The Honest Truth About Patio Heaters: What Actually Works in UK Weather
The British weather is unpredictable. One minute it's warm enough to sit outside. The next, you're grabbing a blanket and retreating indoors. A good patio heater fixes that problem — and it keeps your garden usable well into October and beyond.
But buying one isn't as simple as picking the cheapest model. You've got fuel types, wattages, IP ratings, heat coverage and safety features to consider. Get it wrong and you'll have a heater that barely warms a teacup. Get it right and your patio becomes a proper outdoor room all year round.
This guide covers everything. We'll walk you through every type of patio heater available in the UK, explain the tech in plain English, and help you find the right fit for your space.
Table of Contents
- Types of Patio Heater
- Gas vs Electric: Which Is Better?
- Understanding Infrared Heating
- Wattage, kW and BTU Explained
- Running Costs: What to Expect
- IP Ratings and Weatherproofing
- Safety Features to Look For
- Installation: What's Involved?
- Matching the Heater to Your Space
- Top Buying Tips
Types of Patio Heater Available in the UK
There are more options than most people realise. Let's break them all down.
1. Freestanding Gas Patio Heaters
The classic mushroom-shaped column heater you see at pub beer gardens. These run on propane or butane gas from a bottle stored in the base. They push out a lot of heat — usually between 11kW and 15kW — making them ideal for larger open areas. The downside? You need to keep buying gas bottles, and they can be difficult to use on windy days because the flame can be easily extinguished.
2. Infrared Electric Heaters
These are the fastest-growing category in the UK right now. They heat objects and people directly rather than warming the air around them. That means no heat lost to wind. You feel the warmth instantly. Our range of infrared outdoor heaters covers everything from compact wall-mounted units to high-output freestanding models. If you want something specifically at the popular 2kW output, browse our infrared heaters 2000W collection.
3. Wall-Mounted Heaters
Ideal for covered patios, pergolas and outdoor dining areas. They mount to a wall or ceiling, keeping your floor space clear. Most run on electricity and use infrared technology. Our wall mounted heaters are popular with restaurants, bars and homeowners who want a permanent heating solution. They need to be hardwired by a qualified electrician in most cases.
4. Glass Tube Patio Heaters
A more modern look than traditional halogen or quartz bar heaters. The heating element is enclosed in a glass tube, which protects it from rain and dust. They give off a warm, amber glow and are aesthetically suited to contemporary garden designs. See our glass tube heaters for the full range. They're well-suited to sheltered patios where looks matter as much as performance.
5. Fire Pit Heaters
Half heater, half centrepiece. Fire pit heaters create a focal point in your garden while throwing out real warmth. They work especially well for social occasions where people gather around in a circle. Our fire pit heaters include wood-burning, gas and electric options. They tend to produce 360° heat, which makes them more efficient for groups than a directional patio heater.
6. Gas Firepit Tables
A step up from a standard fire pit. These combine a table surface with a built-in gas burner in the centre. You get warmth, light and a stylish piece of outdoor furniture all in one. Browse our gas firepit tables if you want something that doubles as a garden feature. They run on propane and typically produce between 5kW and 15kW of heat.
7. Smokeless Patio Heaters
Nobody wants smoke blowing into their face when they're trying to enjoy the garden. Smokeless patio heaters use clean-burning technology — usually electric infrared or specially designed gas burners — that produce heat without the smoke. A practical choice if you live close to neighbours or have young children nearby.
8. Outdoor Diesel Heaters
Less common in residential settings but widely used for workshops, garages, marquees and commercial outdoor spaces. Outdoor diesel heaters can run for hours on a single tank and push out very high heat outputs. They're robust and cost-effective per hour of heat, though they do require proper ventilation.
9. RealGlow Patio Heaters
RealGlow is a trusted name in outdoor heating. Their heaters are known for reliability, clean design and strong performance in UK weather conditions. Explore the RealGlow patio heaters range for a solid mid-to-premium option.
Gas vs Electric: Which Is Better?
This is the question most buyers ask first. There's no single correct answer — it depends on where you're putting the heater and how you'll use it.
Electric Patio Heaters
- Instant heat — no warm-up time
- No gas bottles to buy or store
- No fumes or combustion
- Can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted permanently
- Safe for covered areas, pergolas and gazebos
- Many are IP55-rated or higher for outdoor use in rain
- Running costs are predictable and easy to calculate
Gas Patio Heaters
- Higher heat output — typically 11kW to 15kW for freestanding models
- Portable — no cable, no socket needed
- Good for large, open areas where electric models struggle
- Gas bottles can be inconvenient and need storage space
- Not suitable for enclosed or covered spaces due to carbon monoxide risk
- Flame can be affected by wind
- Running costs depend on propane bottle prices
The verdict? For most UK gardens — especially with a pergola, covered patio or fixed outdoor dining area — electric infrared wins. For open, large commercial spaces or if you want true portability with high heat output, gas is still a strong choice.
