2026 Shopping Guide for Patio Heaters
Choosing the right patio heater in 2026 can make a big difference for your outdoor spaces. Whether you manage an apartment or condo community, or you own a restaurant, hotel, or resort, the right patio heater helps you extend the outdoor season, improve comfort, and get more value from your patio areas.
This 2026 shopping guide for patio heaters answers the most common questions customers ask when planning a patio heating system. We will cover heater types, fuel options, mounting styles, placement tips, aesthetics, and the leading heater brands AEI offers. By the end of this guide, you will be prepared to shop for the best patio heaters for your property in 2026.
This guide replaces older shopping guides that included discontinued models and focuses on current, proven solutions for modern patio spaces.
What Are Patio Heaters and How Do They Work?
Patio heaters are outdoor heating appliances designed to keep people warm while spending time outside. Unlike traditional indoor heaters that warm the air, patio heaters produce heat in the form of infrared energy.
Most patio heaters use ceramic, quartz, or similar materials shaped like rods, plates, or matrices. When these materials are heated using natural gas, propane, or electricity, they emit invisible and harmless infrared rays.
Infrared heat works differently from forced air heat. Instead of warming the surrounding air, infrared heat warms people, furniture, and surfaces directly. This makes patio heaters far more effective outdoors, especially in breezy conditions.
Because of this technology, patio heaters are widely used in outdoor dining areas, communal patios, pool decks, rooftop lounges, and other open air spaces.
The Two Main Types of Patio Heaters
When shopping for a patio heater, the first big decision is choosing between the two main heater types: mushroom heaters and horizontal heaters. Each style serves a different purpose and works best in different patio layouts.
Mushroom Heaters
Mushroom heaters are the classic round patio heaters most people recognize. They feature a tall pole with a circular heat shield at the top, which gives them their mushroom-like appearance.
Mushroom heaters emit heat in a 360 degree circle around and below the heater. This makes them ideal for open patio areas where people are seated or standing in multiple directions.
Key features of mushroom heaters include:
- Round design with a wide heat reflector
- Heat radiates evenly in all directions
- Typically mounted on a pole (although the heater head can be suspended overhead without a pole, freeing up floor space)
- Available in natural gas and propane models
- Propane mushroom heaters can be portable
Mushroom heaters are especially popular in restaurant patios, hotel courtyards, pool decks, and apartment or condo communal spaces where flexibility and broad heat coverage are important.
Horizontal Heaters
Horizontal heaters are long, rectangular, or box-shaped units mounted overhead or on walls. Instead of heating in a full circle, they emit heat in a wide arc or fan in the direction they are pointing.
Horizontal heaters are designed to focus heat exactly where it is needed, making them ideal for covered patios, walkways, and seating areas near buildings.
Key features of horizontal heaters include:
- Rectangular or box shape
- Directional heat output
- Mounted overhead, on walls, eaves, or poles
- Available in natural gas, propane, and electric models
- Excellent for controlled and targeted heating
Horizontal heaters are commonly used by hospitality businesses, like restaurants, and multifamily properties that want clean sightlines, consistent coverage, and efficient use of space.
Patio Heater Fuel Types Explained
The next major decision when choosing a patio heater is the fuel source. Patio heaters are powered by one of three fuel types: natural gas, propane, or electricity. Each option has its own benefits and considerations.
Natural Gas Heaters
Natural gas heaters are connected directly to a property’s natural gas line. Because of this permanent connection, natural gas heaters are not portable, have ever ready gas flow, and do not need a fuel tank.
Natural gas heaters are available in both mushroom heaters and horizontal heaters.
Benefits of natural gas heaters include:
- No fuel tanks to replace or refill
- Consistent and reliable fuel supply
- Lower long-term operating costs
- Clean and efficient performance
Natural gas heaters are ideal for permanent patio installations where the layout does not need to change often. They are very popular with restaurants, hotels, and large apartment or condo communities that use their patio spaces daily.
Since natural gas heaters are hard connected, installation should always be handled by licensed professionals who follow local codes and manufacturer guidelines.
Propane Heaters
Propane heaters store their fuel in a propane tank. This tank is usually hidden inside the base of the heater or stored nearby for larger installations.
Propane heaters are available in both mushroom heaters and horizontal heaters, though propane mushroom heaters are especially popular.
Benefits of propane heaters include:
- Flexibility in placement
- No need for a natural gas line or electrical connections
- Available in portable designs
- Strong and consistent heat output
Propane mushroom heaters are often portable because they carry their fuel onboard in a tank concealed within the base. This portability is a major advantage.
Portable propane heaters allow property managers and business owners to rearrange patio layouts, add heat to overflow areas, or store heaters away when they are not needed.
Propane heaters are commonly used to supplement permanent heaters or to serve unique patio layouts that are difficult to heat with fixed equipment alone.
Electric Heaters
Electric patio heaters are horizontal heaters only. There are no electric mushroom heaters.
Electric heaters connect directly to a property’s electrical system and must be hard-wired by a licensed professional. They are not plugged into standard outlets and are not portable.
Benefits of electric heaters include:
- No fuel storage or gas lines needed
- Clean and quiet operation
- Precise control options
- Minimal maintenance
- Advanced control options (zone controls, scheduling, voice control, remote control, app control, and more)
Electric heaters are ideal for covered patios, balconies, and areas where gas is not available or not permitted. They are especially popular in modern multifamily developments and upscale hospitality spaces where aesthetics and simplicity are important.
Infratech is the electric heater brand offered by AEI and is widely respected for performance, design, and reliability.
