Propane vs Electric Patio Heaters: Which One is Right for You?

Is there anything more tragic than watching your perfect patio sit empty just because the temperature dropped... and knowing the right electric patio heater or propane patio heater could have made all the difference? Here’s the straight-up truth: comfort = longer stays for guests and customers. So choosing the right patio heater for your space is an important decision, especially for restaurants and bars... where your patio heater choice has a measurable impact on customer satisfaction and profitability. 

So, home and business owners, how do you choose the outdoor heater that turns your patio into a year-long, every season space?

We’ll get into the important details below, but here's the gist. Propane patio heaters generate more heat, making them perfect when the temperatures are colder, or when you're trying to heat large or open-air spaces. Electric patio heaters produce less than half as much heat, but they don't take up as much of your space and they're quieter than propane models. Making them better for cozy, smaller spaces or when you just need to raise the temperature a little.

But believe me, there's a lot more to know about both. So let's get into the details:

Propane vs. Electric

• Quick heat vs steady comfort. Propane patio heaters deliver instant warmth anywhere outdoors, while electric patio heaters run from an outlet and create quiet, even heat with no emissions during operation.
• Budget reality. Electric models typically cost about $0.20 per hour to run at 1.5 kW, while equivalent propane heat averages about $0.80 per hour. Long seasons usually favor electric on cost.
• Mobility and setup. About 63 percent of users report better portability with propane patio heaters thanks to wheels and self contained fuel. Electric models shine for fixed spots on a wall or ceiling with a handy remote control.
• Match the space. Big open areas probably love propane for higher BTU heat output. Smaller or enclosed areas tend to prefer electric for quiet operation, easy use, and great ventilation safety.

Patio Heaters 101: Outdoor Warmth

A patio heater is simply a heater designed to focus warmth on people and furniture in an outdoor space. Pretty straightforward. The goal is comfort without fuss. There are different options, but two categories dominate both residential and commercial patios: propane and electric. Both work beautifully... for the right area.

The Starfire Direct team has seen (time after time) that the right choice for you comes down to size, ventilation, mobility, and how you like your patio to look. If you want a visible flame and big warmth for a crowd, propane feels amazing. If you want whisper quiet heat from a sleek unit hiding on a wall, electric feels effortless.

And if you're designing an outdoor space where guest comfort is the top priority, you should consider installing both heater types. Roll out propane when temperatures are colder or you need to keep your whole space warm. Then, when you need less heat output but don't want big fires roaring near your guests, roll the propane into storage and switch on those slim electric models.

That chart is a great reference for all of you numbers people. But for everyone else, here's a quick breakdown of how each type of patio heater works.

Electric patio heaters are precise. You can aim warmth where people actually sit, and you can choose heating elements sized for your seating layout.

Propane patio heaters provide heating power. These push warmth farther into open areas and really prove their worth when temperatures dip deeper.

Both categories deliver the comfort you want when you match the model to the area, the number of people, and the way you arrange patio furniture.

Keep heat close to people. Use walls or screens so warmth bounces back.

A quick word on natural gas heaters. Some shoppers don't realize that natural gas requires a gas line built into your property, meaning you can't just buy a heater that uses natural gas and plop it down on your patio without first checking. That generally makes propane and electric heaters the most flexible for more users (especially businesses).

The Money Talk (Because Nobody Likes Surprise Bills)

Propane models typically produce higher BTU numbers (often over twice as much, in fact). This translates to serious warmth across a big area. That's why roughly 72% of homeowners prefer propane heaters for efficiency in large outdoor spaces. You feel it immediately. The burner ignites, the reflector spreads heat, and people relax.

Electric patio heaters convert electricity to radiant heat very effectively, so from a pure energy use standpoint they are excellent. One watt is roughly 3.41 BTU, which makes comparisons easy.

How Important is Durability?

Short answer: very.

It's incredibly tempting to save some cash by picking up a propane heater at your local big box store. But this is yet another "you get what you pay for" situation, and we've seen cheap patio heaters bend and warp just from regular use. Often in only a few months. What you saved up-front will get sunk right back into early replacement costs... not to mention the frustration of having them give out when you need them most.

Invest in quality today and enjoy the even warmth, reliable performance, and manufacturer warranty for years to come.

Propane picks that feel amazing

	evenGLO Portable Propane Gas Patio Heater by IR Energy: Commercial grade presence, smooth ignition, and a wide comfort area.
	Portable Tungsten Radiant Propane Heater by Bromic: The tungsten screen spreads warmth evenly across larger spaces with modern style.
	Stainless Steel Patio Heater with Table by AZ Patio Heaters: Sleek finish, smooth wheels, and a handy table for drinks or snacks.
	Hammered Bronze Patio Heater with Table: Classic look that pairs with wood furniture. The finish stays handsome between uses.
	Tornado Flame Table Top Heater in Hammered Bronze By AZ Patio Heaters: A compact showpiece for intimate seating with a swirling flame in a glass tube.

Electric picks that keep it effortless

	Bromic Tungsten Electric Heater: Clean lines and reliable heating elements for quiet, targeted warmth on a wall or ceiling.
	Bromic Platinum Electric Heater: Comes in 3400w when you need muscle for larger covered areas or 2300w for medium areas with subtle appearance and strong comfort.
	Bromic Cobalt Electric Heater: Minimalist, budget friendly, and easy to integrate on a wall or ceiling.

Operating Costs and Budget Planning

Let’s make running cost simple. An electric patio heater at about 1.5 kW on high tends to cost near $0.20 per hour on a typical residential rate. A propane heater delivering similar perceived heat lands near $0.80 per hour. If you use your heater many evenings, electric usually wins on cost. If you host weekly or less, propane’s fuel spend feels minor for that fast blast of warmth.