Understanding Infrared Heating
Infrared is a term you'll see everywhere when shopping for outdoor heaters. What does it actually mean?
Infrared is a form of radiant heat. It travels in waves — similar to sunlight — and warms the first solid object it hits. That could be you, a chair, a wall or a table. It doesn't waste energy heating the air. Wind doesn't carry it away.
This is why infrared heaters work so well outdoors. Traditional convection heaters warm the air around them. Outdoors, that warm air just rises and disappears. Infrared heats you directly regardless of what the air around you is doing.
Types of Infrared Heating Element
Not all infrared is the same. Here's what the terminology means:
- Halogen: Older technology. Bright orange glow. Heats quickly but the light can be intrusive at night.
- Quartz: Produces a softer amber light. Heats up quickly. Good balance of performance and aesthetics.
- Carbon fibre: Higher efficiency. Less visible glow. Popular in commercial settings. Found in many premium glass tube heaters.
- Far infrared (no glow): Produces heat with almost no visible light. Very efficient. Good for evening ambiance where you don't want the heater to stand out.
Wattage, kW and BTU Explained
This trips a lot of people up. Let's make it simple.
Watts and Kilowatts (kW)
Electric heaters are rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. A 2,000W heater is a 2kW heater. The higher the kW, the more heat it produces — and the more electricity it uses.
For reference:
- 750W–1,500W: Small balconies or sheltered corners
- 2,000W (2kW): A standard patio table for 4 people
- 3,000W (3kW): Larger covered patios
- 4,000W–6,000W: Commercial applications or large open spaces
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Gas heaters are often rated in BTU/h — British Thermal Units per hour. This is just another way of measuring heat output. One kilowatt equals roughly 3,412 BTU/h. So a gas heater rated at 34,120 BTU/h produces around 10kW of heat.
When comparing gas and electric heaters, convert everything to kW so you're comparing apples with apples.
Running Costs: What to Expect
Everyone wants to know how much a patio heater will cost to run. Here's how to work it out.
Electric Heater Running Costs
The formula is straightforward. Multiply the heater's kW by your electricity rate (pence per kWh) and that gives you the cost per hour.
At the current UK average of around 30p per kWh:
- A 1,000W (1kW) heater costs approximately 30p per hour
- A 2,000W (2kW) heater costs approximately 60p per hour
- A 3,000W (3kW) heater costs approximately 90p per hour
Run a 2kW heater for three hours an evening, five nights a week, and you're looking at around £9 a week. That's decent value for extended outdoor time.
Gas Heater Running Costs
A 13kg propane bottle costs around £9 and contains roughly 163kWh of energy. A typical 12kW gas heater burns through about 1kg of gas per hour. That gives you around 13 hours of heat per bottle — approximately 69p per hour at current prices.
Gas can seem cheaper per hour when the heater is running flat out. But factor in the inconvenience of ordering and storing bottles, and the cost difference narrows.
Which Is Cheaper?
For casual evening use, electric infrared at 2kW is cost-effective and hassle-free. For high-output heating of a large area over many hours, gas can work out slightly cheaper per unit of heat — but only if you use it regularly.
IP Ratings: What Do They Mean for Outdoor Heaters?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It's a two-digit code that tells you how well an electrical product is protected against solids (like dust) and liquids (like rain).
The first digit covers dust and solid particles. The second covers water.
| IP Rating | What It Means | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Protected against splashing water from any direction | Covered patios and pergolas |
| IP55 | Protected against low-pressure water jets | Open patios with some shelter |
| IP65 | Dust-tight and protected against water jets | Fully exposed outdoor areas |
| IP67 | Dust-tight and can survive temporary submersion | Very exposed or coastal locations |
For most UK gardens, look for a minimum of IP55. This will handle rain, morning dew and typical British weather without issue. If your heater will be permanently installed and fully exposed to the elements, IP65 is worth paying more for.
Safety Features: Don't Skip These
Patio heaters produce serious heat. Safety features aren't optional extras — they're essential.
Tilt or Tip-Over Switch
If a freestanding heater falls over, this automatically cuts the power or gas supply. Critical for any gas patio heater. It prevents fires and gas leaks. Always check this is present before buying a freestanding model.
Overheat Protection
Electric heaters should cut out automatically if the internal temperature gets too high. Particularly important for heaters placed near fences, garden furniture or soft furnishings.
Cool-Touch Casing
If children or pets are nearby, look for heaters where the outer casing stays cool to the touch even when the element inside is at full power. Glass tube heaters often have a guard cage for exactly this reason.
Automatic Shut-Off Valve (Gas Heaters)
A thermocouple — a small safety device in the gas line — detects if the flame goes out and cuts the gas flow automatically. This prevents unburnt gas from building up. Standard on reputable gas patio heaters.
