The best electric patio heater for most homes is a hardwired 240V infrared heater sized to the seating zone. In our range, the Bromic Tungsten Electric 4,000W ($991, up to 130 sq ft) is the best all-rounder. For a small table, the 2,000W ($798) is enough, and the slim Bromic Platinum Electric (from $1,527) is the pick when the heater should almost disappear.
How we chose: these are picks from the electric heaters we sell, based on the published specs and prices on our product pages, not on lab tests. Below you will find the quick picks, how to choose the size and power, and the mistakes to avoid.
Best electric patio heaters: quick picks
| Best for | Model | Coverage | Current at 240V | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Tungsten Electric 4,000W | up to 130 sq ft | 16.6A | $991 |
| Small table, best value | Tungsten Electric 2,000W | up to 65 sq ft | 8.3A | $798 |
| Large or breezy areas | Tungsten Electric 6,000W | up to 160 sq ft | 25A | $1,161 |
| Low-profile design | Platinum Electric 3,400W (black) | up to 108 sq ft | 14.2A | $2,194 |
| Light ceilings | Platinum Electric (white) | 65 to 143 sq ft | 9.6 to 18.8A | $1,658 to $2,936 |
| Big dining zone, one heater | Platinum Electric 4,500W (black) | up to 143 sq ft | 18.8A | $2,761 |
| Best upgrade | Smart-Heat Dimmer Controller | runs heaters at partial output | n/a | from $785 |
All heaters are hardwired at 220-240V and mount on a wall or ceiling. Freight is free in the lower 48.
Best overall: Bromic Tungsten Electric 4,000W
The Tungsten 4,000W covers up to about 130 sq ft, roughly a dining table for six, for $991. As a result, it offers the best balance of heat and price in our range.
It has Bromic's honeycomb fascia, a matte black stainless body and an adjustable angle bracket, so you can aim the heat at the seats. Moreover, the 4,000W and 2,000W share the same 44-inch housing, so the bigger size looks no larger on the wall.
Best value for a small table: Tungsten Electric 2,000W
The 2,000W Tungsten heats up to about 65 sq ft, enough for a bistro table for two to four, for $798. At 8.3A it is also the lightest load on your circuit.
Therefore, choose it for a balcony corner, a small covered porch or a single seating nook. If the spot is windy, however, step up one size.
Best for large or breezy areas: Tungsten Electric 6,000W
The 6,000W Tungsten covers up to about 160 sq ft for $1,161, the most coverage of any electric heater we sell. However, it draws 25A, so plan a circuit sized for it.
For a long table, though, two smaller heaters at the ends often warm more evenly than one big unit in the middle. Our patio heater sizing guide shows when to split.
Best low-profile design: Bromic Platinum Electric
The Platinum is a slim radiant panel with a soft, low-glare glow, built for spaces where the heater should read as architecture. For example, the 3,400W covers up to 108 sq ft for $2,194.
It mounts on a wall or ceiling, or flush with an optional recess kit. In addition, it is ETL listed and carries a 3-year warranty. Compare it with the Tungsten in Bromic Tungsten vs Platinum.
Best for light ceilings: Platinum Electric in white
Unlike the black version, the white Platinum blends into light ceilings, pergolas and awnings, where a black unit would stand out. It comes in 2,300, 3,400 and 4,500W for $1,658 to $2,936.
Best for a big dining zone with one heater: Platinum Electric 4,500W
The 4,500W Platinum covers up to about 143 sq ft for $2,761. So choose it if you want one slim heater over a large table and prefer a soft glow to a bright element.
Best upgrade: a dimmer controller
Keep in mind that a heater sized for the coldest night runs too hot on mild evenings. The Smart-Heat Dimmer Controller (from $785) lets you run Tungsten and Platinum heaters at partial output from a wireless remote. Alternatively, for simple switching, the On/Off Controller starts at $370. Read on/off vs dimmer.
Should you choose a 120V or 240V patio heater?
Choose 240V for real outdoor heat. Plug-in 120V heaters are limited to the power one household outlet can deliver, while hardwired 240V heaters reach 2,000 to 6,000W and suit a whole seating zone.
To be clear, we do not sell 120V plug-in heaters. Instead, every model above needs a licensed electrician and a circuit sized to its current. As a result, plan the wiring before you order, especially for two or more heaters.
How do you pick the right size?
Measure the area where people sit, not the whole patio, then match it to the coverage in the table. After that, check how exposed the spot is.
- Covered with walls: the listed coverage is a good guide. See our covered patio heater guide for mounting and ceiling clearances.
- Pergola or open sides: consider the next size up. Read pergola heaters.
- Fully exposed and windy: add windbreaks first, then more heaters over each zone.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sizing for the whole patio instead of the seats.
- One big heater in the middle of a long table, which leaves the ends cold.
- Ordering before the electrician has checked the panel.
- Mounting too high or too low. Follow the mounting height and clearances in the manual.
- Skipping the controller. Bromic's hardwired heaters do not come with one.
Final checklist
- Measure the seating zone in square feet.
- Pick the model and wattage from the table.
- Check the mounting height and clearances in the manual.
- Have an electrician confirm the circuit for the total current.
- Add an on/off or dimmer controller.
Electric patio heater FAQ
What is the best electric patio heater for a small patio?
In our range, the Bromic Tungsten Electric 2,000W: up to about 65 sq ft for $798, with the lowest current draw at 8.3A.
Can I plug a 240V patio heater into a normal outlet?
No. A standard US outlet is 120V. The heaters we sell are hardwired at 220-240V by an electrician.
Can I use an extension cord with an electric patio heater?
Not with ours, because they are hardwired. In general, follow the heater's manual, and never run a high-wattage heater through an extension cord it does not allow.
How much does an electric patio heater cost to run?
First, multiply the kilowatts by the hours and your power rate. For example, a 4,000W heater running 3 hours uses 12 kWh. At 17 cents per kWh, that is about $2.04. Rates differ a lot by state, as our electricity cost study shows.
Do electric patio heaters work in winter?
Yes. Infrared heats people, not air, so it keeps working below freezing. Still, wind and shelter decide how warm it feels. Read do patio heaters work below freezing.
Are electric patio heaters safe under a roof?
Yes. They have no flame and no fumes, so they suit covered and semi-enclosed spaces, as long as you keep the clearances from the manual and use a proper circuit.
Find your heater
Browse all electric patio heaters, or call +1 (307) 309-8328 with your seating area and ceiling height. Then we will suggest the model, size and controller.