Patio Heater Gas vs. Electric: What's the Best Choice in 2026?

"Should I get a gas patio heater or an electric one?" It's the most common question we get. And the honest answer is: it depends on your situation. In this article, we'll compare both options fairly — with real cost calculations and practical advice.

Gas patio heater: how does it work?

A gas patio heater runs on propane or butane gas from a gas cylinder. The gas is burned, and the heat is radiated downwards or sideways via a reflector. The most well-known variant is the "mushroom" — the tall, freestanding gas heater you often see on restaurant patios.

Advantages of gas

• Large heating range: a powerful gas heater can heat a radius of 3–5 meters
• No power connection needed: ideal for locations without electricity
• Portable: you can easily move the heater
• Powerful: gas heaters generally produce more heat than smaller electric models

Disadvantages of gas

• Not suitable under covered areas: combustion gases (including CO) can accumulate — highly dangerous
• Gas cylinders: need to be replaced regularly, cost €15–25 per cylinder
• Higher running costs: gas is more expensive per hour than electricity
• Less control: limited temperature control (usually on/off or low/high)
• Emissions: CO2 and other combustion gases
• Maintenance: burners, gas connections, and ignition require periodic maintenance
• Wind sensitive: the flame can go out in strong winds

Electric patio heater: how does it work?

An electric patio heater (infrared) converts electricity into infrared radiation. This radiation directly heats people and objects within its range — not the air. The heater is connected to a standard power outlet.

Advantages of electric

• Safe under covered areas: no combustion gases
• No gas cylinders: always heat, as long as there is power
• Precise control: up to 9 heat settings, app control, timers
• Lower running costs: electricity is cheaper per hour than gas
• Sustainable: no direct emissions
• Low maintenance: no burners, no gas connections
• Instant heat: no warm-up time

Disadvantages of electric

• Power connection needed: you need an electrical outlet nearby
• Smaller range on open patios: in an unsheltered spot, the range is more limited than gas
• Less portable: fixed mounting (unless you use a freestanding pole)

Comparing the costs fairly

Let's compare the costs for an entire season.

Cost calculation for a gas patio heater

Assumptions:

• Gas heater on propane (5 kg cylinder at €17)
• Consumption: ±500 grams/hour at average power
• Usage: 3 evenings per week, 3 hours per evening
• Season: 30 weeks (September to April)

Cost calculation for an electric patio heater

Assumptions:

• 2500W heater at an average of 70% power (1,750W)
• Electricity price: €0.30/kWh
• Usage: 3 evenings per week, 3 hours per evening
• Season: 30 weeks

The difference

Over one season, you save more than €300 in running costs with electric compared to gas. Over 5 years, that's more than a €1,500 difference. So, the higher purchase price of an electric heater pays for itself within the first season.

When gas is the better choice

We're honest: there are situations where gas is the better option.

Choose gas if:

• You have a large, completely open patio without a roof
• There is no power connection available and it cannot be installed
• You want to move the heater regularly to different locations
• You are organizing an event or party in a location without power

When electric is the better choice

Choose electric if:

• You have a canopy, veranda, or covered patio (mandatory — gas is not safe here)
• You have a power connection or can have one installed
• You want the heater in a fixed spot
• You value temperature control and smart functions
• You want to keep running costs low
• You want to heat sustainably

The hybrid solution

Some people combine both: an electric heater under the covered area for daily use, and a portable gas heater for the open part of the garden for special occasions. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a gas patio heater be used under a covered area?

No, that is not advisable and in many cases even violates safety regulations. During combustion, gases (including CO) are released which can accumulate under a covered area. Always use an electric heater under a covered area.

Which one is quieter?

An electric patio heater is completely silent. A gas heater produces a soft burner sound.

Which one lasts longer?

Both will last for years with proper use. An electric heater has fewer wear-prone parts (no burner, no gas connection), so its lifespan is generally longer.

Is an electric patio heater strong enough?

Yes. A modern 2500W infrared heater comfortably heats a covered area of 10–12 m². Under a covered area, electric is at least as effective as gas, because the heat isn't blown away.

Can I trade in my gas patio heater?

You can always switch from gas to electric. You'll recoup your investment through lower running costs. You can give your old gas heater a second life via Marktplaats or a thrift store.

Our recommendation

For 90% of Dutch patios — with a canopy or veranda — an electric infrared patio heater is the best choice. Safer, cheaper to use, more precisely controllable, and more sustainable. The only situation where gas is truly better is on a large open patio without electricity.

Undecided? Start with electric. Chances are, you'll never want to go back to gas.

Ready to make the switch? View our complete range on Tuinverwarming.com. From entry-level models to premium smart heaters — we have the right patio heater for every situation.