When the temperature drops but you still want to enjoy the fall and winter view from your porch, then it is probably a good idea to invest in a heater to keep you cozy. With a number of different makes and models on the market, it can be difficult to navigate your options. Below, we have a curated list of ten of the best options available, as well as different features to look for.
To find the best fit for your porch area, you should pay attention to a few of these different features and factors. To determine the best heater for a given sized space, you should keep an eye out for the BTU, which is the amount of heat that it can put out. Safety features are also a good thing to look out for when trying to find the best space heater for your porch.
Our Recommended Heaters For Screened Porch in 2023
1. Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Heater
Duraflame, the company that makes fireplace logs, has expanded to making space heaters that operate using electricity. This space heater has a few great selling points. Its max output is 5200BTUs, which gives it the ability to provide warmth to a room up to 1,000 square feet. Because this space heater works using infrared technology, it can keep the space warm without making it feel dried out. The Duraflame Electric is a free standing heater that easily plugs in and gets to work.
2. Briza Infrared Patio Outdoor Heater
Briza has a wonderful, smaller space heater that also harnesses the power of infrared heat. It works well for small spaces or campsites, with an output of 1500 BTUs. As for installation of the Briza Infrared, it mounts on a tripod that comes included with it, or easily attaches to a wall. This heater is also sheathed in protective metal to prevent accidental burns. Another nice added safety feature is the auto shutoff, which is triggered if it tips over.
3. Dr. Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater
If you have an enclosed patio space, the Dr. Infrared is a good option to consider. With a 1500 watt output and easy mounting options, this space heater is a great contender for your outdoor space. It also has weatherproofing features to keep it functional when it is raining and includes an auto shutoff.
4. Pamapic Patio Heater
Pamapic has created a small and very fast acting patio heater that works well, whether in n open or enclosed space. This small heater operates using 1500 watts of power and silently gets to temperature in an extremely short time. It also has a sensor that keeps it from overheating so that you can keep yourself and your patio safe.
5. Patioboss Electric Heater
This heater by Patio Boss is a great option if you want to mount it on your ceiling or wall. With three different power modes operating on 1500 watts, this is a great space saver for your smaller patio. This model has both waterproof and automatic shutoff features.
6. Heat Storm HS-1500-OTR Infrared Heater
Heat Storm’s HS-1500 is a great option if you have a covered patio space. This is an electrically operated heater that is sure to last for 5,000 hours of heating time. It also mounts easily to a ceiling or a wall, saving you some space. The HS-1500 not only comes with a tip-over safety switch and weather proof construction, but also a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
7. TrustTech Patio Heater W/ Remote
One of the best outdoor electrical heaters on the market is the TrustTech Patio Heater. This operates using infrared technology, making it safe for both indoor and outdoor areas. The TrustTech has a tough but lightweight exterior made of aluminum alloy and an auto shutoff feature that kicks in when it starts to overheat. This unit also comes with a remote so that you can make adjustments without leaving the comfort of your seat.
8. Bromac BR-ETNG-20Radiant Heater
This Bromac unit comes with a bit of a price tag attached to it, but it is worth it. This unit uses ceramics in its heating system to bring you 6,000 watts to heat your patio extremely quickly. The Bromac also has smart control capabilities that allow you to take full control of the heating, as well as lights. Like many other options, this also has an automatic shutoff feature to keep you safe.
9. Turbo Suburbs TS17 Electric Fireplace
The Turbo Suburbs TS17 is a small and easy to move heating unit that works great in screened areas. While it is only 18 inches tall, it has an impressive 1,400 watt output and has a flame effect to give you a bit more of a cozy feel. This particular model works well in spaces of up to 400 square feet, but there are others that are designed to work in larger spaces if necessary.
What Is the Best Heater for a Screened In Porch?
If you like to enjoy your patio area year round, then a heater is something that you should seriously consider investing in. Depending on whether your space is open or enclosed dictates whether you should get an electric or a gas operated heater. If your space is open and large, then a gas powered one will do the trick.
You could also get one that is more free standing and centralized instead of anchored to a wall. Enclosed spaces require electric heaters, as gas ones can put off odors as well as dangerous exhaust if not ventilated properly.
Can You Use A Propane Heater On A Covered Porch?
Absolutely not. If you are going to use a gas powered heater, you should make sure that it is used in an open space. Because it is burning and consuming gas, you need to provide the proper ventilation to avoid any fire issues or inhalation of harmful fumes. If you have a closed in space that you want heated be sure to use electric.
How to Winter proof Your Porch
One dreaded home improvement project that comes along with spring is to fix up your porch to enjoy it when the weather is bearable. There are a few small steps and precautions to take before winter comes to make this less of a burden.
When fall turns to winter, it is a good idea to take away all of the furniture on your porch and give it a good clean.
Use a sheet of plastic or something similar as an insulation for your screened in area. You can custom-cut these out and apply them with velcro to make installation and removal a breeze for when the time comes for either.
Last but not least, add a heater. Make sure that it is placed in a safe place that won’t cause a fire and will keep the space warm.
