As the mercury drops, the allure of the backyard doesn’t have to fade. With the right heating setup, your patio can remain a sanctuary for morning coffees, evening dining, and late-night conversations well into the depths of winter.
Whether you are looking for the raw, roaring ambiance of real fire or the instant, silent warmth of infrared technology, modern patio heaters offer a solution for every space.
Here are six of the best patio heaters to keep the chill at bay this season, starting with a standout wood pellet option and followed by top-tier propane and electric contenders.
1. Big Timber® Patio Heater (Timberstoves)
If you want the roaring ambiance of a fire pit without the smoke in your face, the Big Timber® Patio Heater ($1099) is a masterclass in outdoor heating. Unlike standard propane towers that simply radiate heat downwards, the Big Timber utilizes wood pellets—a sustainable, low-carbon fuel source that burns cleaner and cheaper than gas.
Powered by gravity rather than electricity, this heater is entirely off-grid, making it perfect for remote cabins or the far corners of a large garden. The patented Venturi airflow system creates a virtually smokeless flame that rises through the 3-sided glass viewing column, providing a spectacular visual centerpiece while radiating warmth from head to toe.
Why it’s great for winter:
- Massive Output: Capable of a 12-foot heating radius (approx 90,000 BTUs), it outperforms many gas competitors.
- Ambiance: The 3-sided glass fire viewing area offers the cozy glow of a real wood fire.
- Efficiency: The gravity-fed hopper holds enough pellets for roughly two hours of burn time, and stainless steel construction ensures it survives harsh winter elements.
2. East Oak 50,000 BTU Patio Heater (Propane)
For those who prefer the convenience of propane but want something sturdier than the standard “mushroom” heater, the East Oak 50,000 BTU Heater ($179.99) is a top choice. It features an upgraded conical barrel design that offers significantly better stability, a crucial feature when winter winds start to whip around the deck.
The base includes a fillable water/sand tank to weigh it down further, providing peace of mind during blustery evenings. With a one-touch ignition system and a double-layer stainless steel burner mesh, it delivers consistent, high-output heat quickly.
Why it’s great for winter:
- High Heat: 50,000 BTUs is on the higher end for portable propane units, ensuring warmth reaches up to an 18-foot diameter.
- Wind Resistance: The tapered design and weighted base make it safer for exposed patios.
3. Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric
If you are looking for a permanent, architectural solution that doesn’t clutter your floor space, the Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat (£869) is the gold standard. This wall or ceiling-mounted electric heater is designed for performance and aesthetics, featuring a “spectral reflector” that directs radiant energy efficiently rather than just heating the air.
It emits a soft, amber glow rather than the harsh red glare typical of cheaper electric heaters, allowing it to blend seamlessly into sophisticated outdoor dining areas.
Why it’s great for winter:
- Directional Heat: The pivoting bracket allows you to aim the heat exactly where your guests are sitting.
- Instant Warmth: Infrared technology heats objects and people directly, meaning the heat isn’t blown away by the wind.
4. Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Stainless Steel Heater (Propane)
Sometimes the classic choice is the right one. The Hampton Bay 48,000 BTU Heater ($159) is the quintessential patio heater seen in restaurants and backyards everywhere for a reason: it works. This freestanding propane unit is reliable, easy to assemble, and features a piezo ignition system for trouble-free starting.
The stainless steel finish offers decent durability against rust, and the heavy-duty wheels make it easy to roll into the garage or shed when a blizzard hits. It’s an accessible, no-nonsense workhorse for keeping an open patio warm.
Why it’s great for winter:
- Portability: The wheeled base allows you to move the heat source as your party migrates.
- Proven Design: The top reflector cap is highly effective at pushing rising heat back down toward seated guests.
5. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 (Electric)
For versatility in a garage, enclosed lanai, or open deck, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 ($139) is a powerhouse. Using carbon infrared technology, it delivers heat instantly upon activation. What sets this model apart is its flexibility; it is rated for both indoor and outdoor use (IP55 water resistant), making it perfect for transition spaces.
It comes with a remote control featuring three heat settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W), allowing you to dial in the perfect temperature without leaving your chair.
Why it’s great for winter:
- Indoor/Outdoor Rated: Safe to use in a semi-enclosed winter room or a drafty garage workshop.
- Carbon Infrared: Provides a softer, more comfortable heat compared to stinging halogen lamps.
6. Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Patio Heater (Propane)
Not every winter gathering requires a giant tower. For intimate dinners or drinks around a small table, the Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Heater is the perfect companion. Weighing just under 15 lbs and running on small 1lb propane canisters, it sits right in the center of the action.
Despite its diminutive size, it pumps out 11,000 BTUs, which is surprisingly effective at warming hands and faces across a 4-top table. It’s an excellent supplementary heater to pair with a larger unit or a fire pit.
Why it’s great for winter:
- Targeted Warmth: Keeps upper bodies warm where larger floor units might miss.
- Portability: extremely easy to pack away or take on a winter camping trip.
- 6 of the best patio heaters for keeping things toasty this winter - February 4, 2026
- Japandi Dreams: Finding Balance With The MasayaCo Metapa Collection - February 4, 2026
- Deep Sea Dominance: The Oceaneva 6000m Deep Marine Explorer VI Grade 5 Titanium GMT True Dive Watch - February 4, 2026
