Best Outdoor Heater for Covered Porch or Patio

If you are thinking about getting an outdoor heater for your covered porch, then the chances are that you are worried about choosing the right one for your needs. How do you decide on an outdoor heater that can remain warm through drops in temperature? One that can be left outdoors without becoming damaged? Or even one that proves to be efficient when used?

It is natural to think about what will work best and trust me, you are not alone.

You’ve probably thought about it like this: it’s one thing to stay warm and enjoy some company on your covered porch on a cold evening but what if you get an outdoor heater that gives you more problems than heat? There is also the fact that outdoor heaters present a certain fire hazard, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Quick Link
For a quick look at the best outdoor heater for covered porch or patio use , check out the Heatlab Outdoor Heater and get an extra one free.

 

It goes without saying that you also need to answer the ever-recurring question – “Is it safe to use a heater on a covered porch?” Well, things are always evolving, and several updates in design and technology have made it a lot safer to use heaters on a covered porch.

Now, using an outdoor heater on your covered porch depends on the type of outdoor heater you get and the size of your porch.

Of course, you might still have other concerns about deciding on an outdoor heater for yourself and your family. Concerns relating to its durability and efficiency.

You might have considered questions like:

  • How much heat does it generates?
  • What power source does it use?
  • Whether or not it’s easy or safe to operate. And very importantly,
  • How much it would cost to use one in the long run?

These are all essential questions that this article will aim to answer.

So, we identified a list of the best outdoor heaters for your covered porch, and we are confident that they will address some if not all of your concerns.

Let’s go through the list in more detail and have a look at the top picks for the best outdoor heater for your covered porch.

Heatlab 2KW Outdoor Heater – Set of 2

Everyone loves a two for one, and this free-standing outdoor heater is the perfect combination. Its unique and multi-functional design allows it to be both a source of heat and light, which makes it perfect for socialising or entertaining friends or family late into the night.

Heatlab Set of 2 2kW Outdoor Freestanding Electric...
  • Multi-functional - a source of both heat and light, ideal for socialising into the night
  • Versatile - IPX4 approval means that this heater is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Last update on 2024-02-23  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

It offers 3 heat settings with a max of 2000W and height adjustments, which makes it great for all spaces. Furthermore, its 45-degree header adjustment gives you the option of positioning the heater to suit your specific need.

If your outdoor heater specification is one that provides heat as well as light, while operating at low cost, this is the outdoor heater for you.

And it is excellent for indoor and outdoor use.

       Pros

  • It is durable, sturdy and long-lasting. Also, its energy-efficient bulb will give you up to 2500 lamp hours.
  • It offers 3 heat settings, i.e. 350W, 1350W and 2000W, giving you the option of customising your heat however you need.
  • It’s adjustable height, and heater head provides an excellent customising convenience in any space.
  • It is Multi-functional, its additional light feature will make for a lovely reading light while you stay warm.
  • It is cheap to operate.
  • It is waterproof and can fare well in any weather condition.
  • It’s got a great design allowing it to blend beautifully into your home décor.

      Cons

  • It doesn’t come with an outdoor heater cover, so you’d need to get that.
  • If you are not placing the heater right next to a wall, you’ll need an extension lead.
  • You may face a little difficulty assembling it.

BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater

Nothing like warmth and music to turn a cold day around, and you can do that with BU-KO outdoor patio gas heater. It’s a pyramid-shaped outdoor heater powered by propane gas, with a Bluetooth speaker to enjoy your playlist while you get warm.

BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater | Garden, Camp, BBQ...
  • ???? DOUBLE BENEFIT - This pyramid-shaped outdoor heater is powered by propane gas and displays an attractive open flame...
  • ???? BUILT TO LAST - Crafted using premium, high-grade stainless steel and powder coated aluminium, this patio heater is...

Last update on 2024-02-23  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s able to maximise heat and spread it as far as a 10-foot radius. With this heater, you can spend festive and warm music-filled nights with your friends or family.

       Pros

  • It is very easy to assemble. It comes with a step by step video guide to make this process as seamless as possible.
  • It is very easy to use.
  • It is waterproof and can survive in almost all weather conditions.
  • It’s sleek, and pyramid-shaped design will add to the aesthetics on your porch.
  • It is durable and safe. It comes with a built-in safety valve that will shut off the fuel source of the heater if it is tilted. A great feature to have if you’ve got kids underfoot.
  • It comes with a gas regulator.
  • It comes with a canvas cover to keep it protect it when not in use.
See also  Best Heater with Thermostat for Babies Room

      Cons

  • It does not include LPG Tank.
  • It is slightly expensive but a great purchase if it’s within your budget.

