The best patio heater picks for peak al fresco vibes

When the sun goes down on your garden party and the temperature gets a little too cool for comfort, picking up one of the best patio heater options to have ready to turn on is a great way to keep you and your guests content. Of course, you can always add one of the best fire pits to your set-up or huddle around one of the latest barbecues as you watch the charcoal embers start to fade, but a dedicated patio heater will tackle the job of outdoor heating in style, and they are good for year-round use too.

The challenge, however, is that there are a surprising number of patio heaters, from electric models to oscillating models. Some use gas, while others use the mains power supply to keep things toasty, requiring some built-in wiring. There are some outdoor patio heaters with some great features too, such as a remote control, so you won’t need to lift a finger aside from when you’re picking up your Aperol Spritz to enjoy the moment.

To help you figure out which ones you should be looking for, and which are the best to buy in 2024, we've compiled a few tips for how to shop for the best patio heaters, as well as our top picks of the best electric patio heater and the best gas options to put in your garden right now. Just think of all the warm, summer nights ahead.

Skip to: What are the best garden patio heaters to buy in 2024? | How did we choose the best patio heaters: GQ's review process | GQ's edit of best patio heaters for 2024 | Should I opt for a gas or electric patio heater? | Consider these top tips to get the best from your patio heater

We've dived into more detail about our top picks for the best patio heaters a little further down, but if you're in a rush, you can find a quick-fire round up of our favourites below.

The Gtech HeatWave Electric Patio Heater is a wall-mounted design that uses infrared technology to heat up to six metres in seconds.

The Maze Lyra Freestanding Electric Patio Heater comes in a range of configurations including a freestanding, hanging and overhang design.

The Stratus Infrared Patio Heater comes with nine heat settings so you can tailor the temperature to suit the outdoor chill.

• Best overall patio heater: GtechHeatWave Electric Patio Heater, £79 at amazon.co.uk
• Best patio heater for style: Maze Lyra Freestanding Electric Patio Heater, £249 at mazeliving.co.uk
• Best patio heater for flexibility: Stratus Infrared Patio Heater, £100 at electricradiatorsdirect.co.uk
• Best electric patio heater: Kettler Kalos Copper Lantern Electric Patio Heater, £239 at johnlewis.com
• Best gas patio heater: Realglow Spiral Flame Gas Patio Heater, £230 at amazon.co.uk

At GQ, we like to have reviewed everything we pick for our GQ Recommends features, but for the times that isn’t possible, we take into account a number of factors to make sure the products we have chosen meet our expected criteria. For patio heaters, we considered customer reviews, the type of patio heater it was, the style it delivered to the patio and its ease of use to narrow down some of the best outdoor space heaters out there.

• Why we love it: Adds stylish interior decor to the exterior
• Dimensions: H 190cm x W 60cm; lampshade H 24cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 2100W

With its sophisticated pleated charcoal shade and aluminium and stainless-steel base, the Lyra Freestanding Electric Patio Heater from Maze Living adds interior style to the patio. The electric patio heater comes with a cable and stand and features two heat settings to keep you suitably warm when needed.

The design is approved for outdoor use but if it does get very wet you’ll need to wait until it’s dry before using it again. If it won’t be used for long periods of time, it’s best to store it inside too. If you’re keen to install something more permanent outside, you could alternatively opt for the similarly styled hanging option, from £159, or the freestanding overhang design, from £391. £249. At mazeliving.co.uk

• Why we love it: Stylish and discreet
• Dimensions: H 98cm x W 22.5cm x D 29cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 2000W

One of our favourite electric patio heaters is this Kettler option, featuring a lantern style with gorgeous copper trimming, adding style and sophistication to any outdoor space. It's the largest of the Kalos Copper range, with the single frost halogen lamp delivering an impressive power output of 2000W.

When it comes to safety, there's a mesh surround around the lamp, which adds to the design, while a sturdy steel construction ensures stability. It also has a safety tilt mechanism built into it, a handle at the top for carrying around and it is easy to operate with a simple on/off switch. £239. At johnlewis.com

• Why we love it: Enjoy the real flame
• Dimensions: H 175cm x W 55cm x D 55cm
• Type: Gas
• Output: 13.5kW

If only a gas patio heater will do, this Realglow Spiral Flame design makes for an eye-catching buy. Beautifully lit, you can enjoy the real flame at the centre of the powder-coated, stainless steel frame.

