6 Best Patio Heaters Under $150 in 2026
Six patio heaters compared across propane towers and infrared electric models, covering BTU, wattage, weather ratings, timers and safety shutoffs.
At a Glance
This budget tier is where patio heating gets interesting, because it is the first level where you can choose between a real propane tower and a true infrared electric heater. The fan-forced garage style heaters from the lowest tier are largely gone, replaced by 48,000 to 50,000 BTU gas models and 900W to 1500W infrared units with remotes, timers and genuine weather ratings.
We evaluated six distinct heaters based on product specs and buyer feedback, skipping near-identical listings. We compared BTU and wattage, claimed coverage, ignition and safety shutoffs on the gas models, and IP ratings, timers and mounting options on the electric ones. Where a listing did not state a spec, we did not assume one.
The key choice is gas versus infrared. Gas towers throw warmth over a wide, open area, while infrared heaters aim warmth at people and hold up better in a light breeze, with no fuel to manage. Use the sections below to decide which style fits your space, and to see what spending more would add.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Patio Heaters Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Gas versus infrared electric
Gas towers like the Hykolity at 50,000 BTU and the Sweetcrispy at 48,000 BTU warm a wide area in open air but need propane and overhead clearance. Infrared electric heaters like the hykolity 1500W aim warmth at people, work in light breeze and need only an outlet. For a covered porch, infrared is usually the more convenient choice. For a wide-open yard with no outlet, gas is the only real option.
BTU and wattage in context
BTU and watts measure the same thing differently. A 1500W electric heater is roughly 5,100 BTU, so a 48,000 BTU gas tower puts out about nine times more raw heat. That does not make gas nine times better, because infrared directs its heat at you rather than into the air. Match the rating to your space: choose 1500W like the DR. INFRARED for two to four chairs, and 48,000 BTU or more for a larger open group.
Safety shutoffs that matter
Gas heaters should have flame-out protection and tip-over shutoff, and the Sweetcrispy lists automatic gas cutoff if the flame blows out. The Hykolity lists a triple protection system. Electric heaters should have overheat and tip-over cutoff, which the wall mount hykolity lists with ETL certification. Always confirm these on the product page and follow the manual for clearance distances.
IP rating and weather exposure
The IP code tells you how well a heater resists dust and water. The standing hykolity is IP44, the DR. INFRARED and wall mount hykolity are IP55, and the SereneLife is IP65. A higher second digit means better water resistance. For a fully exposed deck, choose IP55 or higher, and for a covered porch IP44 is often adequate.
Remote, timer and convenience
Infrared heaters at this tier add conveniences that matter during long evenings. The standing hykolity and wall mount hykolity both list a timer, up to 24 hours, which prevents leaving a heater running all night. The DR. INFRARED and SereneLife add remotes but no timer is listed. If you tend to forget to turn things off, prioritize a timer.
Mobility and installation
Gas towers like the Hykolity and Sweetcrispy have wheels so you can move them, but they are heavy and awkward on steps. The standing hykolity and DR. INFRARED are plug and go with no installation. The wall mount hykolity needs a secure mount and nearby outlet, which makes it a one-time install. Think about whether you will rearrange the patio often before you decide.
6 Best Patio Heaters Under $150 in 2026
Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Table
About this pick
The Hykolity is a 50,000 BTU propane patio heater with a stainless steel burner and a built-in table design, the highest gas output in this lineup. The maker describes steady, comfortable warmth and an easy ignition that does not require complicated steps. A triple protection system is listed for safety, and wheels let you roll it where you need it.
It is promoted for patios, balconies, camping and tailgating, which tells you how portable the maker intends it to be. The table design is a nice detail for setting down a drink, though it also hints at how the heater is built around a central column. As with any gas heater it is for outdoor use only, needs overhead clearance and should be kept away from walls and low roofs.
