Best Outdoor Heaters Australia, Which One Gives off the Most Heat

Searching for a way to extend your living space and enjoy the outdoors, even on cool evenings? The trick is picking the right outdoor heater. And with choices ranging from powerful gas heaters to aesthetic electric models, the perfect fit is determined by your specific requirements regarding heat quality, installation, and safety. This guide will introduce you to the various types of outdoor heaters, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision and set up your yard, patio, or deck for warm times ahead.

Outdoor Heater Options

• Outdoor Propane Heaters

Outdoor Propane Heaters are particularly suitable around patios or in outdoor areas where there are no electrical outlets. Compact and mighty, they deliver results that match other outdoor heaters, simply at the push of a button. They generally feature adjustable heat settings and a straightforward push-button ignition, so they’re easy to use. Propane heaters connect to 20-pound propane tanks.

They produce heat from a burner that radiates heat across a designated area in square feet for a few hours, depending on how high the heat setting is. When dealing with large spaces, you will want models with high BTU measurements (30,000-50,000 BTUs). Safety features, such as auto-close shut-off valves and a tip-over switch, give you peace of mind.

• Outdoor Electric  Heaters

Outdoor Electric heaters won’t chew through your energy or your wallet-these babies are UL-listed for both indoor and outdoor use! These are available in different types: wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, balanced flued, and freestanding – programmed to the required temperature and are completely silent. They generally consist of quartz or halogen heating elements that turn electricity into radiated heat.

Remote controls can be found on a variety of models, and more sophisticated models may include programmable timers or thermostats. Electric fireplaces are very energy-efficient, radiating heat at 99% and conversion rates of 10%. That will cut your winter energy bill.

• Outdoor Infrared Heaters

Outdoor infrared heaters are designed to warm people and objects by direct heating technology for maximum efficiency. Quiet and pollution-free, they work indoors as well as outdoors. These heaters heat objects and surfaces directly, which in turn heats the surrounding air to the desired temperature, and most models are equipped with reflectors to help focus the heat where it is needed more efficiently. Infrared heaters are effective and heat exactly where you want them, so they’re best for smaller patios or around seating areas.

• Outdoor Natural Gas Heaters

Natural gas patio heaters are perfect for permanently mounting or hooking up to your natural gas line, resulting in a lower overall cost. The fact that they connect to your home’s gas line means you don’t need to refuel them, and they provide a consistent heat source. There are heaters with burners attached to the gas line, and their ignition type ranges from manual to electronic. They are great for a big patio with heat out of over 50,000 BTUs. Professionals install natural gas heaters, which aren’t practical for renters, since you can’t move them easily when they’re already mounted.

• Portable Heaters For Camping

Just as the perfect outdoor heater can magically turn your patio into a little cozy oasis, the same idea goes for when you’re camping beneath the stars. Camping heaters are specially designed so that you get steady heat in a remote, off-grid area, like a campground, with no electrical outlets and unpredictable weather.

These are generally propane-based heaters, so they are portable and boxless, with less expensive and more basic safety features, such as tip-over shut-off and oxygen sensing. They are perfect for use in a tent or near an open-air shelter. Suppose you’re prepping for a winter hiking trip. In that case, a cool overnight at a national park, or a brisk night of camping, choosing the best portable heaters for camping can mean the difference between an uncomfortable, restless night and a night where you truly enjoy being outdoors.

For an in-depth look at the best picks on the market and how to use them safely, check out our full guide to camping heaters.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Heater for Your Patio

Choosing the right model will be a matter of matching power output, space covered, fuel type, weather resistance, and mounting style. Electric models are typically around 1,500–3,000 watts (larger units may need a separate circuit with RCD protection).

At a bid price of $0.30/kWh, a premium 2.4 kW unit will cost about $0.72 an hour to operate. Gas models come in BTUs for power, and are suitable for open spaces, but you’ll need good ventilation and safe cylinder storage.

Pay attention to ingress protection ratings — common ranges are from IP44 to IP65 — for resilience, and select according to your degree of exposure to the elements.

Wall‑mounted and ceiling‑mounted heaters are a boon, creating floor space and ensuring safe clearances above tables, while freestanding and portable outdoor heaters, including tabletop and pyramid styles, provide flexibility for renters and event organisers.

For the best performance, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about placement and height to ensure proper heat and safety.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Heaters

Adhere to these outdoor heater safety tips for a worry-free experience.

Placement: Never place a heater within 3 feet of anything flammable, like curtains, furniture, or plants. There should be plenty of overhead clearance to avoid heat damage to ceilings or awnings.

Ventilation: Always operate propane or natural gas heaters in well-ventilated spaces to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide. Do not use these heaters in any enclosed or confined space without ventilation.

Sturdy: Set space heaters on a stable, flat surface to prevent them from tipping over. Several models feature weighted bases or integrated stabilizers for additional safety.

Maintenance: Hoses, connections, and fuel tanks should be inspected often for leaks or cracks. Inspect the burner and vents for any clogs that might interfere with your stove’s performance.

Monitoring: Never leave a heater unattended when in use, and never leave children or pets unsupervised in the same room with a heater. ALWAYS turn the heater off when not in use or before leaving the room.

Outdoor Heater Repair and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to extend your heater’s lifespan. If yours is faulty, it’s best to let the pros fix your outdoor heater. Common issues include:

Outdoor heater not starting: When the outdoor heater won’t ignite, a blocked burner, a broken igniter, or low fuel might be the cause. If this is cleaned and maintained, these issues can be avoided.

Heating Issues: This can be due to some accumulation on the heating element. You can clean the reflector and burner assembly to regain uniform heat spread.

Gas Leaks You Red: A hissing sound or smell of gas probably means a leak. Shut your heater off now, check that your hose is connected, and if the problem continues, contact a professional.

Electrical: In case of electric heaters, check for damage to power cords and connections. Replace any worn cords and make sure that the unit’s thermostat or control panel is working as it should.

Servicing: Regularly service the machine every year, inspecting all areas, including the burner and fuel lines, safety devices, etc. The heater can last longer and perform better with routine maintenance.

Find professional repair personnel who are specialists in outdoor heater repairs. Many manufacturers include warranties that provide for repairs; you’ll want to check the terms of your heater’s warranty.

FAQs

Conclusion: Warming Your Space, Your Way

From the understated power of an electric strip heater that hangs discreetly beneath a pergola, to the dramatic statement of an outdoor pyramid gas patio heater, our options for outdoor heat are as diverse as our climates and lifestyles. By learning the key varieties, matching them to your space and abiding by the local safety and compliance standards, you’ll be well-equipped to give your diners a warm, inviting experience year‑round — whether they’ve gathered for a peaceful night on the balcony or an alfresco service that’s doing a roaring trade.

You already have that outline: get the right fuel and format, size it correctly, and place it for comfort and safety. With that in place, you’re all set to delve through our connected buying guides and city‑specific resources to find an outdoor heater that will have your evenings last that little longer, your get-togethers that bit snugglier, and your spaces much more inviting.