Best Umbrella Patio Heater
After a thorough review of the Umbrella Patio Heater market, we have determined that the AZ Patio Heaters umbrella heater is the best umbrella patio heater, given its features list, price point, and warranty.
It offers 1,500 watts of directed infrared heat, is water resistant, easy to use, and is covered under AZ Patio Heaters’ 1-year warranty. It also hits a great price point.
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a complete review of this parasol heater, please see our Product Reviews section below.
Runner Up Best Patio Umbrella Heater
Following close to the AZ Patio Heaters unit mentioned above is our second choice, the Fire Sense Electric Umbrella Heater. This heater functions very similarly to the AZ Patio Heaters unit, with three 500 watt blades for a total of 1,500 watts of directed heat. These units fold down for storage and are easy to install and remove.
They are also covered under a 1-year warranty by Fire Sense, which is a help. The price point is not as attractive as the AZ Patio Heaters price point, hence our choice as a runner-up.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a complete review of this outdoor umbrella heater, please see our Product Reviews section below.
Umbrella Heater Buyer’s Tips
Umbrella patio heaters are a clever solution to small-scale outdoor heating needs. Like virtually all electric patio heaters, they can put out 1,500 watts of infrared heat (5,100 BTU), which is not a whole lot, but enough to heat a small area. These heaters only need to heat those around a patio umbrella and table, which is a contained environment.
Additionally, the parasol above helps hold in a bit of the heat. The expectations of these heaters are scaled down compared to what people often expect from electric patio heaters, and these are much better at actually meeting the expectations of those using them.
If you’re looking for general patio heating ideas and information, be sure to check out our guide to patio heating for inspiration!
Umbrella Heater Output
These umbrella patio heaters work pretty well, and many will find them an asset that will help keep the patio occupied well into the fall. However, they are nowhere near as powerful as a propane heater, which typically puts out 20,000-40,000 BTU of heat. These 1,500-watt patio heaters put out about 5,100 watts of heat, or about 1/4 the amount of heat that a propane heater would put out.
How Well Do Infrared Patio Table Heaters Work?
These units are quite useful in many cases. While we typically prefer freestanding gas patio heaters to electric free standing patio heaters, we feel that these umbrella patio heaters definitely have a use case. Infrared radiant heat does not heat the air, but rather heats the objects in front of it, directly.
Electric patio heaters provide infrared radiant heat to those directly in front of the heater, in about a 3-4′ area. This almost exactly describes the environment around a patio umbrella table, and consequently, these work well in that environment.
In general, these patio heaters will keep you outside in the 50’s and 60’s, assuming there isn’t too much wind. If the temperatures dip down into the mid-40s and below, you will probably find that they don’t supply enough heat to keep you comfortable.
Umbrella Patio Heater Product Reviews
In this section, we will look at several umbrella heaters, compare their features, brands, price points, and advantages, and pick our favorites.
1. AZ Patio Heaters Electric Patio Heater, Parasol
AZ Patio Heaters is one of the top brands in outdoor heating, and they offer a wide array of good quality gas patio heaters and electric outdoor heaters. The AZ Patio Heaters Electric Parasol Heater is no exception, featuring the traditional 3-bladed design and 1,500 watts of heat.
These units function quite well at heating the area around a patio table and can fold down to allow the umbrella to be closed at the end of the evening.
Key Points at a Glance
- 1,500 watt, 5100 BTU umbrella electric heater
- Uses typical 110v outlet
- Heats up to 15 sf
- IP Certified Waterproof Housing
- Can be clamped without removing the pole from base
- Fits 1.25″ – 2.25″ umbrella shafts
- 1 Year warranty
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 40″ x 40″ x 6″
- Weight: 10.8lbs
- Cord Length: 8′
The Details
The AZ Patio Heaters patio umbrella heater consists of three heating element “blades” that function together to heat the area underneath a patio umbrella. Each blade provides 500 watts of heat, for a total of 1,500 watts.
To install, simply open the clamp in the umbrella heater, slide the heater around the pole where you want it to sit, place the piece back into the heater, and clamp closed. This unit does not need to slide all the way up from the bottom of the pole.
When you’re done for the evening, you can fold the arms down to enable the umbrella to be closed.
We should note that the hinge where the blades fold down is a fragile spot, and users should be gentle when folding the blades down. If the unit is going to break, the hinges are a likely spot of breakage, so be careful.
It is best to keep 2-3′ of clearance between the umbrella and the heater for safety. For most users, this will position the heater about 5-6′ up on the shaft, resulting in being positioned just above eye level, and in a good position to keep those around the table nice and warm.
