Best outdoor heaters in Australia

• Best overall outdoor heater: Heatstrip Classic Radiant Outdoor Heater THH3200A
• Best outdoor electric heater: Rinnai 1800W Outdoor Radiant Heater ORH18MR
• Best cheap outdoor electric heater: Maxkon 2000W Infrared Heater
• Best outdoor gas heater: Companion Portable Gas Heater
• Best cheap outdoor gas heater: Martin Portable Outdoor Camping Infrared Propane Gas Heater
• Best outdoor patio heater: Devanti Gas Patio Heater
• Best outdoor wood heater: Rusty Slim Outdoor Fireplace
• Best outdoor infrared heater: Devanti 2000W Electric Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater
• Best outdoor strip heater: Excelair Outdoor 2.2 KW Ceramic Glass Heater
• Best outdoor camping heater: Mr Heater Buddy Portable Radiant Heater

To enjoy your patio or outdoor space even on colder months, investing in an outdoor heater is a must. This device produces heat and adds warmth to an area like an outdoor nook or patio. It comes in various sizes and styles, such as gas heaters, portable options and electric models.

When it comes to choosing the best outdoor heater for your needs, consider the size of your space, the type of heater you'd like and your budget. You should also factor in the added functionalities of the heater and its safety features.

For this list, we picked outdoor heaters available from various online retailers like Amazon, Appliances Online and Bing Lee. We chose products based on customer reviews and ratings. We then considered key product features when picking outdoor heaters for each category.

Read our full methodology below.

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Why we chose it

For the best overall gas heater, we picked the Omega Altise Brigadier 25MJ Natural Gas Radiant Convection Heater. This model has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on The Good Guys and 4.6 on Harvey Norman.

With a sleek, portable design and an energy-efficient operation, this gas heater is a handy solution to keep large areas warm during the cold season. It uses radiant and convection heat to efficiently keep rooms up to 90sqm warm at a rate of 25MJ per hour. It also has an oxygen depletion sensor, a push-button control panel and a flame failure shut-off function.

One of our choices for the best heaters available online, customers praised the product's minimalist design, powerful heat output and reasonable price tag. It boasts a 5.9-star energy rating, which makes the unit an economical choice for any household. It's also backed by a 3-year labour warranty for extra peace of mind. A few reviews said it doesn't heat up as quickly as other heaters they've had, but it's a pretty decent option for larger areas.

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Why we chose it

We recommend Rinnai's 1800W Outdoor Radiant Heater ORH18MR as the best electric option. Engineered for the harsh Australian environment, this model produces cosy radiant heat, creating a blanket of warmth in the outdoors.

Featuring a sleek and clever design, the ORH18MR comes with a light indicator to show on/off status. It is also ideal for various areas such as outdoor spaces, restaurants and balconies. Since it is made of corrosion-resistant materials, this model looks modern and offers superb durability for long-lasting use.

This outdoor heater is a cost-efficient solution to keep you warm during colder months. It comes with a user-friendly remote control that allows users to set the timer for convenience. And since it is designed with Australian conditions in mind, this heater is IP65-rated for dust and rain protection. It's got a relatively quiet operation, too.

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Why we chose it

The Maxkon 2000W Infrared Heater is our choice for the best cheap option. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

This infrared heater features a high-performance carbon fibre heating tube to produce a large amount of heat in just 10 seconds. According to the brand, the heater can minimise oxygen consumption and moisture loss in the air. The heater also features an aluminium housing, which has a 98% reflection to prevent heat loss and a bracket for wall-mounting the unit.

At under $200, this outdoor electric heater is a solid option to cosy up while you enjoy the winter nights. It is IP55-rated for durability and designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. For convenience, it comes with remote control, 4 power levels and a 9-hour timer. However, this model is only suitable for indoor areas up to 20sqm and outdoor spaces up to 32sqm.

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Why we chose it

With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on eBay, Companion's Portable Gas Heater is our pick for the best outdoor gas heater.

Suitable for both camping and outdoor areas, this portable gas heater is one of our picks for the best gas heaters you can get right now in Australia. It features a maximum output of 10,000BTU and has a Piezo ignition for a hassle-free kickstart. It also has a carry handle, protective guard and anti-tilt shut-off function.

This Companion heater is an affordable yet durable option for the adventurous. It features a POL gas regulator and a 1,500mm hose for convenience. However, this little number is only suitable in well-ventilated areas for safety. Despite this small hiccup, the model continues to be a popular choice among customers.

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Why we chose it

Martin's Portable Outdoor Camping Infrared Propane Gas Heater is what we chose as the best cheap option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

This portable heater from Martin has an adjustable heat control, allowing you to set the heat from low to high. It works with a 1lb or 16.4oz propane bottle and comes with a metal dish to help focus the heat where you want it. And because it has a portable design, you can easily bring the heater during camping, ice fishing trips or just relaxing outdoors. It also has a 3,100BTU output.

Customers gave positive feedback on the heater's compact design, value for money and user-friendliness. It is easy to kickstart and comes with numerous safety functions like an auto shut-off fuel valve if the flame goes out, a large paddle foot for stability and a safety grid. It doesn't heat up as quickly as other gas options, but users don't seem to mind.

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Why we chose it

For patios, we recommend the Devanti Gas Patio Heater. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 5 out of 5 stars on eBay.

