The 7 Best Patio Heaters Under $200, Propane and Electric, Ranked & Reviewed

Our verdict: 50,000 BTU with a double-layer 304 stainless burner, a weight-adjustable base and tip-over protection.

The Hykolity Sand Box model puts out 50,000 BTU through a double-layer 304 stainless steel burner and heats up to 200 sq ft. It uses a conical, weight-adjustable tank base tested to 26.45 lbs, and a tip-over protection system.

It wins because the base is where heaters fail. A sand-fillable base lets you add weight, which lowers the centre of gravity, and the tip-over system cuts the gas if the heater leans. Double-layer 304 stainless is the grade used for outdoor fixtures because it resists rust. The 50,000 BTU figure is the highest in the ranking. The cost is weight when filled, which makes it harder to move.

Buy it if you want output and stability. Skip it if you will relocate it daily.

Output

50,000 BTU

Burner

Double-layer 304 stainless

Base

Weight-adjustable, tested to 26.45 lb

Coverage

Up to 200 sq ft

Our verdict: 48,000 BTU, flame-out and 45 degree tilt shutoff, a built-in side table, wheels and ground anchors.

The Sweetcrispy delivers 48,000 BTU through a double-layer 304 stainless burner and claims an 18-foot diameter for 4 to 8 people. It has flame-out cutoff, a tilt sensor that acts past 45 degrees, a built-in side table, wheels and ground anchors.

The side table is a nice touch for drinks. Wheels let one person roll it, and ground anchors let you fix it down on a deck. It ranks second because its base is less adjustable than the Hykolity's sand box, and the 18-foot coverage claim is optimistic: expect warmth within a few feet.

Buy it if you want a table and wheels. Skip it if stability against wind is the top need.

Output

48,000 BTU

Coverage

18 ft claim, 4 to 8 people

Safety

Flame-out, tilt past 45 degrees

Base

Wheels, ground anchors, side table

Our verdict: A 50,000 BTU table-design heater with wheels and an under-an-hour assembly.

This Hykolity gives 50,000 BTU through a stainless burner, in a table design with wheels, heating up to 200 sq ft, with assembly in under an hour.

A table design hides the tank in the base and gives you a surface, which is a more domestic look than a bare pole. It ranks third because the listing's headline is triple protection but the detail is thinner than the sand box model's.

Buy it if you want a tidy table-style look. Skip it if you want the weight-adjustable base.

Output

50,000 BTU

Burner

Stainless steel

Design

Table with wheels

Assembly

Under an hour

Our verdict: An 87 inch pole with 48,000 BTU, 45 degree anti-tilt, flame-out protection, wheels and anchors.

The NEWBULIG stands 87 inches tall, delivers 48,000 BTU, claims 18-foot coverage for 4 to 8 people and has 45 degree anti-tilt, flame-out protection, wheels and ground anchors.

Height pushes warmth down over a wider area, which suits larger groups. It ranks fourth because a tall pole is the least stable design, and the listing offers no sand base or wide stance.

Buy it if you seat a crowd in a sheltered space. Skip it if wind is a problem.

Output

48,000 BTU

Height

87 inches

Safety

45 degree anti-tilt, flame-out

Base

Wheels and ground anchors

Our verdict: 46,000 BTU, 9-foot radius, a water tank base, a tilt auto-shutoff valve and a tank chain.

The Amazon Basics heater provides 46,000 BTU over a 9-foot radius, uses a water tank base, has a tilt safety auto-shutoff valve and includes a chain to secure the propane tank.

A water-filled base adds weight like sand does, and the tank chain keeps the cylinder from shifting. It ranks fifth because the output is a little lower and the listing has no stainless-grade detail.

Buy it if you want a retailer-backed heater. Skip it if you want higher BTU.

Output

46,000 BTU

Coverage

9-foot radius

Base

Water tank

Safety

Tilt auto-shutoff, tank chain

Our verdict: Selectable 900, 1200 or 1500W with IP55 weather rating, remote control and wall and ceiling brackets.

The DR. INFRARED offers 900, 1200 or 1500W settings, an IP55 rating for indoor and outdoor use, a remote control with no thermostat, and wall and ceiling brackets. It runs on a standard 120V outlet.

Infrared electric heat warms people directly rather than the air, which works well under a pergola or a porch roof. IP55 means it resists dust and water jets. It ranks sixth because 1500W covers a small area and needs an outlet.

Buy it if you have a covered seating area near power. Skip it if you want open-air heat.

Power

900, 1200, 1500W

Rating

IP55

Control

Remote, no thermostat

Mount

Wall and ceiling brackets

Our verdict: A 1500W infrared heater with dual carbon tubes, 2 heat levels, a 24 hour timer and IP44, ETL certification.

The Hykolity 38.5 inch heater uses 1500W dual carbon tubes with 2 heat levels, a 0 to 24 hour timer, an IP44 rating and ETL certification.

ETL certification means it was tested to a recognised electrical safety standard, which matters for a heater. A timer prevents leaving it on all night. It ranks last because IP44 is a lower weather rating than the DR. INFRARED's IP55 and heat is limited to a small seating cluster.

Buy it if you want a timer and a certified electric heater. Skip it if the area is exposed to rain.

Power

1500W dual carbon tubes

Levels

2

Timer

0 to 24 hours

Rating

IP44, ETL certified