The Top-Rated Electric Patio Heaters, as Ranked by Our Experts

Electric patio heaters defy limitations. As a special case over regular patio heaters, they can do things the others can't — for instance, their lack of harmful emissions means nearly all of them are perfectly safe to operate in enclosed spaces.

Forget ignition components, valves, burners, and moving parts; simply plug in and flick a switch. Electric patio heaters manage in places where gas models struggle, such as below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Gas models can't be flush-mounted; electric ones can. Eager to warm your heart (and the rest of you), our experts ranked our best electric patio heaters to help you find the one that's right for your outdoor space on these criteria:

• Quality - Exposed to the elements, your patio heater must withstand the worst tantrums your climate can throw at it. Our electric patio heaters are specifically high-quality and enduring, meant to be relied upon for many seasons.

• Performance - In a word? Uncompromising. Our electric patio heaters use infrared heat — it ignores the air to directly warm people and objects. This means they convert almost all of their energy into heat that’s highly resistant to wind and weather conditions!

• Features - Our selection of electric patio heaters use infrared heat, which directly warms objects and people rather than the surrounding air. Combine this with optional mounting kits for powerful, directional heat that's highly resistant to wind.