To find the best patio heater propane can power on your deck, compare BTU, tank size and stated heat reach.

Our best patio heater guide adds electric models to the mix, and our best infrared heater roundup covers plug-in infrared heat. Every pick here comes from the makers’ specifications on each Amazon listing, not our own testing, as our Editorial Policy explains. Use propane models outdoors only and follow each maker’s clearance guidance.

Best Patio Heater Propane: Top 3 Picks

Best OverallAmazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels

  • 46,000 BTUs with an adjustable temperature knob
  • Heats up to a 9-foot radius
  • One-touch ignition button
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Most BTUsEAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels

EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels

  • 50,000 BTU, the highest figure stated among these five picks
  • Spreads heat up to 20 feet in diameter
  • Stainless steel tank lid doubles as a round table for snacks, drinks or phones
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Best for Long EveningsFire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels

Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels

  • Listed consumption rate of approx. 10 hours
  • 46,000 BTU output from stainless steel burners
  • Electronic ignition system
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Propane Patio Heaters Compared

#ProductKey Features
1Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
  • Fuel: Propane, 20-pound tank (not included)
  • Output: 46,000 BTU
  • Heat reach: Up to a 9-foot radius
  • Ignition: One-touch button
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2EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels
  • Fuel: Propane
  • Output: 50,000 BTU
  • Heat reach: Up to 20 feet in diameter
  • Ignition: One-touch
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3Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
  • Fuel: Propane, 20-pound tank (not included)
  • Output: 46,000 BTU
  • Run time: Approx. 10 hours
  • Ignition: Electronic
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4Tangkula 34" Pyramid Tabletop Propane Patio Heater, 9500 BTU
Tangkula 34" Pyramid Tabletop Propane Patio Heater, 9500 BTU
  • Fuel: Propane, standard cylinder
  • Output: 9500 BTU
  • Heat reach: Up to 4.5 feet in diameter
  • Ignition: One-step button
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5Mars Explo 11,000 BTU Tabletop Propane Patio Heater with Quartz Glass Tube
Mars Explo 11,000 BTU Tabletop Propane Patio Heater with Quartz Glass Tube
  • Fuel: Propane, 1-lb tank
  • Output: 11,000 BTU
  • Heat area: Up to 30 square feet
  • Controls: Heat dial
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1. Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels

Best Overall

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
Pros
  • 46,000 BTUs with an adjustable temperature knob
  • Heats up to a 9-foot radius
  • One-touch ignition button
  • Chain included to secure the tank
Cons
  • Stands 91.3 inches tall, taller than the EAST OAK 50K at 87 inches or the Fire Sense 46K at 89 inches
  • Ignition: One-touch button
  • Size: 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches
  • Model: 62108
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A water box weighs down the base, and a wheel kit lets you roll the heater into place.

The frame wears a powder-coated finish in Slate Gray. Its standing tower design is built for outdoor use.

Who the Amazon Basics 46K suits

Pick it if you want a standing heater with a stated 9-foot reach and a chain to hold the tank.

Who should pass on the Amazon Basics 46K

Choose the EAST OAK 50K if you want a higher BTU figure and a lid that doubles as a table.

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2. EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels

Most BTUs

EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels
Pros
  • 50,000 BTU, the highest figure stated among these five picks
  • Spreads heat up to 20 feet in diameter
  • Stainless steel tank lid doubles as a round table for snacks, drinks or phones
  • One-touch ignition lights the flame in less than five seconds
Cons
  • The maker does not recommend use during storms or when wind speeds exceed force 6
  • Ignition: One-touch
  • Size: 33 x 18 x 87 inches
  • Weight: 38.8 pounds
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An adjustable control knob sets the heat output, and the burner uses double-layer 304 stainless steel mesh.

A round hole in the bucket lets you close the gas valve without lifting the bucket off. The listing shows ETL certification, and the heater rolls on wheels with a conical barrel base.

Who the EAST OAK 50K suits

Pick it if you host bigger groups and want somewhere on the heater to set a drink.

Who should pass on the EAST OAK 50K

Choose the Fire Sense 46K if you want the maker’s run-time figure to plan your evening.

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3. Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels

Best for Long Evenings

Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
Pros
  • Listed consumption rate of approx. 10 hours
  • 46,000 BTU output from stainless steel burners
  • Electronic ignition system
  • Weighted base with wheels
Cons
  • Like the Amazon Basics 46K, it needs a 20-pound propane tank you buy separately
  • Ignition: Electronic
  • Height: 89 inches
  • Weight: 39 pounds
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A double mantle heating grid works with the burners, and the body is powder-coated steel.

