Best Gas Patio Heater For a Relaxing Time Outside (2023 Edition)
There are few things better in life than sitting outside among close friends and family and enjoying each other’s company. Unfortunately, though, things can get a little on the chilly side, and there’s only so much rugging up we can do before we’re forced to pack it in for the night.
Thankfully, however, we have gas-powered patio heaters to ensure we can relax outside until the early hours (regardless of how cool it would otherwise be).
Gas patio heaters offer a cosy warmth that will give you a reprieve from the bitter cold and keep your guests happy and comfortable. In this list, we’re going to be looking over the nine best gas-powered patio heaters in thorough detail, ensuring you’re well poised to make the best choice for your current situation.
Why use an outdoor gas heater?
As more and more houses get outfitted with natural gas lines, it makes perfect sense to consider a patio heater powered by natural gas. However, for a truly portable solution, a butane- and propane-powered patio heater can be an excellent choice.
If portability is less of an issue, we recommend going for natural gas, as this will reduce your carbon footprint and running costs. Regardless of which gas-powered patio heater you decided to go for, a typical gas-based patio heater is going to get you more oomph than an electric patio heater of the same price.
NOTE: For safety reasons, patio heaters don’t include a gas bottle. Prices vary depending on size and fuel type, but you can get a brand new bottle for around £60–£80. Refills will typically cost about 30–50% of this price.
What is the best gas patio heater? (Short version)
If you’ve ever thought that all gas patio heaters are the same, you couldn’t be more wrong. Design-wise, many of them may look similar in colour and shape, but there’s a lot going on behind the surface.
- Kingfisher PHEATER1 Garden Outdoor Gas Patio Heater
- AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater
- Palm Springs 13KW Stainless Steel Gas Patio Heater
- Real Glow 15 KW Flame Patio Heater with Glass Tube (Stainless Steel)
- FoxHunter HEATSURE New Outdoor BBQ Gas Patio Heater
- Castmaster Gasmaster Dual-fuel Patio Heater
- AmazonBasics Black Pyramid Patio Heater
- BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater
- Dellonda DG6 Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
Update: November 4th, 2021 – We’ve updated this article to not only show the best gas patio heater models on the market, but also the ones that are available to be purchased and delivered right now. We understand the current situation and know that manufacturers have big delays for their production lines.
The 9 Best Outdoor Gas Heaters (Reviewed)
In this list, we will see which gas-powered heaters have both the mettle and the metal to stack up the rigorous demands that users have come to expect of their patio heaters.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the nine best gas-powered patio heaters on the market today.
1. Kingfisher PHEATER1 Garden Outdoor Gas Patio Heater
Kingfisher PHEATER1 Garden Outdoor Gas Patio Heater features a classic design with a powder-coated finish, giving this well-crafted piece of machinery a sheen that will last you decades to come.
It is suitable for use at any time of the year, and it can output a maximum of 8.5 kW through use of either butane or propane fuel. It is ideal for use on all gardens, patios and decks, and its 360-degree coverage will beam out radial heat that will ward off the nastiest of winter chills.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for something affordable that’s built from only the finest of materials, it’s honestly really hard to look past the PHEATER1. It has a secret anti-tilt feature, cutting off the gas supply in the unlikely event it gets knocked over.
However, given the robustness and durability of its steel construction, it would take a significant amount of force to knock over this absolute unit of a heater.
Still, it’s nice to know that the manufacturer has accounted for unlikely scenarios to ensure the health and safety of you and your family/friends.
Another thing to mention is that the paint and metal offer a high degree of scratch resistance, preventing surface damage in numerous scenarios that one might expect in an outdoor environment.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Rugged, scratch-resistant
- Can be fuelled by either propane or butane
- Portable
Cons:
- As with all butane- and propane-based gas patio heaters, these heaters give off a large carbon footprint. As such, it’s strongly recommended that you remember to turn them off when not in use.
2. AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater
The AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater offers a modern take on the humble patio heater. You might be wondering how a patio heater could look “modern”, but there are some certain design choices that really impress us.
For one thing, let’s look at the colour options. There are three excellent colour choices available: Bahama Blue, Havana Bronze, and Sable Brown.
If you’re looking for a bold colour choice, the Bahama Blue offers a bold look that strives to stand out rather than blend in (unless, of course, your house is painted blue).
Nevertheless, the colour options provided here will ensure you have something that will be a fitting addition to your outdoor decor.
The other modern design choice is more functional. While the previous heater on this list took a technical approach with its tip-over switch, the AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater decides to take a more old-school approach, addressing the issue before it can even pose a serious threat.
What do I mean by this? Well, if you ever had a portable basketball hoop as a child (or purchased one for your kids), you might recall putting water or sand in the unit to buoy it down.
