- \n
- Best freestanding patio heater: <\/strong>Swan Column Patio Heater<\/li>\n
- Most stylish patio heater: <\/strong>La Hacienda Vintage Searchlight Electric Heater<\/li>\n
- Best budget patio heater: <\/strong>Argos Home Electric Wall Heater<\/li>\n
- Best table-top patio heater: <\/strong>Zanussi Table Top Heater<\/li>\n
- Best table-top patio heater for glass tables: <\/strong>La Hacienda Picasso Rotating Tabletop Heater<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Swan Column Patio Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_5517-rotated.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- Swan Column Patio Heater, \u00a3214 from Dunelm – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Most read in Product Reviews<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/RR-COMBO-WASHINGMACHINE-1.jpg\")
<\/picture>wash this <\/span><\/p>\nAEG 7000 ProSteam review: a low-noise dream machine<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/crop-24205798.jpg\")
<\/picture>muscle mask <\/span><\/p>\nI tested out the Medi Lift mask to find out if Facegym really works<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Oodie-3.jpg\")
<\/picture>ALL GOOD IN THE OOD <\/span><\/p>\nMy Oodie hooded blanket is “my favourite thing I’ve ever tested”<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Huel.jpg\")
<\/picture>HUEL FUEL <\/span><\/p>\nHuel review UK: What is Huel and is it good for you?<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Sleek, long extension cord, perfect level and direction of heat, thoughtfully designed<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Pricey<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nThe best thing about the Swan Column is that it knows exactly what it\u2019s supposed to do, and does it without fuss. <\/p>\n
A sleek, black, classy column? Check. A long extension cord so it can be moved around if needs be? Check. The ability to be close to people without burning their faces off, but be strong enough to feel proper warmth across a table? Check again. <\/p>\n
It just looks great and feels slick, like a lot of thought has been put into its design inside and out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It has two power settings on a nice dial, which belt out 1000W or 2000W, and most importantly,\u00a0its clever design means the heat goes to where it\u2019s supposed to instead of getting lost along the way. <\/p>\n
This is a really decent, well-designed heater which feels like it will last the distance. We think it more than justifies its more expensive price tag.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>2000W Weight: <\/strong>13.6kg Power cord length: <\/strong>1.8m Guarantee: <\/strong>2 years<\/em><\/p>\n
La Hacienda Vintage Searchlight Electric Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_6185-rotated.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- La Hacienda Vintage Searchlight Electric Heater, \u00a3301.99 from Robert Dyas – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Super stylish, adjustable head, three settings, powerful<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Takes up a lot of space, short lead<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4.5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nThis is very cool. It looks amazing, feels classy and is a really refreshing alternative take on the usual patio heater. <\/p>\n
But beware; it\u2019s really big, so make sure you\u2019ve done all the measurements outdoors before you buy, and that you\u2019ve got somewhere suitable to store it or a proper rain protection cover for the depths of winter. <\/p>\n
It's got three settings, one ring, one bigger ring, or both rings, and the large searchlight-style head is adjustable so you can direct it down onto the sofas as you wish. <\/p>\n
Heat wise, it\u2019s not going to make you feel uncomfortably hot. In fact, the 7ft height is almost a disadvantage as you might lose a bit of heat without careful planning, so make sure you\u2019re able to get it close enough to the sofas without it totally overwhelming them. It does give out a high end 2100W though, which is really good. <\/p>\n
It has a short lead, like so many others that we reviewed, so you\u2019ll have to think about where your power source is. But, lets be honest, the fact that it looks so damn cool more than makes up for pretty much everything. <\/p>\n
Overall, this is a very stylish steel addition to your outside space.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>2100W Weight: <\/strong>Not specified Power cord length: <\/strong>Not specified Guarantee: <\/strong>1 year<\/em><\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Best rattan garden furniture<\/li>\n
- Best charcoal for a BBQ<\/li>\n
- Best cordless lawn mowers under \u00a3500<\/li>\n
- Best garden egg chairs<\/li>\n
- Best garden swimming pools<\/li>\n
