Every fall, the same question comes up: should the money go into a patio heater or a fire pit? Both burn fuel and both make heat. They put that heat in very different places, though, and that decides whether your guests are comfortable or reaching for blankets.
This guide explains how each one actually warms people and which one fits your layout. It also covers what works under a covered patio and how far a propane tank goes, so you can heat the patio you actually have.
How does a patio heater or fire pit actually keep you warm?
Outdoors, you can't heat the air. Wind carries it away. What you feel is radiant heat: infrared energy that travels in a straight line and warms whatever it hits, including people, furniture, and pavers. Radiant warmth fades quickly with distance, so position and direction matter more than the BTU number.
- A fire pit sits at knee height and radiates in every direction. Much of its energy rises with the hot exhaust. People close in and facing it feel warm, but often with hot shins and cool shoulders. People six feet back feel much less.
- A patio heater puts the heat source at or above head height. Umbrella-style heaters use a reflector to direct heat down, flame towers radiate outward 360°, and infrared heaters aim at the seats. The heat lands on people's upper bodies across a defined area.
- BTU ratings measure fuel input, not comfort. A large gas fire table can carry a far higher BTU rating than any patio heater and still feel less warm to someone at a dining table ten feet away. Our Howl product pages note the same thing: fuel-input BTU doesn't measure how much radiant warmth reaches a seated person.
How do patio heaters, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces compare?
| Gas patio heater (flame tower or umbrella) | Electric infrared heater | Gas fire pit or fire table | Wood fire pit | Outdoor gas fireplace | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it warms | A seating area around or under it | The seats it's aimed at | People seated close in a ring | People seated close in a ring | People facing the firebox |
| Heat direction | Radiates from head height | Directed beam | Low, 360°, much of it rises | Low, 360°, much of it rises | Forward, out of the opening |
| Covered patio? | Only with open sides and the manual's overhead clearance | The type most often designed for covered spaces (per manual) | Generally needs open sky; follow burner clearances | No | Built-in; follow manufacturer clearances |
| Fuel | Propane or natural gas | 120V or hardwired electricity | Propane or natural gas | Seasoned wood | Propane or natural gas |
| Ambiance | Medium (visible flame in towers) | Low | High | Highest | High |
| Upkeep | Low | Lowest | Low | Ash, wood storage, smoke | Low |
| Best for | Dining areas, spread-out seating, restaurants | Covered patios, pergolas, quick spot heat | Conversation areas, design focal point | Cabins, large yards, classic campfire nights | Outdoor rooms, designed landscapes |
When is a patio heater the better choice?
Pick a heater when people aren't sitting in a circle. That includes a dining table, a sofa against a wall, a bar counter, or two chairs at opposite ends of a terrace. A fire pit can't warm a dining table, and you can't put a dining table around a fire pit.
Gas flame-tower heaters
Glass-tube flame towers add a column of visible flame, so they double as décor. The Lava Heat Italia 2G Flame Tower Patio Heater - 66,000 BTU and the shorter Lava Heat Italia Capri Patio Heater - 42,000 BTU both carry a manufacturer-rated 8-foot heat radius (about 201 sq ft). Both come in propane or natural gas and in several finishes. Lava Heat's limited warranty covers the structural frame for life, covered parts and finish for five years, and the burner and glass for one year (manufacturer terms apply). As the product pages note, that radius is a rating, not a promised temperature. Wind and layout change what you feel.
Electric infrared heaters
Infrared heaters skip the flame and aim heat straight at people. They're also the easiest to live with. The Napoleon Phantom Freestand Infrared Patio Heater runs on 120V at 1,500 W (about 5,000 BTU/h). A cantilever arm holds the element over the seating area. It has nine heat settings, a 1–9-hour timer, a child lock, tip-over shutoff, wheels, and an included cover, and there's no propane to swap. It's ideal for a reading chair, a two-person bistro set, or topping up warmth beside a fire pit.
Is an infrared or propane patio heater better?
