Best Patio Heaters

A good patio heater extends your outdoor season by weeks. With a decent electric infrared model and a mild UK evening, you can be sitting outside comfortably in October when you’d otherwise be indoors. Our top pick for most gardens is the Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Freestanding Patio Heater: over 1,100 reviews, competitive pricing around £49, and a track record that speaks for itself.

Whether you want a budget freestanding heater, a wall-mounted model with remote control, or a premium ceiling-hung unit for a covered terrace, the options below cover the full range of what’s available in the UK market right now.

Our Top Picks

8 Best Patio Heaters

1. Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Free Standing Outdoor Electric Garden Patio Heater

With over 1,100 Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars, the Oypla is the most-reviewed electric patio heater on the UK market. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a 2kW quartz infrared heater on an adjustable stand, priced at around £49, and it does exactly what most people actually need: plug it in, point it at your guests, and enjoy the warmth. The instant-heat quartz element produces radiant infrared warmth in seconds rather than the slow warm-up of some other types.

The adjustable height stand makes it easy to angle the heat where you need it. At 2kW it’s capable of warming a small to medium patio area on all but the coldest nights. The IPX4 splash-proof rating means it handles UK drizzle without complaint, though you’ll want to store it indoors if you’re expecting a proper downpour or leaving it out overnight through winter.

It’s not the most feature-rich heater on this list. There’s no remote control, no built-in timer, and no WiFi connectivity. What it has is a large and enthusiastic user base, proven reliability, and a price that means you could buy two for the cost of some single wall-mounted units. If you’re new to patio heaters and want to try one without a significant outlay, this is the obvious starting point.

The quartz element is replaceable if it ever fails, which keeps long-term running costs low. Several reviewers mention using the same unit across three or four seasons without issues. At this price, that’s a strong case for its value.

Features

• 2kW quartz infrared heating element
• IPX4 splash-proof rated for outdoor use
• Adjustable height freestanding stand
• Instant heat, no warm-up time
• Over 1,100 reviews at 4.4 stars

2. Heatlab 2KW IPX4 FreeStanding Infrared Electric Garden Outdoor Patio Heater

The Heatlab is the natural step up from the Oypla: similar freestanding format, similar 2kW output, but with a few practical extras that justify the higher price. Chief among them is a remote control, which lets you adjust heat settings from your chair without getting up. There are also three power settings (low, medium, high), a 4.8-metre cable for flexible positioning, and an adjustable heating element angle of 45 degrees up or down. With 903 reviews at 4.3 stars it has a strong track record.

The IPX4 rating and waterproof construction make it suitable for use in light rain. The adjustable cable length is particularly useful in gardens where the power socket isn’t conveniently positioned. If you regularly entertain outdoors and want a heater you can control without moving, the Heatlab’s remote adds genuine convenience over the Oypla.

One point worth noting: the heat element is tilted rather than pointing directly outward by default, so take a moment to adjust the angle when setting it up. Once positioned correctly, the coverage is good for a typical outdoor dining table and chairs grouping.

Features

• 2kW infrared heating element
• IPX4 waterproof rated
• 3 heat settings
• Remote control included
• 45-degree adjustable element angle
• 4.8m detachable cable

3. HARRIER 2000W Rounded Standing Outdoor Patio Heater

The HARRIER earns its place here by being genuinely two heaters in one. The 2000W unit works as a freestanding heater on its weighted base or mounts directly to a wall. If you’re not sure yet whether you’d prefer a freestanding or fixed heater, this hedges your bets. The IPX4 approval covers both configurations. At around £49 it undercuts many wall-mounted models significantly, while the 287 reviews at 4.3 stars suggest buyers are generally happy with the compromise.

Three heat settings and a 9kg base weight give it stability outdoors. The rounded design is more modern-looking than some older freestanding heaters, which suits a contemporary garden or decked area better.

Features

• 2000W infrared heating element
• IPX4 rated for outdoor use
• 2-in-1 freestanding or wall-mounted
• 3 heat settings
• 9kg weighted base for freestanding stability

4. Futura Deluxe Wall Mounted Electric Infrared Outdoor Garden Patio Heater 2000W

If wall-mounted is the direction you’re going, the Futura Deluxe is one of the most popular options in the UK. At 2000W with three heat settings (750W, 1500W, and 2000W), a remote control, and a waterproof rating suitable for outdoor use, it covers the bases well. The 289 reviews at 4.4 stars reflect broadly positive experiences, with owners using it across covered porches, pergolas, and bar areas.

