Heating a Patio: How to Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Heater
Make your patio feel warm and inviting.
Whether you want to stay cozy on cool nights or extend patio season altogether, outdoor heating can add the right amount of warmth to your outdoor space. There are plenty of options when it comes to heating a patio, including different kinds of outdoor fireplaces and portable patio heaters. These outdoor heaters can upgrade your patio and create the perfect place for gathering. To help you choose the right type of outdoor heating, our guide covers different types of outdoor heaters and other important considerations like fuel type and BTU output. Keep reading to find which type of outdoor heating is best for your home.
Types of Outdoor Heating
There are four main types of outdoor heating: outdoor fireplaces, patio heaters, fire pits, and chimineas. Each type varies in size, installation, and maintenance, so it's important to consider these when choosing the right type for your patio.
Outdoor Fireplaces
If you want to elevate your patio and stay warm in style, an outdoor fireplace combines form and function. Outdoor fireplaces bring the comfort of the indoors to any outdoor space – perfect for heating a patio! Similar to an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fireplace is a permanently-installed structure built with a fire box and a chimney. Many outdoor fireplaces come with convenient features like spark screens that catch stray embers or cooking grates for grilling delicious meals. From big celebrations to small get-togethers, adding an outdoor fireplace to your patio is guaranteed to up your backyard entertaining.
Fuel Type
Outdoor fireplaces can be fueled four ways: wood, propane, natural gas, charcoal, and gel.
Wood: Wood is one the most common ways to fuel an outdoor fireplace. It's affordable and readily available in most regions. As a bonus, the smell and sound of a crackling wood fire adds the perfect ambience to your patio. Firewood should be stored in a dry spot away from any pests, so use a log storage unit to store your firewood close-by and protected from the elements.
Propane: Propane-fueled outdoor fireplaces are easy to use and quick to light, making them another popular option. The control panel on the outside of the fireplace allows you to simply ignite the flame and adjust the temperature. These fireplaces have faux logs and glowing embers to mimic the look of a wood-burning fireplace.
Natural Gas: Outdoor fireplaces fueled by natural gas are as easy to use as propane-fueled models. If your home already has a natural gas line for heating or cooking, then a natural gas outdoor fireplace is a great option for your patio, since the installation process will be pretty straightforward and only requires connecting to the existing gas line.Similar to propane-fueled fireplaces, this type of fireplace features a faux log insert to recreate the look of a wood-burning fireplace.
Charcoal: Though charcoal-burning outdoor fireplaces are less common than other types, they're a great cost-effective option. Charcoal doesn't produce as much smoke as wood and can be more available in regions that don't have easy access to firewood. Charcoal fireplaces are quick and easy to light and can be found in a variety of different stores.
Size & Shape
Outdoor fireplaces are typically the largest and heaviest type of outdoor heating. They're often square or rectangular and measure 5' to 7' tall and 2' to 4' wide. Though most outdoor fireplaces are large, there are models that are as small as 2' to 4' tall and 2' wide.
To learn more about outdoor fireplaces, read our guide Light Up the Night With Outdoor Fireplaces: Sizes, Fuel Types & More.
Keep your outdoor space at a comfortable temperature with a patio heater. Patio heaters are outdoor heating devices that are easy to operate and come in sizes large enough to provide heat up to 20 ft. away. With a range of fuel types and designs, there are plenty of patio heaters to choose from. There are small tabletop models for creating cozy dinner parties, tall freestanding designs that can be moved from patio to poolside, and wall-mounted styles for warming up compact outdoor spaces. Keep reading to find the patio heater that works best for you.
Fuel Type
Patio heaters have three main fuel types: propane, electric, and natural gas. Factors like installation and portability can help you determine which fuel type is best suited for your home.
Propane: Patio heaters that use propane are portable, easy to use, and don't require professional installation. They are designed with a built-in space to hold the propane tank and require frequent refills of propane.
