Best Outdoor Heaters for Australian Patios and Decks 2024
Quick Summary: Australian outdoor heaters range from $89 budget electric models to $899 premium gas pyramid heaters. Gas units offer the most heat output for entertaining, electric models provide convenience and safety for families, while wood-fired options deliver authentic ambience. Top picks include the Gasmate Pyramid ($299 at Bunnings), Heatstrip Max electric ($449), and portable Companion gas heater ($189 at BCF).
The Australian climate might be famous for sunshine, but cooler evenings and winter months can cut short your outdoor entertaining. The right patio heater transforms your deck or alfresco area into a year-round entertainment space, letting you host barbecues in July and enjoy morning coffee on frosty mornings.
Choosing the best outdoor heaters depends on your space size, power source availability, and heating priorities. Whether you're warming a compact balcony or a sprawling entertaining area, there's an outdoor heating solution that fits your needs and budget.
Types of Outdoor Heaters for Australian Climate
Gas Pyramid Heaters - Best for Large Spaces
Gas pyramid heaters dominate Australian patios for good reason—they deliver serious heat output across large areas. These tall, elegant units typically produce 12,000-15,000 BTU (3.5-4.4kW), warming a 4-5 metre radius effectively.
The Gasmate Pyramid Patio Heater represents excellent value at $299 from Bunnings. It features a stainless steel construction, piezo ignition, and safety tilt switch. Running costs average $2-3 per hour using 9kg LPG bottles, making it economical for regular use.
Premium options like the Euro Grille pyramid heater ($549 at Total Tools) offer enhanced aesthetics with hammered bronze finishes and glass tube designs. These units suit upmarket entertaining areas where appearance matters as much as performance.
Gas heaters excel in windy conditions where electric models struggle. The enclosed flame design means gentle breezes won't affect heating efficiency—crucial for Australian coastal locations.
Electric Wall-Mounted Units - Convenient and Clean
Electric outdoor heaters offer unbeatable convenience—simply mount and plug in. No gas bottles, no refueling, no naked flames. This makes them ideal for apartments, townhouses, or families with young children.
The Heatstrip Max 2400W Electric Patio Heater leads this category at $449. Its slim profile mounts discreetly under eaves or pergolas, delivering focused radiant heat without taking up floor space. The 2400W output suits entertaining areas up to 12 square metres.
Running costs depend on your electricity tariff but typically range $0.60-0.90 per hour on maximum setting. Many units include dimmer controls, letting you dial down the heat and costs as needed.
Infrared electric heaters like the Bromic Tungsten series ($329-499) provide instant warmth without warming the air—perfect for semi-enclosed patios where heat retention isn't critical. These commercial-grade units handle Australian weather conditions and offer 3-5 year warranties.
Wood-Fired Heaters - Authentic Warmth
Wood-fired outdoor heaters create unmatched ambience with crackling flames and that distinctive wood smoke aroma. They're perfect for properties with established gardens providing fuel sources or rural locations where wood is readily available.
Chimineas remain popular, with cast iron models starting around $149 at Mitre 10. The Cast Iron Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace provides authentic heating for intimate gatherings while doubling as a conversation piece.
For serious heat output, consider outdoor wood heaters like the Nectre drop-in units ($899-1,299). These Australian-made heaters suit permanent installations in outdoor kitchens or covered entertaining areas, delivering substantial warmth for larger gatherings.
Top Outdoor Heater Reviews 2024
Best Budget Option Under $200
The Companion Portable Gas Heater at $189 from BCF delivers excellent value for money. This compact unit produces 4,200 BTU while remaining highly portable at just 8kg.
Despite its budget price, the Companion doesn't skimp on safety features. It includes automatic shut-off valves, tip-over protection, and wind-resistant burner design. The ceramic heating element distributes warmth evenly across a 2-3 metre radius—perfect for smaller patios or balconies.
Running costs are minimal at approximately $1.20 per hour using standard gas cartridges. For occasional use, this represents excellent value compared to permanent installation costs.
Best Premium Heater for Entertaining
When money isn't the primary concern, the Euro Grille Commercial Pyramid Heater ($899 at Amazon AU) sets the gold standard for outdoor entertaining. This beast produces 15,000 BTU through a stunning glass tube design that creates a dramatic flame column.
The commercial-grade construction includes 316 stainless steel components, ensuring longevity in Australian coastal conditions. Variable flame control lets you adjust heat output from whisper-quiet background warmth to full-power winter heating.