With 10kW power, this gas patio heater produces an even warmth to keep you cosy outdoors. It features stainless steel construction and powder-coated steel body for durability at an affordable price. It also has a Piezo burner ignition for easy kickstarting and adjustable heat settings to fit any heating needs. The heater can also warm up outdoor areas up to 30sqm.

The general sentiment is that this high-quality, portable heater is ideal for outdoor areas. While it's a bit of a pain to operate at first, customers said the learning curve is worth it as it quickly warms up the area with even heating. The unit also features an oxygen depletion system, a double emitter design and a carry handle. It can fit up to a 9kg gas cylinder as well.

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Why we chose it

The Rusty Slim Outdoor Fireplace is our pick for the best wood option. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Bunnings. This model is also part of our list of the best wood heaters you can buy online.

An affordable wood heater, the Rusty Slim Outdoor Fireplace features a modern, sleek design. It is easy to assemble and features a large hinged door, maximising the viewing of the flames. It can also be positioned to create directional heating.

This wood heater is a simple yet capable heating option that adds a visual appeal to any outdoor space. Customers said it is easy to use and provides even heat, warming up an area in no time. However, this may be too small for larger areas. It is also not suitable for indoor use or near combustible materials.

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Why we chose it

For the best infrared heater, we selected the Devanti 2000W Electric Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater, which has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Boasting an IP34 rating for all-weather use, this infrared heater has 3 halogen fire tubes that stand as heating elements to produce instant warmth in seconds. It also utilises infrared to heat spaces, while its radiant energy only turns to heat when it comes into contact with people. For ease of use, it also has a pull-switch control and an adjustable standing pole height.

This Devanti heater has 2,000W of power and can heat up areas up to 35sqm. It can also be used for both indoor and outdoor areas without producing too much noise. Customers said setting up the heater is easy, while others said it produces even heat that keeps them warm outdoors. Several others found the heater's housing a bit flimsy, but this seems to be a minor issue.

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Why we chose it

With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman, we chose the Excelair Outdoor 2.2 KW Ceramic Glass Heater as the best strip heater for the outdoors.

This Excelair heater provides an excellent heat output and variable temperature settings to keep areas warm during the winter. It is made of ceramic glass, offering superb heat conductivity and simple maintenance. It can also be mounted on the wall or ceiling using the adjustable brackets that come with the model. However, it has to be mounted on the ceiling with a height between 2.2m and 2.4m.

This ceramic glass heater reaches a surface temperature of up to 450°C, providing quick and even warmth. It is also IP65-rated for waterproofing. Apart from an adjustable timer, it comes with 3 heat settings and a standby mode for convenience. Some found it difficult to mount, but this seems to be an isolated concern.

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Why we chose it

For outdoor camping, we recommend the Mr Heater Buddy Portable Radiant Heater. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Mr Heater's Buddy Portable Radiant Heater has a variable heat output of 4,000BTU and 9,000BTU, warming up indoor and outdoor space up to 225 square feet or 20sqm. It also has a 20-gallon tank capacity, 3 heat settings and a fold-down handle. Apart from a Piezo sparking mechanism for easy kickstart, this has an oxygen depletion sensor and an accidental tip-over safety shut-off.

Customers gave positive feedback on the heater's value for money, compact design and performance. While it's not the easiest to kickstart, this little heat offers even warmth for small and well-ventilated areas. This heater boasts a run time of up to 6 hours on low settings and 3 hours on high, using a 450g disposable cylinder.

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Types of outdoor heaters

There are tons of outdoor heaters in the market – all of which are convenient and provide just enough warmth to keep you cosy during cold, winter days. However, not all outdoor heaters are created equal.

Electric outdoor heaters provide warmth using a renewable energy source. In general, they provide heat instantly, making them a convenient option for extremely cold locations. However, these options can be more expensive than gas, wood and infrared heaters.

Gas outdoor heaters are a cheaper option to warm up various outdoor areas. They are available in different BTU outputs, providing even heat in larger spaces. However, they require a large clearance.

Infrared outdoor heaters use infrared or radiant heat to warm people within the proximity of the device. These models warm an area up "shining" infrared radiation directly at its targeted area. In general, infrared heaters are also quieter than gas and electric options. However, infrared heaters produce a red light that some users may find too bright.

Wood outdoor heaters are more energy efficient than any other options. These are fuelled by wood to quickly and evenly warm up spaces. They also tend to be cheaper than electric or gas outdoor heaters. However, they're not the most user-friendly.

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How to compare outdoor heaters

Consider these factors when picking an outdoor heater to keep you warm:

Safety tips

Here are several safety tips when operating an outdoor heater:

• Make sure the heater is at a safe distance away from walls and other combustible materials to prevent any fire hazards.
• Use patio heaters on a flat, even surface to prevent it from tilting or rolling over.
• When setting up gas outdoor heaters, always check for leaks.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating the outdoor heater.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never leave an outdoor heater running unattended.

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Frequently asked questions

• How much BTU do I need for a gas outdoor heater?

  The BTU output you need depends on the size of your outdoor areas. For small areas, heaters with at least 3,000BTU might be enough. To warm up larger areas, you may need a gas outdoor heater with at least a 10,000BTU output.

• Can my electric patio heater get wet?

  Since electric patio heaters need dry air for the heating element to work properly, they shouldn't get wet.

• Can I use my outdoor heater indoors?

  Some brands offer outdoor heaters that you can use indoors. Make sure to check your heater's user manual to know if it is suitable for indoor operation.

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