Best Outdoor Electric Patio Heaters for Winter

Power source. Patio heaters have a variety of fuel and power source options. Among the most popular are propane, electric, and natural gas. To best warm your space, you’ll need to consider what power source will be most compatible with your needs.

Range. Are you looking for a small tabletop patio heater to keep you and a friend warm over dinner or a larger heater for the outdoor seating at your restaurant? Different heaters have varying ranges. Larger heaters can generally heat up to 12 feet of space while smaller alternatives will only warm the air within a couple of feet.

Heat output. The intensity and heat effectiveness of patio heaters are measured by their heat output. Propane and gas-burning heaters are measured in British thermal units (Btus), and electric patio heaters are measured in watts. To find the best heating solution for your space, compare the Btus and watts of different models, and choose the one that will suit your temperature preference.

Taking these factors into consideration will help you choose the best electric patio heater or propane alternative for your outdoor living space.

Our pick for the best electric patio heater for this winter is Infratech’s motif CD-series duInfratech’s motif CD-seriesal-element electric patio heater. This heater produces 6,000 watts—which is about 20,500 Btus—of energy, placing it at the high end of heat output for electric patio heaters. For its high heat output and sleek design, we think Infratech’s dual element is the best electric heating solution for this winter.