Choose propane or natural gas for the most output in open-air spaces. Choose electric infrared for covered or semi-enclosed areas, small zones, and zero refueling. Electric produces no combustion byproducts, which is why most heaters designed for covered patios are electric. Always confirm the clearances in your model's manual.
Which propane patio heater should you buy?
Every heater below is listed on our patio heaters collection. BTU figures are the manufacturer ratings shown in each product title (fuel input, not a promised comfort level).
| Heater | Type | Rated output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lava Heat Italia 2G Flame Tower | Glass-tube flame tower | 66,000 BTU | Manufacturer-rated 8 ft heat radius |
| Lava Heat Italia Lava Lite | Flame tower | 56,000 BTU | |
| Lava Heat Italia Opus | Flame tower | 56,000 BTU | |
| Lava Heat Italia Opus Lite | Flame tower | 56,000 BTU | |
| Lava Heat Italia Palermo | Rattan-style flame heater | 51,000 BTU | |
| Lava Heat Italia Capri | Shorter flame tower | 42,000 BTU | Manufacturer-rated 8 ft heat radius |
| Lava Heat Italia Milano | Cylindrical | 36,000 BTU | |
| Lava Heat Italia Ember | Collapsible | 36,000 BTU | |
| Napoleon Phantom Freestand Infrared | Electric infrared, 120V | 1,500 W (about 5,000 BTU/h) | No fuel tank |
Each Lava Heat Italia model is offered in propane or natural gas; check the product page for the fuel and finish options on the model you want.
Browse: Patio heaters · Lava Heat Italia
When is a fire pit the better choice?
Pick a fire pit when the fire is the reason you're outside. Chairs face inward, roughly four to six feet from the flame, and the evening is about conversation. No heater replaces that.
Luxury gas fire pit tables
A low gas fire table becomes the patio's centerpiece. The Round GFRC Concrete Natural Gas or Propane Fire Pit Table 60-Inch and 72-Inch - Studio Nisho Rhea sits just 14 inches tall around a 40-inch fire opening. It uses a Warming Trends Crossfire brass burner rated up to 320,000 BTU. Its published burner diagram calls for 120 inches of vertical clearance and 36 inches of horizontal clearance to combustibles. That's a good reminder that big gas fire features need open sky, not a pergola. It's handcrafted in Denver and made to order, with an approximate 6–8-week production estimate.
What should you look for in a propane or gas fire pit table?
A fire pit table puts the flame in a low table you can set drinks on, which is why "propane fire pit table" is one of the most searched fire terms in the fall. Check four things: burner output and the published clearances, fuel (propane tank hidden inside, or a natural gas line), height (coffee-table, chat, or dining height), and lead time for made-to-order concrete.
| Fire table | Shape and size | Fuel | Height / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Nisho Rhea | Round, 60 or 72 in | Natural gas or propane | 14 in tall; up to 320,000 BTU Crossfire brass burner |
| Studio Nisho Nyx | Oval, 54 in | Natural gas or propane | Handcrafted GFRC concrete |
| Studio Nisho Notus | Square, 40 in | Natural gas or propane | Handcrafted GFRC concrete |
| Studio Nisho Atlas | Rectangular, 60 in | Natural gas or propane | Handcrafted GFRC concrete |
| The Outdoor Plus Newport Fire Table | Linear, 72, 120 or 144 in | Natural gas or propane | Several ignition options; see product page |
| Luxcraft Lumin Fire Table 79-Inch | Rectangular, 79 in | See product page | Dining height |
See all gas fire pits and fire tables in our fire pits collection and the Studio Nisho collection.
Looking for a Solo Stove alternative?
If you like the idea of a low-smoke wood fire, compare the smokeless fire pits collection and our explainer on how smokeless fire pits work. If you'd rather skip wood entirely, a portable radiant propane fire pit like the Howl R4 MKII below gives a flame and radiant heat with no ash to clean out.
