A patio without heat is a three season room at best. The heater market divides into three technologies, and choosing between them is mostly a question of infrastructure: do you have a gas line, an electrical circuit, or neither.
The three technologies
- Propane mushroom and pyramid heaters: the familiar freestanding towers. 40,000 to 48,000 BTU, no installation, roll anywhere. They warm a 6 to 9 foot circle and drink a 20 lb tank in about 10 hours on high.
- Electric infrared heaters: wall, ceiling or pole mounted panels that heat people and surfaces directly, like sunshine. Silent, zero emissions, safe under covered patios and pergolas where flame units cannot go. Brands like Eurofase and Infratech dominate here. Most need a dedicated 240V circuit.
- Natural gas heaters: plumbed overhead or freestanding units, such as Calcana patio heaters. Highest sustained output with no tanks to swap, ideal for restaurants and serious entertaining patios; require a gas line and professional installation.
Covered patio? Electric only, usually
Flame heaters need generous clearance above and around them, which rules them out under most roofs, awnings and pergolas. Electric infrared is engineered for exactly those spaces, with clearances down to inches on some models. This single constraint decides the technology for most buyers.
Coverage math
One 48,000 BTU propane tower comfortably serves a dining table for 4 to 6 in still air. Wind steals radiant heat fast: for exposed patios, plan overlapping units or move to overhead infrared, which is less wind sensitive. For electric, figure roughly 1,000W per 3 feet of covered seating: a 10 foot seating run wants 3,000 to 4,000W split across two heaters.
Running costs, honestly
- Propane: a 20 lb exchange at $20 to $25 delivers about 10 hours on high, roughly $2 to $2.50 per hour.
- Electric: a 3,000W heater at average US rates costs about 50 cents per hour.
- Natural gas: the cheapest per BTU by far once the line exists.
What should you spend?
Decent propane towers run $200 to $600; commercial grade $600 to $1,200. Quality electric infrared runs $500 to $1,500 per heater plus electrician. Natural gas overhead systems like Calcana run $1,500 to $4,000 per unit installed. For restaurants, gas usually wins the three year math despite install cost.
FAQ
Are patio heaters safe under a pergola?
Only electric infrared models rated for covered use, mounted at the clearances in their manual. Never a propane tower under a roof.
Do heat and wind get along?
No. Wind is the enemy of every outdoor heater. Windbreaks, screens and overhead mounting recover a lot of lost comfort.
What about fire tables instead?
Fire features are ambiance first, heat second; heaters are the reverse. The best patios run both: see our fire pit guide.
Shop patio heating
Browse Eurofase electric heaters, Calcana natural gas heaters and the full outdoor living department. Free shipping over $499.99. Heating a commercial patio? Request a quote or call (866) 777-2590.
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In-stock picks that match the advice above.
- RADtec Design Series 82-Inch 3200W 220V Infrared Electric Heater — $1,285.00
- RADtec Design Series 43-Inch 1800W 220V Smart Infrared Electric Heater — $935.00
- RADtec Ellipse Flame 78-Inch Tall Black Propane Patio Heater RADTEC-88826 — $949.00
- RADtec Torrid Series 34-Inch 4000 W 240 V Electric Infrared Heater — $890.00
Not sure which fits? Call +1 866-777-2590 (Mon–Fri 9–6 PST), or browse more buying guides.