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 to 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 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 only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
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
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The rankings
The best Outdoor Patio Heaters, ranked
1
SOUTHEATIC
Top Pick
SOUTHEATIC 2000W Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heater (IP65)
The SOUTHEATIC IP65 wall-mount at £69.99 is the best outdoor heater in this guide for covered patios, pergolas, and gazebos. IP65 certification means it handles UK rain without any protection, carbon fiber tubes outlast halogen, and the remote control makes adjustment easy from your seat. The right permanent outdoor heating solution for most UK covered outdoor spaces.
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
+Carbon fiber heating tubes last significantly longer than halogen alternatives
+Ultra-quiet operation — no fan noise during use
Worth noting
–Wall-mounted only — requires drilling and fixed installation
The REALGLOW 13kW gas heater at £179.99 is the only option in this guide for heating a large open garden or patio without shelter. At 13kW it produces real warmth across a wide radius — something no 2kW electric heater can replicate outdoors. If you entertain in a large open garden, this is the right tool.
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
£179.99Amazon.co.uk price as of 15 Aug, 22:42 (London time). Details
Luxeva 2500W Infrared Outdoor Heater with App Control
The Luxeva at £189.99 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 at £84.99 is a step up from the dual-setting model, offering three power levels for more precise heat management. Both SOUTHEATIC models share IP65 certification and wall-mount design — choose this one if you want finer power control, or the £69.99 model to save £15.
Sizi 2KW Freestanding Outdoor Electric Patio Heater
The Sizi freestanding heater at £44.99 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 15 Aug, 22:42 (London time). Details
The Shadow tower heater at £29.95 is the entry-level option for anyone who wants basic outdoor warmth without the commitment of wall mounting or gas. At 900W it works for 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
+Most affordable outdoor heater in this guide at £29.95
+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
£29.95Amazon.co.uk price as of 15 Aug, 22:42 (London time). Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 15 Aug, 22:42 (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 SOUTHEATIC 2000W Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heater is our top recommendation — it consistently outperforms alternatives in real-world UK use. If that's out of budget, the Shadow Diffusion Guadalupa 900W Infrared Tower Heater offers solid performance at a lower price point. The REALGLOW 13kW Bullet Gas Patio Heater is worth considering if you want a step up in build quality or features. Avoid the cheapest unbranded options on Amazon UK — they rarely survive past six months of regular use and UK consumer protection only helps if the seller is still trading.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
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