If you love entertaining – be it your family, friends, or both, then you will no doubt see the benefit of a propane patio heater. Rather than sit outside in the cold and darkness, a propane patio heater can take care of both aspects.
It can provide the much-needed warmth you require when that beautiful sunny day turns into a chilly evening, while the flame from the lit propane element offers stunning ambient lighting. Although, you may wish to add solar lighting or candles to accompany it.
A propane patio heater also enables you to stay outside far longer than if you didn’t have one at all. But the benefits don’t end there. You can buy different styles and sizes to suit your patio, as well as ones that run for longer thanks to the larger propane tank capacity. Some even feature table tops to function as a source of light, heat, and a snack server!
You will also notice, very early on, that there is no one-size fits all approach to buying a propane patio heater as they are all very different. Some are free-standing, others you can mount to the wall, while there are even varieties which hang from the ceiling like regular lights. If you have a large table, you may also find that you’re interested in the tabletop variety. No matter your preference or requirements, you’re sure to see there is an option to suit all. Check out these below.
1. AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater
When you are entertaining family and friends outdoors, it’s convenient to have a propane patio heater available. After all, time gets away from you and before long, the night draws in and the air gets chilly. Rather than go indoors when you’re quite comfortable, you can buy this propane patio heater, turn it on, and benefit from both warmth and ambient light.
As an affordable form of heating, you can also benefit from the range of features it has to offer. It features high-quality stainless steel to stop it from rusting, has a Piezo ignition system, and is safe thanks to the automatic shut-off valve as well. What’s more, it’s commercial grade, comes with a one-year warranty if you’re not satisfied, and you can buy it with or without a cover.
With a 46,000 BTU heat output as well, this propane patio heater from AmazonBasics is set to impress.
Features
- Stainless steel
- Commercial grade
- Piezo ignition button
- Automatic shut-off tilt valve
- Comes with the wheel assembly
- 18 x 89 inches
- 46,000 BTU heat output
- 1-year warranty
- Available with or without a cover
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Very warm
- Sturdy base
- Suitable for long-term use
- You can use it all year
Cons
- You need to buy a 20-pound gas cylinder to go with it
- It’s not affordable to run
- The paint burns off after the first use
2. AZ Patio Tall Heater with Table
If you’re on a budget and need a quick solution for your outdoor party, this propane patio heater from AZ Patio Heaters could be the answer. It gets the job done, arrives promptly, and is packed full of convenient features as well.
It stands at 87 inches tall which makes it more than sufficient for your outdoor entertainment area, and it’s also an attractive piece too. It has a bronze powder coating, an adjustable table for snacks and drinks, and has wheels so you can move it around as well.
If you attach a 20-pound gas tank, you can also enjoy 10 hours of run time with perfect warmth within a 20 square-foot area. You will love everything this propane patio heater has to offer.
Features
- 87 inches tall
- Bronze powder-coated finish
- Adjustable table
- Wheels
- One-year warranty
- 48,000 BTU heat output
- 10-hour burn time
- 20 square feet heating area
Pros
- One 20-pound propane tank can provide 10 hours of heating
- It is safe to use with a shut-off switch
- It’s affordable to buy
- It offers plenty of warmth for many people
- It’s attractive
- It has an attached table to put items on
- It’s easy to operate
Cons
- Many people have trouble getting the ignition switch to work
- It can leak gas which is dangerous
3. Portable Table Top Stainless-Steel Patio Heater
If you don’t mind having to assemble your propane patio heater when you buy it, then you may find this AZ Patio Heater meets the mark for you. It takes minimal time to assemble, and once you do, you can immediately put it to work. Attach your adaptor and gas bottle and start getting warm!
You can choose from five different colors, benefit from a one-year warranty, and enjoy the 11,000 BTU heat output as well. Whether you put it in your garden or your patio area, you will enjoy spending nights outside with heat and light from this propane patio heater.
While some customers have had problems with missing parts and broken bits, you can rest assured that with your manufacturer’s warranty, you can sort any issues out in no time at all.
Features
- Stainless steel
- For table tops
- 11,000 BTU heat output
- Adaptor and gas bottle not included
- Burner screen guard
- Comes with regulator
- One-year warranty
- Five color options – black, stainless steel, bronze, bronze gold, and silver
Pros
- Suits most outdoor entertainment situations
- Affordable price tag
- Lovely color selection
- Attractive product
- Easy to start
- Suitable for use with both a one-pound or 20-pound gas bottle
- Peace of mind with a warranty
Cons
- The adaptor hose is not included
- It uses a lot of fuel
- The ignition button can fail
- It doesn’t come assembled
4. Thermo Tiki Outdoor Propane Patio Heater
If your outdoor patio area is your pride and joy, then enhance it to its full potential with a propane patio heater from Thermo Tiki. In a Tiki-style design, it can act as both artwork in your entertainment area and a heat source.
It lets off beautiful dancing flames, heats a large area, and has a gorgeous pyramid shape to get people talking. However, the benefits don’t end there. It’s built to last with its steel and aluminum construction, and also features plenty of rust-proof parts to last the distance. What’s more, it’s a generous height to ensure more people in one area get to benefit from the heat it lets out.
