Outdoor Heaters are available in several forms, with electric and gas being the two most common choices for residential patios and alfresco areas. Within electric heating, there are also different technologies, including infrared heaters and convection heaters.
Each type has advantages depending on how the space is used, the installation conditions, and the level of heating required.
This guide compares the main types of Outdoor Heaters, looking at performance, running costs, maintenance, and installation considerations.
Electric vs Gas: What Is the Difference?
Both electric and gas heaters can warm outdoor areas, but they operate in very different ways.
Electric Outdoor Heaters
Electric heaters use infrared heat to warm people and surfaces directly, rather than trying to heat the surrounding air
Advantages
- Instant heat
- Silent operation
- No open flame
- Lower maintenance
- Suitable for wall or ceiling mounting
- More compact designs
Electric heaters are commonly used in alfresco areas, balconies, and patios where a fixed installation and a more streamlined appearance are preferred.
Gas Outdoor Heaters
Gas heaters burn LPG to generate heat. The heat rises from a flame and warms the air around the heater.
Advantages
- Portable
- No electrical installation required
- Large heat output
However, gas heaters can lose heat more quickly in open environments because warm air rises and disperses.
They also require gas bottles and regular refilling.
Running Costs: Electric vs LPG vs Natural Gas
Running cost is one of the biggest differences between Outdoor Heater types.
To compare running costs fairly, we will use:
- Electricity: $0.40 per kWh
- LPG bottle: 8.5 kg for $31.50
- Natural gas: $14.87 per thousand cubic feet (MCF)
Heater Output Cost Per Hour (40c/kWh)
1200 W $0.48
1800 W $0.72
2000 W $0.80
2400 W $0.96
2500 W $1.00
Example:
A 2000 W electric heater running for three hours costs approximately: $2.40 per evening
Electric heaters can also reduce energy use through lower heat settings or timers.
Gas Heater Running Cost
An 8.5 kg LPG bottle costing $31.50 contains roughly 110 kWh of energy.
Typical outdoor gas patio heaters use around 10–13 kW of gas when running at full output.
This means a bottle generally lasts around: 8 to 11 hours of continuous heating
Estimated cost per hour:
$2.85 to $3.90 per hour
This is usually 3 to 4 times the running cost of many electric heaters depending on the heater size.
Gas heaters also lose a significant amount of heat upward and into open air.
Fixed Natural Gas Heater Running Cost
Fixed gas heaters connected to a natural gas supply are usually cheaper to run than LPG heaters.
At $14.87 per thousand cubic feet, natural gas energy cost is approximately $0.0507 per kWh.
Estimated hourly costs:
Heater Output Approx Cost Per Hour
10 kW heater $0.51
13 kW heater $0.66
Natural gas heaters can have a lower fuel cost per hour than electric heaters.
However, it is also important to consider that gas heaters heat the air around them rather than people directly, so some of that heat can be lost outdoors.
Practical Cost Comparison
Heater Type Typical Cost Per Hour
Electric infrared heater $0.48 – $1.00
Natural gas heater $0.51 – $0.66
LPG gas heater $2.85 – $3.90
Electric heaters are usually cheaper to run than LPG heaters and can be comparable to natural gas depending on output.
Natural gas heaters can have a lower fuel cost, but they require a fixed gas connection and may lose heat more easily in open outdoor environments.
Are Infrared Outdoor Heaters Better Than Fan or Convection Heaters?
Infrared heaters are usually more effective outdoors.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly.
Benefits include:
- Immediate heat
- Less heat loss in open air
- More efficient for outdoor environments
This is why infrared technology is widely used in Outdoor Heaters for patios, balconies, and alfresco areas.
Fan or Convection Heaters
Fan heaters warm the surrounding air and circulate it using airflow.
This works well indoors but performs poorly outdoors because warm air disperses quickly.
In outdoor environments, convection heat often disappears before it can warm people effectively.
Installation Considerations
Installation requirements differ between heater types.
Electric Outdoor Heaters
Electric Outdoor Heaters can be:
- Wall mounted
- Ceiling mounted
- Freestanding
- Plug-in or hardwired depending on output
Ceiling-mounted heaters are common in alfresco areas because they can distribute heat evenly across seating areas without taking up floor space.
Gas heaters
Gas Outdoor Heaters are typically freestanding units connected to LPG cylinders.
They require space around the heater for safe operation and ventilation.
Because heat rises from the flame, they are often less suitable for ceiling or wall installation.
Maintenance and Usage
Maintenance requirements also vary significantly.
Electric heaters
Electric Outdoor Heaters generally require minimal maintenance.
Typical care includes:
- Occasional cleaning
- Checking mounting brackets
- Ensuring electrical connections remain secure
Because electric heaters do not burn fuel, there are no gas lines or combustion components to maintain.
Gas heaters
Gas Outdoor Heaters require more regular attention.
Maintenance tasks may include:
- Replacing gas bottles
- Checking regulators and hoses
- Cleaning burner components
- Monitoring flame performance
Gas heaters also require safe storage and handling of LPG cylinders.
Which Outdoor Heater Type Is Best for your space?
The best option depends on the space and how the heater will be used.
Electric infrared heaters are often preferred for residential patios and alfresco areas because they provide direct warmth, quiet operation, and lower maintenance.
Gas heaters remain useful in situations where electricity is not available or where portability is the main priority.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor Heaters vary widely in performance, installation requirements, and operating cost.
Electric infrared heaters typically provide targeted heating for patios, balconies, and alfresco areas, with predictable running costs and minimal maintenance.
Gas heaters offer mobility and high heat output but generally come with higher running costs and more ongoing upkeep.
Choosing the right Outdoor Heater involves balancing comfort, installation requirements, and long-term operating costs to suit your outdoor space.