The Outsunny 2000W oscillating heater is our best patio heater for most UK seating areas. Its freestanding body, eight heat levels and sweeping head make it easy to direct warmth around a small group. Choose HARRIER for a simpler lower-cost stand, Pro Breeze for a fixed wall position, the hanging Outsunny for a suitable structure, REALGLOW for an open gas-heated patio, or La Hacienda for a sturdy dining table.
Start with where people sit, the nearest suitable power supply and the manufacturer’s required clearances. A heater’s advertised output is only one part of the comfort equation outdoors.
Our top six picks
Outsunny 2000W Oscillating Patio Heater
Best overall
Oscillation, eight heat levels and tip-over shutoff suit a changing seating layout.
HARRIER 2000W Rounded Patio Heater
Best budget
A simple adjustable stand or wall fit gives occasional users a lower-cost route.
Pro Breeze 2000W Wall Heater
Best wall-mounted
An IP65 wall unit directs heat at seats while keeping the floor clear.
Outsunny 2000W Hanging Heater
Best hanging
Ceiling suspension brings heat and light to a suitable open-sided structure.
REALGLOW 13kW Pyramid Gas Heater
Best gas
A propane flame makes a centrepiece for a spacious, fully open patio.
La Hacienda 69516 Tabletop Heater
Best tabletop
A halogen lamp puts heat close to diners when the table can support it.
In this guide
- Compare the six heaters
- Detailed reviews
- How to choose
- Electric or gas?
- Placement, running costs and safety
- The bottom line
- FAQs
Comparison at a glance
Match the heater to the seating arrangement first. Weather protection, mounting and power or fuel access matter as much as headline wattage.
| Heater | Best for | Type | Output | Weather rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outsunny oscillating | Overall | Freestanding electric infrared | 2000W | IP45 |
| HARRIER rounded | Budget | Stand or wall electric quartz | 2000W | IPX4 |
| Pro Breeze | Wall-mounted | Electric infrared | 2000W | IP65 |
| Outsunny hanging | Hanging | Electric carbon fibre | 2000W | IP65 |
| REALGLOW pyramid | Open patio | Propane gas | 13kW | Outdoor use |
| La Hacienda 69516 | Tabletop | Electric halogen | 2100W | IP44 |
IP ratings describe resistance to water and dust at the heater body; they do not waive the manual’s mounting, clearance or socket rules. Gas output and electric input are different measurements, so the figures are not a direct comfort ranking.
The six best patio heaters
Outsunny 2000W Oscillating Patio Heater: best overall
A moveable heater for a changing seating plan. Outsunny’s 2000W carbon-fibre unit oscillates across a seating area and can also be fixed in one direction. Eight heat levels, knob and remote controls, and an eight-hour timer give useful adjustment as the temperature changes. Its IP45 body and built-in tip-over cut-out suit a patio where the heater can stand on a firm, level surface.
Before buying: At 84cm high, its heat source sits lower than a tall tripod. Keep the 1.8m lead clear of feet and choose a sheltered, level position. The remote takes two AAA batteries, which are separate from the heater. Check the product specifications and instructions.
HARRIER 2000W Rounded Patio Heater: best budget
A simple stand with an optional wall position. The HARRIER rounded heater provides three quartz heat settings and a head that can be angled towards the seats. It can stand on its 9kg base or be wall-mounted using the arrangement in its instructions. A tip-over switch cuts power if the standing unit falls. It suits occasional heating where simple controls matter more than a remote.
Before buying: Its IPX4 splash rating calls for sensible weather exposure and storage. The 1.8m cable limits placement; plan the socket route before choosing a position. Check the product specifications and instructions.
Pro Breeze 2000W Wall Heater: best wall-mounted
A fixed heater for a clear floor. The Pro Breeze wall heater has 1000W and 2000W settings, remote control and an IP65-rated body. Aim a suitable supporting wall towards the regular seating position and keep the floor free for chairs and circulation. The supplied fittings establish the intended wall-mounted setup.
Before buying: Measure mounting height and clearances against the exact manual. A wall position offers less freedom to rearrange furniture than a freestanding unit. Check the product specifications and instructions.
Outsunny 2000W Hanging Heater: best hanging
Heat and light under a suitable structure. The hanging Outsunny combines 1000W or 2000W carbon-fibre heating with a small LED light, remote and touch control, and an IP65 body. The manufacturer specifies a 51cm hanging chain and recommends a 1.8m height from the ground to the heater. This format works when a suitable open-sided overhead structure faces the diners.
Before buying: Check the structure’s load capacity and the heater’s exact clearances before fitting it. Keep fabric roofs and side panels at the distances stated in the manual; a fully enclosed gazebo needs a different heating plan. Check the product specifications and instructions.