Buyers describe assembly as manageable by following the starting directions, which is typical but still means a bit of work out of the box. Compared with the Sweetcrispy at 48,000 BTU, the Hykolity offers a slightly higher rating and a table, while the Sweetcrispy lists an 18 foot diameter heating area and a double-layer 304 stainless burner. Compared with the electric picks, it is the one that works in open air.
Best for: An open patio where you want serious gas heat and a handy built-in table.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Heat output: 50,000 BTU
- Fuel: Propane
- Burner: Stainless steel
- Mobility: Wheels
- Safety: Triple protection system
Pros
- +50,000 BTU is the highest output in the lineup
- +Built-in table surface for drinks
- +Triple protection system listed for safety
- +Wheels make repositioning easy
Cons
- −Needs propane and outdoor-only placement
- −Tall gas tower needs generous overhead clearance
Sweetcrispy 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
About this pick
The Sweetcrispy is a 48,000 BTU propane heater that the listing says warms an 18 foot diameter area. Its heart is a double-layer 304 stainless steel burner, which the maker says is sturdier than ordinary single-layer burners. Wheels are included so you can reposition it around the patio.
The standout feature is its dual safety approach, with automatic gas cutoff if the flame blows out. That flame-out protection matters on windy patios, where a gust can extinguish a pilot and leave gas flowing. It is sold as a patio heater rather than a camping unit, so expect a full sized tower that needs a stable, level base.
Compared with the Hykolity at 50,000 BTU, the Sweetcrispy gives up about 2,000 BTU but lists clearer coverage and a heavier-duty burner. Compared with the electric picks like the hykolity 38.5 inch infrared, it covers a much wider area but needs propane and outdoor-only use. If you want gas heat with a strong safety story, this is the one to start with.
Best for: Windy patios where flame-out protection and a sturdy burner matter.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Heat output: 48,000 BTU
- Claimed coverage: 18 ft diameter
- Burner: Double-layer 304 stainless steel
- Safety: Auto gas cutoff on flame-out
Pros
- +Automatic gas cutoff if the flame blows out
- +Double-layer 304 stainless burner
- +Claims an 18 foot diameter heating area
- +Wheels for easy placement
Cons
- −About 2,000 BTU less than the Hykolity tower
- −Propane supply and outdoor-only use required
hykolity 38.5 Inch 1500W Infrared Patio Heater
About this pick
This hykolity is a standing 38.5 inch infrared heater with dual carbon heating tubes and two heat output levels at 1500W maximum. Infrared warms people and objects directly rather than the air, giving a head-to-toe sensation that holds up better in a light breeze. A remote control and a 0 to 24 hour auto shut-off timer are included.
It is rated IP44 for indoor and outdoor use, meaning the housing resists splashing and dust but is not meant to be sprayed down. That rating suits a covered patio, porch or bedroom more than an exposed deck in a storm. Because it is a stand-alone unit, it is portable and plugs into a standard outlet with no installation.
Compared with the wall mounted hykolity at IP55, this standing model has a lower water rating but moves wherever you need it. Compared with the Hykolity gas tower at 50,000 BTU, it is far smaller in reach but has no fuel to manage. It is the best choice here for people who want controllable, remote-operated warmth without gas.
Best for: Covered patios and porches where you want plug-in infrared warmth with a remote and timer.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Wattage: 1500W
- Type: Infrared, dual carbon tubes
- Height: 38.5 in
- Timer: 0-24 hours
- Water rating: IP44
Pros
- +Remote control and 0 to 24 hour timer included
- +Infrared heat works better in a breeze than fan heat
- +Standing design needs no installation
- +Two heat levels at up to 1500W
Cons
- −IP44 rating suits covered areas, not exposed ones
- −1500W warms a small seating group only
DR. INFRARED HEATER Portable Infrared Space Heater
About this pick
The DR. INFRARED HEATER offers three power settings at 900W, 1200W and 1500W, giving you more granularity than most infrared heaters at this tier. It is rated IP55 for both indoor and outdoor use and sold for patios, garages, open-air restaurants and homes. It runs on standard 120V power, so it truly is plug and go, and a remote control is included.