A similar concept is employed here, with a water box helping to ensure your new gas heater doesn’t run into any accidents.
Who Should Buy This?
With 46,000 BTUs of heat output, this thing really packs a punch. Owners of cafes, pubs, and restaurants will find this product to be a great addition (especially) during the winter months.
This gas patio heater also features a piezo ignition system for simple push-button start-ups, making it almost offensively easy to use.
Pros:
- Solid as a rock
- 46,000 BTUs of heat output
- Easy to use
- Great colour options.
Cons:
- None
3. Palm Springs 13KW Stainless Steel Gas Patio Heater
What can be said about the Palm Springs 13KW Stainless Steel Gas Patio Heater? Honestly, it just works.
The shining stainless-steel exterior gives off that shimmering chrome-like reflection that we all know and love, but this heater is more than just good looks.
Indeed, it features an adjustable power output that will help you moderate the amount of heat you want as well as cut back on unnecessary power consumption (and therefore your carbon emissions and doing your bit to help slow down climate change).
Who Should Buy This?
Like others on this list, the Palm Springs 13KW Stainless Steel Gas Patio Heater can be powered by both butane and propane.
A true workhorse, it is nevertheless capable of cutting back on the power to save you money and cut down on carbon emissions (as previously mentioned).
It features piezoelectric ignition for easy use, and it stands at 2.2 metres tall.
There is a dump valve that will cut out the gas flow to the burner module if the heater has been knocked over or is otherwise not on a flat surface.
Pros:
- Suitable for both 6 kg and 13 kg gas bottles.
- Great for outdoor barbecues, dinners, and parties
- Variable power output is a massive draw with this heater.
- Tip-over protection
Cons:
- You can’t use it with other technological devices such as Alexa
4. Real Glow 15 KW Flame Patio Heater with Glass Tube (Stainless Steel)
The Real Glow 15 KW Flame Patio Heater with Glass Tube from Glow Warm is the epitome of modern design and functionality.
With 15 kW of power (as the name suggests), the visible flame provides additional coverage as well as an aesthetic flare. The unit is affixed with wheels for easy movement. It also ships with a hose and a 27 mm clip-on propane regulator.
Who Should Buy This?
At 1.85 metres tall, the Real Glow 15 KW Flame Patio Heater is built tall and solidly. It is suitable for both commercial and residential use, and anyone who values portability in their heaters will find this model to be particularly mobile.
Given its height, this will come as a relief to many. Also, people of all heights can use this, as the controls are around waist height.
Glow Warm’s customer service also deserves credit. One thing we will say is to make a note to your delivery person to ensure the package is kept upright.
While the unit should withstand a bit of force, there’s no sense in unnecessarily risking damage in transit.
Pros:
- Supplied with hose and regulator
- Beautiful design
- Solid construction
- Easy to move and use
- Gives off a solid amount of heat
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a cover
5. FoxHunter HEATSURE New Outdoor BBQ Gas Patio Heater
The FoxHunter HEATSURE New Outdoor BBQ Gas Patio Heater can be powered by butane, propane, or LPG. Featuring wheels, cover, regulator, and hose, FoxHunter ticks all the boxes.
The unit ships with the ability to output 5 kW to 12 kW, and the piezoelectric starting switch is easy to use.
To elaborate, there is a variable control valve, thus ensuring you have complete control over just how much heat you want your brand-new heater to emit.
Who Should Buy This?
The FoxHunter HEATSURE New Outdoor BBQ Gas Patio Heater is one of the tallest patio heaters on the market, standing at a whopping 2.24 cm tall.
For perspective, this heater (if it were to be an Englishman) would be the 8th-tallest person from the United Kingdom to have lived in recorded history.
As such, this unit might literally be out of reach for those of small stature (unless they have a footstool). This is because the piezoelectric switch is placed rather high.
On the flip side, this might be a benefit for people with kids who don’t want them messing with the dials.
Pros:
- Excellent heat production
- Gun-metal paint job looks slick
- Good value
Cons:
- Some assembly required
- Switch is quite high
6. Castmaster Gasmaster Dual-fuel Patio Heater
The Gasmaster is perhaps the archetypal patio heater in both form and function. While it doesn’t do anything particularly innovative stylistically, it’s hardly an eyesore either with its light silver or black powder coated finish.
It stands tall at 2.2m, and features a generously sized aluminium reflector spanning 82cm for maximum heating coverage.
While we’ve so far described a fairly run-of-the-mill gas patio heater, the Gasmaster actually does have a few tricks hidden beneath its demure façade.
For one, it allows you to be more flexible with your choice of fuel, accepting both propane and butane. This is especially useful for times (like the present) where gas tank shortages can severely impact your ability to make use of your beloved patio heater!
