The best electric patio heaters in the UK 2023

To make the most of your patio, nothing beats an electric patio heater. Whether it's summer, fall, winter or spring, these devices extend the pleasure of relaxing on your patio, even after dark. Now available in different forms and models, you will find in this buying guide the best electric patio heaters of the moment.

Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater 1
8/10

Best value for money

Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater

The best electric patio heater in 2021

The Suntec Wellness Quartz Radiant Patio Heater has been specially designed to be waterproof and robust. It easily withstands wind gusts.

104 £ on Cdiscount

The Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater is available with a maximum heating capacity of 2,000 W. With its weight of 9 kg, it is designed for an optimal surface of 60 m³. The IPX4 waterproof rating and the quality of manufacture are fully compliant for outdoor use.

The power of this Suntec Wellness Radiant Patio Heater is adjustable in three levels. It will therefore adapt to the area where you install it. Thanks to its tilting head and adjustable height up to 210 cm, this heater allows you to spread heat over a wider area. In addition, the stability of its base easily withstands gusts of wind. The manufacturing materials are also very reliable and safe.

Favex - Marina electric heater 2
7/10

Best value for money

Favex - Marina electric heater

The best entry-level electric patio heater

The Favex - Marina electric heater provides immediate warmth in a pleasant atmosphere. With its wall bracket, it is easy to attach to the wall.

49,60 £ on Cdiscount

The Favex - Marina electric heater offers a maximum power of 800 W. Allowing to heat quickly and efficiently a targeted area. It can diffuse heat up to 2 m². With its weight of only one kilo, it can be fixed on any wall thanks to a wall bracket.

Equipped with infrared technology, the Favex - Marina electric heater emits short waves to give a sensation of localized heat. This device ensures solidity and durability. Indeed, its stainless steel structure allows a daily use. Its IP55 protection rating also guarantees protection against water jets.

Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater 3
9/10

Best value for money

Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater

The best high-end electric patio heater

The Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater combines heating and lighting. Its construction also allows it to withstand outdoor conditions. A combination of innovation and robustness.

443 £ on Cdiscount

The Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater has an output of up to 1500 W. The device can heat a surface of 9 m². This electric patio heater stands out mainly because of its infrared system. This offers a more targeted heating to give maximum comfort of use.

The power of the Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater can be adjusted to two levels of 750 and 1500 W. It perfectly combines the functions of heating and lighting. So you can spend beautiful evenings with your guests on your terrace. Its IP34 rating ensures that it is safe from water splashes and factors that could get inside. For added safety, this machine includes a protective grill to prevent accidental contact.

Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Patio Heater 4
8/10

Excellent

Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Patio Heater

A great electric patio heater

The Einhell NHH 2100 Parasol Heater distributes heat evenly. Its great autonomy is a good proof of the quality of this product.

189 £ on Cdiscount

The Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Parasol Heater has a maximum heating power of 2,100 W. With its weight of 11.17 kg, its thermal field can cover up to 10 m². A device that ensures an even distribution of heat. Equipped with 2 halogen tubes, its autonomy reaches up to 5000 hours. If you want to maximize the area to be heated, its height is adjustable from 165 to 210 cm.

Depending on your needs, the power of the Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Parasol Heater is adjustable on three levels, between 900, 1200 and 2100 W. In case of a fall, the safety cut-off system of this electric patio heater stops the heating instantly. Its IP44 rating perfectly meets the requirements of outdoor use.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best electric patio heater

Any specific needs?

The best electric patio heater in 2021

The best entry-level electric patio heater

The best high-end electric patio heater

A great electric patio heater

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best electric patio heaters

THE BEST CHEAP HIGH END EXCELLENT
Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater 5
8/10
Favex - Marina electric heater 6
7/10
Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater 7
9/10
Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Patio Heater 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater
Favex - Marina electric heater
Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater
Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Patio Heater
The Suntec Wellness Quartz Radiant Patio Heater has been specially designed to be waterproof and robust. It easily withstands wind gusts.
The Favex - Marina electric heater provides immediate warmth in a pleasant atmosphere. With its wall bracket, it is easy to attach to the wall.
The Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater combines heating and lighting. Its construction also allows it to withstand outdoor conditions. A combination of innovation and robustness.
The Einhell NHH 2100 Parasol Heater distributes heat evenly. Its great autonomy is a good proof of the quality of this product.
Maximum power
2,000 W
800 W
1,500 W
2,100 W
Surface area covered
60 m³
2 m²
9 m²
10 m²
Protection index
IPX4
IP55
IP34
IP44
Weight
9 kg
1 kg
1.5 kg
11.17 kg
Temperature control
Three levels
-
Two levels
Three levels

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Buying guide - electric patio heater

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How to choose your electric patio heater

Before buying an electric patio heater, there are some criteria that should not be overlooked. It is necessary to see the power, design, certifications, location and radiation of the device.

