Best Outdoor Area Heater for Patios Decks and Garages

The right outdoor area heater can extend your season and make patios, decks, and garages usable year-round. Below is a concise comparison followed by detailed reviews of five top options that cover electric infrared, propane, pellet, and high-output patio heaters to match different outdoor needs and spaces.

Product	Type	Best For	Key Feature
DR Infrared DR-238 Carbon	Electric Infrared	Covered patios, garages, open-air restaurants	IP55 rated for indoor/outdoor, 3 power settings
Gasland MHA18BN	Propane Radiant	Ventilated garages, workshops, portable heat	18,000 BTU, tip-over & low-oxygen shutoff
Rayzi 58 Inch Pellet Stove	Wood Pellet Patio Heater	Ambiance and smokeless flame for gatherings	Triple-burn technology, 2+ hours run time
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater	High-Output Gas Patio Heater	Large patios and commercial spaces	50,000 BTU, double-layer 304 stainless mesh
Cuisinart Portable Tabletop	Tabletop Propane	Small tables, camping, tailgates	11,000 BTU, anti-tilt shutoff

DR Infrared Carbon Outdoor Heater

Check Price on Amazon

This unit Is An IP55-rated Electric Infrared Heater marketed for both indoor and outdoor use. It produces clean, instant, odorless heat using carbon infrared elements and offers three selectable power settings: 900W, 1200W, and 1500W. The heater operates on standard 120V household power and includes a remote control for convenient adjustments.

Key practical traits include plug-and-go installation, suitable for covered patios, garages, and open-air restaurant spaces where protection from direct weather is available. The infrared heating style warms people and surfaces directly rather than air, making it efficient in drafty outdoor zones. IP55 rating indicates resistance to dust and low-pressure water jets, but full exposure in heavy rain is not recommended.

Gasland Propane Radiant Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The Gasland MHA18BN Is A Portable Propane Radiant Heater rated at 18,000 BTU and intended for ventilated indoor/outdoor spaces such as garages, workshops, and construction sites. It runs from a standard 20 lb liquid propane cylinder and requires no electricity, which can be beneficial during power outages or off-grid use.

Safety features highlighted by the manufacturer include tip-over shutoff and low-oxygen (ODS) shutoff. The heater’s cabinet design houses the tank out of sight and it includes rolling wheels and a carry handle for mobility. Radiant heat targets objects and people directly, which can be effective for localized warming in drafty environments.

Rayzi 58 Inch Pellet Patio Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The Rayzi Pellet Stove Serves As A Smokeless Wood Pellet Patio Heater designed for ambiance and warmth. It features a spiral, tornado-like flame visible through extended glass piping and uses triple-burn technology to reduce smoke and improve efficiency. A 5.7 lb hopper is said to provide around two hours of continuous burn.

This heater focuses equally on visual ambiance and localized heat, making it suitable for social outdoor spaces like patios, picnic areas, and camping setups where a fire-like focal point is desired without the smoke of traditional bonfires. The unit emphasizes durable materials and a stable base for outdoor installation.

EAST OAK High-Output Patio Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The EAST OAK Model Offers 50,000 BTU Output With A Double-Layer 304 Stainless Steel Burner Mesh, designed to heat an area up to roughly a 20-foot diameter from the central position. It is ETL certified for outdoor and commercial use, and the double-layer mesh is intended to extend product life and performance relative to single-layer designs.

Features include an easy-to-assemble reflector, wheels for movement, and robust construction suited for patios, restaurants, and large outdoor gatherings. This style of tall, freestanding gas heater is built to deliver broad-area radiant heat, which is useful for larger seating areas but requires appropriate clearance and ventilation.

Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Heater

Check Price on Amazon

The Cuisinart Tabletop Heater Is A Compact 11,000 BTU Propane Unit designed to sit on tables and warm small areas up to about 30 square feet. It includes an anti-tilt automatic shut-off and a burner screen guard to enhance safety when placed on elevated surfaces.