Portable radiant fire pits (the hybrid)
Howl's radiant models are built to warm people, not just show a flame. The Howl R4 MKII Portable Radiant Propane Fire Pit pairs two BarCoal radiant tubes and EchoHeat reflectors with a visible flame, with separate controls for heat and flame. It's rated at 61,800 BTU/h, runs about 6.5 hours at full output on a 20 lb tank, and is made in Colorado. Howl specifies outdoor use only, never beneath an awning or overhead structure. See how it compares in our Howl R1 vs R3 vs R4 MKII guide.
Wood fire pits
Nothing matches a wood fire's crackle and radiant punch up close. The Patriot Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit - 24 to 48 Inch is a low-profile bowl that's handcrafted in Ohio from American carbon steel and carries Ohio Flame's lifetime warranty (written terms apply). It typically ships in 1–3 business days. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Wood smoke contains fine particles that affect health, as the EPA explains in Wood Smoke and Your Health. Check local burn-day rules, too.
Deciding between fuels? Read wood vs propane vs natural gas fire pits and how smokeless fire pits work. Browse all fire pits and the Studio Nisho collection.
Can you use a patio heater under a covered patio?
This is the most common question we get, and the answer depends on the heater type:
- Electric infrared: usually the right tool for covered patios, pergolas, and porches, because it burns nothing. You still must follow the manual's overhead, side, and weather-exposure clearances.
- Gas heaters (propane or natural gas): only where the space is genuinely open and the manual's minimum ceiling height and overhead clearance are met. Never use one in an enclosed porch, garage, or tent, since combustion produces carbon monoxide (CPSC carbon monoxide information).
- Portable propane heaters with the cylinder in the base: the hardest fit. Many local fire codes restrict them under combustible overhangs, so check with your fire authority.
- Fire pits and fire tables: treat them as open-sky appliances unless the manufacturer publishes a clearance that your ceiling meets. The Rhea's 120-inch vertical clearance above shows why.
Propane safety basics, including cylinder storage and leak checks, are covered at propane.com. Natural gas lines should be installed by a qualified professional under the NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code and local code.
How long does a propane tank last on a patio heater or fire pit?
One gallon of propane contains about 91,452 BTU (U.S. EIA), and a standard 20 lb cylinder holds roughly 4.7 gallons, or about 430,000 BTU. Divide by the appliance's hourly rating for a full-output estimate:
| Appliance rating | Approximate runtime on a full 20 lb tank at full output |
|---|---|
| 42,000 BTU/h (e.g., Lava Heat Capri) | ≈ 10 hours |
| 61,800 BTU/h (Howl R4 MKII; Howl lists ~6.5 hours) | ≈ 6.5–7 hours |
| 66,000 BTU/h (e.g., Lava Heat 2G) | ≈ 6.5 hours |
Lower settings stretch those numbers. If you'll use it every weekend, a natural gas connection removes tank swaps entirely. Every Lava Heat Italia heater we carry is offered in a natural gas version, as are The Outdoor Plus fireplaces. Studio Nisho builds natural gas fire tables on request (contact us to confirm the configuration).
Is an outdoor gas fireplace better than a heater or fire pit?
If you're designing an outdoor room, an outdoor fireplace throws heat forward toward a sofa grouping. Its back wall also blocks wind and screens views, which a fire pit can't do. The The Outdoor Plus Williams Ready to Finish Outdoor Gas Fireplace comes in 72-, 84-, or 96-inch widths for on-site cladding, in natural gas or propane, with five ignition choices. It's made in the USA and typically ships within 3–4 weeks. Browse all outdoor fireplaces. If you're also deciding on an indoor fireplace, our electric fireplace buying guide covers electric vs gas.
Do you need both a patio heater and a fire pit?
- Chairs in a ring, 4–6 ft from center: fire pit or fire table.
- Dining table, sofa against a wall, or spread-out seating: patio heater (or several).
- Covered pergola or porch: electric infrared.
