BBy Bikram Nath·Researched from UK Amazon listings·Updated 2026-07-10·6 products compared
What are the best outdoor patio heaters to buy in the UK?
Our top pick for Outdoor Patio Heaters in the UK is the REALGLOW 13kW Bullet Gas Patio Heater.
The REALGLOW 13kW Bullet Gas Patio Heater is the pick of this guide for an open UK garden or an unsheltered patio — 13kW of output goes well beyond what any electric heater here manages, and the tip-over switch, flame safeguard and included hose and 27mm regulator cover the basics of running propane safely. Budget for cylinders, and use it only in open or well-ventilated space.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — but it never changes our rankings.
A good outdoor heater extends the usable hours of any UK patio or garden well into autumn and early spring, turning what would otherwise be a brief summer season into something closer to year-round outdoor living. The UK market divides between electric infrared heaters — which plug into a standard 13A socket, heat instantly, and require no fuel — and gas patio heaters that run on propane cylinders and output significantly more heat for larger open spaces. Electric infrared heaters are the more practical choice for most UK gardens: they are weatherproof (look for IP44 minimum, IP65 for fully outdoor use), silent, and can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or ceiling-hung. Gas heaters output more warmth but require gas cylinder management and more storage space. This guide covers six options from £29.95 to £189.99, with a gas heater at the top end for large open spaces.
Buying guide
What should you look for in Outdoor Patio Heaters?
1Check the IP rating before buying: IP44 handles rain splashes, IP65 is fully weatherproof for permanent outdoor installation — minimum IP44 for any UK patio use.
2Infrared heaters warm people directly rather than heating the air, which makes them far more efficient outdoors where heat dissipates quickly — always choose infrared over convection for patios.
3Wall-mounted heaters free up floor space and are harder to knock over — preferable for covered pergolas or gazebos; freestanding models work better for open gardens where you need to move the heat source.
4A remote control is worth prioritising — getting up to adjust a patio heater in cold weather defeats the purpose; most mid-range models now include one.
5Gas patio heaters output 10–13kW versus 2kW for most electric models — gas is the right choice for large open gardens where electric infrared cannot cover the area.
Our process
How do we choose our picks?
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We check each pick against live Amazon UK catalogue data rather than last year’s model lists. Stock moves fast, so a listing can sell out after we publish.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
Tilting head, tip-over protection, overheat safety, weighted base
Oscillation, instant heat, slim vertical design, stable base
Power
—
2000W (1000W/2000W dual settings)
1000W / 2500W
2000W (3 levels)
2000W (650W / 1350W / 2000W)
900W (450W / 900W)
Ip Rating
—
IP65
IP55
IP65
IP34
—
Weight
—
approx. 4.3kg
—
—
approx. 16.5kg
—
The rankings
The best Outdoor Patio Heaters, ranked
1
REALGLOW
Top Pick
REALGLOW 13kW Bullet Gas Patio Heater
The REALGLOW 13kW gas heater is our top pick for a large open garden or a patio without shelter. At 13kW it produces far more output than any electric heater in this guide, and it ships with a tip-over switch, flame safeguard, hose and 27mm propane regulator. It is not for enclosed spaces, and it runs on propane cylinders you buy and refill separately.
Type
Freestanding gas (propane)
Output
13kW
Height
1.3m
Features
Tip-over safety switch, flame safeguard, easy push-button ignition, caster wheels, includes hose and 27mm propane regulator
Compatible Cylinders
10kg, 11kg, 13kg propane
What we like
+13kW output — far more powerful than any electric heater for large open gardens
+Tip-over switch and flame safeguard meet UK outdoor safety expectations
+Caster wheels for easy repositioning; propane hose and regulator included
Worth noting
–Requires propane cylinder purchase and ongoing fuel cost
–Not suitable for enclosed spaces — gas only for open or well-ventilated areas
£169.99Amazon.co.uk price as of 30 Sept, 01:00 (London time). Details
SOUTHEATIC 2000W Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heater (IP65)
A wall-mounted infrared heater rated IP65, with dual 1000W/2000W settings, carbon fiber tubes and a remote control. It is designed for permanent installation on a covered patio, pergola or gazebo wall.
Type
Wall-mounted infrared
Power
2000W (1000W/2000W dual settings)
Ip Rating
IP65
Heating Technology
Carbon fiber tube
Features
Remote control, ultra-quiet, instant heat
Weight
approx. 4.3kg
What we like
+IP65 fully weatherproof — safe for permanent outdoor installation in UK rain
+Ultra-quiet operation
Worth noting
–Wall-mounted only — requires drilling and fixed installation
Luxeva 2500W Infrared Outdoor Heater with App Control
The Luxeva is for buyers who want the most capable and controllable electric patio heater available. App control, 6 heat modes, 2500W output, and a 10,000-hour rated heating element justify the premium over simpler models. Best for anyone who heats their patio frequently and wants set-and-forget scheduling.
