Best Outdoor Heaters Australia
Outdoor entertaining is year-round in most of Australia, but autumn and winter evenings in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra require heating to stay comfortable outdoors. The options are LPG gas patio heaters, electric infrared heaters and new-generation catalytic and ceramic models. Gas heaters are prohibited during Total Fire Ban periods but work any other time. Electric and infrared heaters are permitted year-round and are better suited to covered outdoor areas. We researched 6 options for Australian outdoor spaces.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Electric infrared heaters are the best choice for covered Australian outdoor areas — they work during fire bans, require no gas connection and are safer under low ceilings.
- 2Gas patio mushroom heaters are the classic Australian outdoor heater but cannot be used during Total Fire Ban days — factor this into your purchase decision.
- 3Radiant (infrared) heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating the air — much more efficient outdoors where air heating dissipates rapidly.
- 4Check that any gas outdoor heater has Australian RCM certification — imported heaters without AU certification may not be safe for Australian LPG (propane) pressure.
- 5For maximum heat output, look for 2kW+ electric or 11kW+ LPG gas heaters. Anything below these thresholds gives inadequate heat for outdoor Australian winter temperatures.
Top 6 Outdoor Living Picks for Australia
Heatstrip
Heatstrip Classic 2400W Outdoor Infrared Heater
| Power | 2400W |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Type | Infrared radiant |
| Mount | Wall or ceiling |
Pros
- Australian brand with AU customer service
- 2400W delivers strong radiant heat for outdoor areas
- IP65 waterproof — fully outdoor rated
- Works during Total Fire Ban periods
Cons
- Requires 10A GPO outlet or hardwiring for permanent install
- Heat is directional — not suited for large open areas
Verdict
Australia's most popular residential electric outdoor heater — 2400W infrared from a purpose-built Australian brand.
Bromic
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Gas 3 Burner
| Fuel | LPG / natural gas |
| Design | Directional radiant |
| Brand | Australian (Bromic) |
| Rating | Commercial grade |
Pros
- Australian designed commercial-grade heater
- Directional radiant heat focuses on people, not the sky
- Remote control and timer options available
- Stainless steel face withstands coastal AU conditions
Cons
- AU$800–AU$1,200 price point
- Gas only — not permitted during Total Fire Bans
Verdict
Commercial-grade Australian gas heater — widely used in AU restaurants; the premium residential choice.
Gasmate
Gasmate Roma LPG Patio Heater 13kW
| Power | 13 kW |
| Fuel | LPG 9kg cylinder |
| Style | Freestanding mushroom |
| Area | Up to 25 m² |
Pros
- 13kW heats a large outdoor area up to 25m²
- Freestanding — no installation needed
- Includes 9kg gas cylinder base compartment
- Under AU$300
Cons
- Prohibited during Total Fire Bans
- Needs windshield in exposed AU coastal areas
Verdict
The classic LPG mushroom patio heater — freestanding 13kW for large open Australian outdoor areas.
Heatstrip
Heatstrip Zen 1200W Infrared Heater
| Power | 1200W |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Type | Infrared |
| Mount | Wall or ceiling |
Pros
- 1200W suits smaller covered alfresco areas
- Under AU$200
- IP55 rated for outdoor use
- Wall or ceiling mount
Cons
- 1200W is marginal for open outdoor areas in cold AU winters
- Less heat output than the 2400W Classic
Verdict
Lower-power Heatstrip for smaller covered areas — more affordable entry into electric infrared heating.
Bromic
Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Electric 2300W
| Power | 2300W |
| Profile | Slim 1200mm panel |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Design | Architectural |
Pros
- Ultra-slim 1200mm x 110mm profile
- 2300W radiant heat for comfortable outdoor temperatures
- IP55 rated outdoor
- Sleek design suits contemporary Australian outdoor spaces
Cons
- AU$600–AU$800 price point
- Requires 10A hardwired connection for clean install
Verdict
Ultra-slim profile electric heater from Bromic — the premium electric choice for architectural outdoor spaces.
Various
Convectmax Portable Electric Patio Heater 2000W
| Power | 2000W |
| Style | Freestanding portable |
| Input | 10A GPO (standard) |
| Height | Adjustable |
Pros
- No installation required — plug into standard AU 10A outlet
- 2000W suits small covered alfresco areas
- Freestanding with adjustable height pole
- Under AU$150
Cons
- Cord can be a trip hazard outdoors
- Less elegant than wall-mounted alternatives
Verdict
Freestanding portable electric heater for flexible outdoor placement without installation.
Editor's Note
Bromic Heating is an Australian brand that has become the global benchmark for commercial outdoor heaters — their Tungsten Smart-Heat and Platinum Smart-Heat series are widely used in Australian restaurants and hotels. For residential use, Heatstrip is the most popular electric infrared brand in Australia, with wide availability through Bunnings and electrical wholesalers.
Our Take
For an alfresco area under a pergola or roof, install a wall-mounted electric infrared heater (Heatstrip Classic 2400W) — it's cleaner than gas, works year-round and is cheaper to run per hour than gas. For open decks and patios, a quality LPG mushroom heater like the Gasmate Roma is the practical go-to. Avoid cheap unbranded gas heaters — AU-certified models are the only safe choice for LPG.
Honourable Mentions
Radtec Infrared Outdoor Heater
Another quality Australian infrared brand with good commercial track record — competitive alternative to Heatstrip.
Goldair Electric Patio Heater
Widely available at Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi — good value entry-level electric patio heater with Australian warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of outdoor heater is best for Australian patios?
For covered areas (pergolas, verandas), electric infrared heaters like Heatstrip are the recommended choice — they work year-round including fire ban periods and are more efficient under a roof. For open decks, LPG mushroom heaters provide more warmth when no fire bans are in effect.
Can I use an outdoor heater during a Total Fire Ban in Australia?
Electric infrared heaters can be used during Total Fire Bans. LPG gas patio heaters are generally prohibited during Total Fire Ban periods in most Australian states. Always check your state fire authority website on the day of a TFB declaration.
What is the best outdoor heater brand in Australia?
Bromic Heating (Australian) and Heatstrip are the most respected outdoor heater brands in Australia. Bromic is the premium commercial choice; Heatstrip is the most popular residential electric infrared brand widely available through Bunnings.
How much does it cost to run an outdoor heater in Australia?
A 2400W electric infrared heater costs approximately AU$0.72 per hour at AU$0.30/kWh. A 13kW LPG mushroom heater uses approximately 0.9 kg of LPG per hour — at AU$1.50/kg (bulk refill), that's AU$1.35/hour. Electric is cheaper for short periods; LPG heats a larger area.
Can I use an outdoor heater under a covered pergola in Australia?
Yes — but ensure the heater is rated for indoor/outdoor use and has appropriate clearance from the roof structure. Electric infrared heaters from Heatstrip and Bromic are specifically designed for mounting under covered structures. Gas heaters require adequate ventilation — do not use enclosed LPG heaters under very low or sealed roofs.
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