Restrictions may have eased up, but outdoors is still the safest way to mingle. However, with the changing seasons, enjoying your outdoor space in 36-degree weather calls for piling on blankets and hurdling around a fire.
Hey, wait! There’s a better way.
Extend the use of your outdoor space later in fall and earlier in spring with the best propane fires. These units are your best friend taking the edge off and keeping parties going late into the night. They warm the people and objects around them, meaning you can stand around it in a circle and be toasty, unlike an electric heater where you have to be directly in front to feel warm.
Propane patio heaters are trending. It makes it hard to find a good one amidst the numerous choices available. In this guide, you’ll find the best propane patio heater to suit different needs. Read on to see which one is for you.
Quick Glance at The Features
Product Name | BTU | Heating Area | Construction | Ignition System | Auto- Shutoff | Size L x H | Weight |
46,000 | 250 sq. ft. | Aluminum, steel, and sturdy plastic | Piezo | Yes | 18 x 89 inches | 38 pounds | |
48,000 | 200 sq. ft. | Stainless steel | Piezo | Yes | 32.25 x 87.25 inches | 33 pounds | |
47,000 | 115 sq. ft. | Powder-coated steel | Piezo | Yes | 29.9 x 87 inches | 28.9 pounds | |
48,000 | 250 sq. ft. | Powder-coated steel | Piezo | Yes | 32.25 x 87.25 inches | 40 pounds | |
48,000 | 200 sq. ft. | Stainless steel | Knob | Yes | 33.5 x 87 inches | 20 pounds | |
46,000 | 250 sq. ft. | Stainless steel | Pulse | Yes | 32 x 88 inches |
If the prospect of cutting social ties doesn’t sit well with you, it’s time to snag an outdoor patio heater to keep those social gatherings going all year round. Our number one recommendation is the Amazon Basics propane heater for residential and commercial use.
Product Highlights
This heater is exceptionally powerful thanks to its 48,000 BTUs of heating capability. It will keep your guests nice and warm with a reach of up to 9ft or an area of approximately 250 sq. ft. It’s more than enough for most people with a small to medium-sized patio.
Amazon Basics boasts a robust steel construction. You’ll like that it has a stable base though you still need to create extra weight to anchor it in windy conditions. It’s also been praised for its high-quality steel parts and hardware that have every indication that it will last long in decent shape.
It can hold an extra 20-30 pounds of sand for additional enforcement on its base reservoir.
This propane patio heater works with a 20-pound propane tank. It turns on with the help of a Piezo ignition system that is reliably strong. We also like that you can regulate the heat using the large, variable heat control knob.
Its most remarkable feature is that it uses gas efficiently. From our estimate, you can use it all winter when set at medium. Whether you like sipping cocoa under a starry sky or are into backyard barbecues that extend up to fall, this unit has got you covered.
A thoughtful feature of this heater is the auto shut-off valve for safety. It automatically turns off the unit in the rare case it tips over.
What’s Not to Like
Our only concern is that standing at 89 inches. We feel it’s too tall to provide maximum direct heat. And the stand is not adjustable. Also, the instructions have a few mistakes, which means it will take longer to assemble for those who’ve never completed a patio heater before.
PROS
CONS
- Piezoelectric ignition system
- Available in eight colors
- A robust frame and high-quality parts
- Wheel assembly for easy maneuvers
- Plenty of heat
- Instructions are incomplete
- Powder coating melts off when operated at highest setting
If you are looking to warm a large space, you can’t do better than the Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU stainless Steel Patio Heater. With a sleek, modern appearance, this propane heater transforms a patio into a suitable spot for evening relaxation.
Product Highlights
This unit is perhaps the best propane fire for the money. It combines functionality, style, and power to give you great value. Rated at 48,000 BTUs, this heater will provide you with sweltering heat, useful for spreading warmth wide to keep you and your loved ones comfortable.
The Hampton Bay is perfect for not just patios but also a canopy-covered space that is well-ventilated. It’s operated using a 20lb propane tank that connects to the heater through the bottom. With the gas tank connected, it acts as an anchor, although you can stake the unit to protect it from the wind. The base also acts as a cage for the gas tank.
With this model, you are guaranteed quick and easy ignition through a piezo system. Once you turn the unit on, you only need to wait for five minutes as the thermocouple heats up. After that, you then adjust the heat using its thermostatic valve.
