Choosing a standing outdoor heater depends on space, fuel type, and safety features. Below is a concise product summary followed by objective reviews of five top-standing heaters suited for patios, decks, restaurants, and backyard gatherings.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SereneLife Infrared Patio Heater (B09C92DLST) | Electric Infrared | 1500W, IP24 Weather-Resistant, Remote |
| EAST OAK Patio Heater (B09W335V1R) | Electric Infrared | IP65 Waterproof, 3 Heat Settings, 24H Timer |
| LEGACY HEATING 88″ Standing Heater (B076J4BSSM) | Propane Gas | 47,000 BTU, Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels |
| Dr Infrared DR-338 Carbon Infrared | Electric Infrared | IP55 Rated, Tripod, 3 Power Settings |
| Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Pyramid (B00D3P0QAI) | Propane Gas | Pyramid Flame Column, 38,000 BTU, Commercial Grade |
SereneLife Infrared Patio Heater — Standing Electric Heater
This SereneLife 1500W standing electric infrared heater provides sun-like, odorless heat and is designed for indoor/outdoor use. It uses high-efficiency carbon fiber heating elements and offers three power settings with remote control for instant comfort.
Features listed include an IP24 weather-resistant aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel base cover for outdoor durability. The unit is ETL-certified and claims approximately 88% efficiency, transferring heat directly to people rather than heating air. The heater is gas-free and intended to reduce energy usage compared with fuel-based models.
This model emphasizes convenience with remote operation and multiple heat levels. Weather-resistance and corrosion-resistant materials aim to support use on covered patios, decks, and semi-exposed outdoor seating.
EAST OAK Patio Heater — IP65 Waterproof Standing Heater
The EAST OAK 1500W infrared electric patio heater uses a gold-coated lamp and infrared fast heating technology to provide near-instant warmth. The product cites a coverage range of roughly 65–97 sq. ft. depending on conditions and mounting.
Key features include IP65 waterproof and dustproof rating, three heat settings (1000W–1500W), a 24-hour timer, and tip-over/overheat protection. The 20-layer gold coating reduces glare while preserving heat output for a softer light than some electric heaters.
The heater is specified for indoor and outdoor use and offers wall-mount or standing placement. The LED display and multiple safety protections are designed for consistent operation in variable outdoor environments.
LEGACY HEATING 88″ Standing Heater — Propane Patio Heater
The LEGACY HEATING 88-inch standing heater is a propane-fueled unit with a reported 47,000 BTU output. It uses a 304 stainless steel burner and a domed reflector designed to disperse heat downward and outward, suited for larger outdoor spaces.
Safety systems include a tip-over protection that cuts gas supply if tilted beyond a set angle, and a flame-out protection that shuts off fuel if the flame extinguishes. The heater includes two wheels for mobility and a hood heating net for heat distribution.
This model targets commercial and residential outdoor areas needing high radiant output from a fuel source, and it emphasizes durable materials for outdoor exposure.
Dr Infrared DR-338 Carbon Infrared — Tripod Electric Heater
The Dr Infrared DR-338 is an electric carbon infrared standing heater equipped with an adjustable aluminum tripod and IP55 rating for indoor/outdoor use. It provides three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) and includes tip-over protection.
Its design focuses on portability and flexible placement — the tripod mount allows height adjustment and easy repositioning, while wall-mount hardware is included for fixed installations. The heater delivers odorless infrared warmth intended to heat people and objects directly rather than ambient air.
The product’s IP55 rating indicates resistance to water jets and dust ingress consistent with covered outdoor locations or semi-exposed patios. The long power cord and protection features are listed to support safe, mobile use.
Thermo Tiki Deluxe Propane Pyramid — Floor Standing Heater
The Thermo Tiki Deluxe is a pyramid-style propane heater featuring a visible dancing flame in a ceramic-glass column and a stainless steel construction. Rated for a wide field of warmth, the heater produces radiant heat over an area up to a reported 15-foot diameter.
This unit emphasizes commercial-grade materials and finish, with built-in safety features such as a tilt shut-off valve and protective mesh around the heating column. The visual flame column is a design element intended for ambiance in addition to radiant heating.
The design focus is on high radiant BTU output and durability for exposed outdoor settings, providing an alternative to electric infrared models for spaces without nearby electrical access.
Buying Guide — How To Choose A Standing Outdoor Heater
Selecting the right standing outdoor heater requires balancing fuel type, heating coverage, safety, durability, and placement. Below are objective considerations and comparison perspectives.
1. Fuel Type And Energy Source
- Electric Infrared: Best for covered patios or locations with electrical access. Heats people and objects directly, often quieter and odorless. Examples: SereneLife, EAST OAK, Dr Infrared.
- Propane/Gas: Produces higher BTU outputs suited for larger, more open areas. Requires tank storage and ventilation. Examples: LEGACY HEATING, Thermo Tiki.
2. Heating Coverage And Output
- Measure the area you want to heat. Electric infrared units list wattage and estimated coverage; higher wattage generally increases effective range in close proximity.
- Propane BTU ratings indicate potential coverage for larger spaces. BTU output translates to broader radiant range but varies with wind and open-air conditions.
3. Durability And Weather Resistance
- Look for IP ratings: IP24/IP55/IP65 indicate increasing resistance to water and dust. IP65 or IP55 models are more robust for semi-exposed outdoor use.
- Stainless steel burners, aluminum frames, and corrosion-resistant finishes improve longevity in outdoor environments.
4. Safety Features
- Tip-over switches and automatic shut-off for overheat or flame-out are critical for standing units used near foot traffic, children, or pets.
- Protective mesh guards and clearances recommended by manufacturers reduce direct contact risks.
5. Mounting, Mobility, And Placement
- Standing units vary: tripod or adjustable stands add portability; wheels simplify repositioning for heavy propane models.
- Wall-mount or fixed installations may offer safer, permanent positioning for electric heaters on porches or restaurant patios.
6. Noise, Odor, And Air Quality
- Electric infrared heaters are typically quiet and odorless, suitable for enclosed or semi-enclosed areas where air disturbance should be minimized.
- Fuel-burning heaters produce combustion byproducts and may require ventilation and attention to local codes for commercial spaces.
7. Controls, Timers, And Convenience
- Remote controls, multiple heat settings, and timers improve usability. Consider models with LED displays or programmable timers for event use.
- Ease of assembly and maintenance (replaceable elements, accessible fuel compartments) impacts long-term convenience.
8. Installation And Code Compliance
- Confirm clearance requirements and installation guidelines from the manufacturer. Propane heaters may have specific local code restrictions; electric units may require GFCI-protected circuits in outdoor settings.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Covered Patio: Prefer electric infrared (SereneLife, EAST OAK, Dr Infrared) for targeted heat, quiet operation, and no combustion byproducts.
- Large Open Deck Or Commercial Patio: Consider high-BTU propane models (LEGACY HEATING, Thermo Tiki) for wider radiant reach in open-air conditions.
- Portability vs Permanent Mount: Tripod or wheeled units are best for flexible layouts; wall-mount or fixed heaters fit permanent outdoor dining areas.
- Weather Exposure: Choose higher IP-rated or stainless-steel constructions for unprotected outdoor spaces.