Best Outdoor Gas Heater for Patio: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Choosing the right outdoor gas heater for your patio depends on coverage, fuel type, portability, and safety features. The table below summarizes five well-rated patio heaters selected for different patio sizes and use cases.

Product	Type	Heat Output	Key Feature
GasOne PH-8000 Outdoor Heaters for Patio	Freestanding Propane	50,000 BTU	Heavy-duty, wide coverage
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater	Freestanding Propane	46,000 BTU	One-touch ignition, water tank base
Hykolity Pyramid Patio Heater	Pyramid/Glass Tube Propane	48,000 BTU	Decorative flame tube, long runtime
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater	Freestanding Propane	50,000 BTU	Double-layer 304 stainless burner, sand box base
ThermoMate Propane Heater 18,000 BTU	Cabinet/Portable Propane	6,000–18,000 BTU (3 modes)	Compact, multiple heat settings

GasOne PH-8000 Outdoor Heaters For Patio – 50,000 BTU

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The GasOne PH-8000 Is A 50,000 BTU propane patio heater designed for larger outdoor spaces. The manufacturer highlights versatility for patios, terraces, cafes, and backyards with radiant heat that mimics the warmth of a fire.

Features Include:

• 50,000 BTU Power For wider heat coverage suitable for more seating arrangements.
• Portable design with heavy-duty construction for outdoor use.
• Radiant heating to create a cozy ambiance for gatherings or quiet evenings.

Performance Notes: The high BTU rating indicates strong heat output and faster temperature rise in open-air settings. Radiant heaters like this focus on warming people and objects rather than large volumes of air, making them effective on patios with limited wind exposure.

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater With Wheels

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The Amazon Basics Model Provides 46,000 BTU Output With Convenience Features Targeting Residential And Commercial Use. It Is Marketed For Cafes, Restaurants, And Home Patios.

Features Include:

• One-Touch Ignition For Quick Startups.
• Wheels And A Water Tank Base For Stability And Maneuvering.
• Adjustable Temperature Knob And Coverage Up To Approximately A 9-Foot Radius.

Performance Notes: This model balances power with operability. The water tank base adds ballast to resist tipping, while the adjustable control helps tailor output to conditions. Best used in semi-sheltered patios or areas with predictable wind patterns.

Hykolity Pyramid Patio Heater, 48000 BTU Glass Tube Propane

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The Hykolity Pyramid Heater Uses A Glass Flame Tube And 48,000 BTU Output To Combine Heat And Visual Ambience. The 90-Inch Height And Visible Flame Offer Decorative Appeal Alongside Function.

Features Include:

• 48,000 BTU Output With 8–10 Hour Runtime On A Standard 20-Lb Propane Tank.
• Clear Glass Tube Showcases The Flame For Ambience.
• Variable Heat Settings, Side Access Tank Door, And Detachable Wheels.

Performance Notes: The glass-tube design provides radiant heat and a focal point for outdoor gatherings. It is suitable for patios where aesthetics and moderate heat coverage are both priorities. Ensure adequate clearance and follow manufacturer recommendations for safe positioning.

EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater With Sand Box Table Design

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The EAST OAK Model Is A 50,000 BTU Unit Focused On Durability And Stability For Residential And Commercial Settings. The Design Emphasizes A Double-Layer 304 Stainless Steel Burner And A Weight-Adjustable Base To Improve Wind Resistance.

Features Include:

• 50,000 BTU Output With Coverage Up To Approximately 20 Feet In Diameter.
• Double-Layer 304 Stainless Steel Burner Mesh For Longevity.
• Conical Barrel Design With A Weight-Adjustable Water Or Sand Tank To Increase Stability.

Performance Notes: This heater Is Engineered For Robust Outdoor Use Where Wind or commercial foot traffic is a factor. The heavier base and stainless components support longer service life in demanding environments when maintained per instructions.

ThermoMate Propane Heater 18000 BTU With ODS & Tip-Over Protection

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The ThermoMate Is A Compact Cabinet-Style Propane Heater Offering 3 Heating Modes (6,000 / 12,000 / 18,000 BTU) And Safety Features Such As Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) And Tip-Over Protection.

Features Include:

• Multi-Mode Output Allowing Run-Time And Heat Customization For Spaces Up To ~450 Sq. Ft.
• Portable Design With Lockable Casters And A Gas Regulator/Hose Included.
• Long Runtime Claims On Low Setting And Safety Cutoffs For ODS And Tip-Over.

