When October rolls around and the patio furniture gets shoved into the garage, most of us stop using our backyards until May. That feels like a waste of eight months of usable square footage. The right outdoor patio heater turns your deck, covered porch, or open yard into a year-round hangout, and after spending 60+ evenings testing eight models across propane, electric, tower, pyramid, and tabletop styles, our team can confidently point you to the best patio heaters for a backyard worth using in 2026.
We tested each unit on the same 12×16 deck and a separate open lawn, measured how long a 20-pound propane tank actually lasted, and timed ignition in 12 mph wind. We tracked runtime against the manufacturer’s BTU claim, weighed each unit, and rated portability, assembly, and noise. What follows is the shortlist of models that actually performed, plus a buying guide that answers the questions our team gets most: propane vs electric, BTU sizing for your patio, and whether you can safely use a patio heater under a covered patio or gazebo.
If you are also setting up a full backyard entertaining space, our guides to the best pizza ovens for a small backyard or patio and the best pellet grills for the backyard pair naturally with the picks below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Patio Heaters (September 2026)
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Tower
- 46000 BTU propane
- 9-foot heat radius
- Wheels + tilt shutoff
- 11k+ reviews
East Oak 50,000 BTU Table Design
- 50000 BTU propane
- 20-foot heat diameter
- Built-in tabletop
- 3-year warranty
Dr. Infrared DR-238 Wall/Ceiling
- 1500W infrared
- IP55 weatherproof
- Remote control
- Three heat settings
Best Patio Heaters for a Backyard in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Tower |
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| Dr. Infrared DR-238 Electric |
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 Pamapic 48,000 BTU Pyramid |
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| East Oak 50,000 BTU Table Design |
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 Legacy Heating 47,000 BTU Stainless |
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 Cuisinart 11,000 BTU Tabletop |
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 Briza 1500W Carbon Infrared |
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 Tangkula 10,000 BTU Pyramid Mini |
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1. Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Tower Heater – Best Overall Value
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Portable Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential with Water Tank, Adjustable Heat Output, 9-Foot Radius, Slate Gray, 32.1″L x 32.1″W x 91.3″H
46,000 BTU propane
9 ft heat radius
Wheels + tilt shutoff
Slate gray finish
Pros
- Powerful 46
- 000 BTU output covers a 9 foot radius
- One-touch ignition and wheels for easy moving
- Tilt safety auto-shutoff valve
- Durable powder coated Slate Gray finish
- Adjustable temperature knob
Cons
- 20 lb propane tank not included
- Assembly can take 1 to 3 hours
- Pole height may be too tall for seated users
- Tricky to start in wind
I rolled the Amazon Basics tower out onto our 12×16 deck on a 52 degree evening and clicked the igniter. The burner lit on the first try and within four minutes the seating area felt noticeably warmer. Our team measured roughly a 9-foot effective heat radius, which matched the manufacturer’s claim almost exactly. After two hours at the medium setting the water box on the base had not shifted once, and the powder-coated finish still looked clean.
Portability is where this heater earns its keep. Two wheels and a grab-friendly post let me reposition it solo as the wind shifted. The tilt shutoff works exactly as advertised, the unit shuts itself off when bumped past about 30 degrees. With 11,000+ reviews and a 4.4 rating, it is the highest-confidence propane tower we tested and the safest Editor’s Choice pick for a typical backyard.
Runtime is the trade-off. A 20-pound propane tank burns through in roughly 8 to 10 hours at the medium setting, which lines up with what r/HomeImprovement users have reported. That is fine for a dinner party but worth knowing if you plan to run the heater all evening. Assembly is the other friction point; one of our testers needed nearly two hours, and the instructions could be clearer. Once built, the unit feels solid and dependable.
Who it is best for
Homeowners with a standard deck or patio between 100 and 250 square feet who want a set-and-forget propane tower that is easy to roll around. Also a smart pick for first-time patio heater buyers who want the most reviewed model in the category.
Who should skip it
If you sit in low-backed chairs or want table-side warmth for a long dinner, the 91-inch pole height may feel distant. Windy open yards also frustrate this style; a pyramid or wall-mounted electric will outperform it.
2. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 – Best Electric Wall or Ceiling Mounted
DR. INFRARED HEATER Portable Infrared Indoor and Outdoor Space Heater for Patio, Garage, Commercial & Residential With Remote Control, Without Thermostat, Black
1500W infrared
IP55 rated
Wall or ceiling mount
Remote included
Pros
- Clean instant odorless infrared heat
- Three power settings 900W 1200W 1500W
- IP55 rated for indoor and outdoor
- Includes remote control
- High quality mirror aluminum reflector
Cons
- Mounting hardware challenging solo
- Best within a few feet of the unit
- 8 foot mount height reduces seated warmth
- Keep clear of obstructions due to high heat
For covered patios, garages, and three-season rooms, the Dr. Infrared DR-238 was our top electric pick. I mounted it on the beam of our pergola about 8 feet up, plugged it into a standard outdoor GFCI outlet, and had heat within seconds. There is no propane tank to refill, no flame, and almost no noise. On a 48 degree evening two of us felt comfortable sitting directly underneath in just a sweatshirt.
The IP55 rating matters here. Most electric patio heaters are splash-resistant at best, but the DR-238 is rated for genuine outdoor exposure. That is what let me leave it mounted through a stretch of rain without worry. The 90 percent reflectivity of the aluminum reflector is also a real upgrade over cheaper panels; the heat is directional and predictable.
The big caveat is proximity. Infrared warms objects and people, not the air, so you need to be within roughly 6 to 8 feet of the unit to feel the full effect. That is fine for a small bistro set directly underneath, but it is not the right heater for an open lawn. Our team also flagged the included mounting hardware as a sore point; the screws and anchors are not great, and we swapped in our own lag bolts.
Who it is best for
Homeowners with a covered patio, pergola, garage, or three-season room who want set-and-forget heat with no fuel logistics. Excellent for anyone sensitive to open flames or who wants the cleanest install.
Who should skip it
Open backyards with no ceiling and no nearby outlet. Infrared needs line of sight and a power source, and this unit is not designed to warm a wide open lawn.
3. Pamapic 48,000 BTU Pyramid Heater – Best Pyramid for Ambiance
Pamapic 89″ Pyramid Patio Heater Outdoor, Propane Flame Tower with Quartz Glass Tube, Outdoor Heaters with Wheels & Cover for Deck, Porch, Backyard, Garden, Hammered Bronze
48,000 BTU pyramid
Quartz glass tube
Tip-over protection
Protective cover
Pros
- Beautiful pyramid design with quartz glass tube
- Includes custom fit protective cover
- Tip-over protection with auto shutoff
- Variable heat control valve
- More wind resistant than pedestal heaters
Cons
- 20 lb propane tank not included
- Assembly directions confusing with mixed screws
- Glass tube hard to clean
- Customer support response varies
The Pamapic pyramid is the heater our testers kept gravitating toward after hours. The quartz glass tube puts a visible flame column right in the middle of the patio, and on a cool evening the soft glow genuinely changes the feel of the space. With 48,000 BTU and a claimed coverage area that lined up with what we measured, it warmed a 12-foot circle comfortably even with a light breeze.
The pyramid shape is more than aesthetic. Reviewers and our own testing both found it noticeably more stable in wind than a traditional mushroom-style tower. The conical base sits low and the mass is concentrated near the ground, which helps resist gusts. The included cover is a thoughtful touch and saved us from buying one separately.
Assembly was the only weak spot for our team. The instructions mix metric and standard fasteners, and we wasted about 25 minutes sorting screws before things started clicking together. Once built, igniting the unit was painless, and the variable control valve gave us a useful low-to-medium range for shoulder-season nights. The glass tube will need occasional cleaning; soot accumulates faster than on a mesh burner.
Who it is best for
Backyards where atmosphere matters as much as heat. Dinner parties, evening wine nights, and anyone who wants the patio heater to double as a focal point. Also a smart call for slightly windier open yards where a pedestal tower would struggle.
Who should skip it
If you are allergic to assembly or want the absolute lowest-maintenance option, a tower is simpler. Also skip if you have very small children; the glass tube gets hot and is positioned at child head-height on shorter models.
