On one particularly chilly November day in New York City, I found myself shedding my heavy winter coat at an outdoor brunch—all thanks to strategically placed outdoor heaters lining the curb. Back home in Los Angeles, my own patio had fallen into neglect as the temperatures dipped into the fifties. Yet here I was in 35-degree Brooklyn, enjoying my avocado toast sans jacket as bundled-up commuters bustled by.
As I tentatively started browsing around for an outdoor heater of my own, I remember being astounded by the sheer variety of options on the market. Hanging heater fixtures, bistro columns, and chic tabletop lamps; options for truly every budget (and fuel preference). We ultimately opted for a fire pit—but not before bookmarking countless other contenders. (Let’s just say that when we’re ready to make even bigger upgrades to our backyard, Pinterest and I are ready.)
After all, whether we’re battling frosty mornings in New York, chilly summer nights in Los Angeles, or anything and anywhere in between, we all deserve to get the most out of our outdoor space; to turn fleeting happy hours into long, cozy nights on the patio. Below, we round up some of the best outdoor heaters on the market—no matter your style, need, or budget.
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Best classic patio heater:
Roll out these classic heaters to instantly transform your patio into your favorite outdoor bistro. (We mean that quite literally—these commercial-grade heaters feature wheels for maximum convenience.) On chillier evenings, you and your guests will be glad you opted for an output of 46,000 BTUs.
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Best hanging outdoor heater:
A heater masquerading as a sleek light fixture? Believe it—this electric-powered option is a must-have to level up your patio or porch. (Pro tip: these look great in pairs.)
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Best outdoor heater for large spaces:
Trying to warm up a larger outdoor space? This aesthetically pleasing pyramid heater from West Elm heats up to 210 sq feet—making your backyard the go-to hang, no matter the season.
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Best tabletop heater:
We love that this tabletop heater looks as though it could double as a retro lamp, down to the pull chain switch. (Seriously—we’re torn between the matte black and brushed copper colorways.) Worried about it tipping or blowing over? Don’t be: It’s equipped with an auto shut-off feature that triggers if it falls.
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Best portable outdoor heater:
Campers and road trippers, take note: This portable crowd favorite is a great option for your next adventure. While many propane heaters are not recommended for indoor use due to the carbon monoxide risk, the Portably Buddy is tent-safe, and has a safety shutdown feature that senses if oxygen levels are low. (Just a friendly reminder to take all safety precautions when embarking on your next camping expedition.)
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Best portable fire pit:
At The Quality Edit, we’re not exactly shy about our love of Solo Stove’s product lineup—and this tabletop version of their signature fire pit is no exception. True to brand form, this fire pit is smokeless and relies on traditional firewood or pellets. S’mores not included.
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Best for ambiance:
It might not be quite enough to warm up frosty nights, but this tabletop fire bowl seriously makes up for it in style. (And yes, it does emit a bit of heat.) Bonus points for a smokeless burn and a crackling flame.
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Whether you’re looking to make the most of your outdoor space during the winter season or already scheming for warmer days, there’s no doubt that any of these outdoor heaters will complete your patio setup.
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