Electric: Electric patio heaters are an easy and eco-friendly option, since they don’t produce any emissions while operating. These patio heaters need to be plugged into an outlet, so it's important to consider where you want to place the heater and if that’s possible. Depending on where you plan to put the heater, it may need to be professionally installed.
Natural Gas: This type of patio heater uses natural gas to operate. Because these heaters are connected to a gas line, natural gas patio heaters are permanent and need to be installed by a professional. Unlike propane, natural gas patio heaters are connected to a continuous supply of fuel and don't need to be refilled.
Designs
Patio heaters come in five different designs: standing, mounted, hanging, tabletop, and tank-top.
Standing: Standing patio heaters are tall heaters with a built-in compartment that holds the fuel tank. They offer plenty of warmth and can have a heat radius of up to 20 ft. Often portable, these freestanding patio heaters are easy to set up, operate, and move from one location to another.
Mounted: Since they attach to the wall, mounted patio heaters are an excellent choice for small outdoor areas that don't have space for a standing or tabletop heater. Mounted patio heaters are typically electric and designed for permanent installation.
Hanging: This type of patio heater is hung from the ceiling of a porch, deck, or sunroom. Because they don't take up any surface space, they're ideal for small outdoor spaces. These patio heaters are typically electric and often require permanent installation.
Tabletop: If you want a portable option or only want to heat a small area, tabletop patio heaters are the way to go. Tabletop heaters can be placed on any flat surface, such as an outdoor dining table or a coffee table. They come in both electric and propane models to suit your fuel type preference.
Tank-Top: Tank-top patio heaters connect to the top of propane tanks. The heating mechanism is attached to the top of the tank using the mounting hardware and then connected to the tank. Tank-top patio heaters are an affordable option that usually includes a propane tank.
Size & Shape
Patio heaters also range in shape and size to accommodate different outdoor spaces. Wall-mounted patio heaters give off direct heat in one direction while standing patio heaters provide more dispersed, overhead heat in a circular radius.
Read our guide How to Choose the Best Patio Heater for Your Home. for more information on choosing the best patio heater for your outdoor space.
Whether you're looking to add ambience or an inviting focal point to your patio, a fire pit brings the right amount of rustic style and warmth to any outdoor seating area. A fire pit is an enclosed structure designed to contain a fire. It often features an elevated base to keep the fire off the ground and inside the structure, which makes the fire easier to maintain. Fire pits have several different fuel options.
Types of Fire Pits
There are a few different types of fire pits: standard fire pits, fire pit tables, fire rings, and pagodas.
Fire Pit: Standard fire pits have a solid or legged base and a structure that contains the fire. These fire pits come in both gas- and wood-burning varieties. This type of fire pit is affordable and quick to set up, making it a great choice for heating a patio.
Fire Pit Table: This type of fire pit combines the functionality of a table with the warm ambient glow of a fire pit. There are three main components to a fire pit table: the base, the tabletop surface, and the basin in the center that houses the fire. The surface of the table is made of a heat-safe material, such as concrete or other stone. Fire pit tables are a great addition to a patio and create a dynamic seating area perfect for entertaining. Check out our guide Everything You Need to Know About Fire Pit Tables to learn more about them.
Fire Ring: Similar to a fire pit, a fire ring is designed to keep a fire enclosed. However, the fire ring is used to contain a fire built on the ground, preventing it from spreading. Fire rings are best placed on level ground and away from any overhead structures.
Fire Columns: Fire columns are another version of fire pits that are skinnier, taller, and use propane instead of fire logs. Their column-like structure makes them noticeably different from the circular bowls of traditional firepits, so if you’re looking for a unique visual appearance or a way to conserve space, fire columns are the way to go!
Pagoda: Pagodas are freestanding fire pits that feature mesh screens to contain the fire and help prevent stray embers. Inspired by Asian architecture, pagoda-style fire pits typically have a square shape and a curved roof where the smoke escapes from the top.
Fuel Type
Like other types of outdoor heating, fire pits can be fueled in different ways.