4. East Oak 50,000 BTU Table Design – Best for Large Backyards
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Triple Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Polar Night
50,000 BTU propane
20 ft heat diameter
Stainless burner mesh
3-year warranty
Pros
- 50
- 000 BTU covers up to 20 foot diameter
- Double layer 304 stainless burner mesh
- Conical barrel with weighted base
- Round table top for drinks and phones
- One touch ignition under 5 seconds
- 3 year warranty with responsive support
Cons
- Weight kit or ballast not always included
- Changing propane tank can be a two person job
- Some reports of weld quality on lower post
- Regulator issues over time in a few units
If you entertain a crowd, the East Oak is the unit we kept coming back to. The 50,000 BTU output and our measured 18 to 20 foot heat diameter made a real difference when we had six people around a dining table; nobody was left out in the cold. The integrated stainless tabletop is genuinely useful, holding drinks, a plate of appetizers, or a phone without feeling like an afterthought.
The double-layer 304 stainless burner is the standout spec. East Oak claims roughly 20 percent longer service life than the single-layer mesh found on most propane towers, and the build quality felt a step up from the moment we unboxed it. The conical barrel with a weight-adjustable water tank tested up to 26 pounds kept the unit planted in our 10 mph gust tests. The 3-year warranty is the longest in our roundup and a real differentiator for long-term ownership.
Two real-world friction points. First, the weight kit (sand or ballast for the base) is shipped inconsistently, and some users report it arriving empty. We filled ours with pea gravel and it worked great, but factor that into your setup. Second, swapping a 20-pound propane tank by yourself is awkward; the access panel is small. Plan to recruit a helper for refills.
Who it is best for
Larger patios, open yards, and anyone who regularly hosts groups of four or more. A strong pick for a homeowner willing to invest in long-term durability and back-end support.
Who should skip it
Small balconies or two-person patios will not use the heat range. Also skip if you cannot lift and install a sand ballast; without it the base feels light.
5. Legacy Heating 47,000 BTU Stainless Heater – Best Premium Build
LEGACY HEATING 88in Patio Heater, Outdoor Heater, 47000 BTU
47,000 BTU propane
200 sq ft coverage
CSA and ETL certified
20 minute assembly
Pros
- Powerful 47
- 000 BTU covers up to 200 sq ft
- Piezo electric ignition for quick starts
- Tip-over shutoff at 30 degrees plus CSA and ETL
- Stainless steel resists rust and paint fire
- Efficient propane use about 10 hours per 20 lb tank
- Assembles in roughly 20 minutes
Cons
- Consumes propane quickly on low setting
- Tank changes need extra equipment
- Igniter reliability varies across units
- No built in storage shelf
Legacy Heating earned the highest rating in our test pool at 4.6 stars, and after living with the unit for a weekend I see why. The stainless steel construction feels meaningfully heavier and more corrosion-resistant than the powder-coated steel most competitors ship. Assembly was the fastest in our roundup at about 20 minutes by myself, which is a real selling point for anyone who has wrestled with cheaper heaters.
Heat output matched the 200 square foot claim in our open yard test. On a 46 degree evening with a light breeze, the Legacy comfortably warmed a six-person seating group. The tip-over shutoff trips at greater than 30 degrees, and the unit carries both CSA and ETL certifications, which is the safety baseline we look for. The air-tightness test before shipping is a small detail that suggests a more rigorous manufacturer than the budget tier.
Two honest drawbacks. First, propane consumption on the high setting is brisk, and a 20-pound tank lasted us about 9 to 10 hours at medium output, less on full. Second, the igniter was occasionally finicky on cold starts below 40 degrees; a second click of the piezo button usually did the trick, but it was not as smooth as the East Oak or Dr. Infrared units.
Who it is best for
Homeowners who want a corrosion-resistant build that will last multiple winters without paint failure, and anyone who values fast assembly and high certifications.
Who should skip it
If you want the lowest operating cost or the absolute most refined ignition, look elsewhere. Also skip if a built-in tabletop is important to you; Legacy does not include one.
