Table of Contents
Coverage area
Most patio heaters heat an area of at least a 10-foot radius, but some can spread heat a little further. Decide how much or how little space you need to heat on a regular basis. If the area you want to heat extends more than 10 feet from the heater, you may want to consider purchasing two heaters.
Style: Pole or pyramid
The two main styles are traditional pole heaters and the more modern pyramid-shaped patio heaters. This is more a matter of taste, but it is worth noting that the pyramid heaters we tested were a little more difficult to assemble.
Costs a value
Reliable patio heaters start at around $150 and go up from there. More powerful patio heaters with sleek design elements will cost you closer to $400 or $500.
Side view showing temperature rise at each measured point. Data was recorded at 10 inch intervals, starting 10 inches below the heater hood and 4 feet out from the heater.
Real world application
After analyzing the data, the Hiland heater came out as a strong contender. It was one of the hottest models I tested, and when you combine that with the cool visuals of a flame shooting through a glass tube, it seemed like a no-brainer.
Then I added an extra step to the test: sitting outside next to each heater on a cooler evening. That revealed something the thermocouples didn’t: Traditional pole heaters give off a much more concentrated heat. Sitting next to them, I felt comfortably warm. While the Hiland heater’s glass tube still performs quite well — and looks nice — it just didn’t warm me up as well by spreading the heat along the length of the tube.
As I mentioned earlier, many of the heaters were similar. When I tested them, it was clear that the Hiland and the Amazon model 62516 — despite being nearly identical pyramid tube heaters — were not alike. The Hiland was one of the best performers; the Amazon 62516 was one of the worst. Upon inspection, the reason was clear: the only difference was in the controller controls. That simple variation made all the difference, and it proved to be true across several identical models of pole heater.
When all these heaters look so similar, it can be tempting to choose one based on the extra accessories. The HomeLabs model had one that stood out: a table that attaches to the heater. I would not recommend putting your cold beer on a table that is attached to a heater.