Wood: Wood is the most common type of fuel for fire pits. Wood-burning fire pits offer the familiar, cozy feeling of a crackling fire and aromatic smoke. Because wood-burning fire pits can be harder to start and maintain, be sure to keep extra logs nearby in case the fire starts to dim.
Propane: These fire pits have propane tanks attached to them. Propane-fueled fire pits light quickly and burn without ash or soot, making them easier to operate than wood-burning fire pits. However, propane doesn't create as much heat and warmth.
Natural Gas: Natural gas fire pits are typically installed permanently and connected to a gas line for continuous fuel. Though natural gas fire pits require professional installation, gas is less expensive than other fuel options, so the cost evens out after time.
Charcoal: If you plan on using your fire pit to cook, using charcoal as your fuel adds a similar taste to a charcoal grill. Charcoal also creates an even, controlled flame that is easy to manage.
Bioethanol: If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way of heating a patio, bioethanol is a good option. Its real-flame heat comes from bioethanol fuel that is natural and does not produce fossil fuels, while still keeping you warm.
Gel: Another alternative is a gel fireplace, which uses isopropyl alcohol gel that is also eco-friendly to burn. These types of fire pits produce a heat to keep you warm without producing soot or ash, which is a major plus!
Size & Shape
A fire pit or a fire pit table allows you to add seating in a circular arrangement and enjoy the warmth from any direction. Fire pits and fire pit tables come in a variety of shapes, including square, round, and rectangular designs. To find the right fire pit size for your patio, read our guide Fire Pit Sizes & Dimensions.
Follow our Fire Pit Buying Guide: Find the Best Fire Pit for Your Yard for tips on choosing the right fire pit for your home, or check out our guide Cozy Up With the Best Fire Pits to discover our top-rated fire pits.
A chiminea is a small, fireplace-like heat source with freestanding legs and an upright chimney. They come in a variety of materials, such as cast iron, steel, clay, aluminum, and concrete. They are more compact than other types of outdoor heating, making them a great space-saving option.
Chimineas should be placed on fire-safe pavers made from materials like concrete, brick, or stone. If you want to place a chiminea on a wood deck, use a fire-safe paver to serve as a hearth. This will help protect the surface below and reduce the risk of fire. Because chimineas have a vertical chimney, they should not be placed beneath any covered shade structures that could catch on fire or prevent the chiminea from venting smoke properly.
Fuel Type
Chimineas operate like burning stoves and can be used to heat an outdoor space, add ambience, and even cook food. There are three main types of fuel for chimineas: wood, charcoal, and propane.
Wood: Wood is added to the opening in the side and smoke from the fire exits through the chimney. Hardwoods like oak, apple, or maple are great choices because they burn slowly and produce little smoke.
Charcoal: Charcoal chimineas operate the same way as wood chimineas. To get your heat or to cook, start by burning wood for 20 minutes before adding charcoal briquettes to the wood since it can be challenging to light charcoal briquettes on their own.
Propane: Propane chimineas are a little easier to operate since they use gas. These heating opens are operated with switches to turn the chiminea on, but the tank is left concealed to preserve the aesthetic. Since you are not burning wood with a propane chiminea, you do not have to worry about smoke or lingering smell of burning wood.
Size & Shape
Chimineas usually have a rounded base and taper into a chimney at the top. They also come in more squared or cone-shaped designs. Chimineas come in a variety of sizes to fit your patio, ranging from as small as 28" tall and 14" wide to as large as 75" tall and 30" wide.
Check out our guide What is a Chiminea? to find more information about chimineas, including tips on choosing the right size, material, and key features.
In addition to different types of outdoor heating, there are a few additional things to consider.
BTU Output
BTU output is a major consideration when choosing the right fixture for heating a patio. British Thermal Units (BTU) are used to measure how many units of energy are required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTU output ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 for different types of outdoor heating with a higher BTU output producing more heat.