Whichever fuel you pick, you can adjust the heating output over a wide range between 5 and 12kW, giving the Gasmaster plenty of utility throughout the year. And at the lowest setting, you can expect to get up to 28 hours on a single 13kg gas tank, which is quite economical.
Other provisions include a high-quality Italian piezo ignition system, and an automatic tilt cut off for safety.
The Gasmaster is easy to assemble, and features a rugged stainless steel build you’ll never have to worry about.
Who should buy this?
If you’re one to seek out maximum value for money, Castmaster’s Gasmaster deserves your attention. For a modest investment, you get an awful lot of heater with just enough bells and whistles to be useful in most any application.
Moreover, Castmaster includes an array of freebies as well, including the clip-on regulator, wheels, ground anchors, and even a weather-resistant cover for storage over Winter!
Once again, we pay special mention to the dual-fuel flexibility; in conjunction with an affordable price point and easy assembly, the Gasmaster truly makes itself available to anyone who needs heat.
Pros:
- Dual-fuel propane/butane patio heater
- CE & CSA approved safety provisions
- Adjustable heat between 5-12kW
- Durable build and finish
Cons:
- A stylistic plain-Jane
- Goes out of stock fast
7. AmazonBasics Black Pyramid Patio Heater
Shaped like a novelty-sized metronome, the AmazonBasics Black Pyramid Patio Heater is certainly a unique design. Featuring a stainless-steel exterior and 40,000 BTU of heat output, this patio heater isn’t messing around.
It has tip-over protection and ships with an electronic ignition system. It features a tall and beautiful flame that dances hypnotically in the cool outside air, providing a great centrepiece to complement your outside decor.
It uses a 9.07-litre LPG BBQ tank, which is ideal if you’re running low on gas and need to nick a gas bottle from the barbecue.
Who Should Buy This?
AmazonBasics is known for their good products at an affordable price point; this unit is no different. The best aspect of the Black Pyramid Patio Heater is definitely the pyramid-shaped design with open flame, which is bound to be a good conversation starter.
Despite its 40,000 BTU output, there have been mixed reviews on performance.
Personally, we thought it was great, but we understand that everyone has different tolerances to heat. While some assembly is required, the spectacular flame that results will prove its worth in short order.
This unit is 6 cm taller than the previously listed unit, although this unit (unlike the last one) actually has waist-high controls.
Pros:
- Stunning flame and conversation starter
- Tall but with a controls at waist height
- Unique pyramid design
Cons:
- Only one heat output, meaning your only method of control is distance, which isn’t ideal in most circumstances
8. BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater
Remember how I said the AmazonBasics Black Pyramid Patio Heater was unique? I suppose that was misleading, since the BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater looks like a carbon copy except for a few small details.
It is at this point that I am reminded of a famous quote from Homer J. Simpson:
“People are afraid of new things. You should have taken an existing product and put a clock in it or something.”
BU-KO actually released this in 2018, whereas Amazon released theirs in 2019. I don’t know much about patent law, but let’s just crack on about what separates this unit from the AmazonBasics model.
It has Bluetooth. Yes, Bluetooth. Acting as the proverbial clock from the Homer Simpson quote, the BU-KO’s Bluetooth feature allows you to hook up your Bluetooth-enabled device to get the party started.
Who Should Buy This?
Where are my party people at? We may have just saved the best for last with the BU-KO.
No other heaters on this list feature Bluetooth, we can assure you of that! Sonic abilities aside, the pyramid shape is perfect for people who like to use propane with an open flame. It does so with the safe containment of a quartz-glass tube.
If you’re like us and hate tedious installations, fear not! To BU-KO is a total cinch to set up and use.
Plus, if you do encounter any issues, just give the manufacturer a call; they’re always a quick ring away from fixing any potential setup issues you might have.
It comes with a 2-year warranty and a full-length cover. It’s ideal for barbecues, camping, parties, and more. It’s built to last, constructed from only the best of materials.
It also meets strict European safety standards, so your mind can be at ease as you pour a pint on a cool winter’s night.
Pros:
- Bluetooth speaker for music playback!
- Open flame with protective quartz glass tubing
- Unique pyramid design
- Premium materials
- 2-year warranty
- Compliant to strict European safety standards
Cons:
- None
9. Dellonda DG6 Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
With its distinctive pyramidal shape, the Dellonda DG6 propane patio heater certainly strikes a pose. But beyond its attractive mid-mod aesthetics, you’ll love the DG6 for the impressive amount of heat it puts out: up to 13kW!
You might be forgiven for doubting the rather minimalist reflector, but the Dellonda effectively disperses heat to outdoor areas as large as 8m2.
Moreover, its downward angle ensures that the heat is cast only where it’s really needed, rather than burning off uselessly into the air above.
