Electric vs. Gas Outdoor Heaters: Which Is Better for Your Patio?

An outdoor heater extends your patio season from months into more months. But which technology should you choose? Electric and gas heaters serve the same purpose—keeping you warm outside—but they approach the problem differently. Electric heaters are instant, clean, and require no fuel management. Gas heaters deliver more heat, cost less to operate long-term, and work in covered and open spaces. In this guide, we'll compare operating costs, heat output, installation requirements, and the specific solutions from brands like Bromic, Blaze, and Summerset that dominate the outdoor heating market.

Electric Outdoor Heaters: Instant Heat and Simplicity

Electric heaters plug in and work immediately. There's no combustion, no fuel to manage, and no venting concerns. They're the easiest outdoor heating solution to install and maintain.

How electric heaters work: Electricity flows through a heating element (similar to a toaster), generating infrared heat that warms objects and people directly. The heat is radiant, not convective, so it feels like warmth from the sun rather than heat from air.

Installation requirements:

• Standard 120-volt outlet (most models) or 240-volt for higher-power versions
• GFCI-protected outlet required for safety (code requirement near patios)
• No gas line, venting, or complex setup
• Can be hardwired or plugged in—your choice
• Professional installation usually optional (though electrical upgrades might require a licensed electrician)

Advantages of electric heaters:

• Instant ignition—no startup time or waiting
• No fuel management (no propane refills or tank storage)
• Safe for covered patios and enclosed spaces (no combustion)
• Clean operation (no fumes, smoke, or odor)
• Quiet (no fan noise or combustion rumble)
• Low maintenance (occasional cleaning, no seasonal servicing)
• Ideal for renters or temporary setups
• Works in almost any weather (unlike gas, which struggles in wind)

Disadvantages of electric heaters:

• Limited heat output compared to gas (typically 1,500-4,500 watts)
• Much higher operating cost (electricity is expensive per BTU)
• Requires electrical infrastructure (outlet or wiring)
• Doesn't work during power outages
• Can only be moved if close to an outlet (extension cords are risky outdoors)
• Less effective in open, exposed areas (wind disperses heat)

Gas Outdoor Heaters: Power and Efficiency

Gas heaters (propane or natural gas) burn fuel to produce heat. They generate significantly more warmth than electric equivalents and cost much less to operate over time.

How gas heaters work: Propane or natural gas is burned in a combustion chamber, creating flames and heat. That heat is either radiated directly (open flame) or transferred through a heat exchanger to warm surrounding air. Most patio heaters combine both—direct radiance from flames plus gentle air circulation.

Installation requirements:

• Propane models: Connect a propane tank (portable models) or hardwire to an outdoor tank
• Natural gas models: Hardwired to your home's gas line (requires gas line installation)
• No electrical requirements for ignition (many use automatic pilot lights or battery-powered ignition)
• Venting requirements vary (free-standing heaters need minimal venting; covered installations need more consideration)
• Professional installation recommended for larger or permanent units

Advantages of gas heaters:

• Massive heat output (30,000-60,000+ BTU, compared to electric's 1,500-4,500 watts)
• Much lower operating cost (propane or natural gas is cheap per BTU)
• Works in open, exposed areas (wind doesn't kill the heat like it does electric)
• Portable (propane models can be moved to where you need heat)
• Doesn't depend on electricity (works during power outages)
• Faster warm-up (minutes, not seconds, but still quick)
• Ambient glow creates ambiance (similar to a fire pit)

Disadvantages of gas heaters:

• Higher upfront cost (typically 3-5x electric)
• Propane tank management and refills required
• Not suitable for enclosed spaces without proper venting
• Requires professional installation for permanent setups
• Combustion fumes (though minimal with proper venting)
• More complex maintenance (annual servicing recommended)
• Potential safety concerns if not properly installed or maintained

Operating Cost Comparison: The Real Numbers

This is where the decision gets tangible. Let's compare annual operating costs for electric vs. gas heaters in realistic scenarios.

Electric heater cost scenario:

Assume a 4,500-watt electric heater running 4 hours per evening, 4 evenings per week, for 20 weeks (spring and fall). Electricity costs $0.15 per kWh (national average).

• Hours per year: 320 (4 hours × 4 days × 20 weeks)
• Energy used: 1,440 kWh (4.5 kW × 320 hours)
• Annual cost: $216 (1,440 kWh × $0.15)

Gas heater cost scenario:

Assume a 50,000 BTU propane heater running 4 hours per evening, 4 evenings per week, for 20 weeks. Propane costs $3.50 per gallon (average). A 50,000 BTU heater burns approximately 1.5 gallons per 24 hours of continuous operation, or 0.25 gallons in 4 hours.