The cord is about 8′ long, and depending on the width of your umbrella hole opening, and of your patio umbrella pole diameter, you may be able to squeak the cord down through the umbrella hole, in line with the pole. You can then plug it in below, though you’ll need to use a heavy duty outdoor extension cord if you want to run it any distance.
These pole heaters can be installed without an umbrella — they clamp to any pole or shaft, and should you want to, you could attach a length of shaft to a ceiling, and attach the umbrella heater to that.
They are quite flexible in this regard, and you can get creative with how you mount them, depending on your environment. You can even take these heaters inside when you’re done on the patio, as they are safe for both indoor and outdoor use!
The Bottom Line
The AZ Patio Heaters Umbrella Patio Heater works very well and is an outstanding product. The price is good, AZ Patio Heaters is a strong brand, and this product comes with a 1-year warranty, which gives some additional peace of mind.
The AZ Patio Heaters brand, coupled with the addition of the warranty, makes this our choice for the best umbrella patio heater available.
- Electric heater for umbrellas. Heats Up to 15 SQ FT
- Indoor and Outdoor Use
- 1500 Watts Made of Stainless Steel. Provides Instant Heat
- Variable temperature control
- IP Certified Water Proof
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Fire Sense Indoor/Outdoor Infrared Heater with Patio Umbrella Pole Attachment
The Fire Sense Infrared Patio Umbrella Heater has the traditional 3 blade design, with three 500 watt heaters, putting out a total of 1,500 watts, or 5,100 BTU of heat to those seated directly below.
With a clamp on design and fold down blades, this patio umbrella heater is easy to install and use, works well and takes the chill off when needed.
Key Points at a Glance
- Has 3 500 watt heaters, for a total of 1,500 watts of power (or 5,100 BTU)
- Uses standard 110v electric plug
- Fits standard patio umbrella poles 1.5″ – 2″
- Clamps to the umbrella shaft without the need to remove the shaft from base
- Covered under a 1 Year Warranty
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 39″ x 4″ x 3.3″
- Weight: 7.9lbs
- Power Cord Length: 8′
The Details
Fire Sense is another popular brand of patio heater, though perhaps less well known than AZ Patio Heaters. This heater offers the typical 1,500-watt power output, divided into three 500 watt blades which can be turned on and off independently. Unless you’re only looking for a little heat, typically you’ll be running all three blades at once, as these units just don’t put off a ton of heat even in the best conditions.
To install this heater, you remove a little wedge from the side of the unit. This creates a U shape, which can slide around the umbrella pole at the height you wish. You then reinsert the wedge and clamp the heater closed around the pole.
When you’re done using the heater, you can fold down the blades, as shown in the picture. Alternately, you can disconnect it from the pole and bring it inside to warm the garage or workshop, as these will function both indoor and outdoor!
8′ of power cord is included, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to run the cord down through the same hole as the patio umbrella, to plug it in under the table. If not, you’ll have to run the cord over the table, which is a bit awkward. If you want to use an extension cord, be sure to get a heavy duty outdoor extension cord capable of handling the load.
The Bottom Line
The Fire Sense parasol heater works well, and provides modest heat to those underneath its glow when the weather is not freezing cold. If these are your expectations, this unit will meet them. The price point is pretty close to the AZ Patio Heaters unit discussed above, and this also comes with a 1-year warranty.
We like the looks of the AZ Patio Heater slightly more, but these two are very close competitors.
- Attaches to any standard patio table umbrella center pole
- Indoor/outdoor infrared heater produces no harmful UV rays
- Silent operation and full heat output within seconds
- Powered by standard household outlet; infrared heat unaffected by wind
- Measures 39 by 4 by 3.3 inches; weighs 8 pounds
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Nomura NPO-15L05 Under-Umbrella Electric Patio Heater, 1500-watt Foldable Arms
The Nomura NP0 1,500 watt three blade umbrella heater has a slightly different aesthetic from the other units on our list. It’s a bit more bulbous and angular, in a way we can’t say we love. The specs, however, are quite similar. 1,500 watts or about 5,100 BTU of heat is projected in total through the three blades.
Key Points at a Glance
- 3 heaters, each 500 watts, for a total of 1,500 watts of heat
- Can be clamped onto umbrella shaft without removing umbrella from base
- Water resistant housing
- Arms fold closed
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 45″ x 45″ x 7″
- Weight: 11lbs
The Details
The Nomura electric umbrella heater works well and has essentially the same specs as the other units on our list. Though the Nomura brand has been around since 2002, it is certainly not as well known as Yescom, Fire Sense, or AZ Patio Heaters.
Still, this unit works well enough to heat an area around a patio table, in a similar fashion to the other units on our list.