Mounting Options for Patio Heaters
Mounting options play a big role in how effective and safe a patio heater system will be. The mounting style depends on the heater type, fuel source, and patio layout.
Mounting Options for Mushroom Heaters
Mushroom heaters are most commonly mounted in one of three ways:
- Pole-mounted: in-ground post, or on a freestanding base plate
- Portable with a wheel kit and a propane tank
- Suspended overhead without a pole or base
Pole-mounted mushroom heaters are common for natural gas installations and permanent propane setups. Portable mushroom heaters are available only for propane models and offer maximum flexibility.
Suspended mushroom heaters are less common but can be used in certain covered patio designs where floor space is limited.
Mounting Options for Horizontal Heaters
Horizontal heaters are designed to be mounted overhead or on vertical surfaces.
Standard mounting options include:
- Suspended from patio ceilings or rafters
- Mounted to walls or building eaves
- Mounted on poles when structures are not available
- Flush-mounted into ceilings using specialty kits
Infratech offers a flush-mount installation option that allows heaters to be installed flat with the ceiling surface. This creates a clean, built-in look that is very popular in modern patio designs.
Any heater that is suspended overhead must be installed on a permanent and sturdy outdoor structure. Installations must follow the minimum clearance requirements listed in the heater’s owner manual to ensure safety and performance.
Patio Heater Placement and Heat Coverage
Proper patio heater placement is one of the most important parts of designing an effective heating system. Placement depends on patio size, layout, climate, and how the space is used.
Infrared heat is very effective outdoors because it heats people directly. However, wind and cold temperatures can still reduce comfort once heat has transferred to people.
In areas with frequent wind or colder weather, heaters may need to be placed closer together to maintain consistent warmth.
Key placement tips include:
- Review the heater’s heat zone specifications
- Aim for even coverage across seating and standing areas
- Avoid large gaps where heat cannot reach
- Account for wind exposure and open sides
For best results, many properties use a combination of heater types.
For example, an uncovered patio next to a building can use horizontal heaters mounted on the wall or eaves to heat one side, while mushroom heaters provide warmth to the center and far side of the patio.
Portable mushroom heaters are especially useful for filling in cold spots, heating overflow areas, or adapting to changing patio layouts. When not in use, they can be stored out of the way to free up space.
AEI offers a complimentary heatmap service to help businesses and property owners visualize heater placement and plan a complete patio heating system.
Aesthetics, Colors, and Finishes
In 2026, patio heaters are not just functional equipment. They are also an essential part of a patio’s overall design.
All of the patio heater brands AEI carries offer multiple colors and finishes to match different architectural styles and design preferences.
For mushroom heaters, color and finish options typically apply to the pole and base.
For horizontal heaters, finishes usually apply to the front face and outer housing of the unit.
Some brands also offer unique design elements that set them apart.
Infratech’s Motif Collection features decorative protective wire designs that add visual interest while maintaining performance.
SunStar heaters feature tinted high-temperature glass, giving them a distinctive, modern appearance that blends well with upscale outdoor spaces.
Choosing the right finish helps patio heaters blend seamlessly into the environment rather than standing out as purely functional equipment.
Patio Heater Brands Offered by AEI
AEI offers four trusted patio heater brands, each known for quality, performance, and long-term reliability.
Sunglo
Sunglo specializes in mushroom heaters and has been a favorite of restaurants, resorts, and multifamily properties for over 50 years.
Sunglo heaters are known for:
- Durable construction
- Reliable performance
- Timeless design
- Strong heat output
Sunglo mushroom heaters are available in natural gas and propane models and are widely used in high-traffic outdoor spaces.
Sunpak
Sunpak offers powerful horizontal heaters designed for commercial and residential applications.
Sunpak heaters are available in natural gas and propane and are commonly used in covered patios and outdoor dining areas.
They are known for strong performance and straightforward installation options.
SunStar
SunStar heaters are horizontal heaters that combine performance with distinctive design features.
SunStar heaters are available in natural gas and propane models, SunStar heaters are often chosen for hospitality environments where aesthetics matter as much as function. SunStar’s heaters made with marine-grade stainless steel are sought after in coastal regions for their increased corrosion resistance in salty environments.
Infratech
Infratech is the only electric horizontal heater brand AEI carries and is widely regarded as a leader in electric infrared heating.
Infratech heaters are known for:
- Clean and quiet operation
- Advanced control options
- Sleek and modern designs
- Flush-mount installation capabilities
Infratech electric heaters are especially popular in multifamily properties, rooftop patios, and covered outdoor spaces.
Choosing the Right Patio Heater for 2026
When shopping for a patio heater in 2026, it is vital to consider the whole picture. Heater type, fuel source, mounting style, placement, and aesthetics all contribute to creating a comfortable and functional patio space.
Ask the following questions as you plan your purchase:
- Is my patio covered or uncovered?
- Do I need portable heaters or permanent installations?
- Is natural gas available on site?
- How important are design and finish options?
- Will the patio layout change over time?
For many properties, the best solution is not a single heater type, but a complete system that combines horizontal heaters and mushroom heaters to achieve full coverage.
With the right planning and expert guidance, patio heaters can transform outdoor spaces into year-round assets that guests and residents truly enjoy.
Looking ahead to 2026
This 2026 shopping guide for patio heaters is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to choose the best heating solution for your property.
By understanding heater types, fuel options, mounting methods, and placement strategies, you can create outdoor spaces that stay comfortable, inviting, and functional throughout the year.
If you need help selecting the right heaters or planning your patio heating layout, AEI is here to help with expert guidance and complimentary heat maps.
With the right patio heaters in place, your outdoor spaces will be ready for success in 2026 and beyond.
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