When temperatures drop, spending time outdoors can become less comfortable. Whether you enjoy relaxing on your patio, hosting backyard gatherings, or dining outside, a patio heater can help you make the most of your outdoor space.

But choosing the right heater isn't always easy.

Should you buy an electric patio heater or a propane patio heater? Both options provide warmth, but they work differently and offer distinct advantages depending on your environment, budget, and lifestyle.

In this guide, we'll compare electric and propane patio heaters, explore their pros and cons, and help you decide which option is right for your home.

How Do Electric and Propane Patio Heaters Work?

Before comparing the two, it's helpful to understand how each heating system operates.

How Electric Patio Heaters Work

Electric patio heaters use electricity to generate infrared heat. Instead of primarily heating the surrounding air, infrared radiation transfers energy directly to people and objects within its effective range.

This makes electric infrared heaters particularly useful in outdoor environments where warm air can quickly escape.

• Direct infrared heating
• Plug-in or hardwired installation, depending on the model
• No propane tank required
• Convenient operation with remote controls on selected models
• Freestanding and wall-mounted designs

Electric patio heaters are often used in covered patios, balconies, outdoor dining areas, and other spaces with convenient electrical access.

How Propane Patio Heaters Work

Propane patio heaters burn propane fuel to generate heat. Many traditional models feature a tall freestanding design with a burner and reflector that distributes heat around the surrounding area.

• Propane-powered heating
• Portable designs with fuel tanks
• No electrical outlet required for some models
• Heat generated through combustion
• Regular fuel replacement and maintenance requirements

Propane heaters can be useful in open outdoor areas where electrical access is limited, provided the heater is approved for the intended environment and operated safely.

Electric vs. Propane Patio Heaters: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's a quick comparison to help you understand the differences.

Neither option is universally better. The right choice depends on how and where you plan to use your heater.

5 Reasons to Choose an Electric Patio Heater

For many homeowners, electric patio heaters offer a convenient and practical way to enjoy outdoor spaces during cooler weather.

1. Convenient Everyday Operation

Electric patio heaters don't require propane tank refills.

Once the heater is properly installed and connected to a suitable power source, operation is straightforward. Many models also include remote controls or adjustable heating settings.

For homeowners who frequently use their patios, this convenience can make a meaningful difference.

2. Targeted Infrared Warmth

Infrared heating transfers warmth directly to people and objects within its effective heating zone.

Unlike systems that primarily warm the air, infrared heating can provide noticeable warmth without requiring an entire outdoor space to reach a higher air temperature.

This can be particularly useful for outdoor dining tables and smaller seating areas.

3. Flexible Installation Options

Electric patio heaters are available in several designs.

Freestanding heaters offer flexibility in positioning, making them suitable for outdoor seating arrangements and dining areas.

Wall-mounted heaters help save floor space and provide a more permanent heating solution for suitable covered patios and balconies.

Choosing between these designs allows you to match the heater to your available space.

4. No Propane Storage

With an electric patio heater, you don't need to store or replace propane tanks.

This can be especially convenient for homeowners with limited storage space or those who prefer not to handle fuel cylinders.

5. A Practical Option for Covered Outdoor Spaces

Electric infrared patio heaters can be a suitable choice for covered patios, balconies, and outdoor seating areas where electricity is available.

Always confirm the product's outdoor rating, installation requirements, and clearance specifications before choosing a location.

When Is a Propane Patio Heater a Better Choice?

Although electric patio heaters have several advantages, propane models may be better suited to certain environments.

Large, Open Outdoor Spaces

Some propane patio heaters are designed to distribute heat around a relatively broad area.

For completely open spaces, a propane model may be worth considering. Actual performance depends on its design, heat output, weather conditions, and placement.

Locations Without Convenient Electrical Access

If your outdoor area doesn't have an appropriate electrical outlet, propane may offer a practical alternative.

However, propane heaters must be used only in locations permitted by the manufacturer. Never use an outdoor-only propane heater in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area.

Flexible Placement

Many propane patio heaters are freestanding and can be repositioned around outdoor spaces.