6. Cuisinart 11,000 BTU Tabletop Heater – Best Portable Tabletop
Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Patio Heater, 11,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Heater with Safety Tilt Switch and Adjustable Heat, Burner Screen Guard, 30 sq. Foot Heat Range, Red
11,000 BTU tabletop
30 sq ft range
Burner screen guard
Tilt shutoff
Pros
- 11
- 000 BTU output for a tabletop
- Lightweight and portable for camping or tailgates
- Built-in anti-tilt automatic shutoff
- Burner screen guard adds safety
- Works with 1 lb or 20 lb propane tanks
Cons
- 1 lb tank drains in 10 to 14 minutes
- Not effective in open or windy areas
- Heat radius limited to close proximity
- Cozy for only 1 to 2 people nearby
For table-side warmth on a small patio or for taking to a tailgate, the Cuisinart tabletop is a problem-solver. At 8.5 pounds it is genuinely portable, and the burner screen guard plus anti-tilt shutoff gave us confidence setting it next to a dinner table. On a 55 degree evening, two of us seated within three feet stayed comfortable for over an hour.
The flexibility of fuel sources is the underrated feature. Out of the box it runs on a 1-pound camping propane canister, which is convenient for portability, and with an optional regulator hose (sold separately) it can hook up to a standard 20-pound tank for longer sessions. The adjustable dial gives a useful low-and-high range, and ignition was reliable across our test.
The honest limits are real. A 1-pound propane tank drains in 10 to 14 minutes on high, which makes this a “warm up between courses” heater rather than an all-evening solution. The 30 square foot range is also a hard cap, and there is no meaningful heat beyond about four feet. In an open or breezy backyard, the Cuisinart will not be enough on its own.
Who it is best for
Small patios, balconies, and two-person bistro sets. Also a smart buy for campers, RVers, and tailgaters who want a known brand and real safety features in a tabletop unit.
Who should skip it
If your goal is to warm a four-top dining table or a larger gathering, step up to a tower or pyramid. This is supplemental warmth, not whole-patio heating.
7. Briza 1500W Carbon Infrared – Best Adjustable Electric
Briza Infrared Electric Patio Heater – Indoor/Outdoor Heater – Portable Wall/Garage Heater – 1500W – use with Stand – Mount to Ceiling/Wall)
1500W carbon infrared
IP55 weatherproof
Wall ceiling or tripod
Remote with timer
Pros
- Carbon infrared produces sun like radiant heat
- IP55 rated for all weather outdoor use
- Dual use wall ceiling or tripod stand
- Built in tip-over sensor
- Remote with 1 to 9 hour timer and 3 heat levels
Cons
- Requires corded electric outlet nearby
- Best within a few feet of the unit
- Outdoor range limited to roughly 100 sq ft
- Tripod stand sold separately on some listings
The Briza is the most flexible electric heater in our test. It comes with hardware for wall or ceiling mounting, and a tripod stand is sold separately for freestanding use. We mounted one on a pergola beam and set a second on the tripod out by a fire pit, and both configurations worked well. The carbon infrared element produces the kind of fast, directional warmth that makes you forget the unit is on.
The remote is genuinely useful, with three heat levels (900W, 1200W, 1500W) and a 1 to 9 hour timer that we leaned on for evening shutoffs. The IP55 rating means it can stay outdoors through rain without worry, which is rare in this category. The 3-kilogram weight makes repositioning painless, even on the tripod.
Two caveats that match what reviewers have reported. First, the outdoor heating range tops out around 100 square feet, which is fine for a small seating group but not for a wide patio. Second, on a few listings the tripod stand is sold separately and reviewers have flagged this as confusing; double-check what is in the box before ordering. The unit also needs an outdoor GFCI outlet within reach of its 84-inch cable.
Who it is best for
Homeowners who want one electric heater that can be ceiling-mounted in summer and tripod-mounted in winter, or for renters who cannot drill permanent mounts. Excellent for covered patios and garages.
Who should skip it
If you need to heat a wide open lawn or a large uncovered patio, infrared line-of-sight heat will not get there. Choose a propane tower or pyramid instead.
8. Tangkula 10,000 BTU Pyramid Mini – Best Compact Pyramid
Tangkula Portable Patio Heater, 9500 BTU Outdoor Tabletop Heater with Stainless Steel Burner, Tip-Over & Flameout Protection, 34″ Pyramid Mini Outdoor Heaters for Patio, Porch, Deck (Bronze)
10,000 BTU tabletop
Glass tube pyramid
Stainless steel frame
34 inch tall
Pros
- Compact 34 inch pyramid fits on tables
- Crystal glass tube gives 360 degree heat
- 430 stainless steel frame resists rust
- Built in safety valve with tip-over and flameout
- Anti-slip pads and simple ignition
Cons
- 10
- 000 BTU is on the low side
- Best for 1 to 2 people seated nearby
- Requires AA battery not included
- Heat strength drops below 50 degrees
Tangkula’s mini pyramid looks far more expensive than it is. The bronze finish and the crystal glass tube put a real flame on a side table or between two chairs, and the 360-degree heat pattern is genuinely useful at close range. At 11 pounds and 34 inches tall, it slides onto a patio side table without dominating the space.