The Dellonda features adjustable output as well, so you can dial in the perfect setting to fit any terrace, garden, workshop or party. While not the single most efficient model on our list, it consumes a respectable 945g/hr on the highest setting.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone looking for a contemporary centrepiece for their patio that casts an impressive amount of heat will love the Dellonda DG6. It’s got eye-catching hardware and finish, and displays an impressive-looking open flame trapped behind a glass tube for safety and style.
Standing 2.2m tall it is something of a monolith; though the DG6 surprisingly manoeuvrable with integrated wheels and a total weight of just under 30kg. While the assembly is rather length between 2-3 hours, it’s not all that difficult for anyone with minimum DIY experience.
Pros:
- Variable heat production up to 13kW
- Tip over switch for safety
- Regulator and hose included
- Easy to move from place to place
- Anchors included
Cons:
- Assembly is rather more complex, taking up to 3 hours on average to complete
- No anchoring hardware
Gas heater vs Electric heater
Both gas heaters and electric heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. Like mentioned at the start of this article, gas patio heaters make great outdoor heaters. If you’re looking for something outside, a gas patio heater is a great bet.
Gas heaters will, admittedly, have a larger carbon footprint, but (like mentioned) minimising use to parties and social events is a good way to cut down on use. If you own a restaurant with outdoor seating, perhaps only consider turning it on when the temperature dips below a certain threshold.
When to use your gas patio heater?
Gas-powered patio heaters are great for cool nights and social gatherings. While some designs are quite homogeneous, others are designed to stand out and make an impression. Choosing which model and when to use it is a matter of taste and thermal preferences.
What type of fuel should I use?
When it comes down to it, there are three fuel types you can use on gas-powered patio heaters:
- butane,
- propane, and
- LPG.
Cost-wise, the tanks are going to be pretty similar. LPG is arguably the most versatile, but many of the units here are compatible with some or all of these mentioned fuel types. If the type of fuel you want to use is important to you, make sure the model you’re looking at will support the fuel type you are keen to use. If you’re unsure, read the unit specs or contact the manufacturer.
Additionally, different units may only support fuel tanks of specific sizes. Some will support a range of sizes, while others have a very specific size requirement. As mentioned in the introduction, patio heaters will not ship with gas tanks, so you may want to factor this cost into your heater-buying budget.
Outdoor Gas Patio Heater FAQs
What is a piezoelectric switch (aka a piezo switch)?
Piezoelectric switches are a nifty (and safe) way of turning off and on your gas-powered patio heater. A piezo switch, simply put, is an electrical switch that is based on the piezoelectric effect.
Without getting too bogged down in the details, a piezo switch contains no moving parts and thus will last you tens of millions of operations (due to no mechanical wear).
One massive advantage of a piezo switch is that they are sealed off from the outside environment, thus making them weatherproof.
As you can imagine, this is particularly useful when it comes to outside use. Units with piezo operation should be held with very favourable regard.
Are gas patio heaters safe?
We get asked all the time if gas patio heaters are safe to run. The answer is quite simple. They are 100% safe to run, but you need to be careful to read the instructions manual. As long as you comply with the safety regulations, nothing can happen.
What are some safety concerns I should consider?
As with anything that emits fire, caution should always be taken. Common-sense things like keeping your eye on the heater at all times is a good start, but considering added safety features like tip-over protection will help to ensure the safety of your friends and family.
Additionally, check if the unit you’re shortlisting has met the standards of safety compliance. Additionally, make sure your heater is not put in an area with high foot traffic.
While it’s true that tip-over protection will serve as a last line of defence, it is ideal your heater avoids being knocked over at all.
If you have kids, you may want to consider purchasing a unit with a higher switch (or otherwise monitoring their whereabouts if they are outside).
Gas Patio Heater UK Conclusion
What you really need to weigh up with gas-powered heaters is what exactly it is that you want out of a patio heater.
Favour design over functionality?
Perhaps a good mix of both. Additionally, what kind of money are you prepared to drop on this? As the saying goes, “Buy cheap, buy twice”. Indeed, investing just that little bit extra into your patio heater will pay dividends in the future. I think of it like a good watch.
Cost
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good and reliable watch, but you’re bound to be disappointed if you buy a really cheap one. The strap will break, it could get water damage, the watch glass could scratch or break, the time doesn’t get kept properly, the battery drains quickly, etc.
Build and materials
Similarly, there are a lot of aspects about patio heaters. One particular example is the metal and paint job. Since you’re going to be using it outside a lot, you want to ensure the materials are robust to handle rain and harsh weather.
Additionally, consider buying a protective cover if it doesn’t already come with one.
Finally, safety is something that should always be considered. To build on this point, ensure your unit is kept out of harm’s way. Regularly inspect gas bottles and hoses for signs of damage. Always keep a firefighting device (such as a hose or fire extinguisher) handy.