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The Best Patio Heaters
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Best overall - BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater
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Best for social occasions - GardenCo Outdoor Gas Patio Heater
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Best design - REALGLOW Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater
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Best for versatility - GardenCo Electric Outdoor Patio Heater
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Best value patio heater - Heatlab Set of 2 2kW Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heaters
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Best for small patios - Swan Al Fresco Portable Electric Stand Patio Heater
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Best for year-round use - Amazon Basics Slate Grey Commercial Patio Outdoor Heater
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Best for indoor and outdoor use - VonHaus Electric Patio Heater
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Best budget patio heater - Maguire & Weir London Electric Garden Patio Heater
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Best wall mounted heater - Pro Breeze Halogen Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Patio Heater Reviews
1. BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater
Best overall
- Effectively warms medium/large patios
- Integrated Bluetooth speakers means this heater doubles up as a sound system
- Very sturdy in windy weather when there is a gas bottle inside it (although it’s less stable when empty)
- Provides warmth as well as subtle background lighting
- Comes with a protective cover so you don’t need to move it inside in bad weather
- Some of the edges are very sharp so a lot of care needs to be taken during assembly
- Instructions aren’t particularly clear which makes assembly take longer than necessary
- Assembly can take around 90 minutes
- Power Source
- Gas
- Heat Output
- 13kW
- No. Heat Settings
- Adjustable
- Weight
- 27 kg
- Design
- 5
- Heat Output
- 5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4.5
- Ease of Setup
- 3.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
The BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater is the best patio heater overall; it’s ideal for large patios and easily spreads warmth. Thanks to its stylish, modern appearance, this gas patio heater is a great addition to the garden and it’s fitted with two wheels that make it easy to move around.
This patio heater produces a soft flame that both illuminates and warms its surroundings. The flame is safely contained in a quartz glass tube, with the heat spreading over a 3 m radius.
Another reason why this is the best gas patio heater is that it has a built-in Bluetooth speaker. It doubles up as a garden sound system so you can play music off your phone while you enjoy its warmth!
The entire construction is waterproof and almost fully weatherproof. There’s a waterproof cover included to keep it protected in bad weather.
In terms of safety, this patio heater automatically shuts off the fuel supply if the heater is knocked over. There’s also a metal safety cage to protect you from the flame.
Assembly takes around 90 minutes and some of the pieces are quite sharp, so care is needed.
Overall, this is the best gas patio heater thanks to its design, heating ability and additional features; the Bluetooth speaker is a unique touch that makes it ideal for entertaining.
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2. GardenCo Outdoor Gas Patio Heater
Best for social occasions
- Adjustable drinks table so those standing around the heater have somewhere to put their drink
- Can use either propane, butane or LPG fuel
- Sturdy waterproof cover included
- When the gas cylinder is installed it’s stable in strong winds
- Produces a very good heat output
- Takes around an hour to assemble
- Gas regulator needs to be purchased separately
- No door at the base so the entire heater has to be lifted to change the gas cylinder
- Power Source
- Gas
- Heat Output
- 13.5kW
- No. Heat Settings
- Adjustable
- Weight
- 19.9 kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Heat Output
- 5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4.5
- Ease of Setup
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4.5
The GardenCo Outdoor Gas Patio Heater comes with a handy built-in drinks table, providing anyone gathered around the heater with somewhere to place their drinks. For this reason, it’s the best patio heater for social gatherings
This patio heater is also a great choice for medium/large patios. Measuring 38 x 38 x 228 cm, it’s tall but has a small footprint so doesn’t take up a lot of floor space. It has a heat output of up to 13.5 kW.
For portability, the base of the patio heater comes with wheels fitted, so you can wheel it back into storage at the end of the evening.
There’s a waterproof cover included in case you don’t have indoor storage space. Made from PU Oxford fabric, it helps protect against rain.
In terms of stability, this is a sturdy patio heater, even on windy days, once the gas cylinder is in place. The patio heater is compatible with either propane, butane or LPG fuel.
It takes approximately one hour to put this patio heater together. A gas hose is included, but a regulator will need to be purchased separately.
There’s no door at the base of the heater to access the fuel, so to change the gas cylinder you need to lift up the entire unit. This can require an extra pair of hands.
Overall, this is one of the best patio heaters for social occasions thanks to the built-in drinks table; plus, it’s also a good size for larger patios.
