Gas vs. Electric Patio Heaters
Find out which style is best for your outdoor space
By: Nick Janco, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional
Last Updated: October 25, 2024
Crisp autumn nights, cozy winter evenings – there’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a warm outdoor space. But how do you keep your patio toasty without sacrificing style or comfort?
The age-old debate between gas and electric patio heaters rages on. Let’s dive in and uncover the best option for your outdoor oasis.
Gas Patio Heaters
Gas patio heaters can use either Natural Gas (NG) or Liquid Propane (LP). Both have similar heat outputs, and the choice between them is usually determined by what fuel is available in your area. Gas heaters are also often sleeker in appearance than electric heaters.
Gas heaters can never be installed in a fully enclosed patio, because they can cause carbon monoxide buildup. They also require proper clearances to combustible materials, as determined by the manufacturer.
Natural Gas
If you have Natural Gas available, you can hire a certified professional to connect your patio heater to your home’s gas supply. Once it’s connected, you’ll never have to refill your heater.
Natural Gas heaters are cheaper to run than Propane and electric models, though they might cost more up front. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for simplicity and convenience after the initial installation.
Propane
Some Propane patio heaters are completely portable, with their fuel source being a Propane tank hidden in their base.
Other Propane models come in small sizes that can be placed on a table.
While Propane models might be more expensive than Natural Gas, they're a great choice if you’re looking for portability and easy installation.
Why Should You Work with a Pro?
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters offer plenty of options for custom heat coverage. They come in sizes ranging from only a couple feet wide, all the way up to about 63 inches—so you’re sure to find something that will fit perfectly with your space.
They also offer capacities for every situation—from 1500W up to 6000W—and their controls include switches, timers, dimmers, motion sensors, and remotes.
The strongest advantage of electric patio heaters is that you can create different heating zones by connecting multiple heaters to one control panel. The exact number of heaters that you can control depends on your setup.
When installing electric patio heaters, it’s important to hire a professional. Improper wiring can lead to a fire hazard.
Make Patio Season Permanent
We're Here to Help
Woodland Direct can help you design the perfect heating plan for your outdoor area. Just call our Master Hearth Professionals at 800-919-1904.
More Resources
Head over to our Patio Heater Buying Guide to learn even more about patio heaters.
Read all about electric, Propane, & Natural Gas patio heaters to find the best heater for your space.
Read our Patio Heater Spotlight to find out more about our brands and product offering.
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Nick Janco is a seasoned Technical Sales Representative with a decade of experience at Woodland Direct. As an NFI-Certified Master Hearth Professional, Nick is dedicated to helping his clients seamlessly integrate fire features into their homes, ensuring every detail is perfectly executed. While he's trained to assist with any fire-related project, Nick specializes in patio heaters. He's helped thousands of satisfied clients find the best heating solutions, offering valuable design, safety, and installation advice. Outside of work, Nick often spends time on the green enjoying a round of golf with his 5-year-old son. Call Nick or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904. |