Patio Heater Buying Guide: Propane vs Natural Gas vs Electric (2026)
Quick answer: Choose propane if you want a heater you can move and set up without installation. Choose natural gas for a fixed spot where you already have a gas supply; it is usually the cheapest to run. Choose electric infrared for covered patios and wall or ceiling mounting. If you also want ambiance, a glass flame tower heats and looks like a fireplace.
Propane vs natural gas vs electric
| Propane | Natural gas | Electric infrared | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | None, tank inside | Licensed gas line | Outlet or hardwired |
| Portable | Yes | No | Some models |
| Running cost | Highest | Usually lowest | In between |
| Visible flame | Yes | Yes | No, glowing element |
| Wind | Affected | Affected | Less affected |
Running costs depend on your local utility rates, but most heater makers rank natural gas as cheapest to run, then electric, then propane.
How much heat do you need?
Heat output for gas heaters is measured in BTU. The higher the BTU, the larger the warm zone. Wind, open sides and how close people sit matter just as much. For a seating group of 4 to 6 on an open patio, plan for one heater per seating area rather than one heater for the whole yard.
Patio heaters that also look like a fireplace
Classic mushroom heaters do the job but look utilitarian. Planika's glass flame towers put a real, visible flame inside a glass tube. You get the warmth of a patio heater and the atmosphere of a fireplace in one freestanding piece.
Planika Pyramid: 28,000 BTU
A tall pyramid flame tower for patios, pool decks and restaurant terraces.
See the PyramidPlanika Lighthouse: 34,120 BTU
The highest output in the range, with a 360-degree flame.
See the LighthousePlanika Faro: 27,300 BTU
A 360-degree flame tower with a slim footprint.
See the FaroPlanika Bino: 27,300 BTU
The compact option for balconies, rooftops and smaller terraces.
See the BinoSafety and placement
- Use gas heaters outdoors only, never in enclosed rooms or garages.
- Keep the clearances to ceilings, walls and furniture listed in the manual.
- Place them on a flat, stable surface, out of walkways.
- On covered patios, check that the manual allows the overhead clearance you have.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a gas patio heater under a covered patio?
Only if the ceiling height and ventilation meet the manufacturer's clearance requirements. For low or enclosed covers, electric infrared is the safer choice.
How long does a propane tank last in a patio heater?
It depends on the tank size and the setting you run. A higher flame uses fuel faster, so running at a lower setting extends each tank.
Is a fire pit or a patio heater better for heat?
A fire pit warms people sitting close around it. A patio heater warms an area from above or from a tower, so it works better for dining tables and standing groups.