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3. REALGLOW Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater
Best design
- Reasonably slimline - doesn’t take up too much space despite large height
- Even the low heat setting offers a decent amount of heat
- Flame is fully adjustable so you can alter the heat output depending on the temperature
- Solid base makes it sturdy once assembled
- Instructions are not always the easiest to follow
- Some of the parts are very sharp so a lot of care needs to be taken during the assembly princess
- Power Source
- Gas
- Heat Output
- 13kW
- No. Heat Settings
- Adjustable
- Weight
- 13 kg
- Design
- 5
- Heat Output
- 5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4.5
- Ease of Setup
- 3.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
For a stylish patio heater, and a choice of colour options, the REALGLOW Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater is worth considering. It’s available in a black, stainless steel or grey rattan finish, meaning it can match existing patio furniture and décor.
Measuring 49 x 49 x 225 cm, this large outdoor patio heater is suitable for providing heat over a medium/large patio and accommodates a 13 kg gas bottle. For reference, this is a similar size to the commercial patio heaters found in pub gardens.
This patio heater can be lit in all weathers because the flame is concealed behind tubing. It’s easy to light and the flame is fully adjustable.
It takes around 90 minutes to put the patio heater together and care should be taken when handling the sharp metal components.
All in all, this patio heater is a fantastic option for getting the most out of your outdoor space year-round. It’s also the best patio heater in terms of design – the choice of colours makes it easy to blend the heater in with existing furniture.
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4. GardenCo Electric Outdoor Patio Heater[ SAVE 10% ]
Best for versatility
- Very good value for money when compared to others on the market
- Fully height adjustable to warm you whether you are sitting down or standing up
- Angle of the head can be adjusted to suit your seating area
- Generous 4 m cable means it doesn’t need to be placed right next to a power source
- Can be installed either wall mounted or freestanding
- The waterproof rating is IPX4 which, although splashproof, means it needs to be covered or stored inside in bad weather
- Not particularly sturdy in the wind - base needs to be weighed down
- Power Source
- Electric
- Heat Output
- 2kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 3
- Weight
- 9.8 kg
- Design
- 5
- Heat Output
- 4.5
- Energy Efficiency
- 5
- Ease of Setup
- 5
- Value for Money
- 5
The GardenCo Electric Outdoor Patio Heater is one of the most versatile patio heaters on the market. This 2kW electric patio heater can be installed either freestanding or wall mounted, and it’s fully adjustable so you can direct the heat wherever you like.
There are three different heat settings to choose from: 650 W, 1350 W and 2000 W, and the patio heater has an adjustable height from 1.2 to 2.1 m. The angle of this infrared heater can be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees making it easy to direct the heat.
It’s also fitted with tip-over protection, so the patio heater will turn off automatically if it’s knocked over.
Another welcome feature is the long power cable. While many electric heaters have a cable measuring under 2 m, the cable for this patio heater is very generous at 4.8 m long.
In terms of waterproofing, this patio heater is water resistant with an IPX4 rating. In bad weather, you’ll need to either move it to a sheltered location or put a waterproof cover on it.
The heater is fairly straightforward to assemble as it comes in just a few parts. You should be able to get the heater up and running in approximately 15 minutes.
All in all, this is the best patio heater in terms of versatility. As an electric heater, it’s easy to use, and the long cable means it’s not a hassle to plug in. It can also be adjusted to be freestanding or wall mounted, and can be angled and adjusted as desired.
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5. Heatlab Set of 2 2kW Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heaters
Best value patio heater
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Much cheaper to operate than gas heaters at less than 10p per hour
- Adjustable height to warm you whether you are standing or sitting down
- Both heaters together can emit enough heat to comfortably warm a 6 x 3 m gazebo
- Assembly of each heater generally takes 5 - 10 minutes
- There are no written instructions included so assembly needs to be done using common sense
- Included screws aren’t the best quality and many users have opted to replace them
- Two separate extension cables may be required due to high power output
- In open spaces the heat is best felt by those right in front of the heaters, others may not benefit from as much warmth
- Power Source
- Electric
- Heat Output
- 2.2kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 3
- Weight
- 9.5 kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Heat Output
- 5
- Energy Efficiency
- 5
- Ease of Setup
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
This Heatlab Set of 2 2kW Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heaters is one of the best patio heater sets if you’re after value for money as you get two standing units for a reasonable price.
The benefit of having two patio heaters is that they can be set up on larger patios, essentially ‘sandwiching’ guests between the two units. Given that they use radiant heat, they also provide light as well, which can be helpful when sitting out into the evening.
With adjustable stands, these two electric heaters can be positioned at different levels if required, depending on where people are sitting. Additionally, the head of the heaters can be adjusted vertically through 45°.
