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Best Patio Heaters for 2026: Electric vs Gas Comparison Guide
Patio Heater Winners at a Glance — 2026
| Category | Winner | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Electric 2300W | $1,483 | Sleek, powerful, built to last — the industry benchmark. |
| Best Electric | Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric 6000W | $1,089 | Industrial design at a fair price with heavy heat output. |
| Best Gas | Schwank SupremeSchwank 2100 | From $1,450 | 50,000 BTU — handles open patios and wind. |
| Best for Large Patios | Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Gas 500 | From $1,630 | Up to 400 sq ft coverage per unit, gas performance. |
| Best Commercial | Schwank BistroSchwank | From $1,795 | Restaurant-grade durability, proven longevity. |
| Best Portable | Bromic Eclipse Smart-Heat Portable | $2,609 | No install — wheel it where you need warmth. |
| Best Marine/Coastal | Bromic Platinum Marine 316 SS | $3,624 | Marine-grade stainless for salt air + pool decks. |
| Best Wall-Mounted | Dimplex DIR Series | From $699 | Compact radiant infrared for covered patios. |
| Best Budget | Dimplex DGR Propane Portable | From $1,200 | Propane portable with no install hassle. |
How we picked: 12+ years selling outdoor heating, 40+ models evaluated, real installer feedback, and direct comparison of BTU/watt output, build quality, warranty, and price-per-square-foot coverage. All models in-stock with free shipping on orders over $99.
As outdoor living season approaches, choosing the right patio heater can extend your usable outdoor time by months. But with electric, gas, and infrared options ranging from $270 to $5,700, how do you pick the right one?
This guide compares every type of patio heater we carry, explains the key differences, and helps you match the right heater to your space and budget.
Electric vs Gas Patio Heaters: Key Differences
| Feature | Electric Infrared | Gas (Natural/Propane) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Output | 1,500W - 6,000W | 25,000 - 50,000+ BTU |
| Best For | Covered patios, enclosed spaces | Open patios, large uncovered areas |
| Installation | Hardwired (most models) | Gas line required |
| Operating Cost | $0.15-0.60/hr | $0.50-2.00/hr |
| Heat Range | 100-250 sq ft per unit | 200-400+ sq ft per unit |
| Wind Resistance | Moderate (radiant heat) | Good (higher BTU output) |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Annual gas line inspection |
Best Electric Patio Heaters
Bromic Heating (Premium)
Bromic Heating is the industry leader in design-forward electric patio heaters. Their lineup includes:
- Platinum Series ($1,483-$2,681) — Slim, low-profile design for upscale residential and commercial spaces. 2,300W to 4,500W.
- Platinum Marine ($3,624-$5,702) — Marine-grade 316 stainless steel for coastal and pool environments.
- Tungsten Series ($568-$1,089) — Industrial-modern design at more accessible prices. 4,000-6,000W.
- Eclipse Series ($2,609-$4,999) — Portable, design-statement heaters with twin pole and dimmer options.
- Cobalt Series ($568-$682) — Budget-friendly entry point at 4,000-6,000W.
Schwank (Commercial-Grade)
Schwank offers German-engineered electric heaters built for demanding commercial environments:
- ElectricSchwank Single Element ($835-$1,161) — 1,500W to 4,000W for focused zone heating.
- ElectricSchwank Dual Element ($1,059+) — 3,000W to 6,000W for wider coverage areas.
Dimplex (Versatile)
Dimplex outdoor heaters offer wall-mounted and portable options:
- DIR Series ($590-$1,340) — Wall-mounted electric infrared in 36" and 51" sizes.
- DSH Series ($610) — Compact wall-mounted option for smaller spaces.
- DLW Series ($900) — Versatile indoor/outdoor models.
Best Gas Patio Heaters
Schwank Gas Heaters
- SupremeSchwank ($3,473-$4,206) — The gold standard for commercial gas patio heating. Available in single and two-stage output.
- BistroSchwank ($3,169) — Designed specifically for restaurants and hospitality venues.
Bromic Gas Heaters
- Tungsten 300/500 ($1,775-$2,026) — Compact to mid-size gas heaters with modern design.