REALGLOW 13kW Pyramid Gas Heater: best gas
A visible flame for a spacious open patio. The REALGLOW black pyramid uses a propane burner rated at 13kW and a central glass flame tube. It adds visual interest around a large outdoor seating area where a cable would be awkward. The cylinder sits in the base, and the supplier describes a 27mm clip-on regulator arrangement.
Before buying: Allow room for the tall body, burner clearances and cylinder change. Use it only in the open air, with the specific manual’s spacing and gas-connection instructions. Never use a gas heater inside an enclosed gazebo or conservatory. Check the product specifications and instructions.
La Hacienda 69516 Tabletop Heater: best tabletop
A lamp-style heater for a substantial dining table. La Hacienda’s 69516 is a 2100W halogen tabletop heater with an IP44 rating. Its lamp-style shade directs warmth around the dining position rather than occupying patio floor space. The manual lists a body about 89cm high and 50cm across.
Before buying: This is a substantial electrical appliance for a stable outdoor table, with safe clearance from people, fabrics and overhead features. Keep drinks and loose cloth away from the lamp and follow the supplied manual for placement. Check the product specifications and instructions.
How to choose a patio heater
Seat position and heat direction
Electric infrared heaters work best when aimed at the people who need warmth. A fixed Pro Breeze bar suits one consistent dining layout, while the oscillating Outsunny can serve seats around a changing arrangement. A tabletop lamp is closer to diners, though it needs a table large enough to leave safe space around it. Our patio dining-set size guide helps plan the furniture footprint before choosing a heater.
Mounting and weather protection
Check the exact manual for support, height and clearances. An IP rating addresses the heater enclosure, while the plug, socket, cable and surrounding structure need their own protection. A hanging model requires a suitable load-bearing point. For layout ideas in restricted spaces, see our small-patio guide and the pergola-versus-gazebo comparison.
Electric or gas for a UK patio?
Electric heaters are practical where a protected supply reaches the seating area. They direct radiant warmth towards nearby people and surfaces, with output settings that help on milder evenings. Gas allows a free-standing flame away from a socket and is best considered for a larger, fully open space. A gas pyramid brings the tasks of cylinder handling, ventilation and burner clearance.
If a flame feature is the main attraction, also compare a chiminea; it has a different fuel, smoke and supervision routine. Heating a dining area is easier when the table and seating arrangement are settled first.
Placement, running costs and safety
- Read the exact manual. Follow its minimum distances from people, walls, awnings, plants and overhead materials.
- Plan electrical supply. Electrical Safety First advises a UK three-pin plug, a suitable protected socket and RCD protection. Its patio-heater advice says to avoid extension leads.
- Give standing models a firm base. Keep cable routes out of walking areas and give the heater space away from furniture and children.
- Use gas in open air. Keep the pyramid away from an enclosed gazebo or conservatory; HSE explains the carbon-monoxide risk from gas combustion. Check the regulator and cylinder arrangement before use.
- Compare running cost with your tariff. A 2kW electric heater at full setting uses 2kWh in an hour; multiply by your current electricity unit rate. Gas consumption depends on burner setting and cylinder cost.
Wind, distance and seating direction change comfort, so there is no useful universal monthly cost or fixed warmth radius. Switch a heater off when the seating area is empty and store it according to its instructions.
The bottom line
Choose the Outsunny oscillating heater for a typical flexible seating area. Its range of settings and tip-over protection make it the most adaptable electric pick here. HARRIER suits a simpler budget setup; Pro Breeze keeps a fixed patio floor clear; and the hanging Outsunny makes sense beneath a suitable open-sided structure. REALGLOW belongs on a spacious open patio, while La Hacienda is for a stable dining table with enough clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which patio heater suits most UK gardens? The Outsunny 2000W oscillating electric heater is a flexible choice for a seating area with a suitable socket. Its eight settings and sweeping head allow adjustment as people move.
Is a wall-mounted or freestanding heater better? Choose a wall-mounted heater for a regular seating position and a clear patio floor. A freestanding heater suits a layout that changes, provided it stands on level ground.
Can I hang an electric patio heater in a gazebo? Only where the exact heater manual permits the structure, support and clearances. The hanging Outsunny needs a suitable load-bearing point and an open-sided, safely spaced setup.
Can a gas pyramid heater be used in an enclosed gazebo? No. Gas combustion requires open-air ventilation. Follow the heater manual for clearances, cylinder connection and supervision.
Can an electric patio heater stay outside in rain? An IP rating describes resistance at the heater body, not the whole installation. Follow the model manual for exposure, storage, socket and plug protection.
How do I estimate electric patio-heater running cost? Multiply the heater’s kW input by hours at that setting and your current electricity unit rate. A 2kW heater at full output uses 2kWh in one hour.