How to Keep Your Patio Warm in Winter

Outdoor spaces—whether a patio, porch, or backyard—are often a sanctuary for many people. And it’s not just because they’re a rare luxury for most urban dwellers. Relaxing outdoors and breathing in some fresh air are great for your mind and body as well. It’s the perfect way to unwind and de-stress after a hectic day.

Whether you love enjoying some outdoor solitude in your backyard or winding down with friends and family on the patio, staying warm and cozy is an absolute must. In this article, we’re going to take you through the best tips to keep your outdoor spaces warm and inviting, so you don’t need to abandon them when the temperature drops.

How Do I Keep My Patio Warm in the Winter?

There are several ways to keep your patio warm during the colder months and still enjoy some outdoor fresh air. Some are quick and simple solutions, while others may take some effort. And what’ll work for your home will depend on the structure and aesthetics of your outdoor space, your budgets, and any specific needs you may have.

Of course, lots of blankets and throw pillows are an easy addition. You can even mix and match the designs, prints, and colors to complement the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces.

Adding extra features to cover the area from the cold weather elements like the wind and rain is another excellent choice. If you want to take this route, there are a wide range of options, from thick retractable blinds to windbreak panels.

You can also consider an outdoor fire pit. These are available as in-built fireplaces as well as portable versions. But patio heaters are perhaps the most popular choice among homeowners, simply because they come with a range of highly functional, versatile, and cost-effective features to keep outdoor areas warm.

Which Is Better: A Gas or Electric Patio Heater?

If you’ve decided to go for a patio heater, then you’re likely torn between the gas and electric options. So, which one is better? Well, they both have their pros and cons. You just need to weigh them up to choose what’s best for your needs and budgets.

Electric heaters are generally the preferred option among many homeowners. This is often because they work out cheaper in the long run. They’re also safer since there are no open flames or carbon monoxide emissions. This also means they’re safe for the environment as well.

However, electric heaters need a power outlet to operate, so they’re limited in usability. On the other hand, gas heaters are more versatile and you can easily move them from place to place. They can also generate more heat output compared to their electric counterparts. But then again, they require some work when it comes to setting up and it’s hard for them to match the safety features of the electric heaters.

The Best Options for Heating Your Patio in Winter

From safety and functionality to durability and price, there is a lot to consider when purchasing a patio heater. But worry not, we’ve rounded up the best patio heating options to make your life easier.

Outdoor Patio Heater With Wheels and Waterproof Cover

This is a standalone propane heater with a tall, elegant design that’s perfect to warm up backyards and patios. It’s designed with a 48,000 BTU heat output that could easily keep a 3 to 8-ft area warm.

Made with stainless steel, this heater is pretty sturdy and durable. The waterproof cover protects it from dust and rain and prolongs the usable life of the device. And from auto shut-off valves to tip-over protection, it’s got some very thoughtful safety features as well.

But keep in mind that it requires some assembly. And based on customer reviews, it might be a bit too big for smaller spaces. But overall, the durable and functional design makes it a great heating device under the gas category. The 1-year warranty, 30-day risk-free guarantee, and lifetime customer support just make things even better.

To learn more, click here.

Electric Outdoor Patio Heater With Adjustable Height

Here’s a modern sleek electric heater that’ll look great in any home. It’s a free-standing unit with 3 heat settings at 650W, 1350W, and 2000W to provide instant high heat.

Safety features like overheating and tip-over protection make it perfect for homes with kids and pets. And the heating elements are all covered to prevent accidental burning. The adjustable height and head make it even more functional.

It’s dust-proof and waterproof, so you can use it outdoors for a longer time. But it’ll work just fine indoors as well since it’s super quiet and doesn’t produce smoke or carbon monoxide. Best of all, it’s cost-effective and can provide electricity savings of 40-60%, according to the manufacturer.

To read reviews, click here.

Backyard Creations Gas Patio Heater

This is another gas heater with a modern design for your patio or garden. It’s made for the standard 20lb propane tank and can produce a heat output of 46,000 BTU. It stands at 84 inches tall and measures about 32 inches wide, so it’s on the larger side and will fit best in medium to large spaces.

The wheels make it easily movable and the tip-over protection features ensure safety. 

To see pricing, click here.

Outdoor Stainless Steel Patio Heater With Wheels by Tacklife

The Tacklife heater is a 47,000 BTU unit that can heat a 25 square foot area with a 360-degree coverage around it. And it’ll work perfectly for up to 10 hours with the standard 20 lb propane tank. The wheels are a nice addition to make it easy to move and store away during warmer months, and the stainless steel material makes it more durable and longer lasting.

It requires assembly, but the manual makes it easy to put together. And overall, customers seem pretty happy with its heat output and for some, it even seems to double up as a lamp. But according to one customer, the heat distribution is not that even because of the 4-part reflector.

Ready to buy? Click here.

Modern Pyramid-Style Outdoor Patio Heater

This is a stylish pyramid-style propane heater. The heat output of 42,000 BTU can warm up a large area of up to 18 feet. It’s also designed with lots of features, from adjustable temperature settings to safety valves that instantly shut off the unit when tilted.

The nearly 90inch tall heater is designed with a beautiful glass flame tube that makes it both a functional and aesthetically impressive addition to your patio. It also comes with a fade-resistant fabric cover with zips to protect it from the natural elements.

Based on customer reviews, it weighs nearly 65lb, but the wheels make it easily movable. It’s got some great reviews particularly for its heating capabilities.

Like it? Click here to learn more.

Electric Outdoor Patio Heater by Womir

This electric heater unit can provide fast heating, and it’s got adjustable heat settings between 650W and 2000W to warm up your patio just right.

It’s designed with a stable base for better stability and the automatic power cut-off feature ensures safety for up to a 45-degree tilt. The aluminum body is durable for outdoor use, and the adjustable height allows you to set it up to suit your specific heating needs.

To read reviews, click here.

Hanging Electric Patio Heater With Adjustable Settings

Here’s a super cool electric hanging heater unit for hassle-free heating. It heats up fast with 3 adjustable settings between 1010W and 2210W to create that perfect warm and cozy ambiance. It’s durably made and is an excellent non-intrusive option even for smaller outdoor spaces.

To see pricing, click here.

Electric 1500W Patio Heater by Womir

This device provides instant heating within a 3 to 5-meter range using carbon infrared heating technology. The head and height are adjustable and the long pull switch makes it easy to operate. It’s made with durable metal and plastic materials with coated surfaces for extra protection, and the tip-over protection feature ensures safety around pets and small kids.

This sleek patio heater is designed with 3 heat settings of 600W, 900W, and 1500W. And because it’s powered by electricity, it’s free from emissions and perfectly safe for the environment as well.

To learn more, click here.

To Sum It Up…

As the weather turns cold, heating up your outdoor space is essential to enjoy them with your friends and family. Creating sufficient cover with features like blinds and windbreak panels can help shield the area from the natural elements. Blankets and throw pillows are another simple addition to keep your guests warm.

Patio heaters are a must for hassle-free heating under chilly weather conditions. Electric and gas options are the most popular, each with its own unique advantages. Unlike the gas heaters, electric ones do not involve open flames or emissions. This makes them safer for your family and the environment, and they’re also far more cost-effective in the long term and easy to set up. They can also produce more heat output compared to electric options.

Bottom line, ensure you assess your particular heating needs and budget before purchasing a heating device for your outdoor spaces. Our list of best patio heaters will guide you in selecting a functional, durable, and safe heating unit to stay warm and cozy during the chilly months.

Pssst…..Check out Hot Tubs: Everything to Know Before You Buy next!