Best Flame Patio Heater (Reviews) On the Market in 2023
Arguably the cosiest of all heater types, flame heaters are also incredibly powerful. In my post below, I’ll explain how flame patio heaters work, how to keep these devices safe, and discuss their environmental impact. I’ll also list the best 7 outdoor flame patio heater models you can find online right now. Read on to find out more!
How a Flame Patio Heater Works
A flame patio heater heats your patio or garden with real fire, which shoots through a tube, while the heat gets reflected downward.
Of all the flame patio heaters on the market, propane-fueled variants are the most common. They are quite convenient since the tank is mounted to the heater unit itself, which makes it easy to move around.
The natural gas flame heater versions typically connect to the mains gas and require professional installation.
Here’s a quick overview of how a flame patio heater typically functions:
-
- A propane or butane gas canister is safely bracketed beneath the heating unit and connected with a hose
- When the valve on the heating unit is opened by hand, the propane flows to the burners at the top
- The ignition button, usually at the front of the unit, is then pressed manually.
- Once the gas ignites, the flame shoots up through the heating tube, where it creates that ‘flickering’ effect that most users find so captivating.
- When the flame arrives at the top of the tube, it hits the metal grille, which gets hot and then radiates the heat.
- The heater’s canopy, typically above the grille, directs the heat outward, to be felt metres away from the device.
Why Choose a Flame Patio Heater
Propane patio heaters are robust, easy to switch on, and produce heat quickly. They can easily be moved around from one spot to another on your patio, which is rather convenient. Electric heaters have some of the same advantages but can be expensive to operate, and you can only move them where there’s an outlet.
Also, most electric heaters have a weaker output.
That said, propane heaters aren’t a “get-it-and-forget-it” type of device. Their propane tanks require replacement. A 13-kilogram gas bottle should provide you with 14-16 precious hours of warmth before you need to replace it with a new one.
Most hardware stores and gas stations provide the service.
Keep in mind that a flame patio heater is not a device you can use in enclosed areas. The ideal location for flame heaters is your open patio or a garden; if you have a closed gazebo or something similar, you’re better off with an infrared electric heater.
What Are the Best Flame Patio Heaters in 2022?
If you are in the market for flame patio heaters, then you surely want to look for the best. We’ve put together a list of the top patio heaters for your back garden, guaranteed to keep you warm all year through.
1. Gasdepot Real Flame Heater
The Gasdepot Real Flame Heater is a powerful, 13kW pyramid patio heater. Thanks to its design, the device emits heat in a circular area and is perfect for both domestic and commercial use.
The Gasdepot Real Flame Heater will do its job all year round. Its intense heat output will keep you toasty in winter, and create a cosy ambience on cool, summer evenings. This patio heater runs on standard 27mm propane cylinders but can accommodate a 13kg propane gas bottle. The hose, and regulators, are included with your purchase.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 225 X 50 X 50 cm
- Material: Stainless steel
- Power source: propane
- Output: 13kW
What do people say about it? The is some discord between reviewers regarding the ease of assembly. The manual is apparently a bit inadequate, which leads to some challenges. But seeing how it takes 45 min – 2 hours to put the unit together (prompting a tea-break for some reviewers), your DIY skills will also determine how hard you find it to assemble this heater.
Some buyers also pointed out that the glass enclosing the flame comprises 2 pieces that jiggle alarmingly when the heater is moved around. That said, the Gasdepot Real Flame Heater is sturdy and stable, with a strong, cosy fire.
Pros:
- Provides a strong heat output
- Creates a pleasant ambience
Cons:
- Some difficulties with assembling the unit
- Glass encasing the flames described as flimsy by some
To summarise
The Gasdepot Real Flame Heater is a sturdy patio heater, with strong output, and excellent consumer reviews. The classic pyramid design adds to the décor and ambience of your outdoor setting.
2. Dealourus 13kW Pyramid Patio Heater
Another pyramid flame patio heater, the Dealourus provides 13kW of heat, which is sufficient for an area of 10 m2. To withstand high temperatures, the Dealourus flame patio heater’s frame, burner, and heating grid are all made with stainless steel. Its composition lets this heater withstand extreme weather on your patio, too.
