Best Patio Heaters of 2023 - CNET
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Summer may be over and chilly evenings have come nipping at our noses, but that doesn’t mean hanging outside on the porch or backyard has to stop. An outdoor patio heater will give you more use out of your porch, deck or patio. There are plenty of different types of patio heaters on the market today, but this round of testing is dedicated to propane heater models only. I’ve now spent more than 15 hours attempting to warm my bones and taking a whole lot of temperatures to find the best patio heaters for 2023.
In all, we tested seven propane heaters in two distinct styles: the traditional pole and a more modern pyramid shape. The price range fell roughly between $150 and $500, but — during my evaluation period — prices have increased some due to supply shortages. If and when we see major changes in prices and availability — or we’ve tested newer models worthy of this list — we’ll update this story accordingly.
Read more: The Best Fire Pit for 2023
Best patio heaters of 2023
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The best performer on our list of patio heaters goes to the model 96054 by XtremePowerUS. This heater checks in at 48,000 max BTUs and it shows. All measurements within two feet of the heater average out to a temperature increase of 7.51 degrees. All measurements within four feet read 4.78 degrees warmer than ambient. This traditional-style heater has a base, a pole and a heating element up high, with a saucer above for reflection.
Instead of an access door like many of the other models, this one has a base that lifts up to access the propane tank. It has wheels to assist with moving, but I find the traditional style pole heaters balance nicely and are easy to carry from one point to the other.
Unlike many of the other heaters that come with a one-year limited warranty, this one is only covered for 30 days from purchase. Pricing for this one seems to vary a bit, but I originally picked this heater as the best performer when I found it for $249.
Editors’ note: While this model is currently out of stock, the $300 HomeLabs heater provides an excellent alternative. It delivered powerful and even heating in my testing and is available for a fair price.
Pros:
- Excellent warming
- Good balance and easy to move
Cons:
- Warranty is only 30 days
- On the expensive side
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The best performer on our list of patio heaters goes to the model 96054 by XtremePowerUS. This heater checks in at 48,000 max BTUs and it shows. All measurements within two feet of the heater average out to a temperature increase of 7.51 degrees. All measurements within four feet read 4.78 degrees warmer than ambient. This traditional-style heater has a base, a pole and a heating element up high, with a saucer above for reflection.
Instead of an access door like many of the other models, this one has a base that lifts up to access the propane tank. It has wheels to assist with moving, but I find the traditional style pole heaters balance nicely and are easy to carry from one point to the other.
Unlike many of the other heaters that come with a one-year limited warranty, this one is only covered for 30 days from purchase. Pricing for this one seems to vary a bit, but I originally picked this heater as the best performer when I found it for $249.
Editors’ note: While this model is currently out of stock, the $300 HomeLabs heater provides an excellent alternative. It delivered powerful and even heating in my testing and is available for a fair price.
Pros:
- Excellent warming
- Good balance and easy to move
Cons:
- Warranty is only 30 days
- On the expensive side
<div edition="us" description="
Initially, I picked the Hiland HLDS01-GTCB pyramid patio heater as the best model I tested. With its pyramid shape and glass tube running the center length of the stainless steel heater, it has a more modern look than the pole and saucer style of a traditional patio heater or a commercial patio heater. Similar to staring at a campfire, watching the flame continuously rising up through the glass tube is absolute entertainment. It throws heat, too.
Looking at all the points I measured within four feet, you’ll see an average temperature increase of 4.59 degrees. Within two feet of the pyramid heater, averaging all points, you get a change of 7.49 degrees. Within one foot, this outdoor heater provided an average temperature increase of 11.72 degrees, which happens to be the highest average recorded. There are heaters that reach higher temperatures at certain points, but this one has even heat distribution when you are near it. The Hiland also has an easy-to-use control system that lights effortlessly every time.
One downside to this model is that it’s a little less of a portable patio heater than some others; it’s heavy, and even though it has wheels, it’s unnerving rolling the glass tube across a rough surface like concrete. If you try to carry it, the safety guards will come unset. The hinges the door rests on have also already started bending. And while I like staring at the flame, this heater illuminates the surrounding area so much that you or your neighbors might find it too bright.
This 40,000 BTU standing heater is priced around the middle of the pack and comes with a one-year limited warranty. This isn’t the hottest heater of the bunch, but it will warm you up if you can stay close to it, and I really liked its appearance.
Pros:
- Powerful and even heating
- Sleek modern design
Cons:
- Heavier than other heaters
- Expensive
” superlative=”Best pyramid patio heater” imagegroup=”{"alt":"patio-heaters-3","caption":"
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Best pyramid patio heater
Hiland HLDS01-GTCB
Initially, I picked the Hiland HLDS01-GTCB pyramid patio heater as the best model I tested. With its pyramid shape and glass tube running the center length of the stainless steel heater, it has a more modern look than the pole and saucer style of a traditional patio heater or a commercial patio heater. Similar to staring at a campfire, watching the flame continuously rising up through the glass tube is absolute entertainment. It throws heat, too.
Looking at all the points I measured within four feet, you’ll see an average temperature increase of 4.59 degrees. Within two feet of the pyramid heater, averaging all points, you get a change of 7.49 degrees. Within one foot, this outdoor heater provided an average temperature increase of 11.72 degrees, which happens to be the highest average recorded. There are heaters that reach higher temperatures at certain points, but this one has even heat distribution when you are near it. The Hiland also has an easy-to-use control system that lights effortlessly every time.
One downside to this model is that it’s a little less of a portable patio heater than some others; it’s heavy, and even though it has wheels, it’s unnerving rolling the glass tube across a rough surface like concrete. If you try to carry it, the safety guards will come unset. The hinges the door rests on have also already started bending. And while I like staring at the flame, this heater illuminates the surrounding area so much that you or your neighbors might find it too bright.
This 40,000 BTU standing heater is priced around the middle of the pack and comes with a one-year limited warranty. This isn’t the hottest heater of the bunch, but it will warm you up if you can stay close to it, and I really liked its appearance.
Pros:
- Powerful and even heating
- Sleek modern design
Cons:
- Heavier than other heaters
- Expensive