Clearance Distance
Always keep at least 1 metre of clear space around a patio heater. No pergola fabric, no umbrellas, no cushions or curtains directly above or beside it. Check the manufacturer's guidelines — they're there for good reason.
Installation: What's Involved?
Freestanding Electric Heaters
The simplest to set up. Unbox, position and plug into a standard outdoor socket. Make sure the socket has suitable weatherproof protection (a minimum of IP44 for outdoor sockets in the UK).
Wall-Mounted and Ceiling-Mounted Heaters
These need to be fixed to a wall or ceiling — usually with a bracket supplied in the box. The electrical connection should be done by a qualified electrician if the heater requires hardwiring rather than plugging in. This is a requirement under UK Part P building regulations for fixed electrical installations.
Gas Patio Heaters
Most come pre-assembled or need minimal assembly. You connect the regulator to a propane bottle, open the valve and ignite. No professional installation is required for portable freestanding gas heaters. However, if you're connecting to a fixed gas supply, you must use a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Matching the Heater to Your Space
Size matters. A heater that's too small will frustrate you. One that's too powerful may be overkill and expensive to run.
Small Balcony or Sheltered Corner
Go for a wall-mounted electric heater at 1kW–1.5kW. Our wall mounted heaters are ideal here. They keep floor space free and direct heat exactly where you need it.
Standard Patio (up to 10m²)
A 2kW infrared heater is the go-to. Check our infrared heaters 2000W range for well-priced options that cover this size of area effectively.
Medium-Sized Garden Patio (10–25m²)
Look at 3kW–4kW electric heaters or a mid-range gas patio heater. A glass tube heater in this power range looks smart on a larger terrace and holds up in wet weather.
Large Open Garden or Commercial Space
Gas is often the better choice at this scale. A high-output gas patio heater at 13kW–15kW can cover up to 40m² in open conditions. Outdoor diesel heaters are another serious option for large marquees, building sites or commercial outdoor areas.
Social Gatherings Around a Central Point
A fire pit heater or a gas firepit table is worth considering. The 360° heat output is much more efficient for a group of people sitting in a circle than a directional heater.
Top Buying Tips: A Quick Checklist
- Check the IP rating. Minimum IP55 for any outdoor electric heater left outdoors.
- Think about coverage area. Match the kW output to the size of your space.
- Consider where power comes from. Do you have an outdoor socket? Where's the nearest gas bottle retailer?
- Look for a tip-over switch on any freestanding heater.
- Decide on style. A glass tube heater suits a contemporary garden. A fire pit suits a more natural setting.
- Think about permanence. If you want a fixed installation, a wall-mounted heater is the smarter long-term choice.
- Don't overlook smokeless options. If you're in a built-up area, a smokeless patio heater keeps neighbours happy.
- Factor in running costs, not just purchase price. A cheaper heater at a higher wattage can cost more to run over a season.
- Read the manual before use. Clearance distances, gas connections and safety guidelines are there for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a patio heater out in the rain?
Only if it's IP55-rated or higher. Most electric infrared patio heaters with an IP55 or IP65 rating are designed to handle UK rain without issue. That said, always check the manufacturer's guidance. Some heaters are rated for rain but not for prolonged submersion or pressure washing.
How far away should I sit from a patio heater?
Most patio heaters are effective within a range of 1 to 4 metres depending on their output. A 2kW infrared heater typically heats effectively within a 2–3 metre radius. Higher-output gas heaters at 12kW+ can cover a wider area. Always maintain at least 1 metre clearance from the heater itself for safety.
Are gas patio heaters safe on a covered patio?
No. Gas heaters produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. In an enclosed or semi-enclosed space this is genuinely dangerous. Only use gas patio heaters in fully open areas. Electric infrared heaters produce no fumes whatsoever and are safe under pergolas, covered patios and in conservatories.
What's the difference between a halogen and an infrared heater?
Halogen heaters use a halogen bulb as the heating element — they get very bright and heat up quickly. Infrared is a broader term that covers halogen, quartz and carbon fibre elements. All halogen heaters are infrared heaters, but not all infrared heaters use halogen elements. Carbon fibre and quartz elements tend to be more efficient and longer-lasting.
Do I need an electrician to fit a patio heater?
For plug-in freestanding models, no. For hardwired wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted heaters, yes — UK building regulations (Part P) require fixed electrical work to be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician.
The Bottom Line
A patio heater is a straightforward purchase once you know what you're looking at. Pick the right fuel type for your space. Match the output to the area you want to heat. Check the IP rating. Make sure the safety features are there.
Whether you go for a sleek infrared outdoor heater, a statement gas firepit table or a practical wall-mounted heater for your covered terrace — get the spec right and it'll pay for itself in extra hours outdoors every single year.
Browse the full range of RealGlow patio heaters and all our collections above to find your perfect match.