Which wattage patio heater should you choose? The complete guide

Buying a patio heater might seem straightforward at first glance, but choosing the right wattage is essential. It makes the difference between sitting comfortably warm outside or having to go back inside. Additionally, you naturally want to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

If you choose a patio heater with too little power, you'll remain cold. If you opt for a model that's too powerful, you'll consume more electricity or gas than necessary. In this blog, we'll explain step-by-step which wattage patio heater best suits your situation – whether you have a balcony, veranda, canopy, or open patio.

Why is the wattage of a patio heater so important?

The wattage determines how much heat an electric patio heater or outdoor heat lamp emits. The higher the wattage, the more heat, but this impacts several important factors:

How quickly it heats up
A higher wattage ensures you reach a comfortable temperature faster, ideal for spontaneous outdoor moments.

The size of the heated area
More power means you can heat a larger area. This is especially important for verandas and canopies.

The energy consumption per hour
A more powerful heater consumes more electricity. Therefore, it's important to choose just enough power, without unnecessary consumption.

Suitability for your situation
Is the space sheltered or open? Is it often windy? These are determining factors for the correct wattage.

The larger the space and the more wind, the higher the required wattage.

1200 Watt patio heater – ideal for small, sheltered spaces

A 1200 watt patio heater is very suitable for:

• Small balconies

• Sheltered corners

• Small verandas without wind

This power is energy-efficient and has low hourly costs. Additionally, 1200 watt models are often compact and light, making them perfect as a hanging patio heater or wall-mounted model. For larger or open spaces, this power is usually insufficient.

View all models:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/1200-watt-terrasverwarmer

1500 Watt patio heater – the popular all-rounder

The 1500 watt patio heater is one of the most chosen options for private use. It offers an excellent balance between heat and energy consumption.

Suitable for:

• Medium-sized balconies

• Small to medium-sized canopies

• Verandas

As an electric veranda heater, 1500 watts is a very reliable choice. Many popular models are available as an Eurom patio heater or Heatix heater.

Discover the range:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/1500-watt-terrasverwarmer

1800 Watt patio heater – just that extra power

If you have a bit more space or are not fully sheltered from the wind, 1800 watts is a smart choice. This power is ideal for:

• Semi-open patios

• Canopies with open sides

• Use as an electric canopy heater

You will notice that the space heats up faster and more evenly.

View all options:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/1800-watt

2000 Watt patio heater – powerful and reliable

A 2000 watt patio heater is often used as the main heating for verandas and canopies. This power is suitable for:

• Medium-sized verandas

• Larger canopies

• Intensive use in spring and autumn

Thanks to its rapid heat emission and good distribution, this is a very comfortable solution.

View the offer:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/2000-watt

2100 Watt patio heater – extra comfort at lower temperatures

If you want to sit comfortably outside even on colder evenings, 2100 watts is an excellent choice. This power is suitable for:

• Larger verandas

• Luxury outdoor heating

• Canopies with light wind

The extra heat significantly increases seating comfort.

View the models:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/2100-watt

2500 Watt patio heater – powerful electric heating

The 2500 watt patio heater is among the most powerful electric options and is often chosen as an alternative to a gas patio heater.

Ideal for:

• Large verandas

• Spacious canopies

• Use in autumn and winter

You get a lot of heat without the hassle of gas bottles and extra maintenance.

Discover the 2500 watt models:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/2500-watt-terrasverwarmer

3000 Watt patio heater – maximum heat for large spaces

A 3000 watt patio heater is suitable for:

• Large, open patios

• Hospitality use

• Spaces with a lot of wind

Note that these models often require three-phase power. Consumption is higher, but this is offset by maximum heat.

View the range:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/3000-watt

Electric patio heater or gas?

An electric patio heater offers instant heat, is more efficient for targeted use, and does not require gas bottles. This makes electric the best choice for verandas and canopies.

Gas patio heaters provide a lot of heat, but are less efficient, require more maintenance, and have higher running costs.

For most situations, a freestanding electric patio heater or wall-mounted model is the most practical solution.

Conclusion: which wattage patio heater is right for you?

• Balcony or small patio: 1200 – 1500 watts

• Veranda or small canopy: 1500 – 2000 watts

• Medium-sized canopy: 2000 – 2500 watts

• Large or open patio: 2500 – 3000 watts

View the complete range of patio heaters:
https://tuinverwarming.com/collections/terrasverwarmers