Types of Patio Heaters: Wall, Ceiling, Pendant, Post and Portable
Quick answer
Patio heaters come in five mounting styles: wall, ceiling, pendant, post and freestanding. Each one can run on natural gas, propane or electricity. Choose the mounting style for your space first, then the fuel. For most covered patios, a wall or ceiling electric heater is the easiest fit. For open patios with no power, a gas or propane heater is the better pick.
Most buyers start by asking gas or electric. A better first question is where the heater will go. A heater on the wall, one hanging over a table and one rolling across a deck work very differently, even if they put out the same heat.
This guide sorts outdoor heaters the way you will actually shop for them: by how they mount. For each style we explain how it works, where it fits best, and which heaters we carry in that style. Then we cover fuel types and a short checklist to help you choose.
Patio Heater Styles at a Glance
Tap a style to jump to the details.
Wall1. Wall-Mounted Patio HeatersFixed to a wall or post, aimed at the seating areaFuelGas or electricHeightAbout 7 to 11 ft.
Ceiling2. Ceiling-Mounted Patio HeatersOverhead heat under a roof, pergola or awningFuelMostly electricHeightAbout 8 to 11 ft.
Pendant3. Pendant and Hanging Patio HeatersHangs from above like a light fixtureFuelElectric or gasHeightHung low over a table
Post4. Post-Mount Patio HeatersClassic umbrella style on a fixed postFuelNatural gasHeightAbout 7 to 8 ft. tall
Portable5. Freestanding and Portable HeatersRolls where you need it, no installFuelPropane, gas or plug-in electricHeightAbout 7 ft. tall
Patio Heaters by Mounting Style
1. Wall-Mounted Patio Heaters
A wall-mounted heater is the most common choice for a patio next to the house. It sits out of the way, never needs to be moved and points heat right at the chairs below. You can pick electric or gas.
FuelElectric, natural gas or propane
Mount heightAbout 7 to 11 ft., by model
Typical coverageAbout 100 to 215 sq. ft. per heater
Best forPatios against the house, covered porches, restaurant walls
Good examples: the Infratech C-Series electric heater (3,000W or 4,000W, about 8 x 8 to 10 x 10 ft.), the Bromic Tungsten 500 gas heater (up to 215 sq. ft. with a 25 degree pivot arm), and the Twin Eagles 48 in. gas heater, which runs its ignition on four AA batteries.
Keep in mind
Wall heaters need a solid wall at the right height. If your seating is in the middle of a large patio, a ceiling or pendant heater reaches it better.
2. Ceiling-Mounted Patio Heaters
Ceiling-mounted heaters hang under a covered patio roof, pergola or awning and warm the area straight below. Electric models are the usual pick here, since they give off no fumes under a roof. Some can be recessed so only the face shows.
FuelMostly electric; some gas models with clearances
Mount heightAbout 8 to 11 ft., by model
MountingSurface brackets or a flush mount frame
Best forCovered patios, pergolas, screened porches
Good examples: the Infratech WD-Series (5,200W, about 10 x 10 ft.), which sits flush in the ceiling with an optional flush mount frame, and the Bromic Platinum, which hides its element behind tinted glass for less glare. For gas, the SunStar SGL35 comes with an adjustable mount for walls, ceilings or beams.
Keep in mind
Electric ceiling heaters usually need a 240V circuit and an electrician. Gas heaters under a roof need the ceiling clearance listed in their manual.
3. Pendant and Hanging Patio Heaters
A pendant heater hangs from a pole or chain, so it can sit over the middle of a table instead of off to one side. The best ones double as a light. Hanging gas heaters also exist for open structures with enough clearance.
FuelElectric or natural gas
PlacementCentered over a dining or lounge table
ExtrasSome models add a dimmable LED light
Best forDining tables, bars, open-sided pergolas
Good examples: the Bromic Eclipse, a 2,900W electric heater with a dimmable LED under the heating screen that covers up to 144 sq. ft., and the Sunglo A244, a 50,000 BTU natural gas heater that hangs from above and needs 18 in. of clearance to the ceiling.