- Best waterproof gardening jackets under \u00a3100<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Argos Home Electric Wall Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_5598-rotated.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- Home Electric Wall Heater, \u00a335.50 from Argos – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Affordable, really hot, overheat pretection, three settings, easy set up<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Not the prettiest, lacks features like tilt cut-outs, short lead<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nThis budget-busting wall heater is just \u00a335.50, and it was hot hot hot! <\/p>\n
We soon started to sweat sitting directly under it\u2019s tiltable head, which cannot be said for many of its pricier rivals. There\u2019s three bars \u2014 you can turn one, two or all of them on \u2014 and its turned on and up with a pull cord. <\/p>\n
It was super easy to set up, although if you\u2019re not going to mount it to a wall you\u2019ll need a proper stand. It\u2019s not the prettiest (it reminded us a bit of our grandma\u2019s house heater\u00a0from the eighties) but it really does the job. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s also worth remembering that for that price you\u2019re not going to have the higher-end safety add-ons like tilt cut-outs, but it does have overheat protection. It also has a short extension lead, so thinking about your power source is important. <\/p>\n
This is an excellent budget buy \u2014 as long as it\u2019s set up correctly you can\u2019t go wrong.<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>2000W Weight: <\/strong>Not specified Power cord length: <\/strong>1.5m Guarantee: <\/strong>Not specified<\/em><\/p>\n
Zanussi Table Top Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_5440-rotated.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- Zanussi Table Top Patio Heater,
\u00a3209.99<\/s> \u00a389.99 from Robert Dyas – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPros: <\/em><\/strong>Easy to assemble, sturdy, bright, three settings, heats up quickly<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Not suitable for big tables or glass tables<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nThis is incredibly easy to assemble with a reassuringly heavy base, and it almost doubles up as a lamp, the halogen rings are so bright! <\/p>\n
As with so many sensible patio heaters, the wire goes down through inside of the heater to the base, so it\u2019s kept right out the way. <\/p>\n
It has three settings \u2014 low (900W), medium, (1,200W) or high (2100W) \u2014 and because it's Halogen, it heats up really quickly. It gives a lovely amount of heat, although because the heat is coming down from a mushroom-shaped head, the table can\u2019t be too big otherwise you\u2019d lose the benefit. <\/p>\n
We would avoid using it on a glass-topped table, but otherwise, it's a great all-rounder; it has good heat levels, looks great, and does the job properly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>2100W Weight: <\/strong>6kg Power cord length: <\/strong>1.8m Guarantee: <\/strong>2 years<\/em><\/p>\n
La Hacienda Picasso Rotating Tabletop Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG-6235-rotated.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- La Hacienda Picasso Rotating Tabletop Heater, \u00a390 from Homebase – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Ideal for glass table tops, distributes heat well, lightweight, portable, affordable<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Short lead, fewer heat settings than some other models we tested<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nThis is a much more lightweight table top heater that we\u2019d definitely feel comfortable resting on a glass top. <\/p>\n
Its got two heat settings, 600W and 1200W, meaning it's good for high and low seasons; it stands up well in a breeze, too. <\/p>\n
It's designed with a clever oscillating inner reflector which radiates the heat properly round. It was a little like sitting round a cosy campfire and gives off a homely glow. It's also very light, and has a clever handle for carrying. <\/p>\n
Again, its got a short lead, which is rather frustrating, so you\u2019ll need a close power source or waterproof extension lead to make the most of it. <\/p>\n
However, for under \u00a3100, it's a really clever addition to the garden.<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>1200W Weight: <\/strong>2.8kg Power cord length: <\/strong>Not specified Guarantee: <\/strong>Not specified<\/em><\/p>\n
Swan Portable Patio Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_5501-rotated.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- Swan Portable Patio Heater, \u00a399 from Dunelm – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Versatile, gives out a good amount of heat, looks expensive<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Still has a power lead despite being "portable"<\/em>
Rating: <\/strong>4\/5<\/em><\/p>\nYou might wonder what the point is of a portable patio heater, and before we tried this one out, we were of the same opinion. Because it\u2019s just over knee-high (60cm tall), I couldn\u2019t imagine a scenario in which this would be useful. <\/p>\n
But, it turns out, the answer is pretty much any. You can draw it in closer so you get a nice rising heat around your knees under a table, drag it between two recliners so if you close your eyes you can almost pretend its sunset; you can just take it anywhere the power cable will allow. <\/p>\n