There’s also the option to choose between three heat settings, 650 W, 1350 W, and 2000 W, and each unit can be set differently if necessary.
Plus, it’s always nice to find a product that’s backed by a celebrity recommendation, and Alan Titchmarsh (possibly one of our most famous gardening personalities here in the UK) has featured these patio heaters on his ITV show.
Whilst this does go some way to vouch for their quality, there are a couple things to bear in mind. The patio heaters have a 3 m cable and on large patios this may require the use of an extension cord. Therefore, if both heaters are being used on their highest heat setting, you will need to consider using two separate extensions which may lead to a lot wires running around.
Whilst the patio heaters themselves are water resistant, with an IPX4 rating, any additional power extensions won’t be, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on the weather as well.
Overall, these are the best patio heaters when it comes to value for money.
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6. Swan Al Fresco Portable Electric Stand Patio Heater
Best for small patios
- A good option for small patios thanks to its unobtrusive and compact build
- Comes with a remote control included so you can switch it on and off without leaving your chair
- Produces a pleasant sun-like warmth for those sitting near it
- Compact and portable so it’s easy to move around the patio if needed
- Cable is just 1.8 m so many people will require an extension lead
- No option to adjust the heat settings - there is simply an on and off switch
- Power Source
- Electric
- Heat Output
- 1.2kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 1
- Weight
- 8.8 kg
- Design
- 5
- Heat Output
- 4
- Energy Efficiency
- 5
- Ease of Setup
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4
If you’ve got a small patio and you’re after something that won’t crowd the space, the Swan Al Fresco Portable Electric Stand Patio Heater is a compact electric patio heater.
Measuring 60 x 32 x 32 cm, and weighing just under 9 kg, this patio heater is ideal for smaller spaces. Also, despite its smaller size, it still has a reasonable 1200 W heat output and produces a cosy sun-like warmth.
This electric patio heater has a wide base, making the unit fairly stable. However, for safety, there’s a tip-over switch that will automatically cut the power if it does get knocked over.
This patio heater has an IP44 rating, which means it can withstand light showers. However, it should still be brought inside in bad weather. Fortunately, this is very easy thanks to the compact design.
This is a reasonably basic electric patio heater overall, which is reflected in its price. Unlike a lot of patio heaters featured here, this electric heater only has one heat setting and it’s only really strong enough to warm those sitting nearby. Another slight downside is the cable is just 1.8 m long.
All in all, this is one of the best patio heaters on the market if a compact build is top of your priorities. While it produces a good amount of heat, the smaller size naturally means it lacks the power of larger patio heaters.
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7. Amazon Basics Slate Grey Commercial Patio Outdoor Heater
Best for year-round use
- High heat output that makes it suitable for use in both summer and winter
- Piezo ignition system means it’s easy to start every time
- Instructions are relatively clear which makes assembly easier
- Runs fairly efficiently without using a lot of gas
- Base is fairly lightweight which can make this heater unstable in strong winds
- Fitting a 13 kg gas bottle can be difficult
- Included wrench is flimsy so be prepared to use your own
- Power Source
- Gas
- Heat Output
- 13.4kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 2
- Weight
- 18 kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Heat Output
- 5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4.5
- Ease of Setup
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4.5
The Amazon Basics Slate Grey Commercial Patio Outdoor Heater is the best gas patio heater for year-round use, helping to make the most out of your outdoor space. It has an impressive heat output of 46,000 BTU.
This gas patio heater heats a wide area. It produces a quiet and consistent heat, and there’s no open flame to worry about. It uses Piezo ignition which means it starts with the push of a button every time. Plus, the variable heat dial makes it easy to change between high and low heat settings.
Although this patio heater is relatively heavy, at 18 kg, there are wheels fitted to the base so it’s fairly easy to move around.
For safety, this patio heater automatically shuts off if it’s knocked over.
Assembly is simple and the instructions are clear, although the included wrench is a little flimsy. Also, it can be difficult to fit a 13 kg gas canister inside and users often opt for an 11 kg bottle instead.
Overall, thanks to its impressive heat output and ease of ignition, this is one of the best patio heaters for year-round warmth.
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8. VonHaus Electric Patio Heater
Best for indoor and outdoor use
- Height adjustable to warm you whether you are sitting down or standing up
- Useful for taking the chill off summer evenings
- Infrared heat produces a comforting heat as well as an aesthetic glow
- Can be used both indoors and out
- Sufficient for heating a 6-chair table
- Base is fairly lightweight which makes it less stable in windy weather
- Power Source
- Electric
- Heat Output
- 2kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 3
- Weight
- 3.7 kg
- Design
- 5
- Heat Output
- 5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4.5
- Ease of Setup
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4.5
Some electric patio heaters have the benefit of being suitable for use both inside as well as out. The VonHaus Electric Patio Heater is one such example, with a safe and sturdy design that makes it the best patio heater for gardens as well as chilly conservatories and outbuildings.