Its portability and size make it suitable for camping, tailgates, or intimate patio tables. Compared to standing patio heaters, tabletop heaters deliver limited range but are convenient when targeted warmth at a single table or seating cluster is the priority.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An Outdoor Area Heater

Selecting the right outdoor area heater depends on several factors including space size, fuel availability, safety requirements, portability, and desired ambiance. Below are key considerations and comparative perspectives to help match features to needs.

1. Heating Type And Efficiency

• Infrared Electric Heaters (like the DR Infrared): Provide instant, focused warmth to people and surfaces; efficient for covered patios and areas with access to electricity; lower operating noise; weather-resistant models (IP ratings) extend suitability outdoors.
• Propane Radiant Heaters (Gasland, Cuisinart): Mobile and do not require electricity; useful in power outages or remote locations; radiant heat is effective for spot heating but requires ventilation for indoor/covered use.
• High-Output Gas Patio Heaters (EAST OAK): Provide broad-area heat for larger spaces; ideal for commercial patios or big gatherings; higher BTUs mean more coverage but also more fuel consumption and safety/clearance considerations.
• Pellet/Wood Heaters (Rayzi): Add flame ambiance and a focal point; variable warmth and run times depending on hopper capacity; good for social settings where visual effect matters.

2. Coverage Area And BTU/Power

• Match heater output to the seating layout. Small tabletop units suit 1–2 people. 18,000 BTU class units are best for single zones or small workshops. 50,000 BTU freestanding heaters aim to serve wider seating areas.
• Electric infrared wattage (900–1500W) warms nearby occupants quickly but is best in partially sheltered spaces to avoid wind loss.

3. Safety Features And Certifications

• Look for tip-over shutoff, low-oxygen/ODS, anti-tilt switches, and flame failure devices on gas units. ETL/CSA/UL certifications indicate independent testing.
• Consider anchor points or weighted bases for tall freestanding heaters to improve wind resistance.

4. Portability And Installation

• Portable propane models often include wheels or handles for movement; tabletop heaters are inherently portable.
• Electric units are generally plug-and-play but check IP ratings for outdoor exposure and whether permanent mounting is required.

5. Fuel Availability, Operating Costs, And Convenience

• Propane models require tanks and periodic refills; good for off-grid use but factor fuel logistics.
• Electric heaters need accessible power; they avoid fuel storage and emissions but may have higher electrical draw.
• Pellet heaters need pellets and occasional maintenance; they can be economical and provide ambiance but need supply and cleanup.

6. Ambiance Versus Pure Heat

• If visual ambiance is important, pellet or flame-based units offer a fire-like focal point. For strictly functional warmth, electric infrared or high-BTU gas heaters deliver more consistent heat.

7. Weather Resistance And Placement

• Confirm weather ratings for outdoor use. IP55 and similar ratings imply limited water resistance; permanent exposure to rain or snow may still require sheltering or removal.
• Maintain manufacturer-recommended clearances from walls, ceilings, and combustible materials.

8. Noise And Operation

• Electric infrared units are typically quieter. Propane and pellet heaters may generate fan or combustion sounds that matter in quiet settings.

9. Maintenance And Serviceability

• Gas units may require periodic inspection of hoses, valves, and burners. Pellet units need hopper cleaning and ash removal. Electric units usually have minimal maintenance but should be checked for element wear and weather sealing.

10. Compare Based On Use Case

• Covered residential patio (near outlet): Electric infrared provides convenient, clean heat.
• Portable jobsite or unpowered space: Propane radiant heaters offer mobility and no-electric operation.
• Large commercial patio or restaurant: High-BTU freestanding gas heaters provide wider coverage and robust output.
• Social ambiance and focal fire effect: Pellet or flame-based heaters combine warmth with visual appeal.

Before purchasing, measure the usable area, confirm local codes or HOA restrictions on outdoor heaters, and consider fuel logistics and long-term maintenance. Matching heater type, output, and safety features to your intended use will ensure effective and reliable outdoor comfort.