It’s safe to use with all the necessary certifications, and also has a safety valve as well. If you are ready to invest in your outdoor area and want the best of the best, consider this propane patio heater today.
Features
- Three colors – black, stainless-steel, and mocha
- High-grade steel and aluminum
- Seven feet and six inches tall
- Pyramid-style column with dancing flame
- Weather-resistant
- Rust-resistant
- Fade-resistant
- 15-foot heating diameter
- 38,000 BTU heat output
- Peak output of up to 45,000 BTU
- Automatic safety valve
- ANSI, CSA, CE certifications
Pros
- Stunning design
- Suitable as a focal point in any outdoor living area
- Ambient dancing flame
- Effortless and safe to use
- Excellent heat output
- Lasts a long time
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- The heat output isn’t as good as described
- Challenging to put together
- Many people didn’t receive all the parts necessary for putting it together
5. Dyna-Glo Premium Bronze Patio Heater
It can be hard to strike a balance between quality and value, but this propane patio heater from Dyna-Glo has done it right. When you buy this heater, you get a quality product to last a long time, but you don’t need to pay the earth for it.
You can choose from two color options – either bronze or stainless steel, and place it in your patio area with ease. Once it’s assembled, it’s very lightweight and portable, while also being easy to start. Attach your 20-pound propane bottle and push the electric ignition button to get it to work. You can then adjust the heat thanks to the variable heat setting while benefiting from up to 48,000 BTU of heat output.
What people also appreciate about this propane patio heater is how well it works in any outdoor deck area. If you have a group of people over for dinner, you don’t need to go inside as soon as it gets dark. Instead, you can light the propane patio heater for both warmth and ambient lighting. You are sure to find this heater ticks all the boxes for your outdoor entertaining requirements.
Features
- Two options – bronze or stainless-steel
- 48,000 BTU heat output
- Variable heat setting
- Electric ignition button
- Runs with a 20-pound propane tank
Pros
- Nice style
- Easy to start
- Generous heat output
- Affordable to buy
- You can change the heat to suit
- Robust construction
Cons
- You need to source the propane tank yourself
- It’s lightweight, so you need to tie it down in winds
6. Hanover Cylinder Propane Patio Heater
If the style of your propane patio tank matters as much as the price and quality, then check out this one from Hanover. Not only can you rely on it to heat your friends and family consistently, but you can rest assured it’s going to be a striking addition to your outdoor space as well.
It features a gorgeous black base which hides your 20-pound propane tank, while also displaying a glass cylinder so you can see the flames dancing around in it too. What’s more, it lets off 34,000 BTU of heat which you can adjust, as well as being easy to move around your entertainment area.
While you do need to assemble it, you will find it’s not a complicated process. In fact, with clear instructions, it’s something you can do in minutes. You will enjoy adding this propane patio heater to your property.
Features
- 34,000 BTU heat output
- Six feet high
- Glass cylinder
- Clear flame display
- Assembly required
- 20-pound gas tank not included
- Black base
- Variable heat setting
Pros
- Sleek and contemporary design
- Easy to start
- Affordable to buy
- It’s attractive to look at when you turn it on
- It can last a long time on one tank
- It has a generous heat output
- You can use it for a long night
- It’s easy to move around
Cons
- It only comes in one color
- It doesn’t come with a cover
- You have to buy the propane tank separately
- It can be hard to access the bottle through the base
7. XtremepowerUS Floor Standing Propane Outdoor Patio Heater
If you don’t have a lot of time or a lot of money, it can be challenging to find a propane patio heater to suit your needs. While you may only need it for a special event, it still needs to be able to do the job while not costing the earth.
XtremepowerUS has you covered with this traditional and Mocha-colored propane patio heater. While it’s straightforward in its design with no extra details, it does everything you need it to do. It will heat the masses with its generous 48,000 BTU heat output while doing it safely thanks to its many certifications. What’s more, its towering height of eight and a half feet means the heat distribution is far better as well.
While it might not be the most attractive propane patio heater on the market, it does the job and does it well. It’s well worth your consideration when you’re in the market for a propane patio heater for your home or special event.
Features
- 48,000 BTU heat output
- ETL, CSA, and CE certified
- Eight and a half feet high
- Quality Piezo ignition switch
- Mocha color
Pros
- The heat output is excellent
- Affordable to buy
- Effortless to transport and move around
- Versatile for any event
- Straightforward to assemble
- Quick to start
Cons
- It has a small heating element compared to others on the market
- The mocha color isn’t very nice to look at
- It’s not an attractive heater
8. AZ Patio Heaters Hammered Bronze Patio Heater
If the style of your propane patio heater is equally as important as the price and heat output, then set your sights on this stunner from AZ Patio Heaters. Even though you need to assemble it yourself, you can look upon this 87-inch masterpiece when you finish it and be amazed.