Orbegozo H55 Gas Heater

This butane gas-powered heater gives off 3000W, making it able to cover and warm a large space area. It is very quiet and it has no smell or dangerous fumes.

The Orbegozo H55 gas heater also comes with a carry handle for easy and convenient movement.

Last update on 2024-02-23  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Asides from using this gas-powered heater in your porch, you can also use it in a tent or gazebo if required. To be safe, you also have to ensure that there are no flapping parts of your gazebo in a position to hit the surface of your heater.

It is worth noting that you will need a gas pipe and a regulator to make this work safely and efficiently. The easiest way to get the heater up to its adequate heat levels is to start it on high, then reduce it to a lower level. This helps it emit constant heat at a more efficient rate.

       Pros

  • This gas-powered outdoor heater is efficient and durable.
  • It comes with a triple security system.
  • It is very quiet when in operation and does not emit any odour.
  • Price-wise, it is very affordable when compared to many competitors on the market.

      Cons

  • It does not come with a regulator or gas pipe, so these will need to be purchased separately.
  • There are no heat level options or thermostat. It is restricted to emitting heat at 3000W.

Opranic 2KW Electric Patio Heater

If you are looking for an electric heater that produces warm and natural heat and customises your heat output, then Opranic is the outdoor heater for you. There are often cases of outrageous electricity bills with most electric heaters due to their large heat output but not with Opranic.

Last update on 2024-02-23  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Opranic is uniquely designed to convert 96% input of electrical energy into heat, essentially keeping your electric bill as low as possible.

The Opranic patio heater is environmentally friendly. It is also very portable, which means that you are not restricted to using it on your porch, you can use it anywhere you want in your home.

It is also fit for home and commercial use.

       Pros

  • It’s lightweight and portable which will make for easy and convenient movement.
  • It is Eco-friendly as it does not give off dangerous fumes or gas, making it safe for you and the family.
  • It is durable. You are guaranteed 10,000 operating hours and two full years of efficient use.
  • It comes with 5 heat settings, allowing you to customise your heat setting to your specific need. The heat setting ranges from 1200W to 2000W
  • It comes with a porch heater cover to keep it protected from the elements when not in use. However, the porch heater cover is flammable and should only be placed on the heater when it is switched off.
  • It is noiseless, making it perfect for a warm and quiet evening.
  • It’s got a great sleek design which makes it perfect for blending into your home’s décor
  • It provides excellent heat output. When turned on, it should take approximately 10 minutes to reach its maximum heat on any heat level setting.

      Cons

  • It comes with an EU plug, so if you live in the UK, you’d need to get a UK adapter plug before you can use it.
  • It is slightly expensive, but if it’s within your budget, you’d be getting your money’s worth.

Swan Al Fresco Portable Patio Heater

This gas-powered portable outdoor heater is the answer to your cold legs because it is perfect for under table placement or any placement really; whether high or low. It is small, portable and incredibly versatile, giving you the freedom to place or hang it anywhere you want.

Sale
Swan Al Fresco Portable Electric Stand Patio...
  • SEASON LONG WARMTH WITH NO FUSS: Level up your al fresco experience with the Swan Portable Stand Patio Heater, ideal...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND VERSATILE: Compact and manoeuvrable at only 60cm tall, with a built-in handle to ensure its convenience,...

Last update on 2024-02-28  / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

To use, all you have to do is plug in its 1.8-metre cable and enjoy its warmth.

It is also waterproof and can survive any weather conditions, so if you don’t get to in time before it starts raining, a little or a lot of water won’t hurt it. It also comes with an impressive safety feature; an automatic turn-off switch. This feature ensures that the heater goes off on its own if it ever runs into any issues like falling or getting blown over.

It’s unique design and efficiency makes it perfect for home and commercial use.

       Pros

  • It is lightweight and portable and comes with a built-in handle for easy and convenient movement.
  • It is waterproof and great for all weather conditions
  • It offers a sleek and stylish design, allowing it to blend into or improve the aesthetics of your porch.
  • It is very adaptable. You can place it in any space where heat is most needed.
  • It’s automatic off switch provides added safety for your environment and family. This safety feature is incredibly convenient if you have children in the house.
See also  Best Thermostats for Reptiles

      Cons

  • It does not come with an outdoor heater cover, so you’d need to buy this separately.
  • It has only one heat level, i.e. it is not adjustable.
  • It has a relatively short power cord so you may need an extension lead.
  • It only gives 1200W heat which may not be enough for a slightly larger gathering.
  • It is slightly expensive but a great purchase if it’s within your budget.

