A propane patio heater warms an outdoor seating area with radiant heat. Models come as floor-standing towers, tabletop units that sit on a table, or heads that mount on a propane tank. The number to compare first is BTU output, which is the maker’s own figure.
The six heaters below range from 9,000 BTU tabletop and portable units to 50,000 BTU towers. BTU, coverage and run-time figures come from each listing page and are the makers’ claims. We have not used these heaters ourselves. Always follow each maker’s manual for use.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| BTU output | Higher output is meant for larger areas |
| Style | Tower, tabletop and tank-top styles fit different spaces |
| Fuel | Some use a 20 lb tank, others a 1 lb cylinder |
| Wheels | Help you move a tall heater |
| Coverage claim | The maker’s figure, in different units from listing to listing |
Specs at a Glance
| Heater | Style and output | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hykolity | Tower; 50,000 BTU | Not listed in the overview | Wheels; one-press ignition; maker claims 200 sq ft |
| Amazon Basics | Tower; 46,000 BTU | 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 in | Wheels; 20 lb propane tank; maker claims an 18 ft diameter |
| Hiland | Dish tower; 48,000 BTU | 33 x 87 x 33 in as listed | Adjustable 15.7 in table; wheels |
| Tangkula tabletop | Tabletop; 11,000 BTU | 21 x 21 x 38 in; 13 lb | Adjustable flame; 2.5 ft heating radius |
| Mr. Heater Buddy | Portable; 4,000 or 9,000 BTU | Pedestal | Maker claims about 225 sq ft; 1 lb cylinder |
| Mr. Heater Tank Top | Tank top; 45,000, 36,000 or 30,000 BTU | Mounts on a 20 lb tank | Maker claims about 9.5 hours on high |
The 6 Best Patio Heaters
1. Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
A wheeled tower with a table design and a stainless steel burner that the listing puts at 50,000 BTU, with one-press ignition and a control valve to adjust heat. The maker says it heats up to 200 square feet.
Suits: a large tower with a table. Strengths: high output, wheels and a table. Weaknesses: the listing gives no overall size in its overview. Skip it if you need a small unit.
View Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Tower Heater on Amazon
2. Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
A Havana Bronze tower, 32.1 by 32.1 by 91.3 inches, with wheels, one-touch ignition and an adjustable temperature knob. It takes a 20 lb propane tank and has a water box for weighing down the base. The maker states it heats an 18 foot diameter, while the specs table says 324 square feet.
Suits: a house-brand tower. Strengths: wheels and a water-filled base. Weaknesses: two coverage figures that do not match. Skip it if you want a tabletop unit.
View Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Propane Tower Heater on Amazon
3. Hiland 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
A hammered silver dish-style tower with 48,000 BTU, wheels, a variable control, an adjustable-height 15.7 inch table and an open door for changing the gas bottle. The listing also shows a 120 volt line and an odd weight value for a propane heater, so confirm specs with the seller.
Suits: a tower with a side table. Strengths: a door for the tank and an adjustable table. Weaknesses: some listing specs look wrong. Skip it if you want clean data.
View Hiland 48,000 BTU Propane Tower Heater on Amazon
4. Tangkula Tabletop Propane Patio Heater, 11,000 BTU
A 21 by 21 by 38 inch tabletop heater of 13 lb with an adjustable flame, an ignition switch and a control knob. The maker lists a 2.5 foot heating radius with 360 degree heat.
Suits: a small table seating area. Strengths: light weight and an adjustable flame. Weaknesses: a small heating radius. Skip it if you want to warm a large patio.
View Tangkula 11,000 BTU Tabletop Propane Heater on Amazon
5. Mr. Heater 9,000 BTU Portable Buddy Heater
A portable pedestal heater with two settings, 4,000 or 9,000 BTU, which the maker says covers about 225 square feet. It runs on a 1 lb propane cylinder, with maker run times of 5.4 hours on low and 2.4 hours on high.
Suits: a small, portable heater. Strengths: two settings and a compact build. Weaknesses: short run time on a 1 lb cylinder. Skip it if you want a long run time.
View Mr. Heater Buddy 9,000 BTU Portable Heater on Amazon
6. Mr. Heater 45,000 BTU Tank Top Heater
A radiant head that mounts on a 20 lb propane tank, with a high-medium-low regulator at 45,000, 36,000 and 30,000 BTU and an adjustable tilt head. The maker lists about 9.5 hours on high and says it is for outdoor use only.
Suits: a tank-mounted heater. Strengths: three heat levels and a long run time claim. Weaknesses: the tank is sold separately. Skip it if you want a tower with wheels.
View Mr. Heater 45,000 BTU Tank Top Heater on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Read the maker’s manual before first use.
- Use only the fuel type and tank size the maker names.
- Keep the burner and tank area clean and dry.
- Store the heater covered when not in use.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Comparing BTU figures without checking the coverage claim.
- Ordering without knowing the tank size you need.
- Trusting one spec line that conflicts with another.
- Skipping the manual.
Patio Heater FAQ
What does BTU mean?
It is the maker’s heat output figure. Higher numbers are meant for larger areas.
Do I need a tank?
Yes. These use propane, either a 20 lb tank or a 1 lb cylinder, depending on the model.
The Short Version
For a high-output tower with a table, the Hykolity. For a house-brand tower, the Amazon Basics. For a side table and tank door, the Hiland. For a tabletop unit, the Tangkula. For a portable one, the Mr. Heater Buddy. For a tank-mounted head, the Mr. Heater Tank Top.