It stands tall and beautiful, bucks the trend by being a little bit different, and can act as both a focal point and a source of heat and light in your yard. What’s more, it has a generous heat output of 40,000 BTU, while also lasting for eight to ten hours on one 20-pound tank of butane or propane.
It doesn’t cost the earth to buy, it’s effortless to move around on its little wheels, and it will tick all the boxes for your outdoor entertainment requirements.
Features
- Hammered bronze color
- 87 inches high
- Lasts 8-10 hours on one 20-pound propane tank
- Portable with wheels
- 40,000 BTU heat output
- Suitable for use with butane or propane
Pros
- Lovely standout design
- Affordable price tag
- Assembly is easy
- Stylish for homes or businesses
- You can use it with butane or propane
- The hammered bronze color is a nice touch
Cons
- It doesn’t come with the tank
- It doesn’t heat you up as well as you would expect
- Many customers didn’t get all the parts they needed for assembly
- You need to assemble it yourself
9. Fire Sense Mocha Square Flame Heater
If you don’t want a standard propane patio heater, one that everyone else has, then set your sights on this one from Fire Sense. While it does everything a conventional one does, it stands out far more effectively on your deck.
It can get people talking, provide a focal point in your outdoor area, and heat and light up any area in your home as well. It has a generous heat output of 41,000 BTU, uses a generic 20-pound propane tank, and is easily transportable as well.
What people also like about this heater is the color scheme. It’s unique and matches the style and square finish of the heater so beautifully. So, aside from being functional as a heater with the correct ignition switches and easy-to-use design, it’s also a stylish heater you will be pleased to call your own.
Features
- 41,000 BTU heat output
- Electronic igniter
- Uses a 20-pound propane tank
- Tilt-valve automatic shut-off function
- Comes with a wheel assembly
- Mocha color
- Square finish
Pros
- Stunning and unique design
- Unlike any other heaters on the market
- Safe to use
- Ambient for lighting
- Heats up an area well
Cons
- Quite expensive in comparison to other heaters on the market
- The construction isn’t solid
- The heat output is not as good as others for sale
10. Lava Heat Italia Heritage Bronze Finish Propane Patio Heater
If the budget you set for a propane patio heater is relatively high, then why not treat yourself to this stunning heater from Lava Heat Italia? Leagues ahead of its competition on the market, it’s an attractive and highly effective heater that will impress time and time again.
Aside from its style, you will also be impressed that it comes fully assembled – meaning you can use it right away. You will need a battery for the ignition and your propane tank, but you can then prepare for immediate use. The heat output will blow you away. It’s better than most other heaters on the market at 51,000 BTU, meaning it can heat a larger area and a more significant group of people. This heat is then distributed at 360 degrees.
It has stunning spiral flame heat technology for a more ambient feel, all the while being encased in a glass display case. It’s a beautiful and very well-made unit that will impress you and all your guests. It might be time to add it to your wish list today.
Features
- Stainless steel
- Bronze finish
- 51,000 BTU heat output
- 360-degree heat distribution
- Five-foot heat radius
- Tempered glass display tube
- Spiral flame heat technology
- No assembly required
- 1 AA battery for ignition required
Pros
- More significant heat output than most other heaters on the market
- It comes fully assembled
- It outdoes many other heaters on the market
- It’s packed full of features
- It’s beautiful
- It’s well made
Cons
- Very expensive to buy
- The igniter is not as high-quality as the rest of the unit and can fail
- The base of it gets rusty if you leave it outside
- More suitable for commercial use with that price tag
- You need to install a battery in the ignition which isn’t included
What to Consider When Purchasing a Propane Patio Heater
Everyone has different outdoor entertaining requirements – depending on where you live, and how big your entertainment area is as well. Therefore, when you decide that you may quite like a propane patio heater, you need to spend a little time doing some research. There are many things to consider when purchasing a new patio heater, like these below:
- Heat Source
While the source of the heat is, of course, propane, you may find that when you search for a propane patio heater, they aren’t the only options that appear. Instead, you may also learn about natural gas heaters and electric heaters for outdoor use. These may be worth your consideration as well.
Electric heaters produce no emissions but may increase your power bill and need professional installation. Natural gas heaters are eco friendly, but you need to have them professionally installed. Propane gas heaters, on the other hand, are easy to use, require no professional setup, and are portable. They do, however, cost a bit to operate as you need to refill the propane tanks. - British Thermal Unit
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a standard measurement for what you require to heat a particular area. A small area of up to 150 square feet only requires a unit that produces 5,000 BTU, whereas a large crowd would need a heater of around 40,000 BTU or more.
- Features
Features of a propane patio heater are essential. Consider whether it comes with a safety shut-off button or switch, has safety certifications, is eco friendly, and turns off if you tip it over. These features are crucial for safe operation.
About Jenna Van Der Hoorn
Jenna Van Der Hoorn is a journalist and freelance writer with several years of experience writing for newspapers and publications around the world. She has a particular affinity for real estate content but also loves to get stuck into SEO blog content. In her spare time, you’ll find her with either a book or dog leash in her hand.
