As the nights get longer and Summer fades, so too does the hot weather. We’re lucky in many parts of Australia to have mild, beautiful Winters, but they can still be rather chilly. Thankfully, with a good patio heater, we can enjoy the outdoors and dine alfresco even on the coldest nights. No more waiting for spring for a good family BBQ or drinks with friends on the terrace.
With heaps of outdoor heaters available, we are now spoilt for choice. From electric to gas, ceiling-mounted to free-standing, there are heaters for all occasions, locations and budgets. However, all these options make knowing which one to choose so much harder.
At The Lighting Outlet, our team have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to outdoor heaters. To help you find the best heater for your patio or garden, our experts have picked their top heaters for 2024. Read on for their tips on:
- Choosing a gas vs electric heater.
- Installing radiant heaters.
- How to position your outdoor heaters.
- Plus answers to other common questions.
Top outdoor heaters to buy:
Best Outdoor Electric heaters
Best Outdoor Gas-powered heaters
Heatstrip by Thermofilm
Pros
- Elegant Timeless Look
- Remote Optional
- Radiant Electric Low Maintenance Heat
- Timer Function
- Heat Adjustable
Cons
- Price
- High Energy Consumption
- Accessories To Purchase Separately
RRP Price Starting From $279.00
About The Heatstrip By Thermofilm
The heatstrip ticks all the boxes and has a wide range of models to suit every setting including indoors. The elegant slimline model will suit alfrescos perfectly and the off white colour will blend in with your ceiling. A recess kit is available for the heatstrip and looks seamless when installed right. Thermofilm has a worldwide leading design element that allows a more compact and higher output heater. Thermofilm solely designs and makes patio heaters, so they have been producing and improving their technology for over 20 years and are the market leaders in Australia. When purchasing a Thermofilm you will know that you have selected a high quality heater that will last the test of time and one that people will stop to look at (in a good way!).
Specs
- IPX4 water and splash-proof rating
- 3 power consumption options: 650W, 1350W and 2000W
- Accessible pull chain control with overheat protection system
- 45-degree adjustable head angle
Customer Review
Elegant Heatstrip Heater
Love this heater, does not heat up the area it heats up the objects around it! Looks super smart also.
Great shipping service in these tough times also!
Alfresco Smart Wifi Strip Heater 1800w or 2400w in Black with Remote
Pros
- Smart Controlled Heater
- Automation Enabled
- Trusted Brand
- Remote Included
- Adjustable Heat
Cons
- Only 2 years warranty
- May require to be one stand alone circuit
RRP Price Starting From $600.00
About The Alfresco Smart Wifi Strip Heater
Our innovative Alfresco Strip Heater provides optimum comfort and simplicity for outdoor heating. This 1800w and 2400w heater has a remote control, efficient heating panel, and configurable options. Two heat settings and a customizable timer keep you and your visitors toasty on cold nights. Wall/ceiling mounting and plug-and-play make installation easy. The IP65-rated heater has a 2-year residential and 1-year commercial guarantee and can endure any weather. The Wi-Fi-enabled IKUU app lets you schedule, automate, and create scenarios. Alfresco Strip Heater provides unprecedented warmth. Purchase today for comfortable outdoor evenings.
Specs
- Smart Controlled Through Phone or Use Remote Inc
- Heat level adjustment
- Automations, Scheduling & Countdown Timers
- IP65 High Weather Resistance Rating
Customer Review
I love my 1800w Alfresco Strip Heating with remote. It keeps myself and my guests warm on cold nights. Customizable heat settings and timer are great. Wall/ceiling mounting made installation easy. Convenient Wi-Fi and IKUU app management. Ideal for outdoor relaxation.
Platinum 2300w Smart-Heat Electric Heater in Black or White
Pros
- Ultra Modern Design
- Smart Product
- Radiant Electric Low Maintenance Heat
- Used In Commercial Applications
- Stainless Steel Construction
Cons
- Price Most Expensive
- Accessories To Purchase Separately
About The Platinum 2300w Smart-Heat Electric Heater
A great heater doesn’t just do its job , it will add elegance and beauty to your home, and you won’t know how you survived before it. This radiant heater sits at a 50mm width, giving you a sleek look while adding warmth.The platinum smart heater by Bromic offers market-leading alfresco radiant heat output that will warm you and not the air. With its heat on your back, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported back to the summer sun.