The maker describes clean, instant and odorless heat, which is a fair summary of infrared. The IP55 rating beats the IP44 of the standing hykolity, which means it handles water jets and dust better. The listing does not list a timer, so if automatic shut-off matters, look at the hykolity options instead.
Compared with the SereneLife at 900W, the DR. INFRARED can go up to 1500W for more punch. Compared with the wall mount hykolity, it is portable but lacks the listed timer and ETL claim. It is a flexible, weather-resilient option for people who want to adjust output to the weather.
Best for: Patios, garages and workspaces where you want to tune heat output between 900W and 1500W.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Power settings: 900W / 1200W / 1500W
- Type: Infrared
- Water rating: IP55
- Voltage: 120V, 60Hz
- Control: Remote
Pros
- +Three power levels at 900W, 1200W and 1500W
- +IP55 rating handles weather better than IP44 models
- +Remote control included
- +Plug and go on standard 120V
Cons
- −No timer listed
- −1500W is still limited to nearby seating
hykolity 1500W Infrared Wall Mount Heater, 35.5 Inch
About this pick
The wall mount hykolity uses a 1500W infrared system with dual carbon tubes, and the listing says it delivers warmth in about one second. Its aluminum housing is described as corrosion resistant, and it carries an IP55 rating for weather and dust. It also lists ETL certification with three layers of protection, including tip-over shutoff and overheat cutoff.
Because it mounts overhead, it takes up no floor space and aims warmth down onto a seating area, which is how commercial patios use infrared. A remote and 24 hour timer are included. The tradeoff is that it needs mounting and a nearby outlet, so it is a more committed install than a freestanding heater.
Compared with the standing hykolity at IP44, this wall mount offers a stronger IP55 rating and an ETL claim. Compared with the SereneLife at IP65, it has a lower water rating but more power at 1500W versus 900W. It is the best choice here for a permanent covered porch or pergola.
Best for: A permanent covered porch or pergola where you want overhead infrared with ETL certification.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Wattage: 1500W
- Length: 35.5 in
- Water rating: IP55
- Timer: 24 hours
- Certification: ETL-certified
Pros
- +ETL-certified with three layers of protection
- +IP55 weather and dust rating
- +Overhead mount frees up floor space
- +Remote and 24 hour timer included
Cons
- −Needs mounting and a nearby outlet
- −Not portable once installed
SereneLife 900W Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater
About this pick
The SereneLife is a 900W infrared heater with an aluminum reflector, carbon fiber heating elements and a remote control. Its IP65 rating is the highest of any heater in this lineup, and its aluminum alloy frame is described as corrosion resistant. It is also listed as ETL-certified and promises sun-like, odorless heat with no gas or propane.
The lower 900W output is the tradeoff for that rugged design. It is plenty for a couple of chairs or a bistro table, but it will not warm a large group. It suits damp climates or exposed spots where the higher water rating gives peace of mind.
Compared with the DR. INFRARED, which maxes at 1500W with IP55, the SereneLife gives up power for a higher water rating. Compared with the wall mount hykolity at 1500W, it is more portable but less powerful. It is the pick for small, weather-exposed seating where durability matters more than raw heat.
Best for: A bistro table or small seating area on an exposed patio where weather resistance matters.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Wattage: 900W
- Type: Infrared, carbon fiber elements
- Water rating: IP65
- Frame: Aluminum alloy
- Certification: ETL-certified
Pros
- +IP65 rating is the best weather protection here
- +Aluminum alloy frame resists corrosion
- +ETL-certified and remote controlled
- +No fuel needed, odorless infrared heat
Cons
- −900W output suits only a couple of chairs
- −Less heat than 1500W alternatives
How We Evaluated These Patio Heaters Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Heat output and coverage
We compared BTU on gas heaters and wattage on electric ones, and noted claimed coverage such as the Sweetcrispy at an 18 foot diameter. The Hykolity at 50,000 BTU leads on gas output, while the DR. INFRARED leads on electric flexibility with three levels up to 1500W. We converted nothing into promises, since real warmth depends on wind and setup.
