Do electric patio heaters use a lot of electricity? An electric patio heater uses exactly its rated wattage at full power. A 2000W heater draws 2 kWh per hour, and a 4000W heater draws 4 kWh. At the US average residential rate of 18.16 cents per kWh (EIA, August 2026), that is about $0.36 and $0.73 per hour. So a typical evening on the patio costs a few dollars, not tens of dollars.
These are the questions people search most before buying one, according to AnswerThePublic. Here are straight answers with the Bromic Smart-Heat electric heaters we sell.
Cost per hour, model by model
Running cost follows wattage, not brand line. The figures below assume full power at 18.16 cents per kWh. Your own rate may be higher or lower, so multiply the kW by the rate on your power bill.
| Heater | Watts | Coverage | Cost per hour | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromic Tungsten | 2000W | up to 65 sq ft | $0.36 | $798 |
| Bromic Platinum | 2300W | up to 65 sq ft | $0.42 | $1,527 |
| Bromic Tungsten | 3000W | up to 100 sq ft | $0.54 | $958 |
| Bromic Platinum | 3400W | up to 108 sq ft | $0.62 | $2,194 |
| Bromic Tungsten | 4000W | up to 130 sq ft | $0.73 | $991 |
| Bromic Platinum | 4500W | up to 143 sq ft | $0.82 | $2,761 |
| Bromic Tungsten | 6000W | up to 160 sq ft | $1.09 | $1,161 |
Platinum prices above are for black. The Platinum in white costs $1,658, $2,379 and $2,936, with the same running cost.
Example: a 3000W heater running three hours a night, four nights a week, uses 36 kWh a week. At 18.16 cents that is about $6.54 a week.
How to use less electricity
- Size it right. Match the coverage to your seating area instead of buying the biggest model. An oversized heater on a small patio wastes power.
- Turn it down on mild nights. A Bromic Smart-Heat dimmer lets you run below full power, and an on/off controller makes it easy to switch off when you leave.
- Heat people, not air. Radiant heat warms the people and surfaces it reaches, so there is no need to preheat the whole patio. Switch it on when you sit down.
- Use the cover you have. A roof or wall holds warmth around the seats, so a smaller heater does the job.
Can electric patio heaters be left out in the rain?
The Bromic Tungsten and Platinum electric heaters are made for covered and semi-enclosed patios. So mount them under a roof, pergola cover or overhang, not out in open rain. For weather details on a specific model, check its manual or ask us. Our guide on infrared heaters in winter covers cold and snow.
Do they need special wiring?
Yes. Every Bromic electric model we sell is hardwired at 220 to 240V, so an electrician runs a dedicated circuit. Rated current ranges from 8.3A (Tungsten 2000W) to 25A (Tungsten 6000W); the Platinum runs from 9.6A to 18.8A. Plan the circuit before you finish the ceiling.
How long do electric patio heaters last?
Electric radiant heaters have no flame and no gas valve, so there is little to wear out. The warranty tells you what the maker stands behind: the Bromic Platinum carries a 3-year warranty. For the Tungsten, check the warranty on the product page or ask us, because terms can change by model year.
Is gas or electric cheaper to run?
It depends on local gas and power prices and on the space. Gas puts out more heat for open, windy areas. Electric is the better fit under a cover. Our gas vs electric patio heater guide compares both.
Which electric patio heater should you buy?
- Tungsten 2000W ($798) for a small seating area up to about 65 sq ft.
- Tungsten 3000W or 4000W ($958 or $991) for the most coverage per dollar on a typical covered patio.
- Tungsten 6000W ($1,161) for large or breezier covered areas.
- Platinum (from $1,527) if the heater should disappear into a low ceiling, with minimum clearances of 72 inches on a wall and 96 inches on a ceiling.
Compare both lines in Bromic Tungsten vs Platinum, browse the electric patio heater collection, or send us your patio size for a free heating plan.