Quick Overview
Need to keep your patio, garage, or backyard warm without the hassle? Here’s the lowdown on five top options for the best outdoor electric heaters.
Outdoor Electric Patio Heater (1500W)
- Instant heat with 75° oscillation for full-body warmth.
- IP65 waterproof rating and remote control for rainy days.
- 8 heating levels + 8-hour timer. Perfect for all-weather use.
Amazon Basics Propane Patio Heater
- 46,000 BTUs of raw power for large spaces.
- Portable with wheels and tilt safety shut-off.
- Propane-fueled (tank not included).
1500W Infrared Black Patio Heater
- Carbon infrared tech for eco-friendly heating.
- Tip-over protection + IP34 waterproofing.
- Works indoors and outdoors. Quiet operation.
Patio Heater with 24H Timer
- Instant 1500W heat with 3 settings.
- 24-hour timer + remote control.
- Zero emissions. Safe around kids and pets.
2S Fast Heating Infrared Heater
- Heats in 2 seconds. 9 adjustable levels.
- Motion sensor + 9-hour auto-shutoff.
- Wall-mountable for permanent setups.
Comparison Table
Product Name |
Key Features |
Price |
Rating |
Outdoor Electric Patio Heater |
8 heat levels, 75° oscillation, IP65 waterproof |
$129.99 |
4.7 |
Amazon Basics Propane Heater |
46,000 BTU, wheels, tilt safety shut-off |
$95.00 |
4.4 |
1500W Infrared Black Heater |
Tip-over protection, IP34 rating, carbon heating |
$229.49 |
4.3 |
Patio Heater with 24H Timer |
24-hour timer, 3 heat modes, eco-friendly |
$119.99 |
4.4 |
2S Fast Heating Infrared Heater |
9 heating levels, motion sensor, wall-mountable |
$149.99 |
4.5 |
Outdoor Electric Patio Heater, 1500W Infrared Heater Electric Patio Heater with Remote Control

Features
- 1-touch knob & LED lights for easy heat and timer adjustments
- 8 heating levels and 8-hour timer with remote control
- 75° oscillation and 33-inch height for full-body warmth
- IP65 waterproof/dustproof design for indoor/outdoor use
- Carbon fiber tubes heat instantly with 90% efficiency
What’s Good
- Heats instantly – no waiting
- Remote makes adjustments effortless
- Waterproof build handles rain/snow
- Tall design warms entire body, not just feet
What’s Not
- Limited range for very large outdoor spaces
- No built-in safety tip-over switch
Price: $129.99
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
This is one of the best outdoor electric heaters for small patios or balconies. The IP65 rating means it laughs at bad weather, and the 75° swing spreads heat wider than a campfire circle. If you’re debating between infrared and other options, see how infrared stacks up against ceramic heaters.
Need something more powerful for big areas? Check out energy-efficient models that balance coverage and operating costs.

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
Features
- 46,000 BTUs heat up a 9-foot radius
- Adjustable temperature knob for precise control
- One-touch ignition and easy-to-move wheels
- Tilt safety auto-shutoff and water box for stability
- Durable slate gray powder-coated finish
- Works with 20-lb propane tank (not included)
What’s Good
- Pumps out serious heat for large outdoor spaces
- Simple setup and ignition – no fuss
- Sturdy base prevents tipping in windy conditions
- Wheels make repositioning a cinch
What’s Not
- Propane tank sold separately
- Tall design might feel unwieldy in compact patios
- Metal parts can show wear over time
Price: $95.00
Rating: 4.4/5
What Customers Are Saying
- Owners love how quickly it warms up seating areas
- Many praise the straightforward assembly process
- Several mention it looks sharper than similar models
- A few note the flame can be inconsistent at times
- Some wish the construction felt more heavy-duty
Final Verdict
The Amazon Basics heater delivers where it counts for the best outdoor electric heaters alternative.
Grab this if you need serious heat coverage without complicated setup.
Perfect for restaurant patios or backyard gatherings where reliability matters more than premium finishes.