When calculating how much heat you'll need to fill your outdoor space, it's best to follow a general rule of 20 BTU per sq. ft. For example, a patio that is 1500 sq. ft. should have a fire pit or patio heater with a BTU output of 30,000.
Installation
When determining which type of outdoor heating is best suited for your patio, installation can be a key factor. Consider where you want to place the fixture and if you plan on moving or storing it in the future. Options that require permanent installation, such as outdoor fireplaces or mounted patio heaters, are ideal for long-term use or outdoor spaces that are enjoyed all year long. If you only use your patio during the warmer months of the year, portable models may be a better fit. Freestanding designs like chimineas or fire pits are easy to move and can be stored during the colder months. Portable patio heaters often feature wheels to make moving even easier.
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Whether you want to stay cozy on cool nights or extend patio season altogether, outdoor heating can add the right amount of warmth to your outdoor space. There are plenty of options when it comes to heating a patio, including different kinds of outdoor fireplaces and portable patio heaters. These outdoor heaters can upgrade your patio and create the perfect place for gathering. To help you choose the right type of outdoor heating, our guide covers different types of outdoor heaters and other important considerations like fuel type and BTU output. Keep reading to find which type of outdoor heating is best for your home.
Types of Outdoor Heating
There are four main types of outdoor heating: outdoor fireplaces, patio heaters, fire pits, and chimineas. Each type varies in size, installation, and maintenance, so it's important to consider these when choosing the right type for your patio.
Outdoor Fireplaces
If you want to elevate your patio and stay warm in style, an outdoor fireplace combines form and function. Outdoor fireplaces bring the comfort of the indoors to any outdoor space – perfect for heating a patio! Similar to an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fireplace is a permanently-installed structure built with a fire box and a chimney. Many outdoor fireplaces come with convenient features like spark screens that catch stray embers or cooking grates for grilling delicious meals. From big celebrations to small get-togethers, adding an outdoor fireplace to your patio is guaranteed to up your backyard entertaining.
Fuel Type
Outdoor fireplaces can be fueled four ways: wood, propane, natural gas, and charcoal.
Wood: Wood is one the most common ways to fuel an outdoor fireplace. It's affordable and readily available in most regions. As a bonus, the smell and sound of a crackling wood fire adds the perfect ambience to your patio. Firewood should be stored in a dry spot away from any pests, so use a log storage unit to store your firewood close-by and protected from the elements.
Propane: Propane-fueled outdoor fireplaces are easy to use and quick to light, making them another popular option. The control panel on the outside of the fireplace allows you to simply ignite the flame and adjust the temperature. These fireplaces have faux logs and glowing embers to mimic the look of a wood-burning fireplace.
Natural Gas: Outdoor fireplaces fueled by natural gas are as easy to use as propane-fueled models. If your home already has a natural gas line for heating or cooking, then a natural gas outdoor fireplace is a great option for your patio, since the installation process will be pretty straightforward and only requires connecting to the existing gas line.Similar to propane-fueled fireplaces, this type of fireplace features a faux log insert to recreate the look of a wood-burning fireplace.
Charcoal: Though charcoal-burning outdoor fireplaces are less common than other types, they're a great cost-effective option. Charcoal doesn't produce as much smoke as wood and can be more available in regions that don't have easy access to firewood. Charcoal fireplaces are quick and easy to light and can be found in a variety of different stores.
Size & Shape
Outdoor fireplaces are typically the largest and heaviest type of outdoor heating. They're often square or rectangular and measure 5' to 7' tall and 2' to 4' wide. Though most outdoor fireplaces are large, there are models that are as small as 2' to 4' tall and 2' wide.
To learn more about outdoor fireplaces, read our guide Light Up the Night With Outdoor Fireplaces: Sizes, Fuel Types & More.
Keep your outdoor space at a comfortable temperature with a patio heater. Patio heaters are outdoor heating devices that are easy to operate and come in sizes large enough to provide heat up to 20 ft. away. With a range of fuel types and designs, there are plenty of patio heaters to choose from. There are small tabletop models for creating cozy dinner parties, tall freestanding designs that can be moved from patio to poolside, and wall-mounted styles for warming up compact outdoor spaces. Keep reading to find the patio heater that works best for you.