Keep in mind
Pendants hang lower than ceiling heaters, so check the clearance to the floor. The Eclipse needs 96 in. to the floor.
4. Post-Mount Patio Heaters
A post-mount heater is the classic umbrella-style patio heater, set permanently in the ground or deck with the gas line run up through the post. It looks like a freestanding heater but never moves, so it is a good fit for open patios with no wall or roof to mount on.
FuelNatural gas
HeightAbout 93 in. for the Sunglo PSA265
Typical coverageAbout 113 sq. ft. on average
Best forOpen patios, pool decks and restaurant terraces
Good example: the Sunglo PSA265, a 50,000 BTU natural gas heater with a 34.5 in. reflector, made in the USA. It comes with manual or 24-volt electronic ignition. Some mounted heaters, like the Bromic Tungsten, also offer an optional pole mount.
Keep in mind
A permanent post needs a gas line run to it, so plan the post location before you pour a patio or build a deck.
5. Freestanding and Portable Heaters
Freestanding heaters stand on their own base and move wherever you need heat. Many run on a standard 20 lb. propane tank, which makes them the easiest way to warm a deck, garden or event space with no install. A portable electric heater that plugs in is smaller and warms one or two people.
FuelPropane, natural gas with a hose, or 120V electric
InstallNone for propane and plug-in models
Typical coverageAbout 12 to 15 ft. circle for 40,000 BTU
Best forDecks, gardens, pool areas, rentals and events
Good examples: the Bromic Tungsten Portable (38,500 BTU, up to 215 sq. ft.), the Sunglo A270 (40,000 BTU, about 6 hours per 20 lb. tank, no power needed) and the Napoleon Phantom, a 1,500W electric heater that plugs into an outdoor outlet.
Keep in mind
Portable heaters take up floor space and need stable, level ground. Propane models mean swapping tanks, and plug-in electric models only warm a small area.
What About Mushroom, Pyramid and Tabletop Heaters?
These are the styles you see most at big-box stores. A mushroom heater is a freestanding heater with a round reflector on top, the same design as the Sunglo post and portable models. A pyramid heater burns a flame inside a glass tube. It looks great, but more of its heat goes up and out than down onto people. Tabletop heaters are small units that run on a 1 lb. propane cylinder and warm a few feet around one table. Most of these are built for occasional use, which is why we focus on heaters made for patios you use often.
Compare Outdoor Heaters Side by Side
| Style | Mounts on | Fuel | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall | Wall or post | Electric, natural gas, propane | Patios next to the house | Infratech C-Series, Bromic Tungsten 500 |
| Ceiling | Roof, pergola or beam | Mostly electric | Covered patios and porches | Infratech WD-Series, Bromic Platinum |
| Pendant | Pole or chain from above | Electric or natural gas | Over a dining table or bar | Bromic Eclipse, Sunglo A244 |
| Post | Fixed post in the ground | Natural gas | Open patios and pool decks | Sunglo PSA265 |
| Freestanding | Own base, moves | Propane, gas hose or plug-in | Decks, gardens, events | Bromic Tungsten Portable, Sunglo A270 |
Quick picks by space:
- Covered patio against the house: a wall mount electric heater like the Infratech C-Series
- Pergola or porch ceiling: a flush ceiling heater like the Infratech WD-Series
- Dining table under a roof: a pendant heater like the Bromic Eclipse
- Open patio with a gas line: a Sunglo post heater or a mounted Bromic Tungsten
- No gas line or wiring: a freestanding propane heater from our freestanding collection
- Restaurant or bar: browse commercial heaters built for nightly use
- Not sure yet: compare all outdoor heaters we carry
Gas, Propane or Electric Heaters
Every mounting style above comes in at least one of three fuels. Here is how they compare.