We like that it comes with a heat deflector which broadcasts the heat a long way. It can cover roughly the advertised area though this is dependent on many factors. But overall, you’ll be happy that it puts out lots of heat, which you need for a large area.
As for the construction, it’s no surprise that you have a traditionally styled unit made entirely of brushed stainless steel for the price. This is including the hardware and parts. It should stand up to the weather pretty well. However, you’ll want to use a cover if you live in a rainy or coastal climate.
Also, we noticed that some parts are more ferrous than others, all the more reason to use a cover to protect it from the elements.
Looking at the height, we like that it’s not as tall as the Amazon Basics model because it means that your guests will receive heat at head level. But take note, head level heat is not for everyone.
What’s Not to Like
Most people appreciate the simple assembly process. But the tool provided does not cut it. You have to bring your socket set for straightforward assembly.
PROS
CONS
- 40,000/ hour BTUs
- Light enough to move around
- Tilt-based auto shut off
- Brushed stainless steel construction
- Not difficult to assemble
- Aesthetics are not for everyone
- Needs cover to protect it from harsh weather
Extra warmth doesn’t need to empty your pockets. With the Sunjoy 47,000 BTU Avanti patio heater, you can easily use your patio all year round. Everything from its aesthetics to its construction quality represents a likable unit that will get you holding swanky parties long after temperatures dip.
Product Highlights
The SunJoy Avanti is a simple but powerful propane fire for small to medium-sized outdoor spaces. It can output 47,000 BTUs of generous heat that can reach 18 ft depending on the weather. Its design is efficient in that it includes a hood that keeps more warmth around your patio.
The domed heat deflector effectively gets the heat further so that it reaches everyone within its range. We like that it also ignites through a push button, and you can regulate the temperature fast and easily thanks to the variable heat control knob.
With a professional base, it can hold a gas tank that you access by lifting the bottom. As much as the tank gives it some reinforcement, it also has the option for staking it. What’s more, there’s an auto-shut-off valve, so no accidents if a guest knocks it over as they rise from their chair.
Its standard heating capacity, and all the features that help keep the heat contained within a patio mean that it will not drain a tank quickly. It saves you money while being a stylish addition to your garden.
This model is made of a rust-resistant, powder-coated steel frame. It is available in four colors so match it with décor. That is, bronze, grey, silver, and black.
What’s more, it includes wheels that make movement easy around the patio. Coupled with the fact that it is quite light without the gas tank, it’s one of the lightest models on our list.
What’s Not to Like
The only thing that we noticed is that customer service is not at its best. We’d have loved to see more responsiveness, especially when it comes to answering questions about assembly.
Also, it does not include the standard fittings that fit a 20lb propane tank.
PROS
CONS
- Simple push-button ignition
- Easy to move with wheels
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve
- Can be staked
- Rust-resistant frame
- Domed heat deflector
- It does not come with a cover
- You cannot use it in a tent
Summer evenings can be chilly, especially when you want to chill in shorts. For those who want a stress-free model that is reasonably priced and includes a cover, you will like this 48,000 BTU propane heater by ENJOYSUN. It is a traditionally styled model with every feature you’d want in a cheap propane fire.
Product Highlights
This model raises ambient heat in seconds. It’s one of the fastest-acting units that will increase the temperature within four feet by around seven degrees and six feet by two degrees as soon as you turn it on. Speaking of which, it fires up using a simple piezoelectric system that does not need any batteries.
Like all the propane heaters on this list, you will find a flexible heat adjustment knob that helps you keep the temperature within a comfortable zone. Considering that it can output 48,000 BTUs of heat, you are looking at a model capable of heating everything within a range of 18ft.
We like how it also carries tip-over protection with the help of an automatic shut-off valve.
An awesome attribute of this patio heater is that apart from the base, pole, and heating elements, it also comes with an aluminium alloy saucer on top to deflect as much heat as possible. It is the kind you want to gather around in a circle since everyone will be warmed up instead of obsessing over the chilly weather.
With a durable, powder-coated finish, you’ll agree that it’s not one to give in to the weather. We like that it has a stainless-steel material on top, which means it’s not easy to melt or burn off.
Like the SunJoy, this appliance does not have a door to access the propane tank. Instead, it has a base that lifts. It also has wheels to assist movement. And, because of the pole, it balances nicely, making it easy to carry from one place to the other.