The Platinum Smart-Heat features a smart-sensing operation that allows the heater to select only the power necessary for perfect comfort at a touch of a button – more effective heating and less wasted energy. This heater has won awards for its design, with both indoor and outdoor purposes in mind. It also has some very valuable consumer advantages including ultra slim design, high quality 304 stainless steel chassis & customer favorite Schott tinted ceramic glass screens. It’s easy to control via remote control too. The 2400w platinum smart heater by Bromic will heat a 6m² area but is also available in a 3400w model which will heat 10m² area. These models have great versatility with many different accessories to mount and turn into smart heaters. The platinum smart radiant alfresco heater by Bromic includes a 3 year warranty gives you peace of mind through our commitment to unparalleled quality.
Specs
- Heat Output: 2300w
- Approximate area heated (m²): 6m²
- Colour: Black | White
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Finish: Brushed Stainless Steel 304
Customer Review
Great courtyard/outdoor space heaters
Bought two of these for our outdoor courtyard space to provide heat over the winter months and could not be happier with the purchase. Instant, immediate warmth provided from the heaters and the heat projects well across the area.
Great value for money purchase, would highly recommend it.
Heatwave Pro Radiant By Ventair
Pros
- Great Value
- IP65
- Radiant Electric Low Maintenance Heat
- Premium Materials
- Used In Commercial Applications
- Stainless Steel Construction
Cons
- High Power Cost
- Accessories To Purchase Separately
- Lead requires 15(A) input
About The Heatwave Pro Radiant By Ventair
The heatwave has an great slimline look which appears as a design statement piece rather not a big free standing eye sore as some heaters do. The heatwave has 6 different models including 3 different sizes and wattages, with each having the remote option, where you can programme the length it will stay on for (a great safety feature). The remote version also allows you to run at either 33%, 66% or 100% of total rated power, this means you decide your wattage, so you can't lose. The heatwave radiant outdoor heater has an IP65 rating which means water or dust will not penetrate this fixture at all. When a product has an IP65 it's usually a good indication of premium quality of the fixture. The heat wave also uses corrosion free materials. All this from one of Australia's leading wholesalers Ventair.
Specs
- IP Rating: IP45 Splash Proof
- 800w - 2400w
- 1 Metre Long Plug & Play Cord
- Running cost from 16c Per Hour
Customer Review
Awesome product and the purchase was made so easy.
The unit is so more streamlined than the others and looks amazing.
Infrared Outdoor Heater IP65 1000w or 2000w SUNB1000BL SUNB2000BL Ventair
Pros
- Instant Heat
- IP65 Weatherproof
- Rated For Indoor Or Outdoor
- DIY Plug & Play
- Price
- Compact Size
Cons
- High Energy Consumption
- Smaller Heating Area
- Halogen Technology
About The Infrared Outdoor Heater by Ventair
The sunburst mini heater by Ventair is a great quick fix for heating your outdoor alfrescos or patio areas, they will produce great heat immediately. It includes a DIY plug and mounting brackets for easy installation - it’s one of the easiest heaters on the market to install. The sunburst can be used indoors or outdoors and is available in 2 sizes; a 1000w and a 2000w model. The 1000w will heat a 5-6 m2 area where the 2000w will heat a 10-12 m2. The infrared models use a halogen tungsten globe. Halogen globes are great for heat but they use a lot of power and will need replacing more regularly than newer solutions- each bulb typically lasts for a few thousand hours of use. This unit is good for a short term setup on your alfrescos but we would recommend a radiant heater for long term use.
Specs
- IP65 Ideal for outdoor use
- 2 years warranty
- Wall or Ceiling Mountable
- Compact Discreet and easy to install
Customer Review
Great courtyard/outdoor space heaters
Bought two of these for our outdoor courtyard space to provide heat over the winter months and could not be happier with the purchase. Instant, immediate warmth provided from the heaters and the heat projects well across the area.
Great value for money purchase, would highly recommend it.