1500W Electric Infrared Black Patio Heater
Features:
- 1500W carbon infrared heating technology
- IP34 waterproof rating for outdoor durability
- Tip-over protection and stable circular base
- Works indoors and outdoors with zero emissions
- Easy assembly (under 10 minutes)
- Pull-switch controls for power and heating modes
What’s Good:
- Instant heat without greenhouse gases
- Safe around kids/pets with covered heating element
- Sturdy in wind or rain
- Quiet operation for indoor use
What’s Not:
- Higher price than basic models
- 1500W may struggle in very large spaces
Price: $229.49
Rating: 4.3/5
Who Should Buy This?
Grab this best outdoor electric heater if you want eco-friendly warmth for small patios or balconies.
Perfect for safety-focused buyers with kids/pets or rainy climates.
Patio Heater for Outdoor: 1500W Electric Infrared Radiant Heater

Features
- 1500W infrared heating with instant warmth
- 3 heat settings (500W/1000W/1500W)
- 24-hour timer for energy savings
- Remote control (requires 2 AAA batteries)
- Tip-over and overheat protection
- No fumes or emissions – eco-friendly
- Covers up to 250 sq. ft
What’s Good
- Heats up immediately – no waiting
- Silent operation – no fan noise
- Easy installation and remote access
- Affordable compared to propane heaters
- Safe for kids and pets with auto-shutoff
What’s Not
- Heat output varies based on outdoor conditions
- Remote requires separate batteries
- Best for small to medium spaces
Price: $119.99
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say this heater works well in small areas and offers good value. Some note the heat output might not meet everyone’s needs.
Why This Makes the Cut for Best Outdoor Electric Heaters
This heater is a steal for small patios or garages. It’s quieter and cheaper to run than gas options. The safety features make it ideal for families. For larger areas, pair it with a high-efficiency model.
If you’re torn between infrared and ceramic, check our infrared vs ceramic heaters breakdown.
2S Fast Heating Infrared Outdoor Heater

Features
- Heats up in 2 seconds with 1500W max output
- 9 adjustable heating levels (700W-1500W)
- Remote control and manual button operation
- 9-hour auto-off timer and motion sensor
- ETL-listed, IPX5 waterproof, zero maintenance
- Works indoors and outdoors (patio, garage, porch)
What’s Good
- Instant heat eliminates waiting time
- Motion sensor cuts power when no one’s around
- High-efficiency aluminum reflector
- Easy installation with memory function
What’s Not
- Limited range compared to larger heaters
- Motion sensor may need calibration for small spaces
Price
$149.99
Final Recommendation
This infrared outdoor electric heater is the best outdoor electric heater for small to medium spaces needing fast, targeted warmth.
Choose it for patios, garages, or workshops where quick heat-up and motion-based energy savings matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these heaters work indoors and outdoors?
Electric infrared models like the YUSING and the 1500W Black Patio Heater are built for both.
They’re waterproof, emit zero fumes, and run quiet enough for living rooms or garages.
Propane options, like the Amazon Basics heater, are outdoor-only due to ventilation needs.
How much will this hike my energy bill?
Infrared heaters win here.
They convert 90% of energy into heat and target your body directly—no wasting power warming empty air.
Propane units pack more raw heat (46,000 BTUs) but cost more per hour if you’re cranking them daily.
Are these safe around kids or pets?
Top electric picks have tip-over shutoffs and covered heating elements.
No exposed coils.
Propane models include tilt auto-shutoffs but get hot to the touch—keep little hands a few feet away.
How tough is setup?
Electric heaters: plug in, maybe screw on a base.
Five minutes max.
Propane versions need attaching a gas tank (sold separately) and filling the base with water for stability.
Still under 15 minutes if you’ve moved furniture before.
Will rain wreck my heater?
Electric infrared units with IP65 or IP34 ratings laugh at downpours.
Leave them outside year-round.
Propane heaters? Their tops are weather-resistant, but you’ll want to cover or store them in monsoons to prevent rust.