As far as the assembly is concerned, you can do it in under an hour. This brand ensures that every part fits accurately with the drilled holes.
What’s Not to Like
Because you have to lift the base, it’s a bit cumbersome when changing tanks. However, you won’t be lifting it to turn the unit on and off, which is an advantage.
PROS
CONS
- High power output
- Casters provide easy mobility
- Powder-coated finish
- Adjustable heat valve
- Straightforward instructions
- Some units have been reported to come with missing nuts
Want to spend calm and happy moments on your patio long after the mercury deeps? The Hiland HLDS01-SSHGT is an excellent option to provide lots of heat for a comfortable stay. It is not only lightweight but is a versatile propane fire that includes a small table for your snacks and drinks.
Product Highlights
Built of powder-coated steel and hammered bronze, the Hiland heater boasts solid construction. It comes in a matte finish that goes well with most outdoor décor. Nevertheless, it does not have color options. The materials make it a light unit, but it includes a weight bladder to input sand or water to stabilize it
It does not have the option for staking it. But you can put as much as 20 pounds of extra weight at the base. And if it happens to tilt, the auto shut-off valve will turn the unit off automatically.
This propane heater has a pretty good heat output. Its 48,000 BTUs can warm up anyone within 10 ft in the coldest months and 20ft in the chilly evenings of summer. It’s a nice option for an outdoor dining table set, a wedding, or a patio living set. It even includes a heat control knob—no worries about too much heat when you can tone it down.
A 20lb propane tank that stows away at the base runs this unit. It lights up using a knob which you have to turn to the pilot position, hold it there for a few seconds before firing it up. This is another unit that uses gas efficiently. At the medium heat setting, it can give off heat for up to 10 hours. This is more than enough time to add months of additional use to your outdoors in the cold months.
Although it does not come assembled, the instructions are very easy to understand. You will need a nice set of deep sockets, including a 10mm and a 14mm, to make assembly fast. It should not take longer than an hour when you follow the instructions.
What’s Not to Like
Most complaints about this lamp are about the poor packaging. Those that are not double boxed often come with a dented heater or a door without a hatch. But recent reviews show that the company is double boxing the unit since there seem to be many orders going through their shipping system.
PROS
CONS
- Pumps out 48,000 BTUs of heat
- Powder-coated steel and hammered bronze construction
- 33-inch aluminum-alloy heat deflector
- Includes tabletop for snacks
- Approximately 10 hours of heat on medium setting
- Very clear assembly instruction
- It can tilt easily because its lightweight
- It does not come assembled
The PamaPic patio propane heater comes highly recommended by home and restaurant owners the same. It comes as an impressive combination of durable materials, ease of use and is a solid option for anyone with small children and pets.
Product Highlights
This propane fire blends comfort and functionality. Its umbrella design spans 88 inches and is complemented by a 32-inch heat deflector that prevents heat from escaping. The saucer also acts as a barrier of sorts to protect you from light rain or errant snowflakes occasionally.
The unit boasts a heat output of 46,000 BTUs of consistent heat. It can radiate lots of warmth to everyone sitting within an 18ft radius. It also uses a 20lb propane tank that sits at the base. The tank is useful for adding much-needed stability. And, it’s quick to access through the iron door.
PamaPic propane heater is designed using stainless steel, including the burners and mantle heating grid for optimal durability. It uses a reliable pulse ignition method, plus it features tip-over protection. Its advanced pilotless burner system saves energy and also reduces the need for complicated maintenance.
With the help of a dial on top, you’ll be able to easily determine the amount of heat you need at any given time. Combined with the heat deflector, you can use the unit reliably for a couple more months before the weather becomes unbearably cold.
Finally, this unit includes a waterproof and dustproof patio heater cover made of polyethylene. It works to protect the heater from snow, rain, and the hot sun. This way, you can leave it out as you put the cover.
What’s Not to Like
If you have a short patio, this unit could be a little too tall. You may also need to add some parts that are not included in the package. Also, the instructions are not as clear. It may take longer to get this heater assembled.
PROS
CONS
- Stable structure and feet
- Installs propane tank through the door
- Safety auto shut off valve
- Simple pulse ignition
- Zippered waterproof cover
- Stainless-steel burners
- It needs assembly
- Some units are missing parts