Best Patio Heaters for Small vs. Large Spaces

One of AuthenTEAK's bestselling gas patio heaters, the Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat 500 Series combines substantial heat with a streamlined wall-mounted design. Its 39,800-BTU output heats approximately 215 square feet, while a tinted glass-ceramic screen helps distribute heat evenly and creates a soft glow. Available for natural gas or liquid propane, it's also designed to perform reliably in winds and can be paired with Bromic controls and the Smart-Heat Link for integration with compatible smart-home systems.

Part heater, part outdoor light, the Bromic Eclipse is an especially versatile choice for design-forward spaces. The portable electric heater provides coverage up to approximately 121 square feet and allows you to adjust heat output to 0%, 33%, 66% or 100%. A dimmable warm-white LED light adds ambience after dark, while wheels make it easier to reposition the heater as your outdoor setup changes

Designed for low-clearance, semi-enclosed spaces, this 2300-watt Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat heater provides approximately 65 square feet of radiant warmth. Its marine-grade AISI 316 stainless-steel construction offers added resistance to corrosive coastal environments, while dual heating elements and wind resistance up to 13 mph help deliver reliable outdoor warmth. Available in black or matte white, it can also be paired with Bromic heating controls and Smart-Heat Link for integration with compatible smart-home systems.

Don't let its compact 26-inch width fool you: the Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat 500 Series delivers 43,000 BTUs and heats approximately 200 square feet. A honeycomb face helps distribute heat evenly, while automatic re-ignition and a flame-failure safety shutoff add functionality. It's available in natural gas and liquid propane versions and mounts overhead to leave more usable space below.

Infratech's W-Series offers a simple, streamlined way to add targeted infrared warmth without introducing a freestanding heater into the space. The single-element format is particularly useful for smaller heating zones, and Infratech offers a variety of control and mounting options to help integrate its heaters into residential outdoor spaces.

For a smaller space that needs a little more heating power, the 4000-watt Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat offers greater output in a wall-mounted format. It's a useful option for more exposed patios or applications where you want to warm a defined gathering zone without adding a freestanding heater.

Designed for larger-scale heating applications, this Infratech CD-Series heater combines two heating elements with 6000 watts of power and 20,472 BTUs. It heats an area of approximately 11 by 11 feet and can be installed at mounting heights from 10 to 14 feet. Made in the USA from stainless steel, the infrared heater can be wall-, ceiling- or post-mounted and paired with Infratech controls for more customized heating zones.

For larger patios where flexibility matters, this portable Bromic Tungsten delivers approximately 215 square feet of coverage and adjustable heat output. A tilting head directs warmth toward the areas where it's needed, while built-in rear wheels make the 124-pound heater easier to reposition. Its propane tank is concealed within the base for a cleaner appearance, and a 20-pound LP tank provides approximately eight to 10 hours of runtime.

With 6000 watts of power and coverage up to approximately 160 square feet, this Bromic Tungsten is built for larger outdoor living areas. Its two heating elements can be controlled separately to adjust output, while an included adjustable mount helps direct radiant heat toward dining or lounge areas. Frosted heating elements create a softer amber glow, and black and matte white finish options make it easier to integrate into the surrounding design.

The 6000-watt Infratech WD-Series is designed specifically for larger outdoor heating applications, providing approximately 121 square feet—or an 11-by-11-foot area—of coverage when appropriately installed. Its dual elements produce 20,472 BTUs of infrared heat, and the heater can be installed at heights from 10 to 14 feet. A surface wall/ceiling mount comes included, with optional flush and pole mounting available for more customized installations.

Designed specifically for marine and coastal environments, this Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat is constructed from premium AISI 316 stainless steel for greater resistance to corrosive conditions. The 4500-watt dual-element heater covers approximately 143 square feet, while its tinted glass fascia distributes heat evenly and minimizes visible light from the heating element. Its premium black or white finish and slim, contemporary appearance make it an especially attractive option for high-end coastal outdoor spaces.

Not every part of a large patio requires 6000 watts of heat. This 3400-watt Bromic Platinum model covers approximately 108 square feet, making it useful for creating a targeted comfort zone within a larger outdoor living area. Its ceramic-glass fascia and slim profile give it a refined architectural look, while an adjustable wall/ceiling mount and compatibility with Bromic heating controls provide additional flexibility.

The Infratech SL-Series is designed to blend quietly into contemporary outdoor spaces. Its narrow profile measures less than five inches high, with brushed stainless trim and an optional contrasting housing. The 4000-watt single-element heater covers approximately 100 square feet, mounts to a wall or ceiling and produces infrared warmth with a subtle glow. It's also made in the USA and constructed with recyclable materials.

For smaller patios, the goal is typically to warm the places where people actually spend time without overwhelming the space. Targeted radiant heat and appropriately sized output are key, while wall-mounted heaters can keep limited floor space available for furniture and movement. Portable heaters can also make sense when flexibility is more important than a permanent installation.

Larger patios require more attention to both output and placement. A single high-output heater isn't always the most effective solution for an expansive outdoor area. Multiple heaters can instead create comfortable heating zones around a dining table, lounge furniture, outdoor kitchen or other gathering areas. That makes heater layout just as important as the specifications of an individual unit.