As air conditioners and fans are to the outdoor cooling, the outdoor heater is to outdoor, well, heating.
When it’s cold outside — we might not have the month of May, but what we’ve got are some of the best outdoor heating options for your home so you could enjoy the colder seasons comfortably. Blankets are enjoyable when resting and bonfires are great for the beach or camping, but a furnace or an HVAC system might not be ideal for heating outdoors. As such, when a furnace or HVAC system isn’t feasible, the NIR team is committed to finding you a variety of options to ensure all your heating needs are met this fall and winter!
An underdog in the “stay warm outside” department is the outdoor heater. We’ll be considering outdoor heating solutions that will allow you to move freely without letting “out” warmth or letting “in” cold air. You also won’t have to worry about smoke burning your eyes or your clothes smelling like wood and fire for days. Our goal is to get you some of the best options to heat your outdoor area, so we’ll be offering a solution based on 1) budget 2) aesthetic 3) ease/convenience 4) heat-efficiency and 5) the overall best outdoor heating option that has a little bit of everything from affordability to performance.
Affordable Heating Option for Outdoors
Sometimes, the priority is budget, so knowing how much you’re willing to spend for an outdoor heater can make the researching and decision-making process much easier. For this subcategory, we’re taking a look at an outdoor heater that is incredibly affordable — as in “under $50” affordable!
15,000 BTU Tank Top Propane Heater. One reviewer described this heater as being “perfect for outdoors on [the] patio or in a garage for comfort in cooler weather” and another said that’s it’s “[a] great value for [the] price.” If those aren’t convincing enough, we don’t know what it is. And you know what makes this heater even better? You can find it for under $45 on the Harbor Freight website! It might not be the most attractive in look, but there are some additional advantages to this space-saving outdoor propane heater. According to the product overview on the Harbor Freight website, this heater uses radiant heat, making it less susceptible to wind dissipation, and has a variable heat control valve so you’ll always have the perfect temperature and a high-efficiency heat reflector so none of the heat is lost!
Getting the Look You Want for Your Outdoor Heater
We know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and sometimes outdoor heating options aren’t always the most attractive. So, this outdoor heater is specifically listed for those who are going for the full aesthetic and need the heat to compliment.
Sedona Rectangle Fire Table by Real Flame. The website describes it as being crafted from fiber-reinforced concrete, giving it the look of rugged stack stoned and natural flagstone which allows it to integrate well into a variety of outdoor settings. Keep in mind that this is more on the pricey side, coming in at just under $1,449 before tax. One customer also comments that the unit is much lighter than expected, and easily slides when lighting it or putting your feet on it if it’s situated on concrete.
The Most Convenient Outdoor Heater (Installation, Maintenance, Etc.)
A lot of times, the ease of installing something could be a make-or-break for many individuals. How much of my tools, energy, and time is it gonna’ take for me to install this thing? Just shy of $210 (pre-tax), this outdoor heating solution is receiving all the craze from customers across the board for its easy-to-use install.
Mondavi Envirostone Propane Fire Pit by Bond Manufacturing. In addition to being rather attractive, this outdoor heater is being described by customers as “easy to assemble,” and “like having a campfire without the smoke.” Customers say that the pit’s easy assembly is a result of only needing to connect it to the propane tank.
The Hottest Outdoor Heating for Fall and Winter
When it gets cold during outdoor activities, the main thing people start to think (and complain) about is how cold it is. To avoid those conversations, and continue enjoying your outdoor fun, you should look for an outdoor heating solution with a primary selling point of giving off great heat.
39″ 4000 Watt Infratech Dual Heater by Infratech. This patio heater is ideal for use when more intense directional heat is desired. How does it keep your outdoor space so warm? It has a dual element fixture that will produce more concentrated heat for your outdoor area than other heating fixtures. It incorporates a specially designed electric quartz heating element that produces safe infrared radiant energy. Radiant energy is only absorbed by solid objects and is not wasted heating the air. Described by one reviewer as “a great product” that “really delivers the heat where you want it,” this outdoor heater ranges from 208 volts to 480 volts and also has assorted finishes such as the standard white, black, gray, and other options for an additional charge of $65.
The Best of the Best Outdoor Heater According to the Masses
So, we’ve spent some time looking at some of the best outdoor heaters based on budget, aesthetic, convenience, and heat-efficiency — but what about finding an outdoor heater that wins in all these categories from affordability to performance.
Square Propane Gas Fire Pit with Woven Wicker Steel Base by Endless Summer®.
- Under $200
- Durable yet elegant in appearance with a faux-stone construction including black glass and a decorative slate finish
- Easy assembly and easy to operate with electronic ignition and accessible control panel
- Adds 10,000 BTUs of warmth
One customer said that this heater is easy to assemble while another described is being great quality for the price. Another customer said the flame is “beautiful.” Someone even commented, when lit, “It throws off a comfortable amount of heat.” One customer advised to be mindful that this has a timer to shut off, so don’t think you’re out of propane; the time likely has been set. You can get this from Walmart for just under $200, making it attractive, easy to assemble, warm, and inexpensive compared to other options on the market. We’d say that’s a win-win!
Finding the Best Outdoor Heating Solutions for Your Home
Remember that staying warm outside in the middle of fall or winter is just one outdoor heater away! If you have heating concerns, or just want the professional opinion of an HVAC specialist, NIR Air Conditioning and Heating can help. If you’re interested in heating your home, we’ll help you select the most energy-efficient and cost-efficient heating option and will walk you through the process so you and your home or commercial building can stay warm even in the cold.
