When you shop for the best patio heater electric, start with your outlet, then compare watts, heat settings and mounting.
Our best patio heater guide adds propane models to the mix, and our best infrared heater roundup covers more infrared heaters. Every pick here comes from the makers’ specifications on each Amazon listing, not our own testing, as our Editorial Policy explains. Mount or place each heater as its maker directs and keep the cord clear of foot traffic.
Best Patio Heater Electric: Top 3 Picks
Fire Sense 02117 1500W Telescoping Offset Pole Infrared Patio Heater with Wheels
- Heating coverage of 81 square feet, a 9-foot blanket of heat per the listing
- Telescoping offset pole adjusts from 72 inches to 93 inches
- Rolls on wheels and comes with a cover
VAGKRI 1500W Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Tripod Stand or Wall Mount
- 12-hour timer to turn the heater on or off
- IP65 waterproof
- Three heat levels of 700W, 1000W and 1500W
MOMOKOVA 1500W Tabletop Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Pull-Cord Switch
- Tabletop design for heat at the table
- Three heat settings of 600W, 900W and 1500W
- IP55 waterproof and dustproof
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Electric Patio Heaters Compared
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Fire Sense 02117 1500W Telescoping Offset Pole Infrared Patio Heater with Wheels |
| Check Latest Price |
| 2 |  VAGKRI 1500W Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Tripod Stand or Wall Mount |
| Check Latest Price |
| 3 |  MOMOKOVA 1500W Tabletop Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Pull-Cord Switch |
| Check Latest Price |
| 4 |  Dr. Infrared Heater DR-239 3000W Wall or Ceiling Mount Infrared Patio Heater, 220V-240V |
| Check Latest Price |
| 5 |  Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 1500W Wall or Ceiling Mount Carbon Infrared Patio Heater, 120V |
| Check Latest Price |
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1. Fire Sense 02117 1500W Telescoping Offset Pole Infrared Patio Heater with Wheels
Best Overall
- Heating coverage of 81 square feet, a 9-foot blanket of heat per the listing
- Telescoping offset pole adjusts from 72 inches to 93 inches
- Rolls on wheels and comes with a cover
- 1500 watts of infrared heat on 120 volts
- A single on/off toggle switch gives one heat setting, while the other four picks here offer two or more
- Needs an outlet on a dedicated 15-amp/1800-watt circuit
- Controls: On/off toggle switch
- Base: 20 inches
- Head unit: 22 x 7 x 5 inches
The frame is built from powder-coated steel, and the listing gives model number 02117.
Its 6-foot electrical cord is non-retractable, so measure the run to your outlet first.
Good match for the Fire Sense Pole
Pick it if you want stated heat coverage and a heater head you can raise above a dining table.
When to choose another pick over the Fire Sense Pole
Choose the Dr. Infrared DR-238 or Dr. Infrared DR-239 to mount heat on a ceiling and keep the floor clear.
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2. VAGKRI 1500W Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Tripod Stand or Wall Mount
Best Tripod Heater
- 12-hour timer to turn the heater on or off
- IP65 waterproof
- Three heat levels of 700W, 1000W and 1500W
- Tripod stand adjusts from 33 inches to 77 inches
- Its 7-foot cable, like the 6-foot cord on the Fire Sense Pole, ties the tripod to a nearby outlet
- Controls: Remote, 12-hour timer
- Cable: 7 feet
- Weight: 8.1 pounds
The VAGKRI Infrared can come off its tripod and hang on a wall instead, freeing floor space on a small porch.
The heater body measures 32.28 by 2.76 by 6.3 inches and carries model number VA-OH02.
Good match for the VAGKRI Infrared
Pick it if you want the heater to switch itself off after your evening outside winds down.
When to choose another pick over the VAGKRI Infrared
Choose the MOMOKOVA Tabletop if you want heat right on the table where you eat.
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3. MOMOKOVA 1500W Tabletop Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Pull-Cord Switch
Best Tabletop Heater
- Tabletop design for heat at the table
- Three heat settings of 600W, 900W and 1500W
- IP55 waterproof and dustproof
- Dual halogen infrared tubes
- Settings change by pull-cord switch, while the Dr. Infrared DR-238, Dr. Infrared DR-239 and VAGKRI Infrared use a remote
- Controls: Pull-cord switch
- Height: 32 inches
- Use: Outdoor
The listing gives a tube lifespan of up to 8,000 hours for the halogen tubes.