Installation requires minimal setup—simply connect a 45kg LPG bottle and you're heating up to 30 square metres of entertaining space. The included castor wheels make repositioning effortless despite the substantial 35kg weight.
Best Portable Heater for Flexibility
For maximum versatility, the Coleman Portable Propane Heater ($229 at Anaconda) offers genuine portability without sacrificing heating performance. At just 5kg with carry handle, it's genuinely portable between different outdoor areas.
The dual-mode operation switches between focused spot heating and broader area coverage. Safety features include oxygen depletion sensors and accidental tip-over shut-off—crucial for portable units that might get bumped during parties.
Battery-powered piezo ignition means no matches required, and the compact design stores easily in outdoor storage boxes during summer months.
Where to Buy Outdoor Heaters in Australia
Bunnings Warehouse Selection and Pricing
Bunnings stocks the broadest range of outdoor heaters across all price points. Their house brands offer solid value—the Gasmate range includes pyramid heaters from $299, portable gas heaters from $149, and electric wall-mounted units starting at $199.
In-store availability varies by location, but major metro stores typically stock 15-20 different models. The advantage of buying from Bunnings includes easy returns, widespread service network, and competitive pricing that often beats online retailers.
During autumn sales (March-May), Bunnings frequently discounts outdoor heaters by 20-30%. This seasonal clearance timing aligns perfectly with when you actually want to start using them regularly.
BCF and Specialist Retailers
BCF (Boating Camping Fishing) specialises in portable outdoor heating solutions. Their Companion and Gasmate ranges suit camping and RV use but work equally well for patio heating. Prices typically match Bunnings, but BCF offers superior camping-specific accessories.
Specialist fireplace retailers like Australian Outdoor Living stock premium brands unavailable at hardware stores. Expect to pay 20-40% more, but you'll access commercial-grade units with extended warranties and professional installation services.
Online retailers like MyDeal and Temple & Webster offer competitive pricing on designer models, though shipping costs for heavy pyramid heaters can add $50-100 to the total price.
Safety Standards and Installation Tips
Australian outdoor heaters must comply with AS/NZS 4558 safety standards. Look for certification marks and avoid cheap imports lacking proper testing. Gas models require annual servicing by qualified technicians—budget around $120 for professional maintenance.
Installation clearances are critical for safe operation. Gas pyramid heaters need minimum 2-metre overhead clearance and 1-metre radius from combustible materials. Electric units require weatherproof electrical connections—use a qualified electrician for permanent installations.
Which outdoor heater is safest for families with kids? Electric wall-mounted units eliminate tip-over risks and hot surfaces that curious children might touch. Gas models with enclosed flames and safety shut-offs rank second, while open-flame wood heaters require constant adult supervision.
Consider wind exposure when positioning heaters. Melbourne and Adelaide's gusty conditions can affect gas heater efficiency and safety. Windshields or semi-enclosed positioning helps maintain consistent heating performance.
Running Costs and Energy Efficiency
How much does a good outdoor heater cost at bunnings to run? Gas heaters typically cost $2-4 per hour depending on size and gas prices. A standard 9kg LPG bottle provides 8-12 hours of operation at around $25 refill cost.
Electric heaters cost varies dramatically by location and tariff. Standard residential rates mean 2400W units cost approximately $0.72 per hour in Sydney, but can reach $1.20 in Adelaide during peak periods. Time-of-use tariffs make evening heating expensive in some states.
Are gas or electric outdoor heaters better for entertaining? Gas units deliver more heat per dollar and work independently of electrical supply, making them superior for large gatherings. Electric models offer precise temperature control and zero emissions for covered entertaining areas.
Wood-fired heaters offer the lowest ongoing costs if you have free wood access, but require more time investment for lighting and maintenance. Factor in safety considerations and convenience when calculating true costs.
Bottom Line
The best outdoor heaters for Australian conditions balance heating performance, running costs, and safety features. Gas pyramid heaters like the Gasmate model ($299 Bunnings) suit most entertaining needs with excellent heat distribution and reasonable operating costs.
Electric wall-mounted units work brilliantly for smaller spaces and safety-conscious families, while portable gas heaters provide flexibility for occasional use. Premium models justify higher upfront costs through superior build quality and extended warranties.
Choose based on your specific situation: apartment balconies suit compact electric models, large entertaining areas need gas pyramids, and rural properties with wood access can enjoy authentic wood-fired heating. Whatever your choice, proper installation and maintenance ensure safe, efficient operation throughout Australia's cooler months.