- Platinum 300/500 ($2,298-$2,580) — Premium gas heaters with sleek aesthetics.
- Tungsten Portable ($2,360) — Wheeled gas heater for flexible placement.
Dimplex Gas Heaters
- DGR Series ($1,200-$1,500) — Portable propane infrared heaters, no installation required.
How to Choose: Quick Decision Guide
- Covered patio, want sleek design: Bromic Platinum electric
- Covered patio, budget-conscious: Bromic Cobalt or Tungsten electric
- Open patio, maximum heat: Schwank SupremeSchwank gas
- Restaurant or commercial: Schwank gas or Bromic Platinum
- Coastal or pool area: Bromic Platinum Marine
- Portable, no installation: Dimplex DGR propane or Bromic Eclipse
- Wall-mounted, simple: Dimplex DIR Series electric
Browse our complete patio heater collection or contact us for help choosing the right heater for your outdoor space.
Patio Heater FAQ
What is the best patio heater for 2026?
The best patio heater for 2026 is the Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Electric 2300W for most residential patios. It balances premium build quality, 2,300W of efficient radiant heat, a slim design that looks good on upscale spaces, and Bromic's multi-year warranty. For large open patios, the Schwank SupremeSchwank 2100 gas heater (50,000 BTU) wins on raw output.
Electric or gas patio heater — which is better?
Electric patio heaters are best for covered patios, quiet operation, low maintenance, and lower operating cost ($0.15–$0.60/hr). Gas patio heaters (natural gas or propane) win on raw heat output (25,000–50,000+ BTU) and performance in wind and open spaces, but they cost more to run ($0.50–$2.00/hr) and need a gas line or propane tank. If your patio is covered, go electric. If it's open, go gas.
How many BTUs or watts do I need for my patio?
A good starting rule: gas heaters cover about 200–400 sq ft each (so a 40,000 BTU unit handles roughly 300 sq ft). Electric infrared heaters cover about 100–250 sq ft each at 2,300–4,500W. For a 400 sq ft patio, you'll typically want two electric heaters or one large gas heater. Colder climates and open (uncovered) spaces need more output than the rule suggests.
Are Bromic patio heaters worth the money?
Yes — Bromic heaters cost more upfront ($500–$5,700) but they're the industry benchmark for outdoor heating. The Smart-Heat tungsten emitters last longer than generic halogen bulbs, the build quality is marine-capable, and they carry multi-year warranties. For commercial use or upscale residential patios, Bromic pays back within 2–3 seasons versus replacing cheaper heaters.
What's the difference between Bromic Platinum, Tungsten, and Eclipse?
Bromic Platinum is the premium line — slim profile, 2,300–4,500W electric or 300–500 series gas, designed for residential and upscale commercial. Bromic Tungsten is mid-range — industrial look, 4,000–6,000W output, better value at $568–$1,089. Bromic Eclipse is the portable design-statement line with twin-pole options, no install required, $2,609–$4,999.
Are patio heaters safe under a covered patio or pergola?
Yes — most electric infrared heaters are specifically designed for covered patios and can be ceiling- or wall-mounted safely. Gas heaters require minimum clearance (usually 24"+ above) and good ventilation. Always follow manufacturer clearance specs. Electric heaters are the safer default for enclosed/semi-enclosed spaces.
Can I leave my patio heater outside year-round?
Outdoor-rated heaters (all Bromic, Schwank, Dimplex DIR/DGR models we carry) are built to stay outside through all seasons. Marine-grade models (Bromic Platinum Marine) handle salt air and pool chemicals. For maximum lifespan, use a cover when not in use and do a once-a-year wipe-down of the reflector and emitter housing.
Do I need an electrician to install an electric patio heater?
Most hardwired electric heaters (Bromic Platinum, Tungsten, Dimplex DIR) need a licensed electrician because they draw 10–25 amps on a dedicated 208–240V circuit. Plug-in portables (Bromic Eclipse portable) don't. We recommend having an electrician pre-run the circuit before your heater arrives.
- Tags: bromic, buying guide, dimplex, electric heater, gas heater, outdoor heater, patio heater, schwank
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