matches your hookup.
Output34,000 / 25,000 BTU (two stages)
CoversAbout 12 x 12 ft.
FuelNatural gas or propane
Mount height9 ft. minimum
ControlsRemote (about 25 ft. range) and switch
PriceFrom $3,080
What we like
- Change heat without getting up
- Two-stage output
- Slim 48 in. profile
- Home automation add-on available
Keep in mind
It has the highest starting price on this list and needs at least 9 ft. of mounting height.
See every Sunpak model in our Sunpak heater collection.
10. Napoleon Phantom: Best Plug-In Heater, No Install
No electrician, no gas line, no tank. The Phantom plugs into a standard outdoor outlet and rolls where you need it, with an arm that reaches over a chair or sofa. It has 9 heat levels, a timer, a child lock and an automatic shutoff if it tips over. Set your expectations: at 1,500W it warms one or two people sitting close, not a whole patio.
Output1,500W, 9 heat levels
Power120V plug-in, 15A outlet
RatingIP34
SafetyTip-over shutoff, overheat protection, child lock
Extras1 to 9 hour timer, LED spotlight, cover
PriceFrom $859
What we like
- Lowest price of our picks
- Zero installation
- Tip-over and overheat protection
- Timer and spotlight built in
Keep in mind
It warms a small spot, not a patio. Think one lounge chair, not a dining table for six.
See more plug-in and portable options in our electric heater picks.
Want to see everything? Browse all patio heaters we carry, including Infratech, Bromic, Sunpak, SunStar, Sunglo and Twin Eagles models.
How We Picked These Patio Heaters
We narrowed the nearly 200 heaters we carry down to these 10 using the same questions our customers ask before they buy:
- Real coverage: how many square feet the maker says it warms, not just the BTU or watt number
- Build quality: commercial burners, stainless steel or powder-coated housings, and safety shutoffs
- Wind and weather: wind ratings for gas heaters and outdoor ratings for electric ones
- Install and power: whether it needs a gas line, a tank, a 240V circuit or nothing at all
- Controls: switches, remotes, two-stage heat and smart home options
- Value: what you get for the price compared with similar heaters
Every heater here is one we stock and support. Specs come from the maker listings, and we point out the downsides of each one so you can compare fairly.
Gas or Electric: Which Patio Heater Type Is Right?
Almost every heater on this list is an infrared patio heater, which warms people directly. Picking the fuel first narrows your list fast. Here is the short version.
Gas Patio Heaters
A gas patio heater, on natural gas or propane, puts out the most heat and works on open patios where wind and cold are a problem. Natural gas connects to your home line, so you never swap a tank. Propane heaters run from a tank, so they work anywhere, and a propane patio heater is the easy choice when there is no gas line. See our natural gas picks and propane picks.
Electric Patio Heaters
An electric patio heater gives off no fumes, turns on instantly and is the best fit under a roof, awning or pergola. Most mounted models need a 240V circuit, while small plug-in models run on a standard outlet. See our electric heater picks.
Still deciding? Our gas vs electric patio heater guide compares running costs and install, and our infrared heater guide explains why these heaters warm people instead of the air.
The Right Patio Heater for Your Space
Where the heater goes matters as much as which brand you pick.
Covered Patio or Porch
- Go electric: the Infratech WD-Series, Bromic Platinum or Bromic Eclipse
- Read our covered patio heater picks and clearance guide before you mount a gas heater under a roof
Open Patio or Backyard
- Go gas: the Bromic Tungsten 500 for coverage or the SunStar SGL35 for wind
- Add a second heater rather than buying one oversized unit, so the heat overlaps
Pool Deck, Garden or Event Space
- Go portable: the Bromic Tungsten Portable or Sunglo A270, which need no gas line or outlet
- Browse all freestanding heaters for more options
Restaurant, Bar or Business Patio
- Choose commercial-grade heaters built for nightly use: stainless housings, commercial voltages (208V to 480V) and marine grade options for the coast
- Covered dining: the Infratech WD-Series flush mounted in the ceiling, or Bromic Tungsten electric under an awning
- Open patios and rooftops: the Bromic Tungsten 500 on a gas line, or the SunStar SGL35 where wind is a problem
- Use zone controls or a remote, like the Sunpak S34 TSR, so staff can run a whole row of heaters at once and turn them down between seatings
- See our picks for the best commercial patio heaters, or browse all commercial patio heaters and request project pricing
Small Balcony or One Chair
- A plug-in heater like the Napoleon Phantom warms one or two people with no install
How Much Heat Do You Need?