Different Types of Outdoor heaters and how they work

Understanding what options exist when trying to heat your outdoor space, as well as their pros and cons will help you better decide which best suits your needs.

Propane Heaters

If you don’t have space for a free-standing or tabletop outdoor heater, then you are better off with a propane heater. Propane heaters are the most popular types of heaters for one very convenient reason; they are portable. You can change the location of the heater whenever you like to suit your needs. Another advantage to propane heaters is that they heat quickly.

They give off more heat than electric heaters. They do this by warming the air around you, rather than warming you directly. Another even more significant advantage is that propane is not toxic, and it burns clean.

Best Outdoor Heater for Covered Porch

With propane heaters, you need a propane tank, which makes this option more expensive than opting for say natural gas heaters. Also, these tanks do have to be replaced and maintained and in some cases, rented. With electric heaters, you wouldn’t need to do this, but a lack of proper maintaining of a propane heater could lead to a fire outbreak.

You see, propane heaters create actual fire and over time, the burner in a propane heater could get clogged with dirt or debris. So, before you put them back into storage, you should clean them, so that they are ready for use when the next season comes.

Natural Gas Heaters

Unlike propane heaters, natural gas heaters are fixed or mounted. However, much like propane heaters, they distribute more heat than electric heaters. When used, natural gas heaters are often chosen or designed to work with the already existing natural gas line, so, that is convenient.

However, what is not convenient is its installation. Natural gas heaters often involve professional installation because they’d need to be attached to the existing natural gas. Also, they are not portable.

They are usually mounted at a fixed spot, making it impossible to move it without again, professional help. Natural gas outdoor heaters are often a good option for companies and business owners who want to take advantage of the existing natural gas line around them.

This also works for homes as well.

Also, because of safety, natural gas heaters need to be mounted with particular consideration for ventilation.

Electric Gas Heaters

These are just like your indoor heaters, all you need to do is plug them into an outlet, and you’ve got your heat. The heat an electric heater provides is infrared, which is essentially the same way you absorb heat from the sun.

The heat from electric heaters works like sunlight, going directly into your skin or clothes to warm you, unlike propane heaters that warm the air around you. Furthermore, maintaining an electric heater does not involve much effort.

The only time you would need professional help would be if it breaks down.

By far, the most significant advantage with electric heaters is that you’d never have to worry about any potential fire combustion or carbon monoxide poisoning. However, most electric heaters are not waterproof, so they have to be protected from the elements like rain or dust.

Electric heaters are also durable; if maintained and used properly, they can last for a long time.

Things to consider when buying an Outdoor Heater

The Shape or Size of Your Porch

The shape and size of your porch determine how many people you are likely to have in it at any given time, which in turn determines the kind of heater you will buy.

If your porch happens to be a small-sized space, then a tabletop heater is the most logical choice. You can have everyone seat around it, and this way the heat distribution of the heater can be maximised.

Safety

To be fair, heaters come with risks. There’s always the risk of fire or a gas leak. That is why you must choose your outdoor heater with care. With a free-standing heater, you have to look out for one that secures firmly to the ground so that it does not fall or tilt or windy days.

Even with an automatic off switch, an outdoor heater that is constantly falling and hitting the floor repeatedly will wear out eventually. If you go for a gas or wooden heater, use them out in the open space to prevent fire outbreaks and carbon monoxide poisoning and always, always, keep it away from everything flammable.

That is why the outdoor heater cover should only be used when the heater has cooled or has been switched off.

With propane heaters, there is actual fire coming out of them, so you want to keep away anything flammable and be extra, extra cautious on windy days. You also, don’t want to leave your outdoor heater unattended if you have little kids around the house.

Another thing to consider with propane heater is their tanks. Get rid of any that has stayed too long, say 8 to 10 years. And, keep all propane thanks three to five feet away from the exit and entrance spaces.

See also  Can Battery Fairy Lights Catch Fire?

Best Outdoor Heater for Covered patio

Furthermore, when you get your outdoor heater, make sure to read the manuals for safety guidelines so you can be prepared for any issues or emergency. A lot of people don’t do this, but those instructions and safety measures are there for a reason.

