Best Outdoor Patio Heaters in the UK 2026
Outdoor heating extends the UK's usable garden season from roughly 4 months to 7–8, allowing al fresco entertaining through a British September and even October on milder evenings. Gas patio heaters (mushroom-top designs using 13kg LPG bottles) have dominated the UK market for decades, but electric infrared heaters are growing rapidly as they're more energy-efficient, don't require gas bottle management, and are often more appropriate for covered outdoor dining areas where gas heaters carry CO risks. This guide covers the best outdoor heaters for UK patios and gardens.
What to Look For
- 1Gas patio heaters (mushroom-top) use 13kg LPG propane bottles — the same as many UK garden BBQs; check if your heater uses a propane or butane regulator.
- 2Electric infrared heaters are better for covered outdoor areas (pergolas, outdoor dining rooms) where gas combustion would create CO risk in enclosed spaces.
- 3IP65 or higher waterproof rating is essential for UK patio heaters — they'll be caught in rain and need to handle damp conditions without failure.
- 4Halogen heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating air — effective for directional warmth on cool UK evenings.
- 5Wall-mounted infrared heaters are better for permanent patio installation; freestanding models are more flexible but take floor space.
- 6For large areas, a gas mushroom heater at 13kW covers roughly 6–8m² — an electric 2kW infrared covers a similar area when mounted overhead.
Our Top Picks
Herschel Summit XL Infrared Electric Patio Heater
Pros
- IP65 weatherproof rating — suitable for exposed UK outdoor use
- Instant heat with no warm-up time
- Near-infrared waves heat people directly rather than air
- UK brand with excellent support and 5-year warranty
Cons
- Requires 230V outdoor socket installation
- Higher upfront cost than gas alternatives
The premium electric infrared patio heater for UK covered patios — ceiling or wall mountable, IP65 rated, and genuinely efficient.
La Hacienda 13kW Mushroom Gas Patio Heater
Pros
- 13kW output heats an 8m² outdoor seating area effectively
- Stainless steel head for corrosion resistance
- Uses standard 13kg LPG bottles available across the UK
- Available at B&Q and Amazon UK
Cons
- Gas bottle management needed — keep a spare in summer
- Large mushroom footprint takes significant patio space
The classic UK mushroom patio heater — 13kW heat output in a reliable design with widespread availability.
Sunred Heater Artix Hanging Electric Outdoor Heater
Pros
- Ceiling-pendant design keeps the floor clear — perfect for UK outdoor dining areas
- IP55 weatherproof rating suitable for covered patios
- Adjustable heat direction via hanging angle
- 3 heat settings for flexible warmth
Cons
- Ceiling fixing requires installation
- More expensive per kW than wall-mounted alternatives
Design-forward hanging infrared heater — adds modern style to UK covered terraces while delivering efficient directional warmth.
Dimplex DXPHN2 2kW Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Pros
- IP65 waterproof — fully protected for UK outdoor installation
- Dimplex is a trusted UK heating brand with excellent parts availability
- Wall-mounted to save floor space
- Remote control included
Cons
- Heating element visible and industrial-looking vs premium alternatives
- Fixed mounting means heating zone cannot be adjusted
Reliable wall-mounted electric heater from a well-regarded UK brand — straightforward, weatherproof, and competitively priced.
Calor 4kW Portable Propane Gas Heater
Pros
- 4kW output in a compact portable design
- Uses Calor propane bottles available at most UK hardware stores
- No installation needed — plug in and light
- Calor brand reassurance for gas safety
Cons
- Not designed for fully outdoor exposed use — best under a covered area
- 4kW is lower output than mushroom designs
The portable gas heater from the UK's dominant LPG brand — runs on the same Calor propane cylinders as garden BBQs.
Honourable Mentions
Editor's Note
The UK's shift from gas to electric outdoor heating has accelerated significantly since 2022, driven partly by the gas price spike and partly by growing awareness of the CO risks of gas heaters in semi-enclosed outdoor dining areas. Which? and Trusted Reviews consistently highlight electric infrared heaters as the safer, lower-maintenance choice. UK building regulations require that gas heaters in covered outdoor dining structures be properly ventilated — outdoor dining areas with 3 walls typically need specific ventilation calculations.
Our Take
If you have a fully open patio or garden, a mushroom gas heater in the £150–£250 range delivers the most heat output per pound. For covered patios, pergolas, or areas near the house, choose electric infrared — a wall-mounted 2kW IP65 unit like the Infralia or Herschel Summit is safer and cheaper to run. Avoid cheap halogen heaters under £80 — they typically fail after one UK winter season.