Size your heater to the seating area, not the whole yard. Infrared heaters warm the people and furniture in front of them, so a heater that covers your dining table is enough even on a large patio.
- Electric: about 3,000W warms an 8 x 8 ft. area and 4,000W to 5,200W warms about 10 x 10 ft., per Infratech sizing
- Gas, mounted: 26,000 to 43,000 BTU covers roughly 144 to 215 sq. ft. on the Bromic and SunStar picks
- Mounting height: most mounted heaters go 8 to 11 ft. high. Too high and the heat spreads thin, too low and it feels hot on your head
- Wind: on an open patio, plan for more heat than the chart says
For an exact answer, use our patio heater size calculator.
How Long Does a 20 lb. Propane Tank Last on a Patio Heater?
A full 20 lb. tank holds about 430,000 BTU of fuel. Divide that by the heater output to get the most hours you can expect on high. Cold weather cuts real run time, and makers often rate it lower. Sunglo, for example, rates its 40,000 BTU A270 at about 6 hours per tank.
15,000 BTU28.7 hrsper 20 lb. tank, on high
ExampleSmall tabletop or portable
26,000 BTU16.5 hrsper 20 lb. tank, on high
ExampleBromic Tungsten 300
35,000 BTU12.3 hrsper 20 lb. tank, on high
ExampleSunStar SGL35
43,000 BTU10.0 hrsper 20 lb. tank, on high
ExampleBromic Tungsten 500 (LP)
Heating most nights? A 100 lb. cylinder or a larger home tank saves constant swaps. Our propane heater guide has the full run time chart.
Mushroom vs Pyramid Patio Heaters
These are the two styles you see most at big-box stores and on Amazon, from brands like AZ Patio Heaters, Hiland and East Oak.
If you want the umbrella style but built to last, look at a commercial version like the Sunglo A270. For the full breakdown of every style, read our guide to the types of patio heaters.
Installation and Safety Tips
- Gas lines: have a licensed gas fitter run natural gas or plumb a mounted heater to a large propane tank
- Electric circuits: most mounted electric heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by an electrician
- Clearances: overhead heaters need room above them, so follow the manual for distance to ceilings, walls, umbrellas and anything that can burn
- Covered spaces: only use gas heaters listed for covered use, and never in a closed room, garage or tent
- Wind and tip-over: anchor portable heaters and keep them on flat, level ground
- Season care: cover your heater when not in use and check hoses and fittings each season
Common Patio Heater Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying by BTU alone: coverage, wind and mounting height matter more than the biggest number
- Mounting too high: a heater set too far above your seats loses most of its warmth
- One big heater for a big patio: two smaller heaters spread warmth more evenly
- Gas under a low roof: check clearances, or choose electric for covered spaces
- Ignoring power needs: many mounted gas heaters still need 120V for ignition
- Forgetting the controls: a remote or two-stage heat makes a heater far easier to live with
Our Verdict
For most patios, the Bromic Tungsten 500 is the heater to beat, with the most coverage of any mounted pick and a choice of natural gas or propane. Under a roof, go with the Infratech WD-Series for clean electric heat. Need to move it? The Bromic Tungsten Portable gives you mounted-heater reach on wheels.
Not sure which one fits your space? Call us at 888-678-3530 and we will help you size and plan your heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective outdoor heater?
An infrared heater is the most effective for patios, because it warms people and furniture directly instead of the air. For open patios, a gas infrared heater like the Bromic Tungsten 500 gives the most coverage. Under a roof, an electric infrared heater like the Infratech WD-Series works best.
What is the best way to heat an outdoor patio?
Mount infrared heaters 8 to 11 ft. above your seating, aim them at where people sit, and use two smaller heaters on a large patio so the heat overlaps. Block wind where you can, since wind carries heat away.
How long will a 20 lb. propane tank last on a patio heater?
About 10 to 16 hours on high for most mounted heaters, depending on BTU. A full tank holds about 430,000 BTU. Sunglo rates its 40,000 BTU A270 at about 6 hours per tank.
Which is better, a mushroom or a pyramid patio heater?
A mushroom heater warms people better, because its round reflector pushes heat down. A pyramid heater looks great with its flame in a glass tube, but more of its heat rises away.
Are electric patio heaters as warm as gas?
A large electric heater warms a covered patio very well, but gas puts out more heat for open, windy spaces. Choose electric under a roof and gas for open patios.
What patio heater brands are worth buying?
For heaters built to last, look at Bromic, Infratech, SunStar, Sunpak, Sunglo and Twin Eagles. They use commercial-grade parts and are common on restaurant patios. For business patios, see our commercial patio heaters.