SOUTHEATIC 2000W Wall-Mounted Patio Heater with Remote (3-Level)
The SOUTHEATIC 3-level wall heater offers three power levels for more precise heat management, with IP65 certification and a wall-mount design rated for indoor and outdoor use. Choose it if you want finer power control on a covered patio, in a gazebo or in a garage.
Sizi 2KW Freestanding Outdoor Electric Patio Heater
The Sizi freestanding heater delivers 2kW with three power settings and an adjustable telescopic stand — more flexibility than fixed wall mounts at a lower price. The IP34 rating means it should be brought under cover during heavy rain, which limits its utility in the UK's most typical weather.
Type
Freestanding infrared tower
Power
2000W (650W / 1350W / 2000W)
Ip Rating
IP34
Height Range
approx. 1.75–2.1m adjustable
Features
Tilting head, tip-over protection, overheat safety, weighted base
Weight
approx. 16.5kg
What we like
+Adjustable height and tilting head direct heat precisely where needed
+3 heat settings from 650W to 2000W for flexible power use
+Freestanding — no wall mounting required, easily repositioned
Worth noting
–IP34 only — protects against water spray but not heavy rain; bring indoors in downpours
–16.5kg is heavier than expected for a freestanding tower
£44.99Amazon.co.uk price as of 30 Sept, 01:00 (London time). Details
The Shadow tower is a 900W freestanding infrared tower with oscillation and a slim vertical profile. At 900W it is limited to sheltered balconies and small covered patios. Do not rely on it in an open garden or during rain — the output and protection are insufficient.
Type
Freestanding infrared tower
Power
900W (450W / 900W)
Features
Oscillation, instant heat, slim vertical design, stable base
Design
Slim tower
What we like
+Oscillation function spreads heat across a wider area
+Slim profile takes up minimal floor space on a balcony or small patio
Worth noting
–900W is the lowest output in this guide — limited to very small spaces or sheltered spots
–No IP rating specified — treat as indoor-only or use in fully sheltered spaces only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 30 Sept, 01:00 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
UK buyers often underestimate how much an outdoor heater's IP rating matters. An IP44 rating handles rain splashes from any direction — adequate for covered patios where the heater is under a pergola or parasol. IP65 is fully dust-tight and protected against water jets, which is what you need for a heater left permanently mounted outdoors in UK conditions. The DONYER POWER ceiling-hung halogen heater (UKCA/CE certified) is worth noting for gazebo ceiling installations where neither wall mounting nor floor standing is practical — it carries explicit UKCA marking, which is the UK post-Brexit equivalent of the CE mark and confirms it meets UK electrical safety standards.
Our Take
UK BBQ season is short and weather-dependent — durability and quick heat-up time matter more than feature lists. The REALGLOW 13kW Bullet Gas Patio Heater is our top recommendation: 13kW covers an open garden that no electric heater in this guide can, and it arrives with a tip-over switch, flame safeguard, hose and 27mm propane regulator. It does need propane cylinders and open or well-ventilated space. For a covered patio, the Luxeva 2500W Infrared Outdoor Heater with App Control is the electric alternative in this guide. Avoid the cheapest unbranded options on Amazon UK — UK consumer protection only helps if the seller is still trading.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the best outdoor heater for a UK patio?
For open gardens, our top pick is the REALGLOW 13kW Bullet Gas Patio Heater — at 13kW it produces far more heat than any electric model in this guide, and it includes a tip-over switch and a flame safeguard. It has to be used in open or well-ventilated space and runs on propane cylinders. For a covered patio or pergola, a wall-mounted IP65 infrared heater is the better fit, because IP65 is rated for permanent outdoor installation — the SOUTHEATIC 2000W Wall-Mounted Patio Heater with Remote (3-Level) is IP65 rated and has three power levels.
Are electric or gas patio heaters better for UK gardens?
Electric infrared heaters are more convenient — they plug in, start instantly, need no fuel management, and most are weatherproof. Gas heaters output far more heat (10–13kW vs 2kW electric) and are better for large open gardens. For covered patios and smaller spaces, electric is the better choice.
What IP rating do I need for an outdoor heater in the UK?
Minimum IP44 for any outdoor use in the UK — this protects against rain splashes. For heaters left permanently mounted outdoors, IP65 is recommended as it protects against direct water jets and dust. Avoid using heaters with no IP rating or IP20 (indoor only) in any outdoor setting.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
