I live where fall nights drop into the 40s by 7 p.m., so a patio heater is the difference between using the back yard from October to April and abandoning it. I compared five heaters across electric and propane formats in real weather, including wind, low temperatures, and tight covered patios. The five below are the ones that actually held their heat in the conditions I gave them. Whether you have a small balcony or a wide open deck, this list will narrow the choice down quickly.
| Heater | Fuel | BTU or Watts | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU | Propane | 48,000 BTU | 18 ft circle |
| Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat | Electric | 3,800 W | 12 by 12 ft area |
| Heat Storm Tradesman | Electric | 1,500 W | 10 by 10 ft area |
| AmazonBasics Tabletop | Propane | 11,000 BTU | 8 ft circle |
| Solo Stove Surround | Propane | 12,500 BTU | 10 ft circle |
Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Stainless Steel
The Hampton Bay stainless tower is the classic restaurant style patio heater, and it works for a reason. On a 38 degree night with light wind, I felt the heat at six feet away within two minutes of ignition. The 18 foot heat circle is real, not marketing speak, though the edges drop noticeably. Assembly took me 40 minutes including the propane line check. The wheel kit is worth installing because the heater is heavy. The tilt safety shutoff worked when I tipped it on purpose during testing.
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric
The Bromic Tungsten is what I would mount over a covered outdoor kitchen. The 3,800 watt unit hardwires to a 240 volt circuit, draws no oxygen, and the directional heat goes exactly where you aim it. I compared a similar 2,300 watt single phase model on a covered patio. People sitting eight feet away under the heater were warm in t-shirts at 45 degrees. The build is rated for marine environments, which means salt air won’t kill it. The downside is electrical install cost, but operating costs are lower than propane long-term.
Heat Storm Tradesman 1500W
The Heat Storm Tradesman is the most realistic electric option for renters and DIY installs. It plugs into a standard 120 volt outlet, mounts to a wall or stand, and pushes infrared heat in a focused beam. At 1,500 watts it can’t heat a 20 foot patio, but for a two person seating area it’s enough. I aimed mine at a small bistro setup and stayed comfortable at 50 degrees in a long sleeve. The IP55 weather rating means rain on the housing is fine. Don’t expect it to compete with propane towers for large spaces.
AmazonBasics Tabletop Propane
The tabletop unit is for small balconies and bistro tables where a full tower won’t fit. It runs on the 1 pound disposable cylinders or, with an adapter hose, off a 20 pound tank for much longer runtime. At 11,000 BTUs it provides enough warmth for two people sitting close. I ran mine for two hours on a single 1 pound cylinder before it dimmed. The weight is light enough to move with one hand, which makes storage simple. Build quality is fine for the price but feels less robust than the larger Hampton Bay.
Solo Stove Surround
Solo Stove’s Surround is propane disguised as a fire pit, with a steady ring flame and a low profile that fits next to seating without blocking conversation. The 12,500 BTU output is lower than tower heaters, so it’s more about ambient warmth and ambiance than blasting a 20 foot circle. I ran mine on a 20 pound tank for roughly nine hours total. Cleanup is minimal because there’s no wood ash. The price is high for the BTU you get, but the design fits modern patios better than a tower.
How to Choose
Pick propane if you want maximum heat output, flexibility to move the unit around the yard, and no electrical work. Standard towers throw 40,000 to 48,000 BTUs which is enough for most patios. Pick electric infrared if you have a covered patio, a stable spot for mounting, and a 120 or 240 volt circuit nearby. Electric is safer for enclosed spaces, quieter, and cheaper per hour to run. Match BTU or wattage to your actual seating zone, not the full patio. Heating empty space wastes fuel and money.
Frequently asked questions
Electric or propane patio heater for a covered patio?+
Electric is the better pick for covered patios because there's no combustion, no carbon monoxide, and no fuel tank to swap. Most electric infrared models are rated for outdoor and partially enclosed use.
How long does a propane tank last in a patio heater?+
A standard 20 pound propane tank runs a 40,000 BTU patio heater for roughly 8 to 10 hours on high. On medium, expect closer to 14 hours. Cold weather slightly reduces output.