Natural Gas Heaters
A natural gas heater connects to your home gas line, so you never swap a tank. It is the lowest-hassle fuel for a patio you use most nights, but it needs a licensed gas fitter to run the line. See our best natural gas patio heaters or shop all natural gas heaters.
Propane Heaters
Propane heaters run on a tank, which makes them the go-to for homes without natural gas and for portable heaters. A full 20 lb. tank holds about 430,000 BTU of fuel, so higher-output heaters empty it faster. See our best outdoor propane heaters or shop all propane heaters.
Electric Heaters
An electric patio heater gives off no fumes, so it is the safest fit under a roof, awning or covered porch. Most mounted models are hardwired to a 240V circuit, while small plug-in models run on a standard outdoor outlet. See our best outdoor electric heaters or shop all electric heaters.
Still deciding? Our gas vs electric patio heater guide compares running costs and installation, and our infrared heater guide explains why most of these heaters warm people instead of the air.
How to Choose the Right Patio Heater
Answer these six questions in order. Each answer points you to a mounting style, a fuel or a feature, so by step 6 you will know exactly what to shop for.
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Step 1
Is your space covered or open?
A roof, pergola or awning changes which heaters are safe and which work best.
Covered patio or porchElectric wall, ceiling or pendant heaterOpen patio or yardGas or propane, mounted, post or freestanding -
Step 2
How big is your seating area?
Size the heater to where people sit, not the whole yard. One mounted heater warms about one table or lounge group.
One table or lounge, about 10 x 10 ft.One mounted heaterLarge patio or several tablesTwo or more heaters spaced so the heat overlaps -
Step 3
Where can the heater mount?
Most mounted heaters need 8 to 11 ft. of height. Measure your wall or ceiling before you pick a style.
A wall or ceiling at the right heightWall or ceiling heaterNothing to mount onPost or freestanding heaterSeating in the middle of the spacePendant heater over the tableYou want to move it aroundFreestanding portable heater -
Step 4
What fuel or power do you have?
The hookup you already have usually decides the fuel.
Natural gas line nearbyNatural gas heater, no tanks to swapNo gas linePropane heater on a tank240V circuit or room for oneHardwired electric heaterOnly a standard outletPlug-in electric for one or two people -
Step 5
How windy is your patio?
Wind blows radiant heat away. Wind ratings on the heaters we carry run from 8 to 40 mph.
Sheltered or coveredAny heater style worksOpen and breezyPick a high wind rating, like the 40 mph SunStar glass face -
Step 6
How do you want to control it?
Controls range from a simple knob to a phone or home automation system.
Keep it simpleManual knob or wall switchChange heat from your seatA remote, like the Sunpak TSR or Twin EaglesRun it with your smart homeBromic heaters with home automation controlsA commercial patioWall controls that run several heaters at once
For exact sizing, use our patio heater size calculator. If the heater will go under a roof, read our covered patio clearance guide and our picks for the best covered patio heaters. Running a restaurant or bar? Browse our commercial patio heaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of patio heater?
It depends on your space. For most covered patios, a wall or ceiling mounted electric heater is the easiest and safest choice. For an open patio with a gas line, a mounted or post gas heater gives the most heat. If you need to move it, choose a freestanding propane heater.
What are the three types of heaters?
For patios, the three types by fuel are natural gas, propane and electric. Each comes in several mounting styles, from wall and ceiling heaters to pendant, post and freestanding models.
Which is better, a mushroom or a pyramid patio heater?
A mushroom heater usually warms people better, because its round reflector pushes heat down. A pyramid heater shows off its flame in a glass tube, but more of the heat rises away from you.
How long will a 20 lb. propane tank run a 15,000 BTU heater?
A full 20 lb. tank holds about 430,000 BTU, so a 15,000 BTU heater runs up to about 28 hours on high. Expect less in cold weather.
Can I use a patio heater in my garage?
Never use a gas or propane patio heater in a garage, tent or other closed space. For a garage, choose an electric heater listed for indoor use, such as an Infratech heater, which is UL listed for indoor and outdoor use.
