The Best Electric Patio Heaters for 2026
The best electric patio heaters are infrared (radiant) units that warm people and objects directly, switch on instantly, produce no fumes or flame, and run quietly with almost no maintenance. They are the easiest heaters to use under a covered patio or porch, where a wall or ceiling mount keeps the floor clear. Below are our top electric picks, all from Bromic, plus how to choose the right size and mount.
In this article
- Why choose an electric patio heater
- What to look for
- Our best electric patio heaters
- Mounting and power
- Frequently asked questions
Why choose an electric patio heater
Electric infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly, like sunshine, instead of heating the air, so you feel the warmth the moment you switch them on. They have no open flame, no fumes, and no propane tank to swap, which makes them clean, quiet, and low-maintenance. Because they mount on a wall or ceiling, they keep the floor clear and stay out of the way, and many models are dimmable or controllable from a switch or remote. For a covered patio, porch, or pergola with power available, electric is usually the simplest, tidiest choice.
What to look for
Match the output (watts) to the area you want to warm, stepping up in wattage for larger or more exposed spaces. Choose the mount that fits your spot, since these units go on a wall or ceiling and need the right clearances. Consider a marine-grade finish for coastal or poolside settings where salt and chlorine are a factor. Finally, look for controls like dimming or smart control, and a slim, low-glare design so the heater blends into the space.
Our best electric patio heaters
Four Bromic electric heaters across sizes and uses. Each links to its live product page for the current price, and all ship free.
Bromic's most powerful electric heater, with wide, even infrared coverage for large patios, wall or ceiling mounted.
A sleek, low-glare heater with a ceramic element and dimmable output, designed to disappear into a stylish patio.
A freestanding electric heater with an integrated light that plugs in and moves where you need it, no install required.
The compact Tungsten, ideal for a balcony, small porch, or a single seating zone where a smaller footprint is plenty.
Mounting and power
Electric patio heaters mount on a wall or ceiling, so plan for the right height and clearance to anything above and around the unit, and follow the model's stated minimums. Lower-wattage units can often run on a standard circuit, while higher-output heaters may need a dedicated or hardwired connection, so it is worth confirming the electrical requirement before you buy and having an electrician handle hardwired installs. Mounting overhead aims the infrared down onto the seating zone, which is exactly where you want the warmth.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric patio heaters any good?
Yes. Infrared electric heaters warm people and objects directly and instantly, with no flame, fumes, or fuel tank. They are quiet, low-maintenance, and ideal for covered patios where a clean, mounted look matters.
Do electric patio heaters use a lot of electricity?
They draw power only while running and heat people directly rather than warming all the air, so they are efficient for spot heating. Match the wattage to your space and use dimming where available to control output and cost.
Can electric patio heaters be used under a covered patio?
Yes, and that is where they shine. With no flame or fumes, an electric heater is well suited to covered porches and patios, mounted with the clearances the manufacturer specifies.
Do you need an electrician to install one?
Smaller plug-in or standard-circuit models can be straightforward, but higher-output and hardwired heaters should be installed by a licensed electrician to meet the unit's electrical requirements and local code.
What size electric patio heater do I need?
It depends on the area and how exposed it is. As a rule, step up in wattage for larger or windier spaces, and use more than one unit to cover a long area evenly. See our patio heater sizing guide for specifics.
Shop electric patio heaters
Premium Bromic infrared electric heaters for covered patios and porches, with free shipping.
Shop patio heaters →More patio heater guides: electric vs gas, the best patio heaters, what size you need, mounted vs freestanding, and using one under a covered patio.