It comes with an easy-push electronic ignition button, a hose and a 27mm clip-on propane regulator for use with a gas cylinder, although you'll need to buy the gas separately. The design has has wheels to make it easy to manoeuvre and, at 1.75m high, it’s large enough to keep you and your guests warm well into the night. £240 £230. At amazon.co.uk

• Why we love it: Classic tower form factor that's durable and powerful
• Dimensions: H 226cm x W 84cm x D 46cm
• Type: Gas
• Output: 13.5kW

When you first think of a patio heater, the design of this Amazon Basics option is likely what will come into your mind. It looks like a classic patio heater – which is no bad thing – featuring a solid base, coupled with a slim stem and the heated element at the top, protected by an umbrella-style hood. This option is powerful too with 46,000 BTU so it is perfect for keeping you warm while entertaining outdoors.

Its durable construction is made up of aluminium, plastic, and steel ensuring it withstands the elements, while the hammered black finish looks great. A piezo ignition system is on board for easy start-up and an auto shut-off tilt valve is present for safety. You can also fill a waterbox for extra stability should you want it, while a set of wheels allow for easy movement. £143. At amazon.co.uk

• Why we love it: Sturdy pyramid design with nice ambiance
• Dimensions: H 190cm x W 50cm x D 50cm
• Type: Gas
• Output: 11.2kW

Outsunny's Outdoor Patio Gas Heater is stylish and functional with a pyramid design constructed from durable stainless steel that surrounds a glass tube with the flame inside. There are both low and high heat settings so you can adjust the warmth to your comfort level, perfect for taking the chill off cooler nights or maintaining a pleasant ambiance on milder evenings.

A pulse ignition system ensures a quick and easy start-up, while the safety features provide peace of mind with both an anti-tilt switch and an automatic shut-off switch for added security. The pyramid design enhances stability, and the two cut-out handles allow for easy mobility when needed. A protective cover is included too, keeping the heater safe and protected when you move the party inside. £184. At amazon.co.uk

• Why we love it: Easy to install and no harsh glare
• Dimensions:  H 18.5cm x W 57cm x D 10.5cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 2000W

Including a 450k colour temperature bulb in the design, infrared technology maximises the heat output of this electric patio heater. It’s designed to provide both heat and give off a nice ambience to help create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere after the lights go down.

Its compact body can be mounted on any wall or solid structure for use near the patio, balcony or decking area to warm it up whenever needed. It works very fast to heat up to six metres in a matter of seconds, in fact, and at just 1.5kg in weight, it’s designed to be easy to install too. £79. At amazon.co.uk

• Why we love it: Sleek and subtle design
• Dimensions: H 40cm x W 40cm x L 140cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 1000W and 2000W

Slim and relatively unobtrusive, this Swan Column Patio Heater has a generous 1.8m power cord to give you flexibility on placement - be it next to your deckchair or alongside the comfiest garden sofa on the terrace where you’re sat. Its sleek, 1.4m stainless-steel body has a 360-degree tip-over safety switch for peace of mind and comes in especially useful if you have kids or pets running around.

With two power settings, it's easy to choose the ideal temperature for the mood - be it a chilly late spring evening or a particularly cool summer’s night. It features high-efficiency carbon fibre heating elements and is IP24 approved for outdoor use, with a year’s guarantee to see you in good stead for more than one season at least. £150 £100. At swan-brand.co.uk

• Why we love it: Gives you 360-degree heat from above
• Dimensions: H 29cm x W 51cm x D 51cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 500, 1,000 and 1,500W

For a patio heater that will take centre stage in your al fresco set-up, the Astro Hanging Patio Heater comes with a 50cm chain that will do the trick. You can hang it above your dining space to radiate 360-degree heat to all your guests around the table.