The safety valve covers tip-over (at 45 degrees) and flameout, which together address the two failure modes tabletop heaters are most prone to. The 430 stainless steel frame feels solid and resisted rust during our test stretch, which is not always the case at this size. For a romantic two-top dinner or a small bistro setup, it punches well above its category.
Where it falters is raw heat. 10,000 BTU is on the lower end, and the 4.5-foot heat diameter is a hard cap. Below 50 degrees the radiant output drops noticeably, and the unit is best reserved for shoulder-season evenings.
Who it is best for
Apartment balconies, two-person bistro tables, and anyone who wants the visual flair of a pyramid flame without the footprint or fuel cost of a full-size unit.
Who should skip it
Cold-climate users below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or anyone who needs to warm a four-top dining table. Step up to the Pamapic or a full tower for those scenarios.
What to Consider When Buying a Patio Heater
The right patio heater for a backyard depends on three things: how big the space is, whether you have a ceiling or cover, and whether you want set-and-forget electric or high-BTU propane. The buying guide below walks through each decision so you end up with a unit that actually fits your yard, not just the one with the best photo.
Match the BTU to your patio size
The rule our team uses, and the one Bob Vila and other reviewers have published, is roughly 20 BTU per square foot of coverage. A 10×10 patio (100 sq ft) needs about 2,000 BTU at minimum, but real-world heat loss to wind, walls, and ceiling means a 40,000 to 50,000 BTU tower performs much better in practice. Our test picks start at 11,000 BTU (tabletop) and top out at 50,000 BTU (East Oak), which covers everything from a two-person bistro set to a 20-foot dining circle.
Propane vs electric: which is better for a backyard
Propane delivers higher heat output and full mobility, but you trade fuel logistics and ventilation requirements. Electric is cleaner, quieter, and simpler to run, but you need an outdoor outlet and the heat is line-of-sight. For open backyards and windy spaces, propane towers and pyramids are still king. For covered patios, pergolas, and garages, electric infrared like the Dr. Infrared DR-238 or Briza is hard to beat. Roughly 72 percent of homeowners in Starfire Direct data prefer propane for large outdoor spaces, while Reddit r/AusRenovation users often favor electric to avoid bottle swaps in smaller setups.
Safe clearances for covered patios and gazebos
Yes, you can use a patio heater under a covered patio or gazebo, but the clearances matter. The widely cited safety rules are at least 3 feet of side clearance, 5 feet of ceiling clearance for propane mushroom-style heaters, and roughly 9 inches of side clearance for chandelier-style infrared. A pyramid heater like the Pamapic can usually sit closer to a pergola beam because the flame is enclosed, but always check your model manual. Propane heaters still need some ventilation, so a fully enclosed gazebo with no airflow is not safe.
Style breakdown: tower, pyramid, tabletop, wall-mounted
Tower-style mushroom heaters give you the most heat per dollar and the largest coverage radius, which is why we recommend them for typical backyards. Pyramid heaters trade a bit of maximum coverage for atmosphere and wind resistance. Tabletop units are supplemental warmth, not whole-patio solutions. Wall- and ceiling-mounted infrared is the right call for covered patios and three-season rooms where floor space is tight.
Operating cost per hour
Propane costs roughly 1 to 2 dollars per hour at full output depending on your region and current fuel prices, and a 20-pound tank lasts about 8 to 10 hours on the medium setting. Electric infrared at 1500W costs roughly 20 to 30 cents per hour at average US electricity rates, but the heat is more directional and you need to be near the unit. Over an evening, electric is meaningfully cheaper; over a winter of regular use, propane’s higher heat output often wins on comfort per dollar.
Portability, storage, and wind performance
Wheels and a water-fillable base matter more than most shoppers realize. A 35-pound empty tower is much harder to move than a 60-pound tower on wheels with a fillable base, and a 10 mph gust will topple an underfilled tower. If your yard is exposed, prioritize either a pyramid (lower center of gravity) or a tower with a proven tip-over shutoff. For winter storage, a custom-fit cover like the one Pamapic includes extends the life of the powder-coated finish by a season or two.
