Bestselling Electric Patio Heaters

Patio heaters are a fantastic addition to gardens because they extend the time you can spend outdoors for longer throughout the year, and with our UK climate being as it is, we often need all the help we can get to make the most of our time outdoors. But why choose an electric solution over other types of patio heater?

Electric patio heaters offer a level of convenience no other systems can match. There’s no need to source fuel for them as you would with a wood burner or a gas heater, nor is there any ongoing upkeep required. They’re a low maintenance system that you can wire into your mains or plug in and move as you please. Perhaps their greatest strength is their instant heat. No fiddling with firelighters or messing around with gas canisters – the moment you switch on an electric patio heater, you’ll feel their warmth right away. They might lack the romance of an open fire but electric patio heaters will always make the most practical, hassle-free solution and are the best choice if you live in a smoke control area.

Our Ecostrad patio heaters offer excellent low-cost heating for outdoor spaces and are great if you’re working within a tighter budget. The Ecostrad Sunglo is priced at £149.99 and offers instant, on-demand warmth perfect for all outdoor spaces, domestic or commercial. However, if you want a heater that’s a little more discreet, we also offer the Ecostrad Thermaglo with its reduced light heating element, and the Ecostrad Thermostrip which emits no light at all. Most Ecostrad patio heaters come with a remote control so you can adjust your heater’s output and reduce running costs at the same time.

Electric patio heaters fall into three distinct categories: low glare, ultra-low glare and no glare. Each type has its own uses and benefits, so it may help to consider where you plan to install it before you make your choice.

Low glare heaters are the products we tend to think of first when we hear the phrase ‘electric patio heater’ – they’re the ones that glow with an orange light and give off a more intense heat to help us keep warm even in cold weather. As they’re so effective, they’re frequently seen in commercial applications such as beer gardens and smoking areas, to ensure customers are comfortable outside. Low glare heaters are a good choice for any garden and are especially beneficial for open spaces that have little defence against chill breezes. The heat from low glare heaters is designed for infrequent on-demand heating and is not designed for use over long periods.

Ultra-low glare heaters are like low glare heaters but emit a reduced amount of light and gentler form of heat. Their warmth is still quite robust but is better suited to sheltered outdoor spaces such as covered patios, verandas and terraces. Ultra-low glare heaters are the better choice if you find the light or heat from low glare heaters too harsh but bear in mind that they won’t work as effectively in exposed locations.

No glare heaters emit no light at all and produce the gentlest form of heat out of all three types. It’s so gentle in fact that it can be used all day long for comfort heating outdoors. The discreet appearance, lack of light and gentle heat of these products makes them ideal for sheltered commercial spaces such as covered rooftop restaurants, hotel terraces or poolside bars. The downside to this gentle heat is that it’s more easily offset by wind-chill so it’s imperative that they’re installed in a space that offers adequate protection against gusts and breezes.

Making your decision will be much easier if you have a good understanding of the layout of your garden space. If you’re still not sure which patio heater is best for your needs, get in touch with our Sales team on 0330 300 4444.

For permanent installation outside, an electric patio heater should have a rating of at least IPX4. This means that the housing will be protected against splashes of water from all directions. If you live in an area that’s prone to particularly harsh weather, a rating of IPX5 or higher may be more appropriate. Please note that portable heaters shouldn’t be left outside, even if they have high IP ratings.

Many patio heaters come with a fitted UK plug, either because they can be used with a compatible stand or because they’re designed to be a portable heater in their own right. If you intend to use your patio heater for portable heat, you’re free to plug in and place your electric patio heater wherever you please. For permanent fitting outside, you will always need to contract the services of a professional electrician because the heater must be hardwired to the mains of your property. This is not a DIY task.