A 20 pound propane tank probably lasts 8 to 10 hours on a typical freestanding unit, depending on the amount of heat you ask for. Swapping tanks is quick, and a spare keeps the night moving. Electric never runs out. You simply flip the switch again tomorrow.

Setting Up Without the Headaches

Mobility makes a difference. Propane wins by a comfortable margin for portable use. About 63 percent of users report better portability with propane patio heaters, and I think that tracks with wheels, stable bases, and self contained fuel. You can place a propane heater exactly where people gather. That freedom feels great on a busy night.

Electric heaters prefer a fixed location. Once they are on a wall or tucked under a ceiling, they vanish visually and perform beautifully. Remote control operation lets you adjust temperature from your chair. For decks with limited floor space, that wall mount design feels like magic.

Safety First (Without Being the Fun Police)

Modern heaters are loaded with smart safety touches. Propane units usually include tip over shutoff and flame safety controls, and the bases are designed for stability with wheels that lock. The big rule is ventilation. Keep 5 feet from buildings and 3 feet from combustible materials so the burner, reflector, and elements can breathe safely.

Electric units simplify things for enclosed areas. With no flame and no on site emissions, they are great in covered patios and partially enclosed spaces when rated for that use. The element and face still get hot, so keep soft materials clear and mount at the specified height. Many models include overheat protection and simple ON OFF controls. Peace of mind is a big reason people love electric.

The Green Factor

At the point of use, electric heaters produce no emissions and almost no sound. Propane heaters burn cleanly outdoors and provide a real flame many of us adore. Renewables make electric even greener, while propane brings classic fire ambiance. From our vantage point, both types create happy outdoor experiences when you match them to the right areas and temperature ranges.

Making It Look Good

Design matters because the heater joins your patio furniture and becomes part of the look. Propane models can become a feature. The Hammered Bronze Patio Heater with Table has vintage charm and a friendly glow. The Stainless Steel Patio Heater with Table looks modern and pairs nicely with concrete planters and metal chairs. The Bromic Portable Tungsten Radiant Propane Heater stands like outdoor sculpture and signals the space is ready for people.

Electric models tend to disappear. Bromic Platinum Electric Heater 3400W and Bromic Tungsten Electric Heater tuck under a ceiling or sit quietly on a wall. The appearance is minimal, the line is tidy, and the warmth simply arrives. Design focused users will appreciate how electric preserves a crisp sight line while delivering comfort.

Keeping It Running

Both categories are easy to live with. With propane, I like to brush the burner and reflector at the start of a season, check the igniter click, and give the wheels a quick roll. Covers keep finishes fresh. Well built units like the IR Energy evenGLO Portable Propane Gas Patio Heater hold up for years with simple care. Propane heaters also give you that satisfying twist ignition that marks the start of patio season.

With electric, maintenance is even lighter. Wipe the face with a microfiber cloth now and then. Heating elements last thousands of hours, and replacement is straightforward. Hardware on Bromic mounts feels solid, so once set up you can forget about it until the next cool night.

evenGLO Portable Propane Gas Patio Heater radiates 360° of warmth with a modern design.

What I’d Tell My Best Friend

Here is how I guide friends in real patios.

• Big, open deck with a dining table and lounge area. Choose Bromic's  Tungsten Propane Heater or the evenGLO Propane Heater for strong coverage, a wide comfort field, and beautiful appearance. The flame adds personality and the wheels add mobility.
• Covered patio with limited floor space. Pick Bromic's Platinum Electric Heater, for effortless warmth and a clean look. Since it's an overhead unit, it frees the floor and keeps the view open.
• Cozy chat set near a wall. Bromic's Tungsten Electric Heater or Platinum Electric Heater (the 2300w version) for quiet radiant heat aimed right at people, not the sky.
• Small bistro corner that loves drama. Bring in the Tornado Flame Table Top Heater. Compact, sculptural, and a delightful conversation spark.
• Classic backyard with wood tones and stone. The Hammered Bronze Patio Heater or Stainless Steel version adds both function and a polished appearance.

My Final Thoughts (And Where to Get Expert Help)

Look, we've tested enough patio heaters to know that the right choice really comes down to your specific setup and how you like to entertain. Big heat that goes wherever the party moves? Propane's got you covered. But maybe you're after something whisper-quiet that just works – then electric's absolutely the way to go.

Going with propane means you'll be rolling that beauty wherever you need it... just watch those clearances and get ready for that satisfying whoosh when she lights up. Electric's more of a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Mount it in the sweet spot, grab the remote, done.

But maybe you still have questions. That's okay, we love answering them! Give the Starfire Direct team a call. They're the true experts in this field. Technical questions, space-specific recommendations... their comprehensive knowledge and deep expertise is at your disposal.

And here's another thing we know: you, your guests, and customers are about to spend way more evenings outside. More random Tuesday night hangs. More coffee on the patio when it's 45 degrees. More of those conversations that somehow get better when there's a little chill in the air, warmth overhead, and something tasty to sip.

So yeah, pick your heater, make your space cozy, and profit!

Eben Jol

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Eben Jol is a creative media specialist with over 10 years of experience creating helpful content for outdoor brands. In that time he has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry and has a keen understanding of what topics customers and information seekers need to know when they are planning and furnishing their outdoor space. He has gathered data and reported on industry insights for organizations such as the ICFA, and in his spare time, loves relaxing in his own backyard (and the great outdoors at large) with his wife and 3 kids.