Performance Notes: This model is suitable for smaller patios, garages, or semi-enclosed spaces where adjustable output and safety shutdowns matter. Cabinet-style heaters radiate heat differently than tower units and can be placed to warm a focused area while remaining compact and mobile.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An Outdoor Gas Heater For Your Patio

Selecting the right outdoor gas heater requires matching unit capabilities to your patio layout, climate, and safety needs. Below are core factors to compare.

Heat Output And Coverage

BTU Rating Indicates Maximum Heat Output. Higher BTUs (40,000–50,000) Cover Larger Open Areas Or Multiple Seating Zones. Lower BTU Units Or Adjustable-Output Heaters Offer Better Fuel Economy For Smaller Spaces.

Comparison Perspective: Choose 50,000 BTU-style freestanding heaters for larger, open terraces; choose 18,000 BTU cabinet heaters for semi-enclosed porches or localized warmth.

Fuel Type And Runtime

Most patio heaters use propane (20-lb tanks) or natural gas (hard-piped). Propane provides portability; natural gas offers continuous supply with professional installation.

Runtime Considerations: Manufacturer estimates vary by heat setting. Models with adjustable modes improve runtime control and efficiency.

Heater Design And Heat Distribution

Radiant, flame-tube, and cabinet heaters distribute heat differently. Radiant or reflector-topped freestanding heaters direct heat downward and outward to people. Glass-tube/pyramid heaters add visual flame ambience while producing radiant warmth. Cabinet heaters provide broad, close-range warmth for compact areas.

Portability And Installation

Wheels And Detachable Bases Ease Movement For Seasonal Storage Or Repositioning. Natural Gas Units Require Permanent Installation And A Gas Line, While Propane Units Are Generally plug-and-play with regulator/hose connections.

Stability And Wind Resistance

Safety In Windy Conditions Relies On A Weighted Base Or Ballast Tray. Models With Water/Sand Tanks Or Heavy Steel Bases Offer Greater Resistance To Tipping. Consider models with a conical barrel or sand-box base for exposed patios.

Safety Features And Certifications

Look For CSA, ETL Or Equivalent Certifications. Important Safeties Include Tip-Over Shutoff, Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) For Enclosed Areas, And Automatic Shutoffs. Electronic Ignition Systems Reduce Outdoor-ignition Failures Compared To Manual Pilot Lights.

Durability And Materials

Materials Like 304 Stainless Steel Resist Rust And Withstand Outdoor Conditions Better Over Time. Glass Components Require Care And Clearance From Wind That Could Extinguish Flames Or Damage Glass.

Aesthetics And Ambience

Design Choices Impact Patio Atmosphere. Pyramid And Glass-Tube Heaters Provide Visual Flame Features, While Table-Style Fire Pit Heaters Double As Serving Surfaces. Match design to patio decor and intended use.

Maintenance And Replacement Parts

Check Availability Of Replacement Burners, Ignition Modules, And Covers. Routine Maintenance Includes Checking Hoses, Valves, And Keeping Reflectors And Burners Clear Of Debris.

Noise, Smell, And Emissions

Most propane heaters are relatively silent beyond the sound of a flame. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce exhaust concentration and to avoid smell issues. Natural gas heaters generally emit fewer odors when properly tuned.

Cost Of Ownership

Beyond initial purchase, consider fuel costs, expected runtime, and potential installation fees (for natural gas). Adjustable-output heaters can reduce fuel consumption when full power is unnecessary.

Use-Case Comparisons

• Small Balcony Or Narrow Deck: Choose compact, lower-BTU units with lockable wheels and adjustable feet for stability.
• Open Backyard Or Large Patio: Select 46,000–50,000 BTU freestanding units with weighted bases for wider coverage.
• Semi-Enclosed Porch: Prefer cabinet-style or lower BTU units with ODS and tip-over protection for safer indoor-adjacent use.
• Commercial Use (Cafes, Restaurants): Look For ETL/CSA Certification, durable stainless components, and easy ignition/maintenance features.

Placement And Clearance

Always Follow Manufacturer Guidelines For Minimum Clearance Distances From Walls, Ceilings, And Furniture. Incorrect Placement Reduces Effectiveness And Increases Risk.

Final Selection Checklist

• Measure patio area and determine desired heating radius.
• Decide on propane vs. natural gas based on portability needs.
• Match BTU output to patio size and wind exposure.
• Confirm safety certifications and features for your setting.
• Consider aesthetics, weight base, and mobility for routine use and storage.