It does have a power cable, which surprised us given the word \u2018portable\u2019 and the fact it's almost invisible in the publicity shots, so that\u2019s worth taking into consideration. <\/p>\n
But it gives out a really reasonable 1200W and it\u2019s sleek look gives it a reassuringly expensive air, even though its under \u00a3100. <\/p>\n
It also has a 360 degrees tip over safety switch, for real peace of mind. A really good buy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>1200W<\/em> Weight: <\/em><\/strong>7.3kg Power cord length: <\/strong>1.8m <\/em>Guarantee: <\/em><\/strong>2 years<\/em><\/p>\n
Ryman Alfresco Aluminium Hanging Electric Patio Heater<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_6314.jpg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- Alfresco Aluminium Hanging Electric Patio Heater, \u00a379.99 from Ryman – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pros: <\/em><\/strong>Remote controlled, emits a cosy light<\/em>
Cons: <\/em><\/strong>Requires a pergola or similar, short cable<\/em>
Rating: <\/em><\/strong>3.5\/5<\/em><\/p>\nWho knew that Ryman, king of the office supplies and back to school sales, was into Outdoor living nowadays? <\/p>\n
The only one we\u2019ve reviewed with a remote control (with a 5m working distance) this is technology taking us forward to a very pleasing place. When a lamp\u2019s hanging down in the middle of a pergola, the last thing you want to be doing is precariously reaching over a table of glasses to turn up the heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So this is is where the Pendant shines. But its worth bearing in mind that you\u2019ll need a permanent pergola-style structure to make the most of it. And it will need to hang high \u2014 but not too high \u2014 to make sure the heat spreads out enough below it to reach everyone sitting under it. <\/p>\n
Annoyingly, once again, the cable is short, so you\u2019ll need to be clever with your power source and an extension to reach it. But once its in place, its certainly powerful enough to heat an outside space. <\/p>\n
It employs a halogen light to emit a cosy glow, too, and with a decent 1,500KW heat, its definitely worth considering.<\/p>\n
Max. power: <\/em><\/strong>1500W Weight: <\/strong>Not specified<\/em><\/em> Power cord length: <\/strong>1.9m <\/em>Guarantee: <\/em><\/strong>Not specified <\/em><\/p>\n
Can you use a patio heater indoors?<\/h2>\n
Oftentimes buyers want to buy a patio heater for a summerhouse or playhouse, but many are exclusively designed to be enjoyed outdoors, so only buy a patio heater for inside use if the manufacturer has stated that the model is indoor-safe.<\/p>\n
It's worth stating that all gas patio heaters are outdoor-only; only electric models will be eligible to use inside.<\/p>\n
If a product page does not explicitly say that a patio heater is safe for indoor use, we'd err on the side of caution and assume that it isn't.<\/p>\n
Are patio heaters expensive to run?<\/h2>\n
Electric patio heaters are a lot cheaper to run than their gas counterparts. <\/p>\n
However, the price of a running a specific heater will depend on the setting you have it on. <\/p>\n
For example, if you're using a 2100W setting, based on an electricity price of 27p per kWh, it will cost you around 57p per hour.<\/p>\n
However, if you're using a lower 600W setting, it will cost closer to 16p per hour.<\/p>\n
That means that a four-hour session in the garden could cost anywhere between \u00a30.65 and \u00a32.27.<\/p>\n
Where to buy patio heaters<\/h2>\n
The best place to find a patio heater is probably a home and garden retailer; this is where you're likely to find the widest variety. <\/p>\n
However, you could also go to the website of a specific brand or to a sells-everything retailer like Amazon or Argos.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Argos<\/li>\n
- Amazon<\/li>\n
- Homebase<\/li>\n
- Dunelm <\/li>\n
- Appliances Direct<\/li>\n
- The Range<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How much are patio heaters?<\/h2>\n
As you can tell from our roundup, patio heaters can vary significantly in price.<\/p>\n
Read More on The Sun<\/h2>\n
- Alfresco Aluminium Hanging Electric Patio Heater, \u00a379.99 from Ryman – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Swan Portable Patio Heater, \u00a399 from Dunelm – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- La Hacienda Picasso Rotating Tabletop Heater, \u00a390 from Homebase – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Zanussi Table Top Patio Heater,
- Home Electric Wall Heater, \u00a335.50 from Argos – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- La Hacienda Vintage Searchlight Electric Heater, \u00a3301.99 from Robert Dyas – buy here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Most stylish patio heater: <\/strong>La Hacienda Vintage Searchlight Electric Heater<\/li>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/crop-24237768.jpg\")
<\/picture>![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/newspress-collage-24231490-1696313285986.jpg\")
<\/picture>