Hi there! I’m Sally Elshorafa — Home and Garden Editor here at BuzzFeed.
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor time has to. Instead of retreating indoors once the evenings turn chilly, consider adding a patio heater to keep the backyard gatherings going. With so many options (and a lot of jargon) out there, I combed through what’s available and narrowed it down to 10 standout picks. But first, here’s a quick guide on what to look for.
When shopping for a patio heater, the two biggest factors are heat output and power source. Heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) for propane models and watts for electric ones. The higher the number, the more warmth you’ll get. You’ll also want to think about portability (wheels, tabletop vs. freestanding), safety features (like tip-over protection and automatic shut-off), and extras such as built-in tables or covers.
Here are some terms you should familiarize yourself with.
BTU (British Thermal Unit): A measurement of heat output. Roughly 10,000–12,000 BTUs will warm a small area, while 40,000+ BTUs can cover a full patio.
Propane: A common fuel source for outdoor heaters. Runs on portable tanks, delivers strong heat, and is great for larger spaces.
Electric: Plugs into a standard outlet. Usually measured in watts, electric heaters are lower-maintenance and often better for smaller spaces or covered patios.
Infrared/Carbon Infrared: A heating method that warms people directly instead of just heating the air, often more efficient for windy areas.
Tip-Over Protection: A safety feature that automatically shuts off the heater if it gets knocked over.
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