The ability to adjust the heat level lets you create the desired temperature and atmosphere on your patio. For convenience, the Dealourus 13kW Pyramid Patio Heater comes with a set of wheels to let you easily move it around your patio.
It is CE-approved and has a tilt-over safety stop, as well as netting to keep probing fingers away from the flames.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 227 X 50 X 50 cm
- Material: Bronzed stainless steel and glass
- Power source: LPG/Propane/Butane
- Output: 13kW
- Safety: Tilt-over safety stop and a netting
What do people say about it? Many reviewers point out that the instruction manual for the Dealourus 13kW Pyramid Patio Heater is not clear. It’s lacking steps, and create a bit of a hassle during assembly. Some parts have to be manipulated into place, and sharp metal edges can potentially cut your skin, so setting it up can be quite an intimidating job. That aside, folks who bought the Dealourus flame patio heater and survived the assembly are very pleased with the final product. The patio heater looks fantastic and provides a substantial amount of heat.
Pros:
- Strong heat output
- Sold with cover, hose, and regulator
- Reliable safety mechanism, and netting
- Heavy-duty stainless steel build
Cons:
- Vague instruction manual
- Challenging assembly according to some reviews
To summarise
The Dealourus 13kW Pyramid Patio Heater is a powerful, sturdy flame patio heater with an attractive price point. The material is made with extreme weather in mind. The device comes with all the standard safety features and has CE approval, which means it is up to European standards. Finally, you get a heater cover with your purchase.
3. BU KO Patio Heater
The BU KO Patio Heater is a popular choice with a heat output that’s comparable to other such patio heaters, at 13kW.
It’s made of stainless steel and aluminium and displays a flame in a quartz glass tube. The BU KO Patio Heater comes with an embedded Bluetooth speaker, so now there are absolutely no excuses to wrap up your outdoor party after sunset.
According to the manufacturer, the BU KO Patio Heater can withstand most weather and is CE-approved per European safety standards.
Specifications:
- Measurements: 227 X 50 X 50 cm
- Material: 201 Stainless steel, aluminium
- Power source: LPG
- Output: 13kW
- Safety: Tilt-over safety stop
What do people say about it? Most reviews praise the gentle, easily adjusted heat, as well as the cosy background created by the flame.
The video link provided with assembly instruction simplifies the task of putting this heater together, though it still takes a while to have the whole thing set up. When the job is done, the heater stands firm and appears to be very robust. With the propane gas bottle mounted, the heater is very stable, even in high winds.
The embedded Bluetooth speakers are a nice add-on but are not of the highest quality.
Pros:
- Strong, yet gentle and comfortable heat
- Embedded Bluetooth speakers
- Includes hose and regulator
- Includes cover
- Assembly instructions video
Cons:
- Bluetooth speakers lack quality
To summarise
The BU KO Patio Heater is a very popular pyramid flame patio heater, with excellent consumer reviews. It costs roughly the same as similar designs but offers better quality and a few extra features that definitely make it worth the money. A step-by-step setup video guide takes the guesswork out of the assembly.
4. GlowWarm Flame Patio Heater
The GlowWarm Flame Patio Heater features the popular canopy look and comes with a set of wheels to help you easily move it around your patio. The patio heater itself has an anti-tilt switch that instantly turns off the gas supply should the unit tip over. It has an ignition button powered by AA batteries, so you don’t need to rely on matches or lighters to start the fire.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 224 cm H X 85 cm hood diameter
- Material: Stainless steel
- Power source: propane
- Output: 13kW
- Safety: anti-tilt switch
What do people say about it? Folks who purchased the GlowWarm Flame Patio Heater are generally content with the balance between price and quality. This GlowWarm heater creates a strong, yet comfortable heat on your patio area. It is easy to put together (the average assembly time is 45min). The batteries required for the ignition button are not mentioned in the instruction manual, which creates confusion for some people.
