A patio heater can turn a garden or terrace into a usable space well beyond the summer months, letting you sit outside comfortably into autumn evenings. This guide covers the main types available, what they cost to buy and run, and how to choose the right one for your outdoor space.
What Type of Patio Heater Is Best?
For most UK gardens, a portable gas patio heater offers the best balance of heat output, running cost, and flexibility, since it needs no wiring, can be moved between areas, and heats up within minutes. Electric heaters suit smaller, covered spaces near a power source, while fixed gas or electric heaters suit permanent outdoor entertaining areas.
Types of Patio Heater
Freestanding Gas Heaters
These use a propane gas bottle housed in the base, typically weigh around 15 to 20 kilograms empty, and produce a wide, even heat radius suited to open patios and larger gatherings. They are fully portable and need no electrical connection, which makes them the most flexible option for most gardens.
Tabletop Gas Heaters
A smaller version of the freestanding design, tabletop heaters use a compact gas canister and suit smaller tables or balconies where a full-size heater would be impractical.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric heaters need a nearby power socket but produce instant, adjustable heat with no gas refills to manage. They tend to have a more focused heat zone than gas heaters, making them well suited to covered patios or smaller seating areas.
Wall-Mounted or Fixed Heaters
Fixed heaters, whether gas or electric, suit a permanent outdoor dining or seating area, freeing up floor space and typically offering more consistent heat coverage than a portable unit, though installation usually needs a qualified fitter.
Cost to Buy and Run
A freestanding gas patio heater typically costs between £80 and £300 to buy, depending on build quality and heat output, with a full propane refill costing roughly £20 to £30 and lasting around 10 to 15 hours of use on a mid setting. Electric heaters typically cost between £60 and £250 to buy, with running costs depending on your electricity tariff and the wattage of the unit, generally ranging from around 1.5 to 3.5 kW.
Choosing the Right Size
Heat output is usually listed in kilowatts, and as a rough guide, a 2 to 3 kW heater suits a small balcony or two-person table, while a 4 to 6 kW freestanding gas heater suits a larger patio or seating area for four to six people. Buying a heater sized for your actual space avoids both underheating a large area and overspending on running costs for a small one.
Safety Considerations
- Stable, level ground: freestanding heaters should always be used on a flat, stable surface, away from overhanging branches or fabric.
- Ventilation: gas heaters are designed for outdoor or well-ventilated covered use only, never in an enclosed space.
- Clearance: keep a safe distance between the heater and any furniture, plants, or structures, following the manufacturer’s minimum clearance guidance.
- Gas bottle storage: store spare propane bottles upright, outdoors, and away from direct heat sources.
If you are heating indoor spaces too, our guide to electric floor heating covers a more energy-efficient option for year-round comfort. And if you are planning a wider garden refresh, see our garden landscaping ideas on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gas or electric patio heater cheaper to run?
Gas heaters are generally cheaper per hour of heat output than electric heaters at current UK energy prices, though electric heaters avoid the cost and hassle of gas refills and start heating instantly.
How long does a gas bottle last in a patio heater?
A standard propane bottle typically lasts around 10 to 15 hours on a mid heat setting, depending on the heater’s output and how often it runs on full power.
Can I use a patio heater under a covered area?
Gas heaters need adequate ventilation and should only be used under a covered but open-sided structure, never in a fully enclosed space. Electric heaters are generally better suited to covered patios, provided they are rated for outdoor use.
What size patio heater do I need?
As a rough guide, 2 to 3 kW suits a small table for two, while 4 to 6 kW suits a larger patio seating four to six people comfortably.
Do patio heaters need to be covered when not in use?
Yes, ideally. A weatherproof cover protects the heater from rain and reduces rust and wear, extending its working life significantly compared with leaving it uncovered outdoors year-round.
Prices and specifications vary by brand and retailer. Always check the manufacturer’s safety guidance and minimum clearance requirements before first use.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and outdoor living. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as prices and standards change.
