Some buyers cannot or will not deal with propane, so this guide covers only fuel-free and wood options.
Best Patio Heater Without Propane
No tanks, no refills: electric and wood options for propane-free patios.
Our top picks at a glance
Top Pick
Dr Infrared Dr Infrared DR-238 HeaterCovered patios and garages where you want instant, wind-proof radiant heat without fuel.
Runner-Up
Bali Outdoors Bali Outdoors ChimineaBuyers who want real firelight and crackle, not just heat, and who enjoy tending a wood fire.
To skip propane entirely, get the Dr Infrared DR-238: it plugs into a standard outlet, mounts out of the way, and delivers 1500W of wind-proof infrared heat with zero fuel logistics.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Power | Heating type | Weather rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top PickDr Infrared Dr Infrared DR-238 Heater | 1500W | Carbon infrared, radiant | IP55 | Check price |
| Runner-UpBali Outdoors Bali Outdoors Chiminea | — | — | — | Check price |
Top Pick
Dr Infrared Dr Infrared DR-238 Heater
1500W carbon infrared heater, wall or ceiling mountable.
Strengths
- Infrared heat warms people and objects, not the air, so wind does not steal it
- IP55 rating handles outdoor moisture on covered patios
- Wall or ceiling mount frees all floor space
- No fuel, no flame, no refills: plugs into a standard outlet
Limitations
- 1500W heats a seating zone, not a whole patio like 48,000 BTU towers
- Requires an outdoor-rated outlet within cord reach
- Line-of-sight heating: blocked by furniture or bodies in between
| Power | 1500W |
|---|---|
| Heating type | Carbon infrared, radiant |
| Weather rating | IP55 |
| Mounting | Wall or ceiling mount |
| Fuel | None (electric) |
Best for: Covered patios and garages where you want instant, wind-proof radiant heat without fuel.
Skip if: Your patio is uncovered and fully exposed to rain, or you need to heat a wide open area rather than a seating zone.
Runner-Up
Bali Outdoors Bali Outdoors Chiminea
Wood-burning cast iron chiminea with 360-degree spark screen.
Strengths
- Real wood fire provides ambiance no gas heater matches
- 360-degree mesh spark screen gives fire views from all sides
- Cast iron body retains and radiates heat after the fire dies down
- No propane tanks, gas lines, or electricity required
Limitations
- Heats a smaller radius than 46,000-plus BTU propane towers
- Requires firewood, fire tending, and ash cleanup
- Smoke output bothers neighbors in close quarters
- Check local burn restrictions before buying
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Warm, cozy fire for small patios
- Easy assembly
- Good value
Common complaints
- Surface rust appears if left uncovered
- Spark screen can wear out
- Some hardware feels light
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Fuel | Wood logs |
|---|---|
| Body | Cast iron |
| Fire view | 360-degree mesh spark screen |
| Chimney | Tall stack directs smoke upward |
| Power needed | None |
Best for: Buyers who want real firelight and crackle, not just heat, and who enjoy tending a wood fire.
Skip if: You want push-button heat, you have fire restrictions in your area, or you dislike smoke and ash cleanup.
Questions, answered
Is electric heat weaker than propane?
In raw output, yes: 1500W is roughly 5,100 BTU equivalent, far below a 46,000 BTU tower. But infrared aims heat at people instead of air, so the felt warmth in a seating zone is closer than the numbers suggest.
Can I run the DR-238 on an extension cord?
Only a heavy-gauge outdoor-rated cord, and keep it as short as possible. A 1500W heater draws the full capacity of a standard 15-amp circuit; a long thin cord is a fire risk.
What does a chiminea cost to run?
Firewood cost varies by region, but a few logs per evening is typical. The bigger cost is your time: tending, ash cleanup, and sourcing dry wood.