Pros:
- Decent quality
- Powerful heat output
- Short assembly time
- Includes hose and regulator
- Includes cover
Cons:
- A confusing assembly manual
To summarise
The GlowWarm Flame Patio Heater ensures that heat is distributed evenly to the surrounding area. What’s more, the heater’s design creates a sleek streetlight aesthetic. Crucially, this is one powerful heater, with a sturdy base, that’s also relatively simple to put together. You also don’t need to splurge on a separate heater cover, as it’s included with your purchase.
5. Enders Polo 2.0 Flame Patio Heater
At first glance, you may be forgiven for thinking that the Enders Polo 2.0 Flame Patio Heater is just a base. But despite its deceptive, stumpy looks, the device is indeed a heater and delivers a max heat output of 6kW, that lasts 25 hours if you’ve got a full, 11-kg gas bottle.
It emits heat precisely at the sitting height, making it a convenient and efficient choice. There is an integrated reflector that may be adjusted in height for more accurate alignment and orientation, too. The Enders Polo 2.0 Flame Patio Heater has 2 heat settings: 3kW and 6kW.
For convenience, a draw bail latch makes it easy to open and close the gas cylinder, and the stand comes with a set of wheels. A handle helps you move the heater around on the patio.
With a thermoelectric flame failure safety device and anti-tilt system, this flame heater certainly lives up to high safety standards.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 115 x 42 x 42cm
- Weight: 13 kg
- Material: brushed stainless steel
- Power source: propane gas 13kg
- Output: 6kW
- Safety: thermoelectric flame failure safety and an anti-tilt switch
What do people say about it? The general consensus is that the Enders Polo 2.0 Flame Patio Heater is a brilliant, sturdy flame patio heater, with decent heat output. The assembly can be a bit of a hassle (isn’t it always?), and the instruction manual lacks some critical information (they usually do).
But on the plus side, this flame heater is made with a high-quality material (stainless steel) and gives off a strong, yet pleasant heat.
Pros:
- Heat is emitted at the sitting level.
- Better efficiency = longer burn hours
Cons:
- No flickering flame to enjoy.
- Not sold with the regulator.
To summarise
The Enders Polo 2.0 Flame Patio Heater has a rather singular design, which gives it its best feature – seat-level heat. This heater is also quite efficient, giving you 25 hours of warmth at the highest output setting from a single bottle of gas. Finally, with a stainless steel frame, you needn’t worry about wear and tear.
6. PURLINE NYMPHA Square Tabletop Bio Fireplace
This pick is a bit unique for this list. Unlike its bulky floor-standing counterparts, this flame heater is relatively tiny. In fact, it fits on your table, and you don’t need any gas bottles, hoses, or regulators to keep it burning.
You also needn’t worry about harmful fumes, so you can safely use this heater indoors.
The Purline Nympha Square Tabletop Bio Fireplace is a tabletop real flame patio heater designed for smaller gatherings.
This miniature fire pit runs on natural alcohol (ethanol), which only releases water vapour as it burns. This liquid fuel is of vegetable origin and is clean and harmless to the environment. It’s obtained through a natural process of fermenting plants, such as sugar cane, beet, and by distilling the starch contained in wheat and maize. 1 litre offers roughly 3-4 hours of burning.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 20.5 x 29 cm.
- Weight: 3.5kg
- Material: Metal/tempered glass
- Power source: Bioethanol
What do people say about it? The consensus is that Pureliny Nympha Square Tabletop Bio Fireplace is more about the atmosphere than the heat itself. It provides some warmth, though less than its gas-fired peers. That said, the mini-firepit adds a cosy look to your dining table.
Some reviewers point out the need to be careful during refuelling. As with any other bioethanol heater, it’s imperative to let the device cool off completely before adding any fuel.
Pros:
- Fits on a table
- Uses an environmentally friendly fuel
Cons:
- Provides only a small amount of heat
- No way to adjust the heat
- Refuelling may take a while, as the unit must cool off first
To summarise
If you’re looking for more ambience than heat, this little portable flame heater may be the right choice. It still produces heat and acts as a source of warm, comfortable light at your dining or coffee table. You can safely use this device indoors, just be sure to follow the safety instructions and never leave it unattended.