#1 - The power

In general, electric patio heaters spread less heat, but quickly warm the area where they are installed. These heaters often have a power rating of between 1,500 and 2,500 W. When purchasing, you should therefore choose an electric patio heater that matches the area to be heated.

#2 - The radiation

Radiation refers to the range of heat that the electric patio heater can emit over a surface. Each heater has its own power and offers a very specific range in relation to the heating area. Small or large terrace, garden room... It is therefore very important to choose the electric patio heater according to the area you want to radiate.

#3 - The location

Before buying an electric patio heater, you must first define its location. You need to know in advance where to put it, so that the device is not too bulky. Thus, you will be able to choose between an electric patio heater that you can move easily or on the contrary, one that will not move from its location.

#4 - The certifications

In the field of electric heating, certifications are really very important. They determine and guarantee the safety of the device. For example, electric patio heaters with ETL, IP45 or IP65 ratings have already been tested and approved. They therefore comply with the electrical standards. So, when making your choice, don't hesitate to favor models with these mentions.

#5 - The design

This is the last criterion to take into account, and not the least. Know that an electric patio heater, in addition to being a heating device also acts as an outdoor decoration object. They come in many shapes and models. Oval, square, round, or with different heights, the best is always to choose a device that enhances your terrace and that is not too bulky.

How to use an electric patio heater?

After having seen the criteria for choosing an electric patio heater, you must also know how to use it.

Find the right location

To find the ideal location, you need to look at the wind. Try to determine which way it is blowing. Then put your electric patio heater between you and the wind. This will prevent you and your guests from getting cold. You can then put a chair, hammock or couch on that spot.

The installation of the device

To take full advantage of the heat emitted by the electric patio heater, the installation of the device must meet certain conditions. The electric patio heater must be installed on a flat and stable surface. Horizontally, it must be at least 60 cm from you and 50 cm vertically. This distance allows for even heat distribution without burning. In the case of an enclosed terrace, you must always provide a functioning ventilation system to avoid suffocation.

Respect the safety instructions

Whether before, during or after the installation of an electric patio heater, there are always safety instructions to follow. When the heater is on, it is strongly recommended to stay away from it. This is for health reasons. To prevent accidents, children should never approach the machine. The machine must be switched off when not in use.

The different types of electric patio heaters

There are three types of electric patio heaters. Each one offers specificities and gives in their own way a warm atmosphere to your terraces, gardens and balconies. There is the patio heater, the wall heater and the hanging heater.

The patio heater

The patio heater is the most common type of patio heater. This outdoor heater is very similar to a parasol. It is accompanied by a metal base and topped with a heating cap. The patio heater is suitable for spreading heat over a fairly large area and is easily placed on the patio.

The wall heater

As the name suggests, it is a wall-mounted outdoor heater. It is very practical especially for a fairly small terrace that does not leave room for a floor heater. It is fixed high on a wall and diffuses heat in front of it. This model can be composed of infrared heating, in which case it must be connected to the electrical circuit. It can be opted with visible tubes that are less aesthetic, but very effective. There are also more contemporary models with red tubes camouflaged under a metal plate.

The hanging heater

To give space on the floor and avoid clutter, designers have designed suspended heaters or heating cassette, which, as its name suggests, is suspended from the ceiling. It is especially recommended for a family with children. The suspension is ideal, because the patio heater will be inaccessible to them. This type of suspended outdoor heater can be halogen or infrared. It heats the space on top of it and then distributes the intense heat to the surrounding area.

Electric patio heater or gas patio heater?

Electric terrace heater

In general, the patio heater uses an infrared radiant heating system to produce heat. This is an easy to install heating model. They can be installed directly on a wall or ceiling or placed just on the floor at an adjustable angle so that the heat distribution is better. Patio heaters are very practical on all types of patios and ideal for providing more heat under an awning or fixed roof. These products take up little space and can be built in. They are also safer than gas heaters, especially if you have young children.

Gas patio heater

Gas patio heaters are suitable for easily generating a large heat source to an area of over 30 meters. Very powerful, they are capable of heating entire patios. They are generally found in commercial settings and increasingly in residential homes. For ease of movement, casters are available. You can also find models with built-in tables, so you can enjoy a complete cabinet and heat.
The heat delivered by these machines can dry out the fabric of awnings and or curtains, which in the long run can cause the latter to tear. The gas patio heater heats the ambient air, not the surfaces, so it does not block cool breezes.

Verdict

Electric patio heaters are more practical and efficient if you are looking for an economical, safe and durable solution that will save you time and money.
If you don't have electricity or need to heat a room with a very large surface area, opt for a gas heater.

Why buy an electric patio heater?

Comfort

The electric patio heater offers considerable comfort to its user. Compared to other devices that give out heat based on the ambient air, this device warms up people and objects nearby. On top of that, the heat it emits remains very comfortable and totally pleasant. So you can enjoy your meal on the patio even in cold weather.

Safety

Electric patio heaters are particularly safe devices. Particularly strong, they are always equipped with a safety system, such as a wide stable base, a circuit breaker and an anti-tilt device. Usually, every machine is equipped with this double safety system. The other strong point is that the electric patio heater does not emit any toxic fumes and fully complies with the standards.

The variety of models

The big advantage of the electric patio heater is that it is available in several models and in different forms. You can therefore easily find one according to your terrace, your taste and even according to the use. Some models are portable. You can take them camping to serve as a heater and barbecue for example.

The power setting

Unlike some devices, the power of the electric patio heater is fully adjustable. So you can enjoy its warmth regardless of the season and the weather. In addition, even if the power is high, the electric patio heaters are not at all energy consuming.

Quietness

The electric patio heater is known to be a very quiet device. These machines are resistant to strong drafts and temperature drops, so they don't make any noise. In addition, they are just as effective in windy conditions and do not emit any unpleasant odors. More than a heating system, this product can be classified as very ecological.

The best brands of electric patio heaters

In our opinion, the best brands of electric patio heaters in 2022 are :

Alice’s Garden
Happy Garden
Tristar
Favex
Blumfeldt

Alice's Gardes is a brand of the company Walibuy. It is specialized in the design of garden furniture and outdoor equipment.

Happy Garden is a brand of furniture and other leisure activities existing for over 8 years. It conquers its consumers with products that are both innovative and stylish.

The Tristar brand puts forward the design of product with good value for money. Its motto is to improve the daily life of consumers through its mid-range appliances.

It is a family brand that was born in the 1950s. It is specialized in the production of outdoor products. Its products are very innovative and diversified.

It is a German brand that has made a name for itself in the market of manufacturing decorative outdoor furniture (gardens, terraces, balconies). Founded in 2015, it targets mostly outdoor enthusiasts, guerilla gardening activists and passionate gardeners associates.

What is the price for an electric patio heater

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
50 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Design your garden or terrace

To take full advantage of your electric patio heater, try to arrange your patio or garden. If the space is small enough, don't hesitate to remove the objects that seem unnecessary. This will give you more room to put something else.

Find the ideal place for the electric patio heater

If you have children, make sure the machine is out of reach. Instead, opt for high heaters such as the hanging or wall-mounted patio heater.

Find the right height for the outdoor heater

To ensure proper heat distribution, the ideal is to place the patio heater at a height of 2 meters from the ground. However, the height can be made according to the size of the deck.

Avoid putting the dessert above the electric patio heater

In the case of a suspended outdoor heater, it heats the surfaces first. If you were to put ice on top, it might melt before the deck warms up.

Place the hanging patio heater above the table

The electric outdoor heater heats the surfaces which allows you to enjoy warmth without cold air breeze. On the table, the heat will be distributed quickly and evenly.

FAQ

How does a patio heater work?

Electric patio heaters must be connected to a 240V power source. To avoid problems, it is best to call an electrician. Make sure you have a connection that meets the criteria of your outdoor electric heater. Electric patio heaters spread an arc of radiation over the patio Whatever their types.

At what outdoor temperature should the heater be turned on?

The electric patio heater is often turned on between mid-October and mid-April. It all depends on where you live and the weather. When you start to feel the cold, we can turn on the heater. It is recommended to turn it on only when there is someone at home or even better, on the terrace.

What is the surface area covered by a patio heater?

The area covered by an electric patio heater depends on the model of the device and your budget. Besides that, there are also other parameters to consider. Some models offer a heating area ranging from 20 to 30 m². Smaller machines such as patio heaters, for example, can only be used on surfaces of 9 m².

How much does an electric patio heater use?

Before all else, be aware that the heating power is expressed in kWatt. The more important it is, the more the device will consume. The same applies if the heating surface is large. To calculate the consumption of the electric patio heater, let's take the example of a 14 m² patio requiring 3000 Watt. The price per kWh is 0,21 € : 3 x 0,21 = 0,63 €. You will therefore pay 0.63 € of electricity per hour.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater 9
Suntec Wellness Quartz Patio Heater
Favex - Marina electric heater 10
Favex - Marina electric heater
Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater 11
Blumfeldt Hitzkopf suspended radiant heater
Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Patio Heater 12
Einhell NHH 2100 Halogen Patio Heater

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