• Hours per year: 320
• Propane used: 80 gallons (0.25 gallons × 320 hours)
• Annual cost: $280 (80 gallons × $3.50)

Important caveats:

• Electricity rates vary widely by region ($0.10-$0.25+ per kWh)
• Propane prices fluctuate seasonally
• A larger electric heater (more wattage) costs proportionally more
• A smaller gas heater (lower BTU) uses less propane
• Covered patios need less heating than open spaces (electric becomes more viable)

The verdict: For typical usage patterns, operating costs are comparable. Electric is cheaper in mild climates where you need minimal heat; gas is cheaper when you want substantial warmth or extended use. The real electric advantage is no fuel management; the real gas advantage is more usable heat.

Heat Output and Coverage: What You Actually Feel

Raw BTU or wattage numbers don't tell the whole story. What matters is how much heat reaches you.

Electric heaters: 1,500-4,500 watts translates to roughly 5,000-15,000 BTU. That's enough to make sitting comfortable on a cool evening, but not enough to heat a large or very cold space. Heat disperses quickly in wind or open areas.

Gas heaters: 30,000-60,000 BTU produces noticeably more warmth. You can comfortably sit 10-15 feet away instead of 6-8 feet. Multiple people at different distances feel heat equally. Open, windy patios become usable.

Coverage zones:

• 1,500W electric: Effective up to 6 feet, seating area of 2-3 people
• 4,500W electric: Effective up to 8 feet, seating area of 4-5 people
• 30,000 BTU gas: Effective up to 10-12 feet, seating area of 6-8 people
• 50,000 BTU gas: Effective up to 15+ feet, seating area of 8-12 people

If you're heating a 100+ square foot patio with multiple seating zones, gas is significantly better. If you're heating a small lounge corner, electric suffices.

Electric Heater Types and Models

Wall-mounted radiant heaters: Flush-mount units that attach to walls or soffits. Sleek, unobtrusive, and hardwired for permanent installation.

Price: $300-$800

Best for: Covered patios, small spaces, modern aesthetics. Brands: Infratech, Bromic (yes, Bromic makes excellent electric too), Dimplex.

Freestanding patio heaters (electric): Mushroom-style or tower-style heaters that stand independently. Popular for rentals and flexible setups.

Price: $150-$500

Best for: Temporary setups, renters, small patios. Simple to move or store.

Bistro or tabletop heaters: Small plug-in units that attach to tables or hang from structures. 1,500-2,500 watts.

Price: $100-$300

Best for: Intimate seating, accent heating, dining areas.

Ceiling-mounted heat lamps: Halogen or ceramic elements mounted in outdoor fixtures. Provide dramatic downward heat.

Price: $200-$600

Best for: Covered patios, above seating areas, creating ambiance.

Gas Heater Types and Models

Freestanding patio heaters (gas): The classic mushroom-top or tower heater. Propane-fueled, portable, no installation required.

Price: $400-$1,500

Best for: Flexibility, renters (if allowed), temporary setups. Brands: Bromic, Fire Sense, Endless Summer.

Wall-mounted gas heaters: Mounted permanently on walls or pillars. Clean aesthetic, hardwired to a propane tank or natural gas line.

Price: $800-$2,500

Best for: Covered patios, permanent installations, modern designs. Bromic's Heating Heating and Summerset have excellent options.

Commercial-grade patio heaters: High-output units (50,000+ BTU) for large spaces or commercial use.

Price: $1,500-$5,000+

Best for: Large patios, restaurants, hotels, serious heat needs. Brands: Bromic (their BH series is legendary), Sterno, Dayva.

Gas fire tables (dual-purpose): Combine heating with ambiance and surface functionality. From brands like Summerset and The Outdoor Plus.

Price: $2,000-$8,000

Best for: Design-forward patios where the heater is a feature, not just a utility.

Covered Patios: Electric's Best Use Case

If you're heating a covered patio, electric heaters shine.

Why electric works better for covered patios:

• No venting concerns (electric produces no fumes)
• No wind to disperse heat (covered means more stable conditions)
• Radiant heat is contained and concentrated
• Clean, odor-free operation indoors or semi-indoors
• No combustion concerns in enclosed spaces

Gas in covered patios requires:

• Proper ventilation to prevent CO buildup
• Professional assessment to ensure safety
• More complex installation

If you're installing a permanent heater under a roof or in a covered structure, electric removes a lot of complexity and safety concerns.

Open Patios: Gas Wins

For open, uncovered areas, gas heaters are vastly superior.

Why gas is better for open patios:

• Heat output overwhelms wind (electric struggles)
• You can heat larger areas and multiple zones simultaneously
• Operating cost is lower for extended use
• No electrical infrastructure needed (no outlets or hard-wiring)
• Portable propane models work anywhere

If you choose gas for an open patio:

• Position the heater upwind of your seating (heat blows toward you)
• Use multiple smaller heaters rather than one large one (better coverage)
• Consider a propane tank that holds enough for a season's worth of use

The Bromic Advantage: Premium Gas Heaters

Bromic is the gold standard in gas patio heaters, especially for commercial and high-end residential applications. Here's why they're worth the premium price.

