A cool evening doesn't have to mean the end of your outdoor evening. With a patio heater, you can keep sitting outside longer in spring and autumn. But which type suits your terrace: electric infrared, a gas heater or a fire bowl? Freestanding, hanging or wall-mounted? And what should you watch out for if you want to use one under a canopy? This buying guide explains the differences, what to look for in terms of output and safety, and how to stay warmer outside even without a heater.
Good to know in advance: Boender Outdoor compares garden furniture and refers you to shops. On the patio heaters page you compare electric and gas heaters from Sunred, Eurom and Heatstrip. This guide helps you choose first, and shows how to make your seating area warmer and more sheltered, even without a heater.
In brief: electric infrared is the easiest option under a canopy and is the least affected by wind. A gas heater works without a power socket, but belongs only in the open air. A fire bowl gives the most atmosphere, but also smoke and sparks. Look at the coverage area rather than just the output, always follow the manual, and start with shelter: out of the wind you'll already feel a lot warmer.
What you can compare here
On the patio heaters page you compare electric infrared heaters and gas heaters from Sunred, Eurom and Heatstrip: freestanding, hanging, wall-mounted and tabletop, with filters for power source, mounting, wattage and IP rating. Fire bowls and fire tables are not included yet. This guide helps you with the questions to ask yourself before you choose a patio heater.
You will also find items that make your seating area feel warmer without an extra heat source. Think of a pergola with a side wall against the wind, an outdoor rug for warm feet, thick lounge cushions and warm white lighting. You'll find these further on under sitting warmer without a patio heater.
Electric, gas or fire: the three types
Patio heaters warm in two ways. An infrared heater sends heat towards you as radiation, much like the sun on your face. A gas heater and a fire bowl also give off radiation, but they additionally warm the air, and that air blows away in the wind. This difference explains much of the pros and cons.
| Type | Strong in | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Electric infrared | Targeted, quick to warm up, little affected by wind | Needs a power socket and a suitable circuit |
| Gas heater | No electricity needed, stands freely | Outdoors only, gas bottle changes |
| Fire bowl or wood fire | Atmosphere, fire as the focal point | Smoke, sparks, rules and neighbours |
Electric infrared
An infrared heater mainly warms whatever it points at: you, the chair and the table. As a result, you feel the warmth almost immediately after switching it on, and it's barely affected by a breeze. They come as freestanding models, wall-mounted models and hanging models for under a canopy. You do need electricity: an outdoor socket nearby, or a fixed connection installed by an electrician. Look for an IP rating suitable for outdoor use. IP44, for example, means the unit is protected against splashing water, but that says nothing about hanging in the rain for days. So read what the manufacturer says about the location.
Light is another point to consider. Some infrared heaters give off a bright orange or red glow, while others are almost without light. If you want a calm evening atmosphere, check product photos and reviews to see how it looks when lit.
Gas heater
The familiar mushroom-shaped heater on a pole and the pyramid design with a visible flame run on a gas bottle in the base. You don't need a power socket, so you can place it wherever you like, even at the back of the garden. It gives off heat all around, which is handy with a round table. On the other hand, some of the heat rises into the air and disappears in the wind, you have to buy, change and store gas bottles safely, and a gas heater belongs only in the open air. Combustion releases carbon monoxide, so never use one indoors, in a tent or in an enclosed space.
Fire bowl or wood fire
A fire bowl, fire dish or garden fireplace is more of an atmosphere-maker than a heater. You sit in a circle around it and feel the warmth mainly on the side facing the fire. You need dry wood, you have to clear away ash, and you have to take smoke and sparks into account. That smoke can easily drift over to the neighbours. So check the wind direction, your municipality's rules and the Stookwijzer (burning advice) before you light it. A fire bowl belongs in an open spot, on a non-flammable surface, and never under a roof or parasol.
How much distance to keep, which surface is suitable and how to put the fire out safely is explained in using a fire pit safely. Want less smoke? See how a low-smoke fire pit works.