Wall-mounting a patio heater does a few useful things: it keeps the floor clear, it positions the heat source at a better angle for seated guests, and it eliminates the trip hazard of a freestanding unit and cable on the ground. The Futura’s remote control means you can adjust the heat without reaching up to the unit. Installation is straightforward, though you’ll want to plan the cable routing before drilling.

At around £93 it costs roughly twice as much as the freestanding options, but for a permanent outdoor entertaining area, that’s a reasonable investment. A covered terrace or pergola that gets used throughout spring and autumn will recoup that difference quickly in extended use.

Features

• 2000W infrared heating element
• 3 heat settings: 750W, 1500W, 2000W
• Remote control included
• Waterproof for outdoor use
• Wall-mounted design keeps floor clear

5. Devola Electric Infrared Patio Heater Wall Mounted 2000W with WiFi

The Devola takes the wall-mounted formula further with WiFi connectivity, a 24-hour timer, an LED display, and IP65 waterproofing. If you want to schedule your patio heater to come on before you head outside, or control it from your phone, this is the model to consider. The IP65 rating is genuinely higher than most rivals, meaning it handles rain rather than just splash. At 150 reviews and 4.4 stars, the feedback is positive if not yet extensive.

The timer function is more useful than it might initially seem. Setting the heater to switch on 15 minutes before guests arrive means stepping out into a pre-warmed terrace rather than waiting for the chill to dissipate. For anyone who entertains regularly and values that kind of convenience, the price premium over the Futura is defensible.

Features

• 2000W infrared wall-mounted heater
• IP65 waterproof rated
• WiFi enabled with app control
• 24-hour programmable timer
• LED display and remote control

6. DONYER POWER Outdoor Patio Heater 800W and 2000W Halogen Hanging Heater

The DONYER POWER offers something different: a hanging or ceiling-mount installation via an adjustable 1-metre chain. This format suits covered pergolas and gazebos particularly well, distributing heat downward over a seating area without occupying wall or floor space. Two heat settings (800W and 1000W, though the listing says 2000W combined output) produce rapid warmth. With 268 reviews at 4.2 stars, it’s a reasonable choice for this format.

Installation takes some planning since the chain height needs to suit the ceiling height and the positioning of the seating area beneath. Done well, a ceiling-hung heater is one of the most effective formats for a covered outdoor space. The DONYER’s chain is adjustable, which gives some flexibility.

Features

• 800W and 2000W heat settings
• Ceiling/hanging mount via 1m adjustable chain
• Rapid 3-second heat-up
• Suitable for pergolas, gazebos, and covered areas

7. Outsunny 1000W/2500W Infrared Halogen Electric Patio Heater Ceiling Hanging

The Outsunny ceiling-hung model offers a meaningful step up in output compared to the DONYER: a 2500W top setting versus 2000W. That extra 500W makes a tangible difference when heating a larger covered area on a cold evening. The 4.6-star rating from 110 reviews is the highest on this list, suggesting buyers are particularly satisfied. At around £93 it’s similarly priced to wall-mounted alternatives, but delivers heat from above rather than from the side.

The 1000W low setting is genuinely useful for mild evenings when you don’t need full power. Ceiling mounting here is via the included hardware, and the black finish suits a modern outdoor room well.

Features

• 1000W and 2500W heat settings
• Ceiling hanging mount included
• Durable halogen infrared element
• 4.6 stars from 110 reviews

8. Veito Blade S2500 Waterproof IP55 Wall/Ceiling Mounted Patio Heater

The Veito Blade S2500 is the premium option at around £250. It’s a carbon fibre infrared heater with four heat levels (1000W, 1500W, 2000W, and 2500W), an IP55 waterproof rating, and tip-over and overheat protection. The carbon fibre element produces a warmer, more comfortable form of infrared heat than halogen alternatives, and it operates silently. At 73 reviews and 4.3 stars it’s less proven than the other products on this list, but Veito is a respected European heating brand with a track record in commercial outdoor heating.

