The 4 Best Electric Patio Heaters

Best Electric Patio Heaters for 2026

I love my patio, but I always hated when the first chill of September cut the season short. For years, I wrestled with those big propane heaters. They’re a pain to move, the tanks always run out mid-party, and I was never totally comfortable with the open flame.

So, a few years back I switched to electric patio heaters. It’s so much easier. You just plug them in and get instant, quiet warmth. No more running to the gas station for a tank swap.

After trying a few models myself and seeing what my neighbors use, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what works. Here are the ones that I’d actually recommend for keeping your outdoor space cozy.

 

 

Our Top Electric Heater Picks

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

The Dr. Infrared Heater costs about $139, and it’s a real workhorse. I mounted one in my garage for projects, and it’s perfect for that kind of space. It’s also great for a covered patio where you can mount it to a wall or ceiling.

This thing gives off instant radiant heat, so it warms you up directly instead of trying to heat the air. I love that it comes with a remote so you can switch between the three power settings without getting up. It’s built to handle being outdoors, so a little dampness isn’t a problem.

The Downside: The heat is very directional. It’s like a spotlight. If you’re sitting outside of its direct beam, you won’t feel much, especially if there’s a breeze.

 

 

EnerG+ Hanging Outdoor Electric Patio Heater

At around $180, this hanging heater from EnerG+ is fantastic if you have a gazebo or a covered porch. My sister has one hanging over her outdoor dining table and it’s just perfect. It doesn’t take up any floor space, which is a huge bonus.

It hangs from a chain, so you can set the height exactly where you want it. It gives off a nice, even warmth from above that feels really natural, kind of like the sun. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution you don’t have to drag in and out of the shed.

The Downside: You absolutely must have a sturdy, secure spot to hang it from. It won’t work for an open deck or a patio without a solid roof structure.

 

 

Better Homes & Gardens Electric Outdoor Patio Heater

This Better Homes & Gardens heater is pricier at $297, but it’s the one to get if you care about looks. It looks less like an industrial heater and more like a nice floor lamp that happens to keep you warm. It blends right in with our patio furniture.

It uses a halogen bulb that provides heat almost instantly, and it feels like it covers a wider area than some of the others. We use it on our open patio, and it does a great job of creating a comfortable little bubble of warmth for a few people.

The Downside: It’s the most expensive one on my list. You also have to assemble it, which took me about 20 minutes.

 

 

Westinghouse 1500 Watt Infrared Tabletop Patio Heater

This little Westinghouse heater runs about $159 and it’s the definition of easy. We use it on our small screened-in porch on a little side table between two chairs. It’s super lightweight and portable.

There’s no setup at all—just take it out of the box and plug it in. It’s surprisingly powerful for its size and can make a chilly evening totally comfortable for two people having a drink. It’s perfect for small, sheltered spots.

The Downside: It’s really only meant for a very small, targeted area. And there’s no temperature control; it’s either on or off.

 

 

What To Look For In An Electric Heater

The biggest thing is to match the heater to your space. If your patio is totally open and gets windy, a powerful, direct infrared heater is your best bet. If you have a covered porch or gazebo, a hanging model is amazing because it saves so much space.

Also, check your outlets. All of these run on a standard household plug, but they pull a lot of power—usually 1500 watts. Make sure the outlet you plan to use can handle it and isn’t on the same circuit as a bunch of other stuff.

For me, the convenience is everything. Not having to worry about fuel or tanks makes it so much more likely that I’ll actually go sit outside on a cool night. Just flip a switch, and you’re good to go.