Freestanding, hanging, wall-mounted or table model
Alongside the heat source, you choose the shape. That determines where the warmth ends up and how much floor space it takes up.
| Model | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding | Open terrace, easy to move | Stable base, cable or gas bottle |
| Hanging | Under a canopy, above the table | Clearance height as per the manual |
| Wall-mounted | Against the house wall, next to a bench | Fixed position, aim it at the seating |
| Table model | Balcony, small seating area | Limited range, stand it firmly |
A wall or hanging model takes up no floor space and doesn't get in anyone's way. A freestanding model can be moved to wherever the evening sun lingers, but it needs a sturdy base and a cable or gas bottle that doesn't lie in the walkway. A table model is mainly for a small balcony or a seating area for two.
Output: a guideline, not a competition
It's tempting to choose the most powerful model. But more output isn't automatically better. A unit that is too strong for the space is soon turned down or off, and meanwhile you use more energy. So don't just compare watts or kilowatts, but mainly:
- The coverage: many manufacturers state an area or distance over which the unit works well. Compare that with the size of your seating area.
- The location: under a canopy or against a wall, warmth stays around better than on an open, windy terrace.
- Your layout: with a long table or a large corner sofa, two smaller units on either side often work better than one large one in the middle.
- The connection: for electric models, your outdoor circuit must be able to handle the output, even if other appliances are on the same circuit. If you're unsure, have an electrician check it.
- Settings: a unit with several settings or a dimmer makes it easier to keep it gentle on a mild evening.
First see where the draught comes from, and only then look at the output. A seating area out of the wind with a rug and a throw often needs a much lighter unit than an open terrace where the wind has free rein.
Selection test: which heat source suits you?
Answer the four questions and always pick the answer that most resembles your evening outside. The outcome gives a direction, not a product recommendation.
Infrared, gas, fire bowl or shelter first: what makes your evening outside warmer?
What's the situation with power at your seating area?
- There's an outdoor power socket nearby, or I'll have one installed
- No power nearby, and I don't want cables across the terrace
- I don't need power, I'd rather sit by a real fire
- No idea, the biggest problem is the draught
What do you want to feel once the sun has gone down?
- Immediate warmth where I'm sitting, with one switch on and off
- Warmth around a table that everyone sits at
- Crackling wood, flames and a circle of chairs
- Mainly no more cold wind around my neck and ankles
What does the spot where you sit in the evening look like?
- Under a canopy or against the house wall
- A spacious terrace in the open air, with no roof above it
- An open patch of garden, well away from the house, roof and neighbours
- A balcony or corner where it's almost always windy
Which hassle would you rather accept?
- A few hours of power use on the evenings it's on
- Fetching, changing and safely storing gas bottles
- Clearing out ash and keeping a supply of dry wood
- Arranging a screen or side wall first and grabbing a throw
Electric infrared suits you best. You have power nearby, you want targeted warmth without fuss, and you sit sheltered. Choose a wall or hanging model if you sit under a canopy, and if in doubt, have the connection checked.
A gas heater is your best direction. You sit in the open air without power nearby and want warmth all around the table. Only use it outdoors, keep space free above and beside the unit, and store the gas bottle safely.
A fire bowl suits your evening. It's all about atmosphere, and you have an open spot far from the house and roof. Check your municipality's rules and the burning advice, and place the bowl on a non-flammable surface.
Shelter first will get you the most. In a draughty spot, a lot of warmth is blown away. A screen, side wall or a spot against the house wall, plus a rug and a throw, makes a big difference already.
Safety: what to watch out for
Patio heaters get hot, and with gas and wood you're dealing with flames and combustion gases. The most important rule: follow the manual and the clearances stated by the manufacturer. These differ from one unit to another, so a rule of thumb from the internet is no substitute. Beyond that, these are the pitfalls we see most often:
A gas heater indoors or in an enclosed space
Gas and wood produce carbon monoxide when they burn. Never use them indoors, in a tent, shed or veranda with closed walls. Always make sure there's plenty of fresh air.
Too close to fabric, cushions or a parasol
Parasol canopies, lounge set covers, cushions and outdoor rugs can scorch or catch fire. Keep to the clearances in the manual, including upwards, and close a parasol before the heater is switched on.