Platinum 500 Smart-Heat Gas Heater in LPG or Natural Gas
Pros
- Heats 20m² area
- Modern Design
- Smart Product
- Premium Materials
- Used In Commercial Applications
- Stainless Steel Construction
Cons
- Price Most Expensive
- Accessories To Purchase Separately
About The Platinum 500 Smart-Heat Gas Heater
The Platinum Smart-Heat™ Gas heater series has an elegant design and is available in 3 models with a black or silver fascia. They use a high output low fuel cost ceramic glass-ceramic gas burner that provides efficient and comfortable heating for your patio, terrace or garden. The Platinum Smart-Heat™ Heaters are ideal to be used year round and in varying weather conditions and can therefore be safely placed outdoors on your terrace or patio without it becoming too hot to operate.The Platinum Smart-Heat™ Gas Heater provide well even heat for your patio, decking or garden. The ceramic glass-ceramic burners are very durable and the platinum gas heaters have a modern look that will complement your home perfectly.
Specs
- IP65
- 2 years warranty
- Wattage: 1800 / 2400/ 3200
- Mount: Ceiling or Wall Light
- Body Material: Aluminium Casing
- Fuel Type: LPG | Natural Gas
- Approximate area heated (m²): 20m²
- Environmental Efficiency. Slow-release ceramic burners
- Gas connection: 3/8 SAE
- Heat Output: 42Mj
Customer Review
Instant heating and pretty high quality product
It looks bigger than I thought but working really well.
Instant heating and feel pretty warm!
Don't need light since it generates quite a bit of light from the panel.
Tungsten Portable Smart-Heat Gas Heater (LPG) in Black
Pros
- Freestanding Portable - Easy To Move Around
- Wide Coverage Of Up To 20m².
- Tailored Heat Control
- Used In Commercial Applications
Cons
- Price
- Large Unit
- Requires LPG To Run
About The Tungsten Portable Heater
The tungsten portable heater by Bromic is an award winning unit which provides the ultimate instant heat for any application. This unit is perfect for alfresco dining and balconies, it’s powerful yet easy to maneuver around with built-in wheels. This patio unit will suit commercial and residential applications as it has a wide 4 meter spread of heat and up to 20m² of coverage. The heater includes tailored controls to ensure the right level of comfortable heat. The unit is large and bold so may not suit all decors. It does, however,, have a useful contoured shape for high wind resistance. The modular design is easy to assemble and store away quickly, the patent design provides warmth where you want with the adjustable tilting head.
Specs
- Fuel Type: LPG
- Approximate area heated (m²): 20m²
- Min. floor clearance: 1000mm
- Output: 40mj
- Length: 490mm
- Width: 700mm
- Height: 2160mm
Customer Review
This Heater is fantastic Heats a large area Perfectly.
The unit is fantastic, looks great on the outside wall of our Balcony and heats the Balcony within a short period of time. Everybody comments on how powerful the unit is and wants to sit near it. I cannot speak highly enough of both the Heater.
Heatstrip Wall Mounted Natural Gas Heater Thermofilm - TGH34WN-2
Pros
- Good Value
- Heats 16 sqm²
- Small & Compact
- Pull Cord For Instant Heat
- DIY
Cons
- Natural Gas Only
- 500mm Overhead Clearance Required
About The Heatstrip Wall Mounted Heater
The Heatstrip wall mounted heater is stylish and unobtrusive for any outdoor alfresco application, where mains natural gas is required. This heater has a world class design and is also backed with a high output heat performance, suited for residential and commercial applications. This unit has an electronic battery ignition with an on/off operation by pulling the stainless steel cord, no electrician needed to install which saves a lot on installation. This patio heater is constructed of steel with a powder coated finish. Overall this is a great gas heater where you have natural gas available, stylish, DIY and provides instant high level heat.
Specs
- Weight(kgs): 11.5
- Heating area 16 sqm² (4m x 4m)
- Ignition: Electronic Battery (AA battery)
- 2 Years Warranty
- Natural Gas Only
Customer Review
Excellent Heaters
We have installed these in our office/warehouse space, it is a large concrete space so is freezing during the cooler months. These are positioned over the desks and they work a treat, although, now that we have been in lockdown we haven't been able to use them much. Very easy to install.
Compare our best heaters for outdoors
Things to consider before you buy
Electric vs Gas Patio Heaters
Our favourite outdoor heaters are the radiant heaters which work by producing a radiant heat that projects directly to skin or objects rather than just heating the air. These are typically electric powered (please see note below on installation). A traditional heater will heat a room which is practical for indoors, but for outdoors the heat simply gets lost in the breeze or wind. So in a nutshell radiant heaters will heat the direct environment, not the air around it.