7. SANTINI ECO Flame Gas Patio Heater
Wrapping up my list is the mighty Santini ECO flame gas patio heater — a 13.5kW beast that edges all the other gas heaters with its 0.5kW of extra heat output. And when I say “beast,” I certainly don’t mean to detract from this heater’s aesthetics — its spiralling flame is indeed a unique, elegant touch; so are the iron cage and glass tube that enclose the fire.
For added convenience, the unit features easy-push electronic ignition and wheels for transport. It also comes with a tilt-switch for safety.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 176cm x 55cm
- Weight: 22kg
- Material: powder-coated stainless steel, glass
- Output: 13.5kW
- Power source: propane gas
What do people say about it? The Santini ECO flame gas patio heater is immensely popular among commercial establishments — pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and other similar venues.
What’s more, with this glass patio heater, any review you’ll find on Trustpilot is a positive one. During its time on the market, the device has earned an impressive 4.9 stars, and most buyers commend the product’s quality and the surprisingly high level of customer service that goes with it.
Pros:
- Impressive heat output
- Highly durable
- Excellent reviews
- Popular among well-known commercial establishments
Cons:
- A bit heavy, at 22kg
To summarise
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty flame heater, the Santorini ECO flame gas patio heater offers a robust, yet aesthetically pleasing option that balances power and elegance.
Flame Patio Heater FAQs
Are flame patio heaters safe to use?
The quick answer is — yes, they are. Patio heaters, especially those from quality brands, have a safety mechanism called an anti-tilt safety stop. This device automatically shuts off the gas supply if the heater is tilted.
However, even with its flames extinguished, a falling 30-something kilogram flame heater can certainly damage nearby items, or even people and pets. So it’s better to be on the safe side and ensure that your flame patio heater is firmly anchored. Of course, a heater gets hot, so don’t let kids and pets run around or climb, and let the device cool before moving it around or putting on a cover.
An outdoor flame heater is designed to be used outdoors, or in semi-open, well-vented spaces to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Without ventilation, these gases can be fatal, so never use a gas patio heater indoors (also a significant fire hazard), in a garage, or a similar enclosed place.
Also, never place anything immediately above or below the patio heater to avoid overheating. Always follow the safety guidelines and use your common sense.
Are flame patio heaters water-resistant?
Avoid leaving your flame patio heater unprotected out in the rain. If you’re storing it outdoors, buy your outdoor flame heater a durable cover (make sure the heater is turned off and has time to cool before you cover it).
While you can get some waterproof patio heaters, during heavy rains or your classic British winter, consider moving your flame heaters to a safe, covered location, and keep the device upright.
Are flame patio heaters environmentally friendly?
If you are curious about the impact your flame patio heater has on the environment, you are not alone. Most people are becoming more and more aware of their carbon footprint.
Of course, running gas heaters in an open-air setting is never efficient. The heat escapes too quickly. And, regardless of which fuel you burn, you’re sending CO2 into the atmosphere.
Wood is a low-carbon alternative to natural gas, but only if every tree we burn gets replaced by another, thus recycling the CO2. Globally, this is not the case at all. And, given that most electricity in the UK doesn’t come from renewable sources, we can’t call electric patio heaters a ‘green’ alternative either.
So, if you’re using an outdoor patio heater, try to limit its use to when you genuinely need it.
Slashing your flame heater’s output and running time will reduce your fuel consumption, slash your carbon footprint, and help you save money.
Final Thoughts
I hope that my list of the top flame patio heater models will help find the right device.
If you’ve used any of the patio heaters listed above, or any other you’d like to tell us about, please leave us a comment below. We love to hear your stories. Whether it’s a recommendation, or perhaps you have a funny patio heater related story. A nightmare construction or possibly a calamitous party story involving gas heaters? We love reading your comments, so go ahead, don’t be shy.
Hi, I really like the Enders Polo 2.0 heater (in your Patio heater review) but I’m not sure how to connect it to a UK calor gas bottle with the push fit connector. I think the Enders comes with a screw hose connector for a German gas bottle. Can you advise how I can overcome this.