Key Takeaways
- Propane offers strong, movable outdoor heat without requiring a household gas line. Keeping the cylinder reasonably full helps maintain performance in very cold weather.
- Natural gas suits permanent patios where a correctly sized gas line is available. There is no cylinder to exchange, but installation requirements need to be considered.
- Electric infrared heat works particularly well when warmth can be aimed at a defined seating area. Some heaters plug into 120-volt power, while larger models may require a dedicated higher-voltage circuit.
- Wind, mounting height and heater position can matter as much as advertised BTUs or wattage.
- Covered patios require a heater approved for the location, with the ventilation and combustible clearances specified by the manufacturer.
- The best comparison starts with the patio itself: where people sit, how exposed the space is and what fuel or electrical supply is available.
A patio heater can extend the Canadian outdoor season well into fall and make cool spring evenings far more comfortable.
When comparing propane vs natural gas vs electric patio heaters, start with the space rather than the fuel. An open dining area, covered deck and condo balcony all create different heating requirements. Wind exposure, available connections and where people actually sit will usually narrow the options quickly.
Table of Contents
- Propane vs Natural Gas vs Electric Patio Heaters
- Propane Patio Heaters
- Natural Gas Patio Heaters
- Electric Patio Heaters
- What Does Each Type Cost to Run?
- Installation and Safety
- Choosing a Patio Heater for Your Space
- Frequently Asked Questions
Propane vs Natural Gas vs Electric Patio Heaters
Here is the practical comparison:
| Factor | Propane | Natural Gas | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | Strong outdoor heat | Strong outdoor heat | Focused radiant heat |
| Energy source | Refillable cylinder | Household gas line | Electrical supply |
| Movement | Easy to reposition | Limited by gas connection | Portable or mounted |
| Initial setup | Usually straightforward | Gas-line work may be required | Simple for plug-in models; electrical work may be needed for larger units |
| Cold weather | Keep the cylinder reasonably full | Continuous household supply | Consistent while power is available |
| Best fit | Flexible patios, rentals and cottages | Permanent patio layouts | Covered and defined seating areas |
| Covered areas | Model-specific | Model-specific | Often a natural fit, but still subject to model clearances |
BTUs and wattage are useful specifications, but they are not the whole story. A heater that directs warmth toward four occupied seats can be more useful than a higher-output model positioned too far from the table.
Once you know which fuel type suits your patio, browse our patio heater collection to compare available models.
Propane Patio Heaters
Propane is a flexible choice for patios without a permanent gas connection.
A typical freestanding heater keeps the cylinder in its base and can be repositioned when the furniture layout changes. That makes propane particularly convenient for renters, cottages and backyards where the dining or seating area moves through the season.
Full-sized heaters are movable rather than lightweight portable appliances. They should stand on a stable, level surface and be moved or secured according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Propane in Canadian Cold
Keep the propane cylinder reasonably full when temperatures drop.
Propane remains usable in cold weather, but a nearly empty cylinder can have more difficulty supplying a high-output appliance during severe cold. Maintaining a good fuel level is the simple practical fix.
Do not heat a propane cylinder artificially, interfere with the regulator or enclose the cylinder contrary to the manufacturer's instructions.
For windy patios, bring the heat closer to the occupied zone rather than trying to warm the entire deck from one position.
Best for: renters, cottages, patios without a gas line and layouts that change through the season.
Natural Gas Patio Heaters
Natural gas makes sense for a patio with a permanent layout and an appropriate gas supply nearby.
The heater draws from the household gas line, so there is no cylinder to refill or exchange. For families who use the patio regularly, that convenience can be significant.
The main planning question is the connection. An existing outdoor gas outlet is not automatically suitable for every heater. The gas line must be properly located and sized for the appliance and the total connected load.
We offer licensed gas services for permanent gas installations in applicable service areas.
Best for: permanent outdoor dining areas, frequently used patios and homes with a suitable natural-gas supply nearby.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric infrared heaters work especially well when heat needs to be directed toward a particular table, sofa or seating area.
They are available in very different sizes. A smaller 120-volt model may plug into a standard outdoor outlet, while larger wall- or ceiling-mounted heaters can require 208- or 240-volt power and a dedicated circuit.
This makes the available electrical supply worth checking before choosing a model.
Electric heaters are also useful where wind exposure is a concern. Directional infrared heat can be aimed toward the occupied area, particularly when the heater is mounted above or beside the seating zone.