This 2kW electric patio heater has three power settings: 650 W, 1350 W and 2000 W. It uses infrared technology which produces a warm glowing light.
The head of the patio heater can be adjusted up to 45 degrees so you can direct the heat towards you. The height of the stand can also be adjusted from 174.5 – 210 cm. This means that the patio heater can be suitably positioned to provide maximum heat whether you are sitting or standing.
Fitted with a 3 m power cable, this infrared heater offers good flexibility when it comes to positioning the unit.
With an IPX4 rating, this electric patio heater is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, although it will need to be moved inside or covered in bad weather. The base is weighted for stability, but it may wobble in windy weather.
Overall, this is one of the best patio heaters if you want something that can be used both inside and out. Weighing just 3.7 kg, it’s easy to move around when needed.
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9. Maguire & Weir London Electric Garden Patio Heater
Best budget patio heater
- Height can be adjusted from 1.8 to 2.1 m to suit you whether you are sitting down or standing up
- Comes with a waterproof cover included
- Very easy to assemble
- Weighs just under 9 kg so is easy to move around the garden if needed
- Power cord is just 1.8 m so some users may require an extension cable
- Power Source
- Electric
- Heat Output
- 2kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 3
- Weight
- 9 kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Heat Output
- 4.5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4.5
- Ease of Setup
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
If you’re looking for a patio heater but you don’t have a huge budget, the Maguire & Weir London Electric Garden Patio Heater is worth considering. This is the best patio heater if you’re a budget-friendly option and it comes with three power settings and a 2000 W output.
This 2kW electric patio heater boasts three halogen lamp tubes which heat up in just a couple of seconds – perfect for immediately fighting off the evening chill. It works well to deliver heat to patio tables and chairs.
As mentioned, there are three heat settings to choose from: 650 W, 1300 W and 2000 W. There’s also a weatherproof cover included which can be used to protect the heater in bad weather.
This infrared heater has an IP34 rating which means it can be left out in light showers; however, it should be stored or protected in heavier rain.
The height of the patio heater can be adjusted from 1.8 m to 2.1 m, and the head can also be tilted up to 45 degrees. At just 9 kg, this patio heater is relatively easy to move to another spot in the garden or home if needed.
The power cable is 1.8 m, which is a little short compared to some of the other patio heaters featured on this page. It’s likely that an extension cord will be required depending on the layout of your patio.
In terms of safety, there’s a trip shutdown sensor which will turn the patio heater off if it’s knocked over.
Overall, this is one of the best patio heaters if you’re on a budget. It offers value for money thanks to its good heat output and low price tag.
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10. Pro Breeze Halogen Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Best wall mounted heater
- Wall mounted design makes it a great option for those with a smaller patio
- Remote control means you can adjust the heat settings without leaving your chair
- IR heat which means no heat is wasted - warms objects as opposed to the air
- Gives off a bright red glow so can double up as patio lighting as well as a heater
- You need to be sat fairly close to the heater to benefit from its warmth
- Power cable is a little short at 1.82 m - especially given that the heater needs to be installed high on a wall
- Power Source
- Electric
- Heat Output
- 2kW
- No. Heat Settings
- 2
- Weight
- 2.9 kg
- Design
- 5
- Heat Output
- 3.5
- Energy Efficiency
- 4
- Ease of Setup
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
If you haven’t got the space for a freestanding patio heater, the Pro Breeze Halogen Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater is a great alternative. It’s the best patio heater if you want a wall-mounted option, conveniently taking up no floor space at all.
With all fixtures and fittings included, this infrared heater can be mounted to any outdoor wall or ceiling. It has the highest waterproof rating of any heater on this page, at IP65. This means it’s protected from jets of water which is good news if there’s any sudden rain.
The 2kW electric patio heater has two heat modes: 1000 W and 2000 W. It comes with a remote control included so you can easily adjust the mode from the comfort of your chair. The heating elements give off a red glow so it doubles up as patio lighting.
This wall mounted patio heater can also be adjusted up to 45 degrees so you can direct the heat towards you even if you’re sitting down.
It’s a useful heater for taking the chill off summer evenings, though you’ll have to consider its placement carefully. Particularly on the lowest heat setting, you do need to be sitting fairly close to this infrared heater to feel its benefits.