Gas heaters have many great benefits too, the main benefit being that you get instant heat. When indoors, as soon as the gas heater is turned on the heat will begin to flow through your home but for outdoors you need to be in a close vicinity to the heater as the heat will get lost in the air. Gas heaters also have a lower carbon emissions, the combustion for natural gas is almost 100% which is only a minimal amount being emitted to the atmosphere. Gas heaters are more suited for a commercial purpose like a cafe or beer garden to get instant heat.
Consider Outdoor Heater Power Costs
The power costs for radiant heaters are the same as an infrared heater which are typically around 1500 watts. If you were to run a 1500w radiant heater you would be looking at a running cost of around 50c per hour. Radiant heaters are known to be more efficient as they don't require natural resources. Moving forward into the next 10 to 20 years we hope to see people using more solar renewable energy and then running for free. Gas heaters are more pricey to run (on average will cost $3 per hour) and will also need more maintenance.
Installing Radiant Outdoor Heaters
In the past we have had customers get caught out by them not knowing that they will be required to run the outdoor heater directly from the circuit board on their own circuit, which may be tricky for installation. Anything 1800w or over should be on it’s own circuit so check with your electrician before installing. Radiant electric heaters give radiant heat which heats objects rather than air. It is important that objects to be heated (ie. people), are within the line radiant direction of the heater. The Image below shows the radiant direction of radiant heater and is a guide based on an enclosed outdoor setting. This image shows that the maximum heat output is found directly beneath the heater, and the temperature drops the further away you are from the heater. It shows how important it is maintaining right mounting heights, and if possible, positioning the heater right above the area to be heated. Note that the temperature is similar for all 3 models, regardless of the wattage however, as the size increases and the length of the unit increases, the radiant footprint will be further.
How To Position Your Outdoor Heater
When installing your outdoor patio heater you can look to mount it to the wall, but the best gain would come from installing it above your living table. Having your outdoor heater on the wall or ceiling also takes out the option of injury which is great plus, particularly if you have children or pets.
Consider What Size Outdoor Heater You Need
Traditionally the radiant heater will come in a 1500w, 2400 or 3000w. Below is a rough guide to work from. 1500w - 3 to 4M² 2400w - 4 to 5M² 3600w - 5 to 7M²
Outdoor Heater Accessories
Mounting Brackets
Due to advancements in outdoor heating we now have many accessories to make installations easier on all applications. As you can see below there are many ways to mount your outdoor heater. The standard (45 degree) and higher (closer to ceiling, 22.5 degree) wall mount brackets are included with the heater.
If you have a high ceiling of more than 2.5 meters you will likely need to suspend the heater with suspension chains or an extended fixed bracket, in order to absorb a good amount of the heat produced. The flush mounting bracket is a great feature you should look into, as it shows off a great architectural look, this works by recessing a gap in the ceiling and a flash metal behind.
Controllers
DIY Plug Adapter
This plug is very handy particularly for the models which don't include a remote. It's very simple to use, just plug it in like a double adapter. This allows you to set a timer for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hour options and to control on/off from the remote.
Hardwired Switch
This model is the same as the previous model but it's hardwired meaning it's fixed to the wall. It allows you to adjust the heat over 3 settings high / medium / low. It also is safe with the automatic timer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Radiant Outdoor Heaters Get Hot?
Yes, the radiant outdoor heaters get hot and should not be touched or come in contact with anything. Radiant outdoor heaters also should not be run for more than 12 hours at a time.
What does the IP rating mean on outdoor heaters?
IP stands for ingress protection, IP20 will need to be covered and away from water. IP44 can handle small splashes of water while IP65 is fully weather protected for outdoor use.
What are the best outdoor heater brands in Australia?
The best outdoor heater brands available in Australia are Bromic and Thermofilm, these 2 brands are award winning in the heating industry, they are sold worldwide and used heavily in commercial applications.
What gas does outdoor heaters use?
Each outdoor gas heater will use a certain type of gas which will either be LPG or Natural Gas. LPG gas is purchased in gas bottles where Natural gas is direct from your house connection connected to your gas meter.
How do I maintain my radiant heater?
All of our outdoor heaters are made from quality materials although like anything will need maintenance to prolong the life of your heater. Use a clean cloth and a mild detergent to remove all built up contaminants from the air, rinse all detergent off and repeat every 3-6 months.
