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10 patio heaters to buy for your garden to keep you warm on summer nights
It's the season for al fresco
The summer is here and we're in the midst of a heatwave. It's time for barbecues, beach days, and long chats outdoors into the evening with friends and family. You've dusted off the garden furniture and strung up some lights, but a patio heater could be a handy addition to your garden to help you enjoy the space for longer.
A patio heater will stem the chill outdoors after sundown. Guests will appreciate this – along with a blanket or two – and it will ensure you'll make the most of your garden throughout the summer season.
Our patio heater picks
Which patio heaters are most efficient?
For the most part, a patio heater isn't an especially environmentally-friendly purchase, so weigh up your options carefully. We've outlined some of the pros and cons of gas and electric options here.
Electric patio heaters are surprisingly cheap to run and won't give off a smell. You also won't need to buy and store big gas bottles, which can be considerably costly. Most of the heaters we've listed are electric for these reasons.
Gas patio heaters, on the other hand, give you that aesthetic appeal that only a real flame can. Some gas models are also better at heating larger areas, so take note if you have an especially big garden.
Best patio heaters for summer 2023
Whether you're looking for an unobtrusive tabletop model to set on your balcony's bistro set, or a large standalone heater for your back garden, we've rounded up 10 patio heaters to keep the chill away after dark this summer.
For a concentrated blast of heat, this is a good option. It sits over your chair so you stay snug. It can be used wall-mounted or freestanding, and it can also be used indoors. Best of all? It's a bargain at just £40, so you can pick up one each for you and your partner's seats.
Number of heat settings: Three
Area heated: Up to 15 square metres
This one has settings for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a good multipurpose heater for sunny evenings and chilly winter nights. It's waterproof, so your al fresco plans won't need be thwarted by a British rain shower, and a thermostat for precise heat control.
Number of heat settings: Two
Area heated: Up to 22 square metres
Nobody likes having chilly toes. This under-table heater will fix that problem immediately. It uses a clever construction that means it's safe to touch when on, so no worries about bumping into it when it's in situ. With a slick Scandinavian design, it's sleeker looking than your average heater as well. Buy from Amazon or it's also available in white from Robert Dyas.
Number of settings: One
Here's another good patio heater for smaller gardens. It fixes to the wall, it won't get in the way when you're outside, and you won't have to find somewhere to store it while it's not being used, either.
Number of heat settings: Three
This one rotates at a 60 degree angle, to ensure everyone around the table stays equally warm. It has a wide, sturdy base so should remain stable, but a safety switch will turn it off automatically should it accidentally topple over.
Number of heat settings: Two
Area heated: Up to four square metres
Yes, this is expensive, but this swish tabletop heater is one of the most stylish in our round-up. It's sleek, minimal finish will make it a welcome addition to your garden furniture setup, rather than a necessary compromise! It comes with a waterproof cover to keep it safe when not in use.
Number of heat settings: Three
Area heated: 20-30 square metres
This unobtrusive heater fixes to the walls so you can enjoy warmth from above without a heater taking up room on your table or patio. You can adjust the angle for the heat radiation, and it comes with a remote control as well.
Number of heat settings: One
If you prefer gas heaters, this one's for you. This gives an impressive open flame to enjoy when in use and there's a cover to keep it safe and dry when not in use. You'll have to assemble it yourself, but it will certainly make a bit of a statement on your patio!
Number of heat settings: One
Area heated: Two square metres
This column heater's chic looks give it some impact – and that's without mentioning the statement flame at the top. It's a good one for gathering around during garden parties where you might be stood chatting. It comes with a waterproof cover to protect it from showers.
Number of heat settings: Fully adjustable via a knob
Nothing beats the look of a real flame and this gas-powered fire pit is a bit of a showstopper. It has a rattan finish so it will blend especially well with your rattan garden furniture, and there's a table edge to keep drinks handy.
Number of heat settings: Fully adjustable via a knob
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