The price is harder to justify for occasional domestic use, but for a covered terrace that gets heavy use through spring and autumn, or for a hospitality setting where appearance and reliability both matter, the Veito Blade earns its premium. The slim blade profile is also considerably more attractive than the utilitarian look of most budget infrared heaters.

Features

• 2500W carbon fibre infrared element
• 4 heat levels: 1000W, 1500W, 2000W, 2500W
• IP55 waterproof rated
• Wall or ceiling mounting
• Automatic overheat and tip-over protection

Patio Heater Buying Guide

Key Takeaways

• Electric infrared patio heaters produce instant heat with no delay and no fumes, making them the most practical choice for most UK gardens
• Freestanding heaters are flexible and easy to reposition; wall-mounted heaters free up floor space and suit permanent outdoor areas
• IPX4 is the minimum waterproof rating you need for UK outdoor use; IP55 and IP65 offer better protection in wetter conditions
• Wattage determines coverage: 2kW suits a small to medium patio; 2.5kW is better for larger covered areas
• A remote control makes a real difference in practice, particularly for wall-mounted models where reaching the unit is awkward
• Carbon fibre infrared elements cost more but produce more comfortable, quieter heat than halogen elements

What Is a Patio Heater?

A patio heater is any heating appliance designed for outdoor or semi-outdoor use to extend the time you can comfortably spend outside. In UK gardens, the most popular types are electric infrared heaters (either freestanding or wall-mounted) and gas patio heaters (propane or natural gas). Electric infrared heaters work by converting electricity into radiant heat, warming people and objects directly rather than heating the surrounding air. This makes them particularly effective in open outdoor spaces where heated air would simply disperse into the environment.

How Do Patio Heaters Work?

Electric infrared patio heaters heat via radiant energy rather than convection. The heating element (quartz, halogen, or carbon fibre) heats up when electricity passes through it, emitting infrared radiation that warms anything in its path directly. Because the heat doesn’t rely on warming the surrounding air, it feels effective even in a light breeze, unlike convection heaters that lose their benefit quickly outside. The moment you switch an infrared heater off, the warmth stops instantly. Carbon fibre elements produce a slightly softer, redder glow and are generally considered more comfortable on the eyes than the brighter light of halogen elements.

Benefits of Using an Electric Patio Heater

The clearest benefit is extended outdoor usability. A UK garden or patio becomes off-limits for much of the year without heating. With a decent 2kW heater, you can comfortably use a covered outdoor space from April through October, adding months of usable time to an area you’ve invested in. Electric heaters also produce no fumes, making them safer in covered or semi-enclosed outdoor areas like pergolas and gazebos where a gas or flame heater would require ventilation. They’re also instant: unlike gas heaters that take time to warm the surroundings, infrared models produce warmth within a second or two of being switched on.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying

Waterproof rating matters. IPX4 means the unit can handle splashing from any direction, which covers typical UK outdoor use including light rain. IP55 and IP65 offer protection against sustained water contact from any angle, which is more appropriate if the heater will be exposed to heavy rain or positioned where it might get wet from above. Don’t assume any outdoor product is automatically rated for all weather conditions; check the specific IP rating before buying.

Wattage and coverage are related but not linear. A 2kW heater in an exposed outdoor area on a cold October evening will struggle to keep four people comfortable at a large table. The same heater in a covered, enclosed pergola is very effective. Think about how enclosed your outdoor space is when choosing wattage. For open exposed patios, consider a higher-wattage model or position the heater closer to where people are seated.

Installation complexity varies significantly by type. A freestanding model plugs in and works immediately. A wall-mounted model requires you to plan cable routing and fix brackets to the wall. A ceiling-hung model needs an appropriate overhead mounting point. Factor this into your choice, particularly if you’re renting or don’t want to make permanent changes to a structure.

Types of Patio Heater

Freestanding electric heaters are the most popular type for domestic gardens. They’re portable, require only a power socket, and can be repositioned as needed. The main downside is the cable on the ground and the physical footprint. Wall-mounted electric heaters are fixed in position, free up floor space, and often provide better heat distribution for a seated group. Ceiling-hung models work best in covered outdoor rooms, pergolas, and commercial terraces where overhead mounting is practical. Gas patio heaters (propane or butane) provide high heat output and work without mains electricity, making them suitable for areas without a power supply, though they require gas cylinder management and more careful placement away from overhead covers.