This flexibility may be useful for outdoor events, temporary seating arrangements, or areas where permanent installation isn't practical.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Patio Heater?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether an electric patio heater is expensive to operate.

Let's use a typical 1,500W electric heater as an example.

A 1,500W heater consumes 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per hour when operating at full power.

For example, assuming an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh:

These are illustrative calculations, not universal operating costs. Your actual electricity rate and heater settings will determine your expenses.

What About Propane Operating Costs?

Propane operating costs depend on several factors:

• Current propane prices in your area
• The heater's fuel consumption rate
• How many hours you operate it
• Whether the heater operates continuously or intermittently

To compare costs accurately, check the manufacturer's stated fuel consumption and calculate the cost using your local propane price.

Rather than assuming one fuel is always cheaper, compare the actual energy prices and usage in your area.

Which Patio Heater Is Best for Different Outdoor Spaces?

The best patio heater depends on your environment and how you use it.

Covered Patio

Recommended option: Electric infrared patio heater

Covered patios are often well suited to electric infrared heating because warmth can be directed toward a specific seating or dining area.

A freestanding model provides flexibility, while a wall-mounted model can help keep the floor clear.

Balcony

Recommended option: Compact electric patio heater, where permitted

Electric heaters may be convenient for balconies with suitable electrical access.

Before purchasing, check building rules, mounting requirements, electrical capacity, and the manufacturer's safety clearances.

Open Backyard

Recommended option: Depends on the layout and exposure

For a large, exposed backyard, you may need more than one heating source or a heater specifically designed for open-air use.

Wind exposure and seating arrangements are important considerations when selecting either electric or propane equipment.

Outdoor Dining Area

Recommended option: Electric infrared or appropriately rated propane heater

Electric infrared heaters can provide targeted warmth for people sitting around a table.

The ideal configuration depends on the size of the dining area, installation possibilities, and the distance between the heater and occupants.

Garage or Workshop

Recommended option: A heater specifically rated for the environment

Not every patio heater is suitable for indoor or workshop use.

Check the manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially regarding ventilation, combustible materials, and electrical requirements.

Freestanding vs. Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heaters

If you've decided that electric heating is right for your space, the next step is choosing the installation style.

Freestanding Electric Patio Heaters

Freestanding heaters are ideal when flexibility is important.

• Outdoor dining
• Patio lounge areas
• Backyard gatherings
• Covered seating spaces
• Outdoor entertaining

Explore our Electric Patio Heater Collection →

Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heaters

Wall-mounted heaters are designed for homeowners who prefer a fixed installation.

• Covered patios
• Outdoor walls
• Balconies with limited floor space
• Fixed dining areas
• Suitable garage or workshop applications

A properly positioned wall-mounted heater can direct warmth toward your seating area while keeping the floor space available.

Explore our HAIMMY Patio Heater Collection →

Are Electric Patio Heaters Safe?

Electric patio heaters can be a convenient heating option when installed and operated correctly.

• Maintain the manufacturer's specified clearance from ceilings, walls, and combustible materials.
• Use the heater only in environments for which it is rated.
• Check electrical requirements before connecting the heater.
• Avoid exposure to rain or moisture unless the specific model is rated for those conditions.
• Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.
• Do not cover the heater during operation.
• Follow all installation and operating instructions.

Propane heaters also require careful handling. Because they use combustion, ventilation, fuel storage, and fire safety are especially important.

Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for whichever type of heater you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Which Patio Heater Should You Choose?

Electric and propane patio heaters both offer ways to enjoy your outdoor space during cooler weather.

If you prefer convenient everyday operation, targeted infrared warmth, and no propane tank, an electric patio heater may be the right choice for your home.

If your outdoor area is completely open or lacks convenient electrical access, a propane model may be worth considering, provided it can be used safely in that environment.

The best patio heater isn't necessarily the most powerful one. It's the one that matches your outdoor space, heating needs, and lifestyle.

At HAIMMY, we're focused on making outdoor comfort more accessible with practical electric infrared patio heating solutions.

Related Reading: Do Electric Patio Heaters Really Work? A Complete Guide to Outdoor Infrared Heating