Enjoying the fresh air in your outdoor garden or patio is one of life’s simple pleasures – especially on a balmy summer evening. However, when the nights err on the chillier side, we find ourselves deprived of enjoying our outdoor living areas.
So, what if we told you that you could enjoy your outdoor patio or garden, even when it’s not at the peak of summer?
It’s not rocket science – all you need is a high-quality outdoor heater (plus a few citronella candles) and you’ll be toasty warm, outside.
There are many heating options when it comes to the outdoors – from electric outdoor heaters and gas heaters to outdoor fireplaces. If you’ve already chosen your outdoor firepit and you’re looking for a slightly more portable addition to your outdoor area, then you’re at the right place. Below we highlight our top picks for the seasons as well as important info you should consider when buying your very own.
2024’s TOP OUTDOOR HEATERS
- Bromic Tungsten Smart Heat portable LPG heater, $1603 (usually $1825), Appliances Online (here’s why)
- Goldair outdoor radiant heater with wifi, $179, The Good Guys (here’s why)
- Devanti outdoor patio gas heater, $187.95, Kogan (here’s why)
The best outdoor heaters Australia 2024
01
Bromic Tungsten Smart Heat portable LPG heater
$1603 (usually $1825), Appliances Online
With its innovative anti-tilt design, this portable gas heater is perfect for long nights relaxing under the stars. Plus, with its sleek black finish, it’ll look great in most modern homes.
Key features:
- High-intensity ceramic burner
- Innovative tilted head design
- Anti-tilt structure
02
Goldair outdoor radiant heater with wifi
$179, The Good Guys
With wifi, Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility, this outdoor electric heater by Goldair is a smart home must-have. Simply control the temperature via the Goldair app and sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Key features:
- Wifi and smart home compatible
- Intuitive controls
03
Devanti outdoor patio gas heater
$187.95, Kogan
Get sun-like warmth on a chilly winter afternoon with the Devanti outdoor patio heater. Its 13.5kW Enders Eco-Plus (EEP) burner technology emits the same amount of heat as a conventional 12000W electric patio heater, consuming 30 per cent less gas and emitting 30 per cent less carbon dioxide. So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly outdoor heating option, this is it.
Key features:
- Portable & free-standing
- 2 heat settings
- Stainless steel construction
- Built-in wheels
- Safety tip-over switch
04
Hotto Indoors & Outdoors Infrared Panel Heater 2000W
$199, Big W
Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, this infared panel heater features IP55 water-resistance, so you know it’s a durable pick. Plus, with four power settings and a handy remote control, it’s easy to stay warm while enjoying the outdoors with this Hotto infrared panel heater.
Key features:
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- IP55 water-resistance
- 24-hour timer
05
Cuisinart COH-500 portable tabletop heater
$227.38, Amazon
Level up your alfresco setting with a simple tabletop heater from Cuisinart. This small but mighty heater is designed with portability in mind and features a safety tilt switch and a burner screen guard for extra safety precautions.
Key features:
- Small and portable design
- Safety tilt switch
- Burner screen guard
Should I buy an electric outdoor heater or a gas outdoor heater?
When deciding between an outdoor electric heater and an outdoor gas heater, it’s important to consider factors such as safety, amount of heat output, and portability.
An electric heater is considered a safer option as there are no flammable fuels in comparison to gas heaters. Maintenance of an outdoor gas heater is also higher as storing and handling propane or natural gas cylinders is involved which can be inconvenient for some.
However, outdoor gas heaters generally generate more heat and can warm up larger outdoor areas quicker and more effectively. Further, gas heaters are more portable as it does not require a power outlet.
If finding a power outlet in your outdoor space isn’t an issue, and electric heater may be a better option. Electric heaters are easy to operate with simple on/off switches or controls.