Enjoy Some Time Outside This Fall with These Affordable Outdoor Space Heaters

Sarah M. Vazquez
Sarah M. VazquezCommerce SEO Editor
For the past 8 years, I've covered all things shopping. My work's been published by Hearst, PureWow, and Bauer Media Group. I'm a Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl (with a BA in English from Montclair State University) who loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and my family (but not necessarily in that order).
updated Oct 8, 2022
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Outdoor patio with wooden deck, wicker furniture, hanging chair, potted plants, and a blooming tree in the background.

The weather may be cooling down but that doesn’t mean many of us aren’t still looking to spend some time outdoors. With that being said, cold weather isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s no surprise to see people getting creative with outfitting their outdoor spaces for use during these cooler months of the year. With the right equipment, you can keep your backyard, patio, or terrace nice and cozy even when temps are low. A high-quality outdoor space heater is the key to enjoying alfresco wine nights, outdoor dining, and patio hangs all year long. Sure, they can be a bit of an investment, but if you love your outdoor time, they’re totally worth it, and you can actually score a great heater for under $200! We rounded up some of our favorites in various styles and price points to help you find one that suits your space’s aesthetic and your bank’s bottom dollar. Check them out below.

Note: You’ll see the term BTU a lot below. That stands for British Thermal Unit, which is used to measure heat output. The higher a heater’s BTU, the more heat it emits. If you have a large patio or simply like to keep things toasty, go for a heater with a BTU of around 30,000 or higher.

Hampton Bay 48000 BTU Stainless Steel Patio Heater
$129$109

Stay cozy without sacrificing style with this sleek stainless steel heater, which is similar to what you'll find at restaurants and definitely a quality pick. Producing 48,000 BTUs, it can easily keep a 200-square-foot space warm all evening long. Reviewers note that it’s super simple to assemble, and thanks to that durable stainless steel construction, it’ll hold up to heavy outdoor use with no problem.

$109 at Amazon
Dr. Infrared Heater
$127$105

If you’re looking for something you can tuck away to keep your patio’s aesthetic clean and curated, consider this long, slim heater. It comes with wall- and ceiling-mounting brackets for easy, out-of-sight installation, and a remote control lets you power it on and off in seconds. Three heat settings — 900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts — let you turn things up as needed, and its weather-proof, anodized aluminum means you won’t have to replace this piece anytime soon.

$105 at Amazon
Mr. Heater 18000 BTU 450 Sq. Ft. Radiant Propane Cabinet Outdoor Space Heater
$132

Need something you can easily move around? This small but mighty space heater is set on wheels for maximum mobility. Producing up to 18,000 BTUs, it can warm spaces up to 450 square feet, and if you need less heat, there are two lower settings. It runs on propane, which you mount inside the cabinet, so it’s especially ideal for anyone who doesn’t have outdoor outlets or just doesn’t want a mess of cords.

$132 at Walmart
Daidre Steel Propane Fire Pit Table
$237

This tabletop fire pit is the way to dine al fresco without freezing this fall. The “firebowl” mounts to your table through the umbrella hole. Run the gas hose through the hole, hook it up to a propane tank, then get the party started with just the push of a button! Lava glass keeps the flames contained while putting them on full, flickering display. And don’t be fooled by the pretty appearance: This small appliance can put out 40,000 BTUs, so you’ll stay plenty warm while you chow down.

$237 at Wayfair
10,000 BTU HeatAround 360 Propane Portable Heater
$182$128

Tiny patio? No big deal! This compact portable heater fits almost anywhere and provides 360 degrees of warmth all night long. It may be small, but it produces up to 10,000 BTUs, so it’ll keep your 450-square-foot space comfortably toasty. You don’t need batteries or electricity — just hook it up to a propane tank and go.

$128 at Houzz
Hiland Pyramid Patio Propane Heater
$450$180

This heater is a little bit more expensive than the others, but if style’s what you’re after, it's the one for you. It boasts just as much form as it does function, with a tall, pyramid-style design that looks super sleek while emitting heat (and a party-perfect glow) in every direction. It’s propane powered and produces 40,000 BTUs, and it even comes with wheels to help you move it around to fit your setup.

$180 at Amazon

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