For more backyard entertaining gear to round out the space, our picks for the best flat top grills for the backyard and the best pizza ovens for backyard pizza parties are worth a look alongside your heater choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are propane or electric patio heaters better?
Propane patio heaters deliver higher BTU output and full mobility, which makes them the better choice for open backyards and windy conditions. Electric infrared heaters are quieter, cleaner, and easier to run, which makes them the better choice for covered patios, pergolas, and garages where you have an outdoor outlet. For a typical open backyard of 150 to 300 square feet, a 40,000 to 50,000 BTU propane tower like the Amazon Basics or East Oak is our top recommendation.
What type of patio heater is most efficient?
By BTU per dollar of fuel, electric infrared is the most efficient, costing roughly 20 to 30 cents per hour at 1500W in most US regions. By heat delivered per square foot in an open yard, propane towers and pyramids are more effective because they output 40,000 to 50,000 BTU versus 5,200 BTU for a 1500W electric unit. The right answer depends on whether you measure efficiency as cost or as raw warmth.
Do electric patio heaters use a lot of electricity?
A 1500W electric patio heater running at full output uses 1.5 kilowatt-hours per hour. At the US national average electricity rate, that is roughly 20 to 30 cents per hour of continuous use. Over a four-hour evening that adds about a dollar to your electric bill. Most electric patio heaters include lower settings (900W or 1200W) that reduce consumption proportionally.
How many BTUs do I need for my patio heater?
The widely used sizing rule is roughly 20 BTU per square foot of coverage. A 100 square foot patio needs about 2,000 BTU at minimum, but in practice heat loss to wind and open air means a 40,000 to 50,000 BTU tower performs much better. For a 200 square foot patio, target at least 40,000 BTU propane; for 300 plus square feet, a 50,000 BTU tower or pyramid is the right size.
How far should the patio heater be from the house?
Keep a propane patio heater at least 3 feet from any wall, siding, railing, or overhang. Above the unit, allow at least 5 feet of clearance to the ceiling or pergola beam. For wall- or ceiling-mounted electric infrared heaters, follow the manufacturer manual, but a typical safe distance is 9 to 12 inches from the mounting surface and 18 inches from any combustible material.
Can you have a patio heater under a covered patio?
Yes, propane and electric patio heaters can both be used under a covered patio as long as you respect the clearance rules. Propane mushroom-style heaters need at least 3 feet of side clearance and 5 feet of ceiling clearance, and some ventilation is required. Electric infrared heaters like the Dr. Infrared DR-238 and Briza are an easier fit under covered patios because they have no flame and need only minimal clearance.
Can you put a patio heater under a gazebo?
You can put a patio heater under a gazebo if the gazebo has adequate ventilation and the heater clearances are respected. A standard hardtop gazebo with a peak roof and open sides is generally safe for either a propane tower or an electric infrared unit, as long as you maintain 3 feet of side clearance and 5 feet of ceiling clearance. Fully enclosed gazebos with no airflow are not safe for propane heaters.
Do patio heaters need ventilation?
Propane patio heaters need ventilation because they burn fuel and produce small amounts of carbon monoxide and combustion gases. They are safe in open or semi-open outdoor spaces but should never be used in fully enclosed rooms without airflow. Electric patio heaters need no combustion ventilation and are safe in enclosed spaces like garages, three-season rooms, and covered patios.
Final Verdict
After 60+ evenings of testing, our team’s pick for the best patio heater for a backyard is the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Tower. It combines the highest review confidence in the category (11,000+ reviews, 4.4 rating), proven 9-foot heat radius, easy mobility with wheels and a tilt shutoff, and a price that undercuts comparable propane towers. For larger backyards where you entertain groups of four or more, step up to the East Oak 50,000 BTU Table Design for the larger heat diameter and the 3-year warranty. For covered patios and garages, the Dr. Infrared DR-238 is the cleanest electric option we tested. Whichever unit you choose, respect the 3-foot side and 5-foot ceiling clearance rules, size your BTU to roughly 20 BTU per square foot of patio, and your backyard becomes a four-season room instead of a four-month one.