Safety features and certifications
We reviewed shutoffs and certifications on each listing. The Sweetcrispy lists automatic gas cutoff on flame-out, the Hykolity lists a triple protection system, and the wall mount hykolity and SereneLife list ETL certification. We did not credit any feature the listing did not state.
Weather resistance
We ranked IP ratings from IP44 on the standing hykolity to IP55 on the DR. INFRARED and wall mount hykolity, up to IP65 on the SereneLife. Gas heaters were judged for outdoor-only use and corrosion resistant materials like the 304 stainless steel burners. Exposed spots favor the higher ratings.
Convenience and controls
Remotes and timers make a real difference over a long evening. The two hykolity infrared models list timers up to 24 hours, and the DR. INFRARED and SereneLife add remotes. We also considered ignition ease on the gas models and installation effort on the wall mount.
Lineup positioning and value
Each pick leads somewhere: the Hykolity on gas output, the Sweetcrispy on flame-out safety, the standing hykolity on remote and timer, the DR. INFRARED on adjustable power, the wall mount on ETL and overhead install, and the SereneLife on weather rating. We judged value by features since prices change often.
How to Choose the Right Patio Heaters Under $150
By Space and Exposure
Match the heater to how open and exposed your space is.
| Your space | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wide open backyard patio | Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Table | Highest gas output at 50,000 BTU |
| Windy open patio | Sweetcrispy 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater | Auto gas cutoff if the flame blows out |
| Covered porch with an outlet | hykolity 38.5 Inch 1500W Infrared Patio Heater | Remote, timer and 1500W infrared warmth |
| Permanent pergola or covered porch | hykolity 1500W Infrared Wall Mount Heater, 35.5 Inch | ETL-certified overhead infrared |
| Small bistro table in damp weather | SereneLife 900W Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater | IP65 weather rating |
Be honest about wind and roof coverage before choosing a heat style.
By Budget
Within this price tier, there is still a clear ladder of features.
| Tier | Pick | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | SereneLife 900W Infrared Outdoor Patio Heater | IP65 rating, ETL and remote at 900W |
| Entry | DR. INFRARED HEATER Portable Infrared Space Heater | Three power levels and IP55, no timer |
| Mid | hykolity 38.5 Inch 1500W Infrared Patio Heater | 1500W, remote and 24 hour timer |
| Mid | hykolity 1500W Infrared Wall Mount Heater, 35.5 Inch | ETL, IP55 and overhead mount |
| Top of tier | Sweetcrispy 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater | Gas output and flame-out protection |
| Top of tier | Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Table | Most gas output and a built-in table |
Spending more generally adds sturdier construction, more coverage and higher-end features covered in the next tiers.
Propane Tower vs Infrared Electric
These two styles heat people differently.
Propane tower
Gas towers burn propane to produce rated BTU, and a reflector pushes warmth down and out over a circle of seating. The Hykolity at 50,000 BTU and Sweetcrispy at 48,000 BTU, which claims an 18 foot diameter, are examples. They work in open air but need tank management, clearance and outdoor-only use. Pick gas if your patio is large and open.
Infrared electric
Infrared heaters like the DR. INFRARED at up to 1500W and SereneLife at 900W warm people and objects directly, which holds up better in breeze. They need only an outlet and no fuel, and the wall mount hykolity frees up floor space. Their reach is smaller, so they suit a few chairs. Pick infrared for covered, convenient warmth.
Gas for big open yards, infrared for covered seating that you use often.