Energy Efficiency

This is something you should particularly consider if you want to buy an electric outdoor heater. If you are concerned about heating costs, then electric heaters are probably not the best choice unless you look out for one that solves this problem explicitly or reduces it.

Most modern electric heaters are designed with this in mind, so this is not a big problem as it used to be.

To further reduce the heating costs, go for heaters that come with special features like adjustable heating or energy-saving modes. Or, if your porch is not as huge, go for outdoor heaters with low watts output.

Price

Based on the design, size, feature and type an outdoor heater the cost will always vary. When buying an outdoor heater, make sure you have a budget planned. Your aim is to get your money’s worth.

One thing you should never do is go for the cheap option.

If the price looks too darn good to be true, then it probably is. Of course, not all expensive outdoor heaters are worth the hype but going for a cheap and untested one is never a good idea.

Outdoor heaters already have their risks, and you don’t want to. Increase that by buying a questionable one. Spending money on a good quality outdoor heater will rid you of the likely problems you could run into with a cheap one.

However, most times, an outdoor heater is expensive because of its fancy features. So, if what you need is just something to keep you warm on cold winter nights, then a simple, affordable one is all you need.

Weather

Naturally, your typical weather climate will determine whether you need an outdoor heater and what kind of outdoor heater you will need. So, if you want to get your outdoor heater, go for the one that is most logical for your climate.

If you live in a place where the climate is too windy, then getting a free-standing heater may not be the best idea. Even if it’s really stable, a powerful wind could knock it down and depend on the features of the heater; there is no telling what will happen.

Whatever the state of your climate, consider that before you buy your outdoor heater. When you do, bear two things in mind, practicality and need.

Aesthetics

Some people want to stay warm; others want more than that. If you are buying an outdoor heater just to keep warm, then your thoughts would veer towards things like functionality and practicality, and that should be your lookout.

That said there are a lot of stylishly designed outdoor heaters that not only come with cool features but are designed to match the general aesthetics and atmosphere of your home. Floor standing outdoor heaters are often designed to do this.

If this is what you are looking for, take your time there are tons of great options to choose from. Just don’t put aesthetics over efficiency, functionality and practicality.

How it Works

Not all outdoor heaters are created equal. Some are incredibly easy to use; some will have you pulling your hair in frustration. To avoid this, you should do some research.

Check things like;

  • Assembling – Is it easy to assemble, or would you need professional help?
  • Does it allow for adjustability, or would you be stuck with one heating level?
  • Does it come with all the basic necessities or would you have to get them yourself?

Make sure to consider everything, including its safety approval so that you don’t end up with issues that you could have avoided.

Maintenance

Some outdoor heaters require more work than others. So it would be best if you had this in mind before you buy. As mentioned before, propane heaters appear to need more work because you occasionally have to clean them for blockages.

You also have to be mindful of the tank and change it when the need arises. On the other hand, electric heaters would probably need an occasional wipe down with a cloth and cleaning agent to get rid of dust and dirt.

Before you attempt to clean a heater, check the instruction manual to make sure that you are doing it right. Some cleaning agents could cause more harm than good.

Portability

For some owners, the portability of the outdoor heater is not a deal-breaker, they’d much rather it stay in a fixed or mounted spot to reduce its chances of being stolen. However, if this is important to you, you should get tabletop outdoor heaters or outdoor heaters with wheels so you can easily carry or move them.

Here is another vital thing to note:

When buying an outdoor heater, you want to make sure that you check the heat capacity of the heater. This is very important as too much heat from a heater in a small-sized porch will make it incredibly hot and uncomfortable. You are striving for comfortable warmth, not an oven consistency.

Also, if you get a heater that doesn’t produce enough heat for your sizeable porch, then you might as well be sitting in the cold. So, when buying your outdoor heater, this is what you should do:

  • Look out for the heat capacity of the heater. It is always written on the label, and it should be anywhere between 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit; this is what tells you how much heat the outdoor heater will produce.
  • To determine the amount of heat your porch will need, do a measurement in feet, this measurement will include the length, width and height of the porch. After you’ve done this, multiply them.
  • With this measurement, you can figure out how high the temperature will rise in Fahrenheit.
  • After that, make a note of the current porch temperature and then do an estimate of what temperature would be most comfortable for you.
  • Now, multiply the difference between both temperatures with the area of your porch. Whatever you get will be the BTUs needed to keep your porch appropriately warm.

This may seem like long, complicated math, but it’s necessary to make sure your porch is not overheating or under heating. And, if you find this tasking, get someone knowledgeable to do it for you.