Patio Heater vs Space Heater: Which One Should You Buy?

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The quick answer

Patio heater: an outdoor heater, usually propane, that throws radiant heat over a patio, deck or backyard seating area. Space heater: a heater for a room or a sheltered space, which can be a portable propane unit rated for indoor use. The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is the crossover here: designed and approved for indoor and outdoor use, heating up to approximately 225 square feet. The Mr. Heater tank-top, the Pamapic pyramid and the hykolity pyramid are outdoor-only.

Patio heater vs space heater: the real difference

Location is the whole argument. Patio heaters are built for open air: the Pamapic and hykolity pyramid towers stand 89 and 90 in tall on a patio or deck, running on a standard 20 lb propane tank, with wheels for moving between spots. Space heaters are built for rooms: the Portable Buddy sits on the floor at 7.7 by 13.4 by 15 in and heats a defined area. Putting an outdoor-only heater in a room is dangerous; the listings say so plainly.

Fuel follows location. All four of these are propane, but only the Portable Buddy carries an indoor approval with a low oxygen safety system. The tank-top Mr. Heater is outdoor use only, and both pyramid towers are outdoor. Propane needs ventilation; the indoor-rated unit has the shutoff systems for it, the others do not claim it.

Output is the third difference. The Portable Buddy gives 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour for up to 225 square feet. The tank-top gives 45,000, 36,000 or 30,000 BTU on high, medium and low. The Pamapic gives 42,000 BTU over up to 175 square feet and a 15 ft diameter. The hykolity gives 48,000 BTU. Bigger output suits open air, where heat escapes; smaller, controlled output suits a room.

The gear: four heaters that show the range

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy. The indoor-approved pick: 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour of radiant heat, designed and approved for indoor and outdoor use, heating up to approximately 225 square feet. A low oxygen safety system, piezo ignition, and run times of 5.4 hours on low and 2.4 hours on high from a 1 lb propane cylinder. At 7.1 lb with a 1-year limited warranty. The listing notes that unauthorized accessories void the warranty and may cause serious injury.

Mr. Heater MH540T tank top. The big outdoor pick: a 45,000 BTU tank-top radiant heater that mounts directly on a 20 lb propane tank, with high, medium and low settings at 45,000, 36,000 and 30,000 BTU. A 360-degree burner, tip-over safety shut-off switch, match-lit ignition, and about 9.5 hours of run time on high from a 20 lb tank. Outdoor use only. At 5.6 lb with a 1-year limited warranty.

Pamapic