The smart halogen heater includes an LED light to illuminate the area and has three power levels so you can adjust it accordingly. You can control it via remote and vary the power settings from 500 up to 1,500 watts too, allowing for convenient use. With an IP24 rating, the heater is protected from the outdoor elements and comes with a one-year standard warranty. £150 £69. At amazon.co.uk

• Why we love it: Offers nine power settings
• Dimensions: H 13cm x W 85cm x D 7cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 1,000W and 2,000W

This wall-mounted patio heater with a curved design and silver finish has carbon fibre technology that provides much more flexibility than your standard design. It comes with a touchscreen interface and nine power intervals so you can tailor the temperature accurately to suit your needs.

The highly responsive design provides heat within 10 seconds of being switched on and has two power settings to suit how much warmth you need. There’s also a remote included and a 24-hour timer function for peace of mind. It comes with an ultra-low glare heat lamp that produces a soft ruby light that won’t seem too imposing on the patio either but will add a little ambient lighting to your garden party. £100. At electricradiatorsdirect.co.uk

• Why we love it: Ideal for small spaces
• Dimensions: H 80cm x W 50cm x D 50cm
• Type: Electric
• Wattage: 2100W

When space is tight on your patio or garden, a table-top patio heater such as this Zanussi Black Table Top model can be the ideal solution for adding a touch of warmth to your alfresco setting. The halogen electric patio heater has an ample 1.8m cord so you can conveniently stretch to an outdoor mains supply.

At 6kg, it’s also relatively easy to shift around the garden. It comes with three heat settings including low, medium and high and two heating elements built into the head and pole. With rapid-heat-up technology, it’s designed to suit the more impatient temperaments among us and has tip-over protection for peace of mind should anyone at the table have one Pimms too many and knock it over by accident. £175. At dunelm.com

There’s a wide range of both gas and electric patio heaters available to buy online. But which type you choose depends on personal preference, the proximity to your nearest mains power supply and how much outdoor space you’re looking to heat. Gas patio heaters can be powerful and work well to heat large areas quickly. They are usually freestanding patio heaters or portable patio heaters as they don’t require a plug socket so they can be moved freely around the garden. That said, gas patio heaters are known to be far less energy efficient than electric versions and not an environmentally friendly option due to the gases they release into the atmosphere. You’ll also need to factor in the price of having to buy a separate gas cylinder into your running costs.

If efficiency is your priority, William Hobbs of My Job Quote suggests looking at infrared heat patio heaters, which can be significantly more efficient than gas. ‘Infrared electric heaters work well as they heat up quickly and directly warm the body rather than the surrounding air like a gas patio heater can,’ he says. ‘The more kW your heater takes to run, the more it costs to use, so don’t go for anything too power-hungry. But you will need a heater that’s capable of kicking out enough warmth to make a difference. Around 2kW or 10,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) should be enough for small to medium patios.’

Choose your position carefully within your outdoor areas: ‘To maximise the heat, place the heater out of the wind or use a parasol, awning or screening to help,’ says William Hobbs. ‘A patio heater with an angled head is a good option. If you opt for an electric heater, you’ll need to make sure the cable is long enough to reach your outdoor plug socket.’

Be safe and consider safety features: ‘Patio outdoor heater designs vary greatly. If you’re going for a freestanding version, be sure to find one with a sturdy base that won’t tip over easily,’ says William. ‘If you have kids or pets you may want to consider a wall-mounted version over freestanding.’ Be sure to shut-off your patio heater when you’re finished.

Consider longevity: A good patio heater should be durable enough to last more than one season. ‘It should be made from corrosion-resistant materials and have a high IP rating or a weather-proof cover if you’re planning to leave it outside,’ says William. ‘This is especially important for wall-mounted options.’

Be in control: ‘Choose a design with a timer or automatic off-switch so it only runs when you need it rather than continuously,’ says David Johnson from The Underfloor Heating Store. ‘Adjustable heat settings will be useful as it makes it easier to only use what you need.’

Maximise heat: ‘For the most efficient setup, you can use a reflector to help direct the heat from your patio heater towards the area where you need it most,’ says David Johnson. ‘This can help to reduce the amount of energy that your heater needs to use to heat your entire patio. Also remember to clean your heater’s reflector, burner and other components regularly to ensure that they are free from debris and working properly and running at peak efficiency.’

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