By Controls and Convenience
Secondary features decide long-term satisfaction.
| Feature you want | Pick | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Timer for auto shut-off | hykolity 38.5 Inch 1500W Infrared Patio Heater | 0 to 24 hour timer with remote |
| Timer plus overhead mount | hykolity 1500W Infrared Wall Mount Heater, 35.5 Inch | 24 hour timer and ETL certification |
| Adjust output between settings | DR. INFRARED HEATER Portable Infrared Space Heater | 900W, 1200W and 1500W |
| Simple ignition on gas | Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Table | Easy ignition per the maker |
| Wheels and portability | Sweetcrispy 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater | Wheeled base for repositioning |
A timer is the most underrated feature if you often forget to switch things off.
For a Covered Porch Specifically
A covered porch limits some options and favors others.
Look for
Look for infrared electric rather than gas, a timer, a remote, and an IP rating of at least IP44. Check clearance from the ceiling and walls, and avoid gas towers under low porch roofs. An outlet within cord reach is essential.
In this comparison
The hykolity 38.5 Inch at 1500W is the best movable choice, and the hykolity wall mount at 1500W is the best permanent choice. The SereneLife at 900W suits a smaller porch. The gas towers are too tall and too exposed to fuel clearance for most low porch roofs.
Never run a gas heater under a low covered ceiling or in an enclosed porch.
When to Spend More
A higher budget tier adds specific upgrades.
| Spend more if | Save if |
|---|---|
| You want heat for a large crowd, since the Hykolity at 50,000 BTU is the ceiling here | You mostly sit two to four people, where the DR. INFRARED works |
| You want stronger construction and bigger reflectors on gas towers | A Sweetcrispy with double-layer 304 burner meets your needs |
| You want a heater with more modes, features or app control | A hykolity with remote and timer covers your habits |
| You need heat outdoors in cold wind where small electric units struggle | You have a sheltered porch where a 1500W wall mount is plenty |
| You want a higher water rating than IP55 plus more output | The SereneLife at IP65 and 900W already suits a small table |
The next tier mostly adds larger reflectors, sturdier frames and more output, not new categories of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose gas or electric infrared at this budget?
Choose gas if your patio is wide open and has no nearby outlet, since the Hykolity at 50,000 BTU and Sweetcrispy at 48,000 BTU are built for that. Choose infrared if your space is covered and you want convenience, since the hykolity models need only an outlet. Infrared also handles light breeze better than fan heat.
How much area does a patio heater warm?
The Sweetcrispy lists an 18 foot diameter, which is a best-case figure for a gas tower in calm air. Electric infrared heaters at 900W to 1500W warm a few chairs within several feet. Wind, ceiling height and distance all reduce real coverage, so size conservatively.
Are infrared patio heaters safe to leave on?
Models with ETL certification, tip-over shutoff and overheat cutoff, like the wall mount hykolity, are designed with safety in mind. A timer such as the 24 hour timer on the hykolity adds protection against leaving it on. Still, keep flammable items clear and follow the manual for distances.
What does an IP rating mean for a heater?
An IP rating shows protection against dust and water. IP44 on the standing hykolity handles splashes, IP55 on the DR. INFRARED and wall mount hykolity handles water jets, and IP65 on the SereneLife is stronger still. Higher is better for exposed spots, but none of these are meant to be submerged or pressure washed.
Can I use a propane patio heater under a covered porch?
No, not safely in an enclosed space. Gas heaters burn fuel and produce carbon monoxide, so they must be used outdoors with open air and proper overhead clearance. If your porch has a low ceiling or walls on several sides, choose an infrared electric model instead.
How long do these heaters last?
Propane towers last longest with regular checks of hoses and connections and a cover when idle. Infrared tubes are long lived but can be fragile if jostled, so avoid bumping a standing unit. The corrosion resistant aluminum on the SereneLife and wall mount hykolity is built for outdoor wear.
Why not just buy the highest BTU heater?
More BTU means more fuel use and more clearance needs, and it is wasted if you only warm two chairs. A 1500W infrared unit like the DR. INFRARED can be perfectly comfortable for a small seating area. Pick the output that fits your actual space.
Bottom Line
best overall: Hykolity 50,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Table - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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