The power cable is also quite short, at just 1.8 m. Unless you have a power socket directly below where you’d like to mount the heater, an extension cable will likely be required.
All in all, this is one of the best patio heaters for those with smaller patios who don’t have the space for a large freestanding model. It’s low maintenance and easy to use, once installed it can be controlled using the included remote.
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Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater
- 4.5
- Gas
- 13kW
- Adjustable
- 27 kg
GardenCo Outdoor Gas Patio Heater
- 4.5
- Gas
- 13.5kW
- Adjustable
- 19.9 kg
REALGLOW Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater
- 4.5
- Gas
- 13kW
- Adjustable
- 13 kg
GardenCo Electric Outdoor Patio Heater
- 4.9
- Electric
- 2kW
- 3
- 9.8 kg
Heatlab Set of 2 2kW Outdoor Freestanding Electric Patio Heaters
- 4.7
- Electric
- 2.2kW
- 3
- 9.5 kg
Swan Al Fresco Portable Electric Stand Patio Heater
- 4.5
- Electric
- 1.2kW
- 1
- 8.8 kg
Amazon Basics Slate Grey Commercial Patio Outdoor Heater
- 4.5
- Gas
- 13.4kW
- 2
- 18 kg
VonHaus Electric Patio Heater
- 4.6
- Electric
- 2kW
- 3
- 3.7 kg
Maguire & Weir London Electric Garden Patio Heater
- 4.5
- Electric
- 2kW
- 3
- 9 kg
Pro Breeze Halogen Infrared Wall Mounted Patio Heater
- 4.3
- Electric
- 2kW
- 2
- 2.9 kg
How to Choose The Best Patio Heater
At home, patio heaters are a great option for making sure you can get the most out of your patio and outdoor furniture sets.Â
Finding the best patio heater for your specific garden can take a bit of thought, but the following tips should help you make an informed decision:
Electric vs Gas Patio Heaters
Patio heaters run off gas or electric. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Gas Patio Heaters
Gas heaters provide strong, reliable heating. The power of gas patio heaters is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). As a general rule, you’ll want approximately 5000 BTUs per 30 m².
You will need to buy either butane or propane gas canisters to fuel your gas patio heater. Some patio heaters can be fuelled by either type of gas, whereas others specify which to use.
Propane is a popular choice for people living in colder climates. It has a very low boiling temperature of -42°C. Propane has also been shown to produce more heat than butane.
Butane is a suitable choice for most of the year in the UK. It has a boiling temperature of -2°C meaning it won’t burn well in temperatures below this. It’s marginally cheaper than propane and it doesn’t burn as fast.
You will also need a gas regulator to connect the canister to your patio heater. Some regulators are suitable for propane and others for butane.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters use ‘radiant heat’ and normally come in the form of infrared lamps. They are generally more lightweight and versatile than gas patio heaters.
Freestanding and wall mounted patio heaters are widely available.
A benefit of electric heaters is that they use mains power so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel. The downside of this is that electric heaters need to be placed near a mains socket.
A lot of electric patio heaters have a power cable of 2 – 3 meters long.
If it’s too impractical to plug in an electric heater, a gas heaters might be more suitable.
Calculating Running Costs for an Electric Heater
- First you need to know how much your energy provider charges per 1 kWh. For this example we will presume that they charge 34p /kWh, which was the 2022 average.
- Find out the wattage of the patio heater. Most electric heaters have more than one heat setting and use different a different wattage on each setting. For this example we will use settings of 800 W, 1600 W and 2500 W.
- Divide the appliance’s wattage by 1000 to find out how many kilowatts it uses per hour. In this example, on 800 W the patio heater would use 0.8 kW/h, on 1600 W it would use 1.6 kW/h, and on 2500 W it would use 2.5 kW/h.
- Multiply the price you pay per kW/h (34p) by the number of kilowatts the patio heater uses in one hour. This will give you the cost of running the heater for one hour.
- 800 W = 0.8 X 34 = £0.272 per hour
- 1600 W = 1.6 X 34 = £0.544 per hour
- 2500 W = 2.5 X 34 = £0.85 per hour
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Different Style Options
You can choose a freestanding, wall mounted or table top patio heater.
A table-top patio heater will be compact, easy to transported and store. As a result, they’re great for people who have less storage space.
A wall-mounted electric heater offers a space-saving solution. They don’t take up any floor space which is great if you don’t have much to spare.
Freestanding heaters are extremely versatile. The electric versions can be very lightweight and cheap to run. Gas versions may be slightly heavier, but don’t require a mains cable so can used anywhere in the garden.
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