Last updated: May 6, 2026 · Research-based guidance · We do not personally test products
If you’re shopping for a patio heater, you’ve probably noticed that propane and electric models dominate the market. Both can keep you warm on cool evenings, but they work differently and excel in different situations. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which type best fits your outdoor space, budget, and lifestyle.
The Quick Answer
Choose propane if: You have an open, uncovered patio, need maximum heat output, want portability, or don’t have nearby electrical outlets.
Choose electric if: You have a covered porch or gazebo, want lower operating costs, prefer quiet operation, or need a wall/ceiling-mounted solution.
Now let’s dive into the details.
How They Work
Propane Patio Heaters
Propane heaters burn liquid propane gas to create heat. The classic “mushroom” or “tower” style uses a burner at the top with a reflector dome that radiates heat downward and outward. The fuel comes from a standard 20-lb propane tank stored in the heater’s base.
Key characteristics:
- Heat output measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units)
- Typical range: 40,000-48,000 BTU
- Heats by convection (warming the air) and radiation
- Requires open air or well-ventilated spaces
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric heaters use infrared technology to produce radiant heat. Rather than warming the air, they emit infrared waves that directly heat objects and people in their path—similar to how sunlight warms you.
Key characteristics:
- Heat output measured in watts
- Typical range: 1,500-5,000 watts
- Heats by direct infrared radiation
- Can be used in covered/enclosed spaces
Compare top-rated patio heaters on Amazon →
Heat Output Comparison
This is where propane has a significant advantage.
Propane heaters:
- 40,000-48,000 BTU is standard for full-size units
- Can heat areas up to 20 feet in diameter
- Effective in open, uncovered spaces
- Raises ambient temperature by 10-25°F
Electric heaters:
- 1,500 watts ≈ 5,100 BTU
- 3,000 watts ≈ 10,200 BTU
- 5,000 watts ≈ 17,000 BTU
- Best for targeted heating of specific areas
Winner: Propane — for raw heat output, propane heaters can produce 3-5x more BTUs than typical electric models. However, electric heaters compensate with more efficient heat delivery in covered spaces.
Operating Costs
Electric heaters win decisively on operating costs.
Propane operating costs:
- A 40,000 BTU heater uses approximately 1 gallon of propane per hour at full output
- A 20-lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons
- Tank refill: $15-25 depending on location
- Cost per hour: $3.20-5.30
Electric operating costs:
- 1,500-watt heater at $0.12/kWh = $0.18/hour
- 3,000-watt heater at $0.12/kWh = $0.36/hour
- 5,000-watt heater at $0.12/kWh = $0.60/hour
- Cost per hour: $0.18-0.60
Winner: Electric — operating an electric heater costs roughly 1/10th as much as propane. Over a season of regular use, this adds up to significant savings.
Installation and Setup
Propane Heaters
Pros:
- No electrical work required
- Assemble and use immediately
- Completely portable—move anywhere
- Works during power outages
Cons:
- Requires propane tank purchase/exchange
- Assembly takes 30-60 minutes
- Taller units may need two people to assemble safely
Electric Heaters
Pros:
- Freestanding models: plug in and use
- No fuel to purchase or store
- Minimal assembly for most models
Cons:
- Requires outdoor-rated electrical outlet nearby
- Wall/ceiling models may need professional installation
- Limited by cord length/outlet location
- Won’t work during power outages
Winner: Tie — depends on your situation. No outlet? Propane wins. Have an outlet and want simplicity? Electric wins.
Portability
Propane heaters:
- Freestanding units with wheels are highly portable
- Move anywhere in your yard—no cord constraints
- Take to camping trips, tailgates, or friends’ houses
- Heavier (50-70 lbs) but wheels help
Electric heaters:
- Freestanding models are portable within cord reach
- Wall/ceiling mounts are permanent installations
- Lighter weight overall
- Limited by outlet availability
Winner: Propane — true portability without dependence on electrical infrastructure.
Find the perfect patio heater for your needs →
Safety Considerations
Propane Heater Safety
Potential concerns:
- Open flame requires careful placement
- Must maintain clearance from combustibles
- Not safe for enclosed spaces (carbon monoxide risk)
- Propane is flammable—proper handling required
- Tip-over risk with tall tower designs
Safety features to look for:
- Tip-over automatic shutoff
- Oxygen depletion sensor (ODS)
- CSA certification
- Weighted base or water reservoir for stability
Electric Heater Safety
Potential concerns:
- Electrical hazard if used in rain/wet conditions
- Hot elements can cause burns on contact
- Cord can be tripping hazard
Safety features to look for:
- IP rating for weather resistance (IP44 or higher for outdoor use)
- Tip-over protection
- Overheat protection
- Cool-touch housing
- UL or ETL certification
Winner: Electric — no open flame or combustible fuel makes electric heaters inherently lower risk, especially for covered areas and families with children.
Best Use Cases
Propane Is Better For:
- Open backyard patios without overhead cover
- Large gathering areas requiring maximum heat
- Portable needs—moving between locations
- Power-independent heating—off-grid or backup
- Commercial settings—restaurants, event spaces
- Windy locations—higher output compensates for heat loss
Electric Is Better For:
- Covered porches and gazebos where propane isn’t safe
- Smaller spaces with targeted heating needs
- Frequent, casual use—low operating cost matters
- Urban patios and balconies with limited space
- Homes with children or pets—safer operation
- Quiet evenings—no hissing gas sounds
Environmental Impact
Propane:
- Burns cleanly compared to other fossil fuels
- Produces CO2 and water vapor
- Non-renewable fuel source
- Carbon footprint: moderate
Electric:
- Zero direct emissions at point of use
- Overall impact depends on your electricity source
- Can be powered by renewable energy
- Carbon footprint: varies (potentially lower)
Winner: Electric — especially if your electricity comes from renewable sources, electric heaters have a smaller environmental footprint.
Maintenance Requirements
Propane heaters require:
- Regular cleaning of reflector and emitter
- Checking hoses and connections for leaks
- Clearing burner tubes of debris/spider webs
- Occasional thermocouple replacement
- Proper seasonal storage
Electric heaters require:
- Occasional dusting of heating elements
- Checking cord and plug for damage
- Minimal maintenance overall
Winner: Electric — significantly less maintenance required for reliable operation.
Price Comparison
Upfront costs:
- Budget propane heater: $100-150
- Mid-range propane heater: $150-300
- Premium propane heater: $300-600
- Budget electric heater: $50-100
- Mid-range electric heater: $100-250
- Premium electric heater: $250-500
Don’t forget: Propane heaters also require a tank ($30-50 new) plus ongoing fuel costs.
Total cost of ownership over 5 years (assuming 100 hours annual use):
- Propane: $200 heater + $1,500-2,500 fuel = $1,700-2,700
- Electric: $150 heater + $90-300 electricity = $240-450
Winner: Electric — dramatically lower total cost of ownership despite similar upfront prices.
Shop all patio heater types on Amazon →
The Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Heat Output | Propane |
| Operating Costs | Electric |
| Installation | Tie |
| Portability | Propane |
| Safety | Electric |
| Environment | Electric |
| Maintenance | Electric |
| Total Cost | Electric |
Overall: Electric heaters win on more categories, but propane heaters win where it often matters most—raw heating power for open spaces. The “best” choice depends entirely on your specific situation.
Our Recommendations
Get a propane heater if:
- Your patio is open to the sky
- You need to heat a large area (200+ sq ft)
- You want to move the heater around
- You host large outdoor gatherings
Get an electric heater if:
- Your patio is covered or partially enclosed
- You use your heater frequently (3+ times per week)
- You have convenient outdoor electrical access
- You want a mounted, permanent solution
- Safety around kids/pets is a priority
Consider both if: You have both a covered porch AND an open patio area. Many homeowners find that one of each type gives them the most flexibility.
Ready to choose? Browse our top-rated patio heater picks →
Sources and references
- NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code — clearance and ventilation requirements for propane patio heaters
- EPA: Carbon Monoxide Impact on Indoor Air Quality — why combustion patio heaters cannot be used in covered or enclosed spaces
- U.S. EIA: Average Residential Electricity Rates by State — used in our electric vs. propane operating-cost comparisons
- UL Solutions — certification body for outdoor electric heater listings
- Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)