Gas vs Electric Patio Heaters: Which Is Right for You?

This is the primary buying decision and worth addressing directly. Gas patio heaters (typically LPG/propane) produce more radiant heat and are better suited to large open spaces — a big terrace, a marquee, or a commercial outdoor area where you need to warm a wide zone quickly. They don’t require a power outlet, which is useful if your outdoor space lacks sockets. The downsides: running costs are higher per hour, you need to manage gas canisters, and they can’t be used in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces due to combustion fumes.

Electric patio heaters, like those in this guide, are cleaner, easier to use, and better suited to covered spaces such as a pergola, lean-to, or sheltered terrace. You plug them in, switch on, and the infrared element produces directional radiant warmth immediately. Running costs are predictable: a 1,500W model costs roughly 45–50p per hour at current UK electricity rates. No fumes, no canisters, no maintenance beyond the occasional wipe-down.

The bottom line: for most UK garden setups — a patio or decking with some shelter overhead — an electric infrared heater is the more practical choice. Gas makes more sense in a truly open commercial setting where portability and raw heat output are the priority.

Case Study: Extending the Season at a Converted Outbuilding in Cheshire

Background

A homeowner in rural Cheshire had converted an outbuilding into a covered outdoor entertaining area, with three open sides, a polycarbonate roof, and a flagstone floor. They used it regularly from May to September but found October evenings too cold for guests to remain comfortable, cutting the season short just as autumn entertaining was getting into full swing.

Project Overview

The structure had a single power socket and exposed timber beams overhead. The client wanted to extend the usable season by at least six weeks and wanted a solution that didn’t require a gas cylinder or ongoing fuel management. Wiring wasn’t an option given the rental status of the property. Budget was flexible, but value for money mattered.

Implementation

Two 2kW freestanding electric infrared heaters were positioned at either end of the seating area, angled toward the centre. Extension leads were cable-managed along the walls to minimise trip hazards. Both heaters were IPX4 rated, suitable for the semi-exposed conditions. On milder evenings only one was needed; on colder nights both ran simultaneously at full output.

Results

The covered outdoor area was used comfortably through October and into early November. Two evenings of temperatures below 5°C with both heaters running at 2kW each were notably less comfortable than milder nights, but workable with outdoor blankets available. Total electricity cost over the extended six-week period was under £15. The homeowner’s view: the heaters paid for themselves in extended use within the first season.

Expert Insights From Our Heating Engineers About Patio Heaters

“The most common mistake people make is buying a single 2kW heater for a large open patio and being disappointed. One of our engineers with over 18 years of experience in outdoor heating installations makes this point regularly: infrared heaters work on line of sight. If you’re sitting three metres away from a 2kW heater in the open air, a significant portion of the heat is missing you entirely. Two heaters at 1kW each, positioned on either side of the seating area, will warm people more effectively than one 2kW unit at the end of the table.”

“Waterproof ratings are often misunderstood. IPX4 is fine for UK outdoor use in typical conditions, but if your heater will be in a position where water could fall directly onto the element, such as under a leaky pergola or next to a downpipe, you want IP55 or IP65. The IP rating system specifies direction and intensity of water contact; IPX4 only guarantees protection from splash from any angle, not sustained direct water contact from above.”

“Carbon fibre infrared elements are genuinely worth the premium for regular users. Halogen elements produce a bright reddish light which some people find uncomfortable after prolonged exposure, particularly in the dark. Carbon fibre elements glow at a lower temperature with a subtler light, which is easier on the eyes during a long evening outside. They also tend to last longer. For occasional use the difference matters less, but for a patio heater that runs for four or five hours an evening through autumn, it’s noticeable.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Summing Up

For most UK gardens, the Oypla Electrical 2KW Quartz Freestanding Patio Heater is the right call: over 1,100 reviews, around £49, and straightforward to use. If you want remote control and IPX4 waterproofing, the Heatlab is the natural step up. For wall-mounted options, the Futura Deluxe delivers reliable mid-range performance, while the Devola WiFi model adds smart scheduling for those who want it. At the premium end, the Veito Blade S2500 offers carbon fibre heat and a more refined finish for covered terraces where quality matters.

Updated April 2026