Freestanding & Portable Outdoor Heaters

Freestanding vs Portable: Four Types of Standing Heaters

Every heater in this collection stands on its own base or post, so you do not need a wall or ceiling to mount it. Where they differ is how easy they are to move and their fuel source.

Compare Every Model in This Collection

Here is how the standing heaters we carry stack up on fuel, output, coverage and setup. Tap a heater to see its full specs.

Heater

Fuel

Output

Coverage

Setup

Starts at

Sunglo A270

Propane

40,000 BTU

12 to 15 ft. circle

20 lb. tank in the base, about 6 hrs per tank

$2,470

Bromic Tungsten Portable

Natural gas or propane

38,500 BTU

Up to 215 sq. ft.

Push-button ignition, movable base

$2,431

Napoleon Phantom

Electric

1,500 W

Not rated by maker

Plugs into a standard 120V outlet

$859

Bromic Eclipse

Electric

2,900 W

Up to 121 sq. ft.

6 ft. cord, 240V, built-in dimmable light

$5,149

Sunglo A242

Natural gas

50,000 BTU

12 to 15 ft. circle

Movable weighted base, gas line hookup

$2,236

Sunglo PSA265

Natural gas

50,000 BTU

12 to 15 ft. circle

Post set in ground or deck, manual pilot

$1,882

Sunglo PSA265VE

Natural gas

50,000 BTU

12 to 15 ft. circle

Permanent post, 24V ignition for switches and timers

$2,304

Coverage and run times come from each maker. Each price is a starting price at the time of writing, and stainless steel finishes cost more.

Propane, Natural Gas or Electric: Choosing a Fuel

The biggest choice is the fuel. It decides where the heater can go, how much it costs to run and how warm it feels in the wind.

Portable propane: go anywhere

Propane gives you the most freedom. The Sunglo A270 holds a standard 20 lb. tank in its base and runs about 6 hours per tank at full output, according to Sunglo. It needs no gas line or power, which makes it a good fit for rentals, event spaces and spots far from the house. Shop all propane patio heaters.

Natural gas: lowest running cost

If you already have a gas line, natural gas is usually the cheapest fuel per hour and you never swap a tank. The Sunglo A242 sits on a weighted base, so you can move it between seasons. The PSA265 posts install for good. See our natural gas patio heaters.

Plug-in electric: no flame or fumes

Compact electric heaters make no combustion gases, so they are the easiest outdoor heating choice for a covered porch. The Napoleon Phantom runs on a standard 120V, 15 amp outlet with 9 heat levels and a timer. The Bromic Eclipse adds a dimmable LED light and needs a 240V outlet. Browse more electric patio heaters.

Want the full cost breakdown? Read our guide to gas vs electric patio heaters.

How Much Area Does One Heater Warm?

A standing heater warms a circle around it, so plan by seating area, not the whole yard. Use these maker ratings as a guide:

• Sunglo gas models: a 12 to 15 ft. circle, enough for one dining table
• Bromic Tungsten Portable: up to 215 sq. ft., about a 14 x 15 ft. area
• Bromic Eclipse: up to 121 sq. ft., about 11 x 11 ft.
• Napoleon Phantom: no area rating from the maker, so use it as spot heat for a smaller seating area

When you need more than one

Two smaller zones often beat one big one:

• For a long table, place one at each end
• For a lounge, set one at opposite corners
• On a windy or open patio, add one more

Size your space with our patio heater size calculator.

Where to Place a Standing Heater

Clearance from walls and umbrellas

Keep gas models away from umbrellas, awnings, plants, walls and any fire pit. Sunglo calls for 24 in. of clearance from anything that can burn around the sides of its post heaters. Always follow the clearances in your manual.

Covered patios and porches

Under a roof, a plug-in electric model is the simplest choice because it makes no fumes. A gas heater under a roof needs enough height and airflow, so check the manual first. Our guide to a patio heater under a covered patio covers the details.

Wind and uneven ground

Sunglo rates its heaters for winds up to 10 mph. Set any standing heater on flat, level ground, and use the floor clamp kit on a Sunglo A242 if it stays in one spot on a deck. The Napoleon has leveling feet for uneven surfaces.

Safety Features to Look For

Every model here has a built-in shutoff, but each works a little differently:

• Flame shutoff: Sunglo heaters use a pilot and thermocouple, and the Bromic Tungsten has a flame safety device. Both cut the gas if the flame goes out
• Tip-over shutoff: the Napoleon Phantom turns off if it is knocked over
• Child lock and timer: the Napoleon locks its controls and shuts off after 1 to 9 hours
• Outdoor rating: the Napoleon is IP34 rated, and the Sunglo heaters are CSA certified

Gas heaters belong outdoors

Never use a propane or natural gas patio heater indoors, in a garage or in a closed tent. They make carbon monoxide and need open air. For a cover and spare parts, see our patio heater covers and parts.

Looking for something else? Browse the full Sunglo and Bromic lines, our commercial patio heaters, or wall and ceiling mounted heaters. New to radiant heat? Start with infrared patio heaters explained.

Frequently Asked Questions