- Windy site: add a windbreak (a wall, planting, or fireplace) and sit closer. Wind strips warmth from every heater type.
- Cold climate and long evenings: use the fire as the focal point and a heater for the seats it can't reach. That's two tools doing different jobs, not a compromise.
Landscape designers and builders specifying multiple heaters or fire features can use our trade and patio projects page.
Patio heating buying checklist
- ☐ I've sketched the seating: ring, table, or spread out
- ☐ I know whether the area is open-sky, covered with open sides, or semi-enclosed
- ☐ I've confirmed the heater or fire pit is allowed there, per the manual's clearances, my HOA, and the local fire code or burn rules
- ☐ I've chosen fuel: propane (portable), natural gas (permanent, professional install), electric (outlet or hardwire), or wood
- ☐ For gas, a qualified pro will size the line and check pressure and shutoffs
- ☐ I've placed seating inside the manufacturer's rated heat radius, not just "near" the heater
- ☐ I have a wind plan (windbreak, placement, or a heater rated for the conditions)
- ☐ I've checked weight, freight delivery, and lead time (made-to-order fire tables can take weeks)
Frequently asked questions
Which keeps you warmer, a patio heater or a fire pit?
For most patios, a patio heater. It places radiant heat at head height and spreads it across a seating area. A fire pit radiates from ground level, and much of its heat rises, so it mainly warms people sitting close and facing it. A fire pit wins when guests sit in a tight ring.
What is the best way to heat an outdoor patio in winter?
Match the heater to the seating. Use patio heaters for dining areas and spread-out seating, electric infrared for covered spaces, and a fire pit or fire table for conversation circles. Add a windbreak, since wind removes warmth from every heater. In cold climates, many homeowners combine a fire feature with one or two heaters.
Can you use a patio heater under a covered patio?
Electric infrared heaters are generally the right choice under a roof because they produce no combustion gases, though you must follow the manual's clearances. Gas heaters need genuinely open sides and the manufacturer's minimum ceiling height. Never use any gas heater in an enclosed porch, garage, or tent.
Is an infrared patio heater better than propane?
It depends on the space. Propane and natural gas heaters produce more heat for large open-air patios. Electric infrared heaters suit covered or semi-enclosed areas and small zones, need no refueling, and aim heat directly at people. A 1,500-watt electric heater produces about 5,000 BTU per hour.
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last on a patio heater?
A 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTU of propane. At full output, a 42,000 BTU/h heater runs about 10 hours, and a 66,000 BTU/h heater runs about 6.5 hours. Lower settings last longer. A natural gas connection removes tank swaps for heaters you use often.
What is the best propane patio heater for a large patio?
Look at the rated output and the manufacturer's heat radius, then place seating inside that radius. Among the heaters we carry, the Lava Heat Italia 2G Flame Tower has the highest rating at 66,000 BTU and a manufacturer-rated 8-foot heat radius. Several 56,000 BTU Lava Heat models sit just below it. Wind and layout change what you feel.
What should I look for in a propane fire pit table?
Check burner output and the published clearances, whether the propane tank hides inside or you'll run a natural gas line, the table height (coffee, chat, or dining), and the lead time. Handcrafted concrete tables such as Studio Nisho's are made to order, so order weeks ahead of when you want to use it.
Do fire pits give off a lot of heat?
They give strong heat up close but little at a distance. Radiant warmth from a fire drops off quickly, so people four feet away feel much more than people ten feet away. High BTU ratings on gas fire tables reflect fuel input, not how much warmth reaches a seated guest.
Is an outdoor fireplace better than a fire pit?
An outdoor fireplace throws heat forward toward seating, blocks wind, and anchors an outdoor room. A fire pit warms people all the way around and feels more social. Choose a fireplace for a sofa grouping against one side and a fire pit for a conversation circle.
Need a second opinion on your layout? Email info@smokeforges.com or call 833-777-2962 with a photo and rough dimensions. Shipping is free on orders of $99 or more.
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