Bromic heating technologies:

• BH radiant gas heaters: Wall-mounted, sleek design, 35,000-50,000 BTU models. Perfect for modern patios.
• BH floor-standing heaters: Heavy-duty commercial units that heat massive spaces. 60,000+ BTU options.
• BH electric heaters: Yes, Bromic makes excellent electric options too, with designer aesthetics.
• Smart controls: Many Bromic units have remote or WiFi controls for ignition and heat adjustment.

Why Bromic costs more:

• Engineering excellence—every detail is refined
• Durability (stainless steel, quality components last 10+ years)
• Aesthetics (designed to look intentional, not utilitarian)
• Heat efficiency (less wasted energy, better BTU delivery)
• Warranty (typically 3-5 years, best in the industry)

Bromic price range: $1,200-$3,500 for residential units; commercial models go higher.

If you're investing in a permanent outdoor heating solution, Bromic represents the pinnacle of gas heater quality. Other solid brands include Summerset, Blaze, and Fire Magic (which make heaters alongside grills and fireplaces), but Bromic's heritage and engineering are unmatched.

Residential vs. Commercial-Grade Heaters

Residential-grade heaters:

• 20,000-50,000 BTU (enough for typical patios)
• Designed for seasonal use (spring, fall, occasional winter)
• More compact and aesthetic designs
• Price: $500-$2,000
• Warranty: 1-3 years typically

Commercial-grade heaters:

• 50,000-100,000+ BTU (heat massive spaces)
• Built for continuous, year-round use
• Durable steel, stainless internals, heavy-duty construction
• Price: $2,000-$5,000+
• Warranty: 3-5 years typically
• More complex controls and features

When to buy commercial: Large patios (1,000+ sq ft), outdoor restaurants or bars, very cold climates, or permanent installations. Most residential homeowners are over-served by commercial grades—a good 35,000-50,000 BTU residential heater does the job.

Installation and Permits

Electric heater installation:

• No permit required (typically)
• Plug-in models: Zero installation required
• Hardwired models: Hire a licensed electrician if you need a new outlet or circuit ($500-$1,500)
• GFCI outlet protection: Code-required, usually included or easily added

Gas heater installation:

• Propane portables: No permit, no installation (connect tank and go)
• Hardwired propane: Simple installation if tank location is accessible; permit may be required
• Natural gas: Requires gas line extension (professional installation required, $800-$2,000+) and permit
• Wall-mounted or built-in: Professional installation recommended; permit likely required

Always check local codes before purchasing. Some jurisdictions restrict gas heater placement or require permits. Your local building department or fire marshal can clarify requirements.

Maintenance and Longevity

Electric heater maintenance:

• Annual: Clean heating element of debris; test GFCI outlet
• Replace: Heating elements rarely fail but are replaceable if needed
• Lifespan: 8-15 years with minimal care
• Cost of ownership: Low (cleaning, occasional repairs)

Gas heater maintenance:

• Monthly (when in use): Check propane tank level, inspect hoses for cracks
• Seasonal: Professional cleaning and inspection ($100-$300)
• Annual: Replace ignition batteries, check all connections
• Lifespan: 10-20+ years with proper maintenance
• Cost of ownership: Moderate (fuel, annual service, occasional repairs)

Which lasts longer? Quality gas heaters (like Bromic) last longer than electric because they're built tougher. But electric heaters have fewer moving parts and are simpler to maintain.

FAQ: Electric vs. Gas Heaters

Can I use an electric heater in bad weather?

Yes, electric heaters work in rain (GFCI-protected outlets are required). Wind doesn't affect them since they rely on radiance, not air movement. Cold temperatures don't reduce their output either.

Can I use a gas heater in the rain?

Yes, but cover the ignition and burner areas. Heavy rain can extinguish the flame and soak components. Covered patios are ideal. Use a patio heater cover when not in use.

How often do propane tanks need refilling?

A 20-pound propane tank (standard size) fuels a 50,000 BTU heater for approximately 20-30 hours of continuous operation. If you use your heater 4 hours per evening, 4 nights per week, a tank lasts 5-7 weeks.

Is a gas heater safer than electric?

Both are safe when properly installed and maintained. Gas heaters require ventilation and proper setup; electric requires GFCI protection and appropriate electrical infrastructure. Neither is "safer"—they're different technologies with different safety considerations.

Can I use both electric and gas heaters simultaneously?

Yes, they work great together. Use electric for intimate seating zones (covered areas) and gas for larger, open gathering spaces.

Ready to extend your patio season? Visit Living Outdoorsy to explore electric and gas patio heaters from Bromic, Summerset, Blaze, and other leading brands. Our team can help you choose the right heating solution for your climate, patio size, and usage patterns.