Its 16.5-by-16-inch footprint suits a patio table, and the finish is black.
Good match for the MOMOKOVA Tabletop
Pick it if you want plug-in warmth at table height for a small group.
When to choose another pick over the MOMOKOVA Tabletop
Choose the Fire Sense Pole if you want a heater that rolls on wheels and rises up to 93 inches.
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4. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-239 3000W Wall or Ceiling Mount Infrared Patio Heater, 220V-240V
Most Watts
- 3000W of carbon infrared heat, listed at 10,260 BTU
- Remote switches between power levels or standby
- IP55 weatherproof
- Wall and ceiling mounting brackets included
- Needs a 220V-240V outlet for its NEMA 6-15P plug, unlike the 120V and 110V picks here
- Controls: Remote, 2 speeds
- Size: 41.2 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches
- Weight: 7.6 pounds
The listing describes no open flame, no fumes and silent operation. A power cord is included with the heater.
It carries the ETL Listed mark and is meant for commercial or residential use.
Good match for the Dr. Infrared DR-239
Pick it if your patio has a 240V circuit and you want 3000W of heat from a single mount.
When to choose another pick over the Dr. Infrared DR-239
Choose the Dr. Infrared DR-238 if you want a ceiling mount that plugs into a standard 120V outlet.
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5. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 1500W Wall or Ceiling Mount Carbon Infrared Patio Heater, 120V
Best 120V Ceiling Mount
- Mounts on a wall or ceiling and plugs into a standard 120V outlet
- Three power settings of 900W, 1200W and 1500W
- Remote control and mounting bracket included
- IP55 with a weatherproof aluminum body
- Its 1500W top setting, shared by the other 120V and 110V picks, is half the Dr. Infrared DR-239’s 3000W
- Controls: Remote
- Size: 35 x 8 x 4 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds
The Dr. Infrared DR-238 uses carbon infrared heat with a mirror aluminum reflector listed at 90% reflectivity.
It runs at 60Hz and carries model number DR-238.
Good match for the Dr. Infrared DR-238
Pick it if you want overhead heat on a patio ceiling without adding a 240V circuit.
When to choose another pick over the Dr. Infrared DR-238
Choose the VAGKRI Infrared if you want a timer and a tripod you can move away from the wall.
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How to Choose the Best Patio Heater Electric
- Check your outlet first. The Dr. Infrared DR-239 needs 220V-240V, while the other four picks here run on 120V or 110V.
- Count the heat settings you want. The Fire Sense Pole has one and the Dr. Infrared DR-239 has 2 speeds, while the other three offer three.
- Compare water resistance. The VAGKRI Infrared lists IP65, while the Dr. Infrared DR-238, Dr. Infrared DR-239 and MOMOKOVA Tabletop list IP55.
- Decide on placement, whether that means a wall or ceiling mount, a pole on wheels, a tripod or a tabletop unit.
- Check cord length when the outlet is far off. The Fire Sense Pole has 6 feet, and the VAGKRI Infrared has 7 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which electric patio heater has a 12-hour timer?
The VAGKRI Infrared is the pick here with a 12-hour timer. Set it to switch the heater on or off at the time you choose.
Which pick rolls on wheels?
The Fire Sense Pole is the heater on wheels here. Its 20-inch base carries the telescoping pole.
Can I mount an electric patio heater on a ceiling?
Yes, the Dr. Infrared DR-238 and Dr. Infrared DR-239 both mount on a wall or ceiling. The first plugs into 120V, and the second needs 220V-240V.
Which pick sits on a table?
The MOMOKOVA Tabletop is built for a tabletop and stands 32 inches tall. Its pull-cord switch steps between 600W, 900W and 1500W.
The Bottom Line
Our best patio heater electric pick is the Fire Sense Pole for its 81 square feet of heating coverage and adjustable pole. Choose the VAGKRI Infrared for a 12-hour timer or the MOMOKOVA Tabletop for table height. The Dr. Infrared DR-239 suits patios with a 240V outlet.
Best Overall: Fire Sense 02117 1500W Telescoping Offset Pole Infrared Patio Heater with Wheels Check Latest Price
Best Tripod Heater: VAGKRI 1500W Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Tripod Stand or Wall Mount Check Latest Price
Best Tabletop Heater: MOMOKOVA 1500W Tabletop Electric Infrared Patio Heater with Pull-Cord Switch Check Latest Price
Match the heater to your outlet and layout, and your patio will be ready for cool nights.
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