Fuel Type
Patio heaters have three main fuel types: propane, electric, and natural gas. Factors like installation and portability can help you determine which fuel type is best suited for your home.
Propane: Patio heaters that use propane are portable, easy to use, and don't require professional installation. They are designed with a built-in space to hold the propane tank and require frequent refills of propane.
Electric: Electric patio heaters are an easy and eco-friendly option, since they don’t produce any emissions while operating. These patio heaters need to be plugged into an outlet, so it's important to consider where you want to place the heater and if that’s possible. Depending on where you plan to put the heater, it may need to be professionally installed.
Natural Gas: This type of patio heater uses natural gas to operate. Because these heaters are connected to a gas line, natural gas patio heaters are permanent and need to be installed by a professional. Unlike propane, natural gas patio heaters are connected to a continuous supply of fuel and don't need to be refilled.
Designs
Patio heaters come in five different designs: standing, mounted, hanging, tabletop, and tank-top.
Standing: Standing patio heaters are tall heaters with a built-in compartment that holds the fuel tank. They offer plenty of warmth and can have a heat radius of up to 20 ft. Often portable, these freestanding patio heaters are easy to set up, operate, and move from one location to another.
Mounted: Since they attach to the wall, mounted patio heaters are an excellent choice for small outdoor areas that don't have space for a standing or tabletop heater. Mounted patio heaters are typically electric and designed for permanent installation.
Hanging: This type of patio heater is hung from the ceiling of a porch, deck, or sunroom. Because they don't take up any surface space, they're ideal for small outdoor spaces. These patio heaters are typically electric and often require permanent installation.
Tabletop: If you want a portable option or only want to heat a small area, tabletop patio heaters are the way to go. Tabletop heaters can be placed on any flat surface, such as an outdoor dining table or a coffee table. They come in both electric and propane models to suit your fuel type preference.
Tank-Top: Tank-top patio heaters connect to the top of propane tanks. The heating mechanism is attached to the top of the tank using the mounting hardware and then connected to the tank. Tank-top patio heaters are an affordable option that usually includes a propane tank.
Size & Shape
Patio heaters also range in shape and size to accommodate different outdoor spaces. Wall-mounted patio heaters give off direct heat in one direction while standing patio heaters provide more dispersed, overhead heat in a circular radius.
Read our guide How to Choose the Best Patio Heater for Your Home. for more information on choosing the best patio heater for your outdoor space.
Whether you're looking to add ambience or an inviting focal point to your patio, a fire pit brings the right amount of rustic style and warmth to any outdoor seating area. A fire pit is an enclosed structure designed to contain a fire. It often features an elevated base to keep the fire off the ground and inside the structure, which makes the fire easier to maintain. Fire pits have several different fuel options.
Types of Fire Pits
There are a few different types of fire pits: standard fire pits, fire pit tables, fire rings, and pagodas.
Fire Pit: Standard fire pits have a solid or legged base and a structure that contains the fire. These fire pits come in both gas- and wood-burning varieties. This type of fire pit is affordable and quick to set up, making it a great choice for heating a patio.
Fire Pit Table: This type of fire pit combines the functionality of a table with the warm ambient glow of a fire pit. There are three main components to a fire pit table: the base, the tabletop surface, and the basin in the center that houses the fire. The surface of the table is made of a heat-safe material, such as concrete or other stone. Fire pit tables are a great addition to a patio and create a dynamic seating area perfect for entertaining. Check out our guide Everything You Need to Know About Fire Pit Tables to learn more about them.
Fire Ring: Similar to a fire pit, a fire ring is designed to keep a fire enclosed. However, the fire ring is used to contain a fire built on the ground, preventing it from spreading. Fire rings are best placed on level ground and away from any overhead structures.
