Best Patio Heaters Australia
Patio heaters are an Australian outdoor entertaining staple — they extend the season on Melbourne's cool autumn evenings, Sydney's winter nights and Canberra's year-round cold snaps. The choice between gas and electric depends heavily on your outdoor setup: gas provides more heat for open areas; electric is better under covered structures and during fire ban periods. We researched the top options for Australian patios and decks, covering safety certification, heat output and value.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Match heater type to your patio setup: electric infrared for covered patios and verandas; LPG mushroom or portable gas for open decks where power outlets aren't available.
- 2All gas patio heaters sold in Australia must carry RCM certification for LPG compliance — avoid uncertified imports.
- 3Electric infrared heaters should be at least 1200W for effective outdoor heating in Australian winter conditions; 2400W+ for open or windy areas.
- 4Wall-mounted electric heaters are more effective than freestanding models because they direct heat downward at occupant level rather than radiating in all directions.
- 5Check clearance requirements — gas heaters typically require 0.5–1m clearance from any structure; electric infrared varies by model but requires adequate mounting height.
Top 6 Outdoor Living Picks for Australia
Heatstrip
Heatstrip Classic 2400W Wall Patio Heater
| Power | 2400W |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Mount | Wall or ceiling |
| Type | Infrared |
Pros
- Australian brand with AU customer service and warranty
- 2400W infrared for effective personal heating under pergola
- IP65 — suitable for exposed outdoor use
- Works during Total Fire Ban periods
Cons
- Requires 10A outlet or hardwiring
- Point-source heat — won't heat a large open area uniformly
Verdict
Australia's favourite patio heater brand — wall-mounted infrared that works during fire bans and covers 6m² effectively.
Gasmate
Gasmate Roma 13kW LPG Patio Heater
| Power | 13 kW |
| Fuel | LPG 9kg |
| Style | Freestanding mushroom |
| Certification | RCM |
Pros
- 13kW heats large open areas up to 25m²
- RCM certified for Australian LPG
- Freestanding — no installation needed
- Under AU$300 with cylinder compartment
Cons
- Prohibited during Total Fire Bans
- Requires regular LPG cylinder refills
Verdict
The Australian classic patio mushroom heater — freestanding 13kW LPG for large open outdoor areas.
Bromic
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric 2000W
| Power | 2000W |
| Type | Directional infrared |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Control | Remote |
Pros
- Australian brand used in commercial restaurants nationwide
- Directional heat focuses on occupants not empty space
- IP55 outdoor rated
- Remote control and timer included
Cons
- AU$500–AU$700 price point
- Requires hardwired installation for clean finish
Verdict
Premium Australian directional electric heater — commercial quality for residential outdoor entertaining.
Goldair
Goldair 2000W Infrared Outdoor Heater
| Power | 2000W |
| Brand | Goldair (Harvey Norman) |
| IP Rating | IP44 |
| Head | Adjustable tilt |
Pros
- Under AU$200
- Goldair brand available at Harvey Norman nationally
- 2000W suits covered outdoor entertaining
- Adjustable tilt head for directional heating
Cons
- Goldair quality below Heatstrip or Bromic
- IP44 only — not for exposed outdoor areas in rain
Verdict
Budget-friendly Australian brand infrared patio heater — widely available at Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi.
Various
Hanging Ceiling Gas Patio Heater 11kW
| Power | 11 kW |
| Fuel | LPG / natural gas |
| Mount | Ceiling hung |
| Install | Professional required |
Pros
- Ceiling mount keeps floor area free
- 11kW gas for strong outdoor heat output
- Natural gas or LPG options
- Architectural design suits pergola entertaining areas
Cons
- Requires professional installation (gas fitting + structural mount)
- Higher total install cost including labour
Verdict
Ceiling-mounted gas heater for commercial-style outdoor entertaining — strong heat without floor space.
Various
Bio-Ethanol Tabletop Outdoor Heater
| Fuel | Bio-ethanol |
| Style | Tabletop |
| Heat | Low (decorative) |
| Fire Ban | Generally compliant |
Pros
- No installation or gas connection required
- Works during Total Fire Bans in most states
- Decorative flame effect
- Under AU$150
Cons
- Low heat output — decorative more than functional heating
- Bio-ethanol fuel cost adds up with regular use
Verdict
Clean-burning tabletop heater for alfresco dining — no installation, no gas lines, fire ban compliant in most states.
Editor's Note
Bunnings and Harvey Norman both stock a reasonable range of Australian-certified patio heaters. Barbeques Galore has the widest range of premium gas options. Heatstrip is the domestic specialist brand for electric infrared patio heaters with consistent quality and good AU warranty support. For commercial applications (restaurants, cafes), Bromic is the professional standard.
Our Take
For most Australian suburban homes, a Heatstrip or similar wall-mounted 2400W electric infrared heater is the practical choice under a pergola — no gas connection needed, fire-ban compliant and lower running costs per hour than gas for targeted personal heating. For large open decks, an 11kW–13kW LPG mushroom heater is still the most effective solution despite the fire ban limitation.
Honourable Mentions
Rinnai Avenger 25 Gas Heater Outdoor
Rinnai's trusted Australian brand extends to outdoor heaters — strong dealer network and gas expertise.
Heatstrip 3600W Twin Element
Higher-power twin-element version for larger covered outdoor areas requiring more heat output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What patio heater is best for a covered Australian alfresco?
For covered alfresco areas (pergolas, verandas), an electric infrared heater like the Heatstrip Classic 2400W is recommended — it's RCM certified, works during Total Fire Bans and is more efficient under a roof than gas heaters which waste heat upward.
How much does a gas patio heater cost to run in Australia?
A 13kW LPG mushroom patio heater uses approximately 0.9 kg of LPG per hour. At AU$25–AU$30 for a 9 kg cylinder, that's about AU$2.50–AU$3.00 per hour. Electric infrared at 2400W costs approximately AU$0.72 per hour at AU$0.30/kWh.
Are gas patio heaters safe under a patio in Australia?
Gas patio heaters require adequate ventilation — they are not safe in enclosed spaces. Under an open pergola or roofed outdoor area with open sides, they are safe when used with the manufacturer's minimum clearance requirements. Check AU RCM certification on any gas heater.
What size patio heater do I need for my Australian outdoor area?
As a guide: 2400W electric infrared covers approximately 4–6m² effectively; 11–13kW gas mushroom covers up to 20–25m² of open outdoor space. Match heater output to your patio size and note that larger open areas lose heat rapidly in Australian wind.
Where can I buy patio heaters in Australia?
Harvey Norman, Bunnings, Barbeques Galore, JB Hi-Fi and Temple & Webster online all stock patio heaters. Barbeques Galore has the most specialist range and knowledgeable staff for gas models. Bunnings stocks entry-level electric options.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.