An extension cable across the terrace
A loose cable is a trip hazard, and not every extension cable is suitable for outdoor use or for a heavy unit. Use a suitable outdoor connection and, if in doubt, have an electrician install a fixed connection.
A freestanding model on an uneven surface
A tall heater on a wobbly paving slab or in the grass can tip over. Place it on a level, firm surface and out of the walkway. Check that the unit switches off if it falls over.
Lighting a fire bowl without looking around you
Smoke and sparks drift with the wind. Check the wind direction, the neighbours, overhanging branches and the rules in your municipality, and keep water or a fire blanket within easy reach.
Children and pets
The casing, grille and bowl get hot and stay hot for a while after switching off. Choose a spot where nobody will accidentally walk into it, and never leave a lit unit unattended.
Patio heaters under a canopy
Under a roof, warmth stays around better, and you can also sit outside when it rains. This is exactly where the choice of heat source matters:
- Electric: a wall or ceiling model is often the simplest solution. Keep to the free distance from the roof and walls that the manufacturer specifies.
- Gas: only if the manual allows it, with enough clearance height and open sides for fresh air. If the walls are closed, gas is not an option.
- Fire bowl: not under a canopy, pergola or parasol. Sparks and heat belong in the open air.
Still wondering whether you want a veranda, canopy or pergola, and how to furnish it? Then read Veranda or Canopy: What Suits Your Garden? If you want a fixed electrical connection in it, plan for it before the roof goes on.
How to choose in 5 steps
Choose the spot where you actually sit on cool evenings: under a roof, against the wall or freely in the garden. That immediately determines which heat source and which model are possible.
Sit there for a few evenings and feel where the wind comes from. If it's draughty, first arrange shelter with a wall, hedge, screen or side wall.
Power nearby and a canopy: think infrared. Open terrace without power: gas. Mainly atmosphere in an open spot: a fire bowl.
Freestanding, hanging, wall-mounted or table-top. Compare the coverage the manufacturer states with the size of your seating area, and for a large table, choose two smaller units instead.
Read the manual before you buy: clearances, clearance height, ventilation and a suitable surface. For electric models: if in doubt, have an electrician check the connection.
Are you also redesigning your seating area and not yet sure which garden furniture fits? The selection tool will help you on your way with a few questions.
Sitting warmer without a patio heater
A heat source isn't the only way to spend longer outdoors. Often, shelter, textiles and light together make more difference than you'd expect. And you can start with them right now.
Shelter: out of the wind and under a roof
Wind makes an evening feel colder faster than the temperature alone suggests. A seating area against a wall or hedge, or behind a screen, feels more comfortable straight away. A roof overhead keeps the rain off. You can read more about freestanding screens in wind screens and privacy screens.
If you want a roof and a wind screen in one, a pergola with a side wall is an option. The Ryan is a freestanding steel pergola in anthracite, 300 x 300 cm and 2.40 m high, with a louvred roof and one closed side.
Ryan pergola with louvred roof and side wall
Please note: a pergola is a structure. Check in advance with your municipality or via the Omgevingsloket (Dutch planning portal) whether you need a permit, and don't place a fire bowl or gas heater under the louvred roof.
A rug for warm feet
A stone terrace feels cold under your feet in the evening. An outdoor rug under the seating area makes the spot instantly cosier and keeps the seating area together, just like an indoor rug. The Naturalis outdoor rug is made of polypropylene, weather-resistant and washable, and measures 200 x 290 cm: large enough for a lounge set or a sizeable table.
Naturalis outdoor rug 200 x 290 cm
Please note: never put a rug under or right next to a fire bowl or gas heater. Keep to the clearances in the heater's manual.
Cushions and a throw
Thick lounge cushions insulate against a cold seat and backrest, and a throw over your legs from indoors does the rest. Bring cushions back inside or into a cushion box after the evening: most covers are water-repellent, not waterproof. You'll find new cushions in the lounge cushions range, and tips on keeping them dry in storage are in storing garden cushions.