Pagoda: Pagodas are freestanding fire pits that feature mesh screens to contain the fire and help prevent stray embers. Inspired by Asian architecture, pagoda-style fire pits typically have a square shape and a curved roof where the smoke escapes from the top.
Fuel Type
Like other types of outdoor heating, fire pits can be fueled in different ways.
Wood: Wood is the most common type of fuel for fire pits. Wood-burning fire pits offer the familiar, cozy feeling of a crackling fire and aromatic smoke. Because wood-burning fire pits can be harder to start and maintain, be sure to keep extra logs nearby in case the fire starts to dim.
Propane: These fire pits have propane tanks attached to them. Propane-fueled fire pits light quickly and burn without ash or soot, making them easier to operate than wood-burning fire pits. However, propane doesn't create as much heat and warmth.
Natural Gas: Natural gas fire pits are typically installed permanently and connected to a gas line for continuous fuel. Though natural gas fire pits require professional installation, gas is less expensive than other fuel options, so the cost evens out after time.
Charcoal: If you plan on using your fire pit to cook, using charcoal as your fuel adds a similar taste to a charcoal grill. Charcoal also creates an even, controlled flame that is easy to manage.
Size & Shape
A fire pit or a fire pit table allows you to add seating in a circular arrangement and enjoy the warmth from any direction. Fire pits and fire pit tables come in a variety of shapes, including square, round, and rectangular designs. To find the right fire pit size for your patio, read our guide Fire Pit Sizes & Dimensions.
Follow our Fire Pit Buying Guide: Find the Best Fire Pit for Your Yard for tips on choosing the right fire pit for your home, or check out our guide Cozy Up With the Best Fire Pits to discover our top-rated fire pits.
A chiminea is a small, fireplace-like heat source with freestanding legs and an upright chimney. They come in a variety of materials, such as cast iron, steel, clay, aluminum, and concrete. They are more compact than other types of outdoor heating, making them a great space-saving option.
Chimineas should be placed on fire-safe pavers made from materials like concrete, brick, or stone. If you want to place a chiminea on a wood deck, use a fire-safe paver to serve as a hearth. This will help protect the surface below and reduce the risk of fire. Because chimineas have a vertical chimney, they should not be placed beneath any covered shade structures that could catch on fire or prevent the chiminea from venting smoke properly.
Fuel Type
Chimineas operate like wood-burning stoves and can be used to heat an outdoor space, add ambience, and even cook food. Wood is added to the opening in the side and smoke from the fire exits through the chimney. Hardwoods, such as oak, apple, or maple, are great choices because they burn slowly and produce little smoke.
Size & Shape
Chimineas usually have a rounded base and taper into a chimney at the top. They also come in more squared or cone-shaped designs. Chimineas come in a variety of sizes to fit your patio, ranging from as small as 28" tall and 14" wide to as large as 75" tall and 30" wide.
Check out our guide What is a Chiminea? to find more information about chimineas, including tips on choosing the right size, material, and key features.
In addition to different types of outdoor heating, there are a few additional things to consider.
BTU Output
BTU output is a major consideration when choosing the right fixture for heating a patio. British Thermal Units (BTU) are used to measure how many units of energy are required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTU output ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 for different types of outdoor heating with a higher BTU output producing more heat.
When calculating how much heat you'll need to fill your outdoor space, it's best to follow a general rule of 20 BTU per sq. ft. For example, a patio that is 1500 sq. ft. should have a fire pit or patio heater with a BTU output of 30,000.
Installation
When determining which type of outdoor heating is best suited for your patio, installation can be a key factor. Consider where you want to place the fixture and if you plan on moving or storing it in the future. Options that require permanent installation, such as outdoor fireplaces or mounted patio heaters, are ideal for long-term use or outdoor spaces that are enjoyed all year long. If you only use your patio during the warmer months of the year, portable models may be a better fit. Freestanding designs like chimineas or fire pits are easy to move and can be stored during the colder months. Portable patio heaters often feature wheels to make moving even easier.