An 18-inch base and a 33-inch hood in 5 pieces frame the heater. The finish is Espresso, and the model number is 63717.

Who the Fire Sense 46K suits

Pick it if you want a listed run time before you plan a long night outside.

Who should pass on the Fire Sense 46K

Choose the Tangkula Tabletop if you want flame on the table instead of beside it.

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4. Tangkula 34" Pyramid Tabletop Propane Patio Heater, 9500 BTU

Best Pyramid Tabletop

Tangkula 34" Pyramid Tabletop Propane Patio Heater, 9500 BTU
Pros
  • 34-inch pyramid design with a 360-degree crystal glass tube
  • Variable control knob sets flame height and intensity
  • Heats up to 4.5 feet in diameter
  • Weighs 11 pounds with anti-slip pads underneath
Cons
  • The one-step ignition button needs one AA battery, sold separately
  • Ignition: One-step button
  • Size: 10 x 10 x 34 inches
  • Model: 10041-NP
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A standard propane cylinder hides in the interior storage space of the pyramid.

The 430 stainless steel frame has a rustproof reflective cover and a Bronze finish. The listing marks it for outdoor use.

Who the Tangkula Tabletop suits

Pick it if you want a small flame centerpiece for a dining table of a few people.

Who should pass on the Tangkula Tabletop

Choose the Mars Explo Tabletop if you want a higher 11,000 BTU figure on the table.

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5. Mars Explo 11,000 BTU Tabletop Propane Patio Heater with Quartz Glass Tube

Best for 1-lb Tanks

Mars Explo 11,000 BTU Tabletop Propane Patio Heater with Quartz Glass Tube
Pros
  • Connects to a 1-lb propane tank
  • 11,000 BTU heat output
  • Warms up to 30 square feet
  • Flame enclosed in a quartz glass tube
Cons
  • A 20-lb tank hookup needs an adapter that is not included
  • Controls: Heat dial
  • Size: 12.6 x 12.6 x 32 inches
  • Model: ME179511BN
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An anti-tilt base sits under the frame, and the tabletop design needs no cords.

The Mars Explo Tabletop comes in black and is listed for outdoor use.

Who the Mars Explo Tabletop suits

Pick it if you keep 1-lb tanks on hand and want flame at table height.

Who should pass on the Mars Explo Tabletop

Choose the Amazon Basics 46K if you want a standing heater with a stated 9-foot radius.

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How to Choose the Best Patio Heater Propane

  • Decide between standing and tabletop. The Amazon Basics 46K, EAST OAK 50K and Fire Sense 46K stand on wheels. The Tangkula Tabletop and Mars Explo Tabletop sit on a table.
  • Compare BTU output. The Tangkula Tabletop lists 9500 and the Mars Explo Tabletop 11,000, while the EAST OAK 50K reaches 50,000.
  • Check tank size. The Amazon Basics 46K and Fire Sense 46K take a 20-pound tank, and the Mars Explo Tabletop uses a 1-lb tank.
  • Read each maker’s heat reach, like the Amazon Basics 46K’s 9-foot radius or the EAST OAK 50K’s 20 feet in diameter.
  • Measure overhead clearance, since the standing picks here run from 87 inches to 91.3 inches tall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which propane patio heater lists a run time?

The Fire Sense 46K lists a consumption rate of approx. 10 hours. Use that figure as a rough guide when you plan a tank swap.

Which pick has a built-in table?

The EAST OAK 50K does. Its round stainless steel lid sits over the propane tank and holds small items.

What size tank does the Amazon Basics 46K use?

It requires a 20-pound liquid propane gas tank, which is sold separately. Plan to buy or refill one before the first use.

How much area does the Mars Explo Tabletop warm?

The listing says it warms up to 30 square feet. That suits a small table more than a large seating area.

Our Verdict

Our best patio heater propane pick is the Amazon Basics 46K for its 46,000 BTUs and 9-foot radius. Choose the EAST OAK 50K for the highest stated BTU figure or the Tangkula Tabletop for a dining table. The Fire Sense 46K suits long evenings with its listed run time.

Best Overall: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Standing Propane Patio Heater with Wheels Check Latest Price

Most BTUs: EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table Top and Wheels Check Latest Price

Best for Long Evenings: Fire Sense 63717 Performance Series 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Wheels Check Latest Price

Pick your tank size and heater shape first, then match the heat reach to your seating.

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