Warm white light
Light doesn't heat, but warm white light makes a seating area feel more comfortable on a cool evening than cool white light does. The lower the number of kelvin, the warmer the colour of the light. The Partylights Filament gives extra warm white light at 2200 K from ten filament bulbs, uses 8 W and is IP44. It runs on Garden Lights' 12V system, so you need a transformer.
You can read how to install a 12V system in Installing garden lighting with a 12V system. If you're torn between 12V, 230V and solar, have a look at Buying garden lighting: what should you look for?
Also worth a look:
Linea all seasons, 2500 K
View lighting →
Gisborne rug 160 x 230 cm
View rug →
All lounge cushions
View range →
All mood lighting
View range →Or browse all outdoor rugs, standing lighting and shade sails. You can read how to combine shelter, rug, cushions and light into a real outdoor room in Styling an outdoor living room.
How to sit warmer, with or without a heater
- Place the seating area out of the wind: against a wall, hedge, screen or side wall
- Put an outdoor rug under the seating area to keep feet warm
- Use thick lounge cushions and keep a throw near the back door
- Choose warm white light around 2200 to 2700 K
- If you do opt for a heater, aim it at the seating area and only switch it on when you're sitting outside
Storage and maintenance
A patio heater also lasts longer with a little care. Follow the manual here too, but these are the basics:
Electric
Keep the casing clean and dry, and check the cable and plug for damage. If a unit isn't designed for permanent outdoor use, store it dry outside the season.
Gas
Check the hose and connections regularly, turn off the bottle when you're finished, and store gas bottles upright in a cool, ventilated spot, not in a cellar.
Fire bowl
Let the ash cool down completely before you clear it out, and keep the bowl as dry as possible. Steel that stands wet for long will rust more quickly.
If you leave your furniture outside over winter, a breathable cover helps. Look at the protective covers and read what do you do with garden furniture in winter? It also explains how to keep one winter seating spot usable.
Checklist before you buy
- I know where I sit on cool evenings: under a roof, against the wall or freely in the garden
- I know where the wind comes from and have arranged shelter
- I know whether there's power and whether the connection can handle the output
- I've compared the unit's coverage with the size of my seating area
- I've read the clearances, clearance height and ventilation requirements in the manual
- For gas or wood: I only use it outdoors and I know my municipality's rules
- I have a dry place to store the unit, the gas bottle or the wood
Frequently asked questions
Which type of patio heater is the most energy-efficient?
Electric infrared mainly heats the people and objects it is aimed at, not the air around them. That means less heat is lost than with a device that warms the air. What you actually use depends on the output and how long it is switched on. So only switch it on when you are sitting outside, and aim it at your seating area.
Does a patio heater still work in the wind?
Infrared suffers least from wind, because the heat reaches you as radiation. With a gas heater or fire pit, wind blows some of the warm air away. In a windy spot, shelter usually helps more than a more powerful heater: a wall, hedge, screen or side panel.
Can you use a gas heater under a canopy?
Only if the manual for that appliance allows it, with the minimum height and clearances the manufacturer specifies and with plenty of fresh air. Never use a gas heater indoors, in a tent or in a conservatory with closed walls, as combustion releases carbon monoxide. Under a canopy, an electric wall- or ceiling-mounted model is often the simpler choice.
How much output do I need?
Treat wattage as a guideline, not a target. Mainly check the coverage area the manufacturer states and compare it with the size of your seating area. For a long table, two smaller heaters often work better than one large one. If you opt for electric, have an installer check, if in doubt, whether your outdoor power supply can handle the output.
Which patio heaters can I compare on Boender Outdoor?
On the patio heaters page you compare electric and gas heaters from Sunred, Eurom and Heatstrip, with matching covers and recessed mounting frames. Fire bowls and fire tables are not included yet. To sit warmer and more sheltered even without a heater, look at windbreaks, an outdoor rug, thick cushions and warm white lighting.
Can a patio heater stay outside all winter?
This varies by appliance, so follow the manual. Many electric models can be left outdoors, but not every model is designed for months of rain and frost. Ideally store a freestanding model somewhere dry, keep a gas cylinder in a cool, ventilated place, and keep a fire pit dry so it rusts less quickly.