Under a roof, wall- and ceiling-mounted electric models can keep valuable floor space clear. The heater still needs to be approved for the location and installed at the mounting height and combustible clearances specified in its manual.
Best for: covered decks, focused seating areas, wall or ceiling installations and patios where gas is not practical.
What Does Each Type Cost to Run?
There is no single cheapest patio heater for every Canadian home.
Natural gas can provide an attractive ongoing fuel cost when a suitable gas line already exists. Propane requires cylinder refills but avoids installing permanent piping. Electric running costs depend on the heater's wattage and local electricity rates.
| Fuel | Upfront considerations | Ongoing considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Propane | Little or no permanent installation | Propane refills |
| Natural gas | A suitable gas line may need to be installed or modified | Household natural-gas usage |
| Electric | Plug-in models need little setup; larger units may require electrical work | Electricity rate and wattage |
Installation cost matters too. A natural-gas heater with inexpensive fuel may not be the economical choice for a patio used only a few times each year if a new gas line has to be installed.
Installation and Safety
Before buying any patio heater, check the installation requirements for the exact model.
Pay attention to:
- required clearances above and around the heater;
- whether the location is open, covered or semi-enclosed;
- ventilation requirements for gas heaters;
- nearby umbrellas, curtains, furniture and other combustible materials;
- gas-line capacity for natural-gas models;
- voltage and circuit requirements for electric heaters;
- stability and placement of freestanding units.
Clearances should never be copied from another heater simply because the models look similar. The appliance manual is the controlling reference.
Outdoor fuel-burning heaters should not be operated inside a home, garage or other enclosed area. Gas and hardwired electrical work should be completed by appropriately qualified professionals where required.
Choosing a Patio Heater for Your Space
An Open Backyard Dining Area
Propane is a natural starting point when there is no gas line or when the heater may move with the furniture.
Natural gas becomes attractive when the dining area is permanent and used regularly. Freestanding heaters with a broad heat pattern work particularly well around an open table or conversation area.
A Covered Deck
Electric heaters are often worth investigating first. Wall- and ceiling-mounted models can direct warmth toward the seating area while keeping the floor open.
Gas models may also be suitable when the specific heater is approved for covered use and the installation meets its ventilation and clearance requirements.
A Windy Patio
Choose the heat pattern for the location.
Directional electric infrared heaters can aim warmth directly into a seating zone. Directional gas models can do the same, while traditional mushroom-style heaters provide broader overhead coverage and work best when positioned where that heat pattern reaches the people using the patio.
In exposed locations, thoughtful placement can make a bigger difference than simply choosing the highest BTU rating.
A Condo Balcony
Check condominium or building rules before buying. Some properties restrict propane cylinders, open-flame appliances, electrical loads or permanently mounted equipment.
Where permitted, a compact plug-in electric heater can be an uncomplicated option because it requires little or no permanent modification.
A Rental Property
Propane and plug-in electric heaters usually provide the most flexibility where permanent work is undesirable.
Available floor space, outdoor electrical access and the property's rules for propane storage can help decide between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Propane vs natural gas vs electric patio heater: which is right for me?
Propane is useful when flexibility and easy setup matter. Natural gas suits permanent patios with an appropriate gas connection, while electric infrared heaters are particularly useful for defined seating zones and covered areas. Patio layout, wind and available utilities should guide the comparison.
Do patio heaters work in cold or windy conditions?
Yes. For propane heaters, keeping the cylinder reasonably full helps in very cold weather. In windy conditions, position the heater so its heat reaches the occupied area and consider models with more directional heat patterns.
Can you use a patio heater under a covered deck?
Yes, when the specific model is approved for that type of installation. Follow the manufacturer's requirements for ventilation, mounting position and combustible clearances.
How many BTUs do I need for a patio heater?
There is no universal BTU figure because usable coverage changes with wind, outdoor temperature, heater design and placement. Use the manufacturer's coverage information for the model and focus on the area where people will actually sit.
Do I need a professional to install a patio heater?
Freestanding propane and plug-in electric heaters generally require no permanent fuel or electrical installation. Natural-gas connections and hardwired electric heaters may require appropriately certified or licensed trades as well as applicable permits.
Are electric patio heaters suitable for condos and balconies?
They can be when the building permits them and the heater is suitable for the location. Check condominium rules, available electrical capacity and manufacturer clearance requirements before purchasing.