The Nomura clamps to the patio umbrella pole in the usual fashion: remove the wedge, slip the U shaped portion of the heater around the umbrella pole, reinsert the wedge, and clamp closed. No need to slide the unit up from the bottom of the pole or anything.
Each of the heaters functions independently with a switch, though typically users will want all three heaters to be on at once. When you’re headed inside, you can fold down the heater for storage under the umbrella canopy. In fact, you can take this unit inside to use as well, as it is safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Bottom Line
There isn’t a whole lot of compelling reason to purchase these units over the competition. The price is no better than the competition, the features list is similar to worse, and the brand recognition on Nomura is lacking.
Unless these units are the only heaters available, or they’re on super sale, we would suggest you check out one of the other brands.
- Attaches to almost any size patio umbrella without removing the umbrella...
- Each of the three elements functions independently to provide directional...
- Arms fold closely to the umbrella pole for easy storage – heat...
- IPX4 allows for year-round Operation
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Yescom 1500W Folding Umbrella Electric Patio Space Heater for Indoor or Outdoor Gazebo Cafe Parasol Canopy Use
The Yescom 1,500 watt folding umbrella patio heater works in a similar way to the other heaters on our list. It features three 500 watt blades, for a total of 1,500 watts of directed heat, or 5,100 BTU of heat capacity.
Key Points at a Glance
- Three 500 watt heaters, for a total of 1,500 watts of heat
- Standard 110v plug
- Folds closed when not in use
- Fits standard umbrella poles from 1 1/4″ to 2 3/8″ (30-60mm)
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 40″ x 40″ x 3 3/8″
- Weight: 8lbs
- Power Cord Length: 8′
The Details
Yescom is a popular brand of patio products, selling umbrellas, umbrella lights, umbrella heaters, and other patio products. Unlike Fire Sense and AZ Patio Heaters, Yescom sells several different products in the patio, lawn, and garden space. We generally prefer that the heaters be made by companies who are experts in patio heat, as opposed to general patio products companies.
These units are pretty flexible, and can be used both indoors and outdoors, with or without an umbrella present. Typically they would be mounted under an umbrella canopy, but they can be mounted in a variety of ways. For example, shown above is an image of the heater mounted to the ceiling with a pole.
This unit has the typical clamp-on design common to patio umbrella heaters. To install, remove the wedge, slip the rest of the heater around the umbrella at the appropriate height, replace the wedge, and clamp closed. The heater will fit most common umbrella shaft sizes.
Included in the package is 8′ of cord, which can be run down the shaft and (hopefully) through the patio umbrella table hole. If yours fits through, you can plug it in underneath the table. If not, you’ll need to run it over the table, which is a bit awkward. Should you need an extension cord, be sure to get a heavy duty outdoor extension cord capable of handling the load these put out.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Yescom heater works well and functions similar to the other units on this list. However, the price point it hits is less than ideal and is not really a compelling purchase relative to the other heaters found here.
Unless it is on a significant sale, we would recommend buyers consider a different unit.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Dimplex PUH1500 Electric Radiant Parasol Patio Heater
The Dimplex 1,500 watt electric radiant parasol heater follows the familiar design we have seen here, with three blades, each supplying 500 watts of heat. The build quality on these units is high, with a stainless steel finish that looks great.
Key Points at a Glance
- 3 heaters supplying a total of 1,500 watts of infrared heat (5,100BTU)
- Uses standard 110v plug
- Can be attached to most any umbrella pole without removing from base
- Each element functions separately
- Folds down when not in use
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 22.7″ x 13.5″ x 12.5″
- Weight: 11.5lbs
The Details
Dimplex is a manufacturer of a variety of electric heating units, from fireplaces to portable heaters to industrial heaters. While they are not a large name in the patio heating space, unlike AZ Patio Heaters or Fire Sense, Dimplex is a very large manufacturer of commercial heating products, and this unit is no exception to their quality standards.
This unit has two switches and allows for either 1 blade to be on, two blades to be on, or all three blades to be on. This enables users to easily configure their heating needs. However, our guess is that most will simply leave all three blades on when needed.
These units have the typical clamp-on attachment system, allowing the heater to be installed without needing to remove the umbrella pole from the base or table. Users simply attach the heater where it is needed, and when done, simply fold down the blades for storage.
The Bottom Line
The Dimplex electric umbrella heater works quite well and looks nice. It has similar features to the other units on our list, and the Dimplex name is a solid one (if not as well known on the consumer end).
The price point this 1,500-watt heater hits is not ideal, compared to some of the other units on our list, so it is not one of our top picks. If it is on sale, it may be an excellent choice for many buyers.
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