Best Patio Heaters to Buy in January 2026
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Havana Bronze, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)
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ENJOY COZY OUTDOOR WARMTH WITH 46,000 BTUS FOR ANY SETTING.
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EFFORTLESS ONE-TOUCH IGNITION AND EASY WHEEL MANEUVERING.
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BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES ENSURE A WORRY-FREE EXPERIENCE OUTDOORS.
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Slate Gray, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)
- COZY OUTDOOR WARMTH FOR CAFES, RESTAURANTS, AND HOME PATIOS!
- EASY ONE-TOUCH IGNITION AND WHEELS FOR EFFORTLESS MOBILITY.
- POWERFUL 46,000 BTUS WITH ADJUSTABLE HEAT FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT.
EAST OAK One-Hand Ignition Patio Heater with Enhanced Burner Head, 50,000 BTU Propane Outdoor Heater, One-Person Install, Round Table Design for Porch, Garden, Balcony, Backyard
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EFFORTLESS ONE-HAND CONTROL: START AND IGNITE WITH A SIMPLE TWIST!
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POWERFUL HEAT BOOST: ENJOY +90°F MORE WARMTH WITH HIFIRE TECHNOLOGY.
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EFFICIENCY MEETS STRENGTH: 10% LESS GAS FOR SAME HEAT, BUILT TO LAST!
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Triple Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Pinecone
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50,000 BTUS: HEAT SPREADS 20 FEET, PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR GATHERINGS!
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ULTIMATE SAFETY: TILT PROTECTION AND FLAME-OUT SYSTEM INCLUDED!
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EASY SETUP: INSTALL IN 30 MINS AND MOVE SMOOTHLY WITH WHEELS!
EAST OAK Pyramid Patio Heater, 48,000 BTU Outdoor Patio Heater All Stainless Steel, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Heater, Triple Protection System, With Wheels, Outdoor Heater for Commercial & Residential
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RAPID HEAT IN 5 MIN: 48,000 BTU HEATS 10-FOOT DIAMETER QUICKLY!
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DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: RUST-RESISTANT DESIGN FOR LONG-LASTING USE.
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TRIPLE SAFETY FEATURES: ANTI-TIP AND FLAME SHUT-OFF ENSURE SAFETY.
EAST OAK Anti-rust 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Round Table Design and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Stainless Steel
- 50,000 BTU HEAT OUTPUT: HEATS 20-FOOT RADIUS FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: WATERPROOF, SCRATCH-RESISTANT, EASY TO CLEAN.
- QUICK ASSEMBLY & MOBILITY: ASSEMBLES IN 30 MINS, EASILY MOVABLE DESIGN.
DIAMONDFORGE 50,000 BTU Patio Heater - Propane Patio Heater with Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Round Table Design Space Heater, Outdoor Heaters with Wheels Used for Garden and Patio, Brown
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50,000 BTU HEAT OUTPUT: EFFICIENTLY WARMS 20-FOOT DIAMETER SPACES OUTDOORS.
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DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: LONG-LASTING, CORROSION-RESISTANT FOR RELIABILITY.
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STABLE & SAFE DESIGN: WEIGHTED BASE AND SAFETY FEATURES FOR PEACE OF MIND.
Pamapic Patio Heater, 48,000 BTU Pyramid Flame Outdoor Heater with Cover, Quartz Glass Tube, 87" Hammered Bronze Tower Propane Outdoor Heater with Wheels
- CUSTOMIZABLE HEAT SETTINGS FOR COMFORT AT ANY GATHERING
- EYE-CATCHING DESIGN WITH MESMERIZING GLASS FLAME TUBE
- SAFETY FEATURES WITH TIP-OVER PROTECTION FOR PEACE OF MIND
Hykolity 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Tip-over Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Brown
- EFFORTLESS IGNITION & ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR INSTANT OUTDOOR WARMTH.
- DURABLE DOUBLE-LAYER STAINLESS STEEL BURNER FOR LONG-LASTING SAFETY.
- PORTABLE DESIGN WITH WHEELS FOR EASY MOVEMENT, PERFECT FOR GATHERINGS.
As the year 2025 unfolds, homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts are increasingly investing in patio heaters to extend the comfort of their outdoor spaces during cooler times. Selecting the correct size patio heater for your area is crucial to ensure effective heating while ensuring energy efficiency. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you determine the ideal size of patio heater that suits your needs.
Understanding BTUs and Heating Capacity
Before diving into specific sizes, it's essential to understand BTUs, or British Thermal Units, the primary measurement used to evaluate a patio heater's power. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat a heater can produce.
Calculating Seating Area
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Measure the Square Footage: Start by measuring the length and width of your patio to calculate its total area. Multiply these dimensions to get the square footage.
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Evaluate Desired Temperature Rise: Consider how much you want to increase the ambient temperature. A general rule of thumb is that you need 20 BTUs per square foot for a comfortable atmosphere.
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Determine BTU Requirements: Multiply your area by 20 to establish how many BTUs you'll need. For instance, a 400-square-foot patio would require an 8,000 BTU heater to maintain comfortable warmth.
Types of Patio Heaters
Freestanding Heaters
Freestanding heaters are versatile and a popular choice for many patios. They can range from 40,000 to 50,000 BTUs, making them suitable for medium to large spaces.
Tabletop Heaters
Ideal for smaller areas, tabletop heaters generally provide between 10,000 to 30,000 BTUs. They are portable and can be easily stored when not in use.
Wall-Mounted and Ceiling Heaters
For those looking to conserve floor space, wall-mounted or ceiling heaters are excellent choices. They usually offer around 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs and are perfect for focused heating in compact patio areas.
Choosing the Right Heater for Your Space
Consider Wind and Weather Conditions
Outdoor conditions can greatly affect how well your patio heater performs. If your patio is exposed to wind, you might need a heater with a higher BTU rating or consider windproof designing like strategic placement or patio set color schemes for 2025 for a more cohesive and sheltered environment.
Positioning for Optimal Heat Distribution
Proper placement is key to effective heating. Aim to place your heater in a central location where it can radiate heat evenly across your seating area.
Safety and Maintenance
Safe Installation Practices
Ensure that your patio heater is installed according to manufacturer guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from flammable materials and ensuring proper ventilation.
Regular Maintenance Checks
To keep your patio heater in peak condition, conduct regular maintenance checks. Be sure to clean the unit, check for leaks, and ensure proper ignition functionality. For more detailed instructions, you might find insights on igniting outdoor patio heaters quite useful.
Considerations for Long-Term Use
Protecting Your Investment
Invest in a durable cover or store your heater indoors when not in use to prolong its lifespan. Additionally, maintaining your patio furniture is necessary to complement your heating efforts. Check out this guide on maintaining rust-free patio furniture to ensure your entire outdoor setup is looking and functioning at its best.
By considering your patio size, typical weather conditions, and heating needs, you can confidently select the appropriate patio heater size for your space in 2026. This ensures you maintain a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your outdoor haven all year round.