Patio heaters are a great way to stay warm and cosy outdoors without the hassle of rustling up a fire. No need to be stuck inside all day throughout the colder months when you have a patio heater in your garden ready to heat you and your family up all night.
So whether you’re just out for a quick chat with mug of hot chocolate or for a long relaxing night under the stars, patio heaters are a useful piece of garden furniture.
Which Patio Heater Should I Buy?
Best Patio Heater
- The best patio heater to buy is one that you purchase from a retailer you know and trust, like a well known High Street name, avoiding online listings from untrustworthy sellers.
- Whichever patio heater you buy, it’s important to register your it with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is issued. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To find out how to register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- If you are renting a patio heater for an event, make sure you using a trusted supplier. Also make sure you are given contact details in case you need any help troubleshooting any issues you have with the heater.
Patio Heater Reviews
- If you’re buying online, don’t rely on reviews as these can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Patio Heater Safety
Whether you've bought a patio heater or rented one for an event or occasion, here are out top tips for making sure you use it safely.
Safety first
- If you are setting up your patio heater, make sure you are following all the instructions carefully to avoid any electrical mishaps.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Get in touch with the retailer and ask them to fit a UK plug.
- Ensure you are choosing a quality patio heater - many higher-end patio heater models come with various safety features that will automatically close off the burner if it senses the heater tilting.
- If you are plugging your patio heater into an outside socket exposed to various weather conditions, ensure that you have a splashproof/weatherproof socket.
- Ensure that there is an adequate length of cable so that the heater can reach an adequately positioned socket-outlet and if its outside ensure that it is adequately IP rated. Do not use your patio heater with an extension lead.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in a patio heater should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider using an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
Using your patio heater safely
- Make sure you are keeping your patio heater cables tidy to ensure that no one will trip over the cords which could cause the patio heater to tip over and cause a fire.
- If you live in a windy area, ensure that your patio heater is appropriately weighted or anchored somehow to reduce the risk of the heater toppling over. Also make sure your heater is placed on a level surface, avoiding placing it directly on grassy areas.
- Limit any direct contact with the patio heater itself and ensure that the heater has plenty of space surrounding it.
- Never directly cover your patio heater while it is in use, this will cause a fire hazard.
- Keep patio heaters away from combustible materials.
- Never place anything above or below your patio heater. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe distances to nearby objects.
- Ideally, patio heaters should be positioned so that they are outside the reach of children. If this is not possible, ensure they are supervised while the patio heater is turned on. Don’t leave the patio heater on with children unattended.
- Never use your patio heater if any of the wires or plug fixtures are damaged or worn out.
- Patio heaters should be cleaned regularly to help reduce the build-up of any debris or dust that could cause the heater to overheat and become a fire hazard.
- Avoid second hand patio heaters. Make sure you buy from recognised manufacturers and retailers.
- Never use your patio heater indoors – outdoor heaters should only be used on patios, terraces, gardens or outdoor porches/decks.
- Do not move a patio heater when it is on or just after it has been turned off. Wait for it to cool down.