Key takeaways
- Match the heater to the space: compact models for balconies, statement pieces for terraces and gardens.
- A visible flame adds light and atmosphere - it turns a heater into the centrepiece of the evening, not just an appliance.
- Look at usability, not just power: ignition, mobility (wheels), wind protection and how the fuel is stored.
- Design matters: a patio heater stands in the middle of your outdoor space all season long.
A patio heater decides whether your evening outside ends at sunset or goes on past midnight. But the market splits into very different devices: cheap mushroom heaters from the DIY store, infrared lamps, and design flame heaters that light up the whole terrace. Here is how to choose one you will actually enjoy using.
The three types of patio heaters
1. Classic mushroom gas heaters
The rental-restaurant standard: a steel pole with a burner under a reflector. They produce heat, but that is where the story ends - the design is industrial, the flame is hidden, and most look out of place in a well-designed garden.
2. Electric infrared heaters
Compact and instant, good under a roof or awning where open flame is not an option. The trade-off: a red glow instead of fire, limited range, and no atmosphere - they warm, but they do not draw people in.
3. Design flame heaters
The category Planika builds: heaters where the fire is visible and the device itself is a piece of outdoor furniture. You get warmth, light and the primal pull of a real flame in one object - the difference between heating a terrace and creating a place people gather around.
How to choose the right size and model
- Balcony or small patio: a compact heater like Bino gives warmth and ambience without dominating the space.
- Terrace: the lighthouse-shaped Faro is a statement piece that heats, lights and defines the seating area.
- Garden or restaurant space: the full-size Lighthouse or the flame column Pyramid carry bigger, open areas.
Browse the full patio heaters collection to compare models.
What else to check before buying
- Mobility: wheels or a manageable weight let you follow the seating around the garden.
- Wind behaviour: glass screens around the flame keep it steady on breezy evenings.
- Fuel storage: in well-designed gas heaters the cylinder is hidden inside the housing - no ugly bottle next to your furniture.
- Covers: a dedicated cover extends the life of any outdoor heater; you will find them in our accessories collection.
Running costs
A gas patio heater burns from a standard propane cylinder; one cylinder covers many evenings depending on the setting. Electric heaters cost more per hour of comparable warmth in most of Europe, but win on convenience under roofs. Either way, the real cost question is usage: a heater you love using beats a slightly cheaper one that stays in the shed.
FAQ
Can I use a patio heater on a balcony?
Yes - choose a compact model designed for smaller spaces, keep clearance from walls and railings, and check your building rules for open flame; where flame is not allowed, pick an electric model.
Are gas patio heaters safe?
Quality heaters have flame protection, stable bases and safety shut-offs. Keep them on level ground, away from textiles, and store cylinders upright.
When does a patio heater season start?
Practically all year: spring and autumn evenings are the classic use case, and a good heater extends summer nights past midnight.
Planika has been designing fire products for over 20 years - patio heaters, fire tables and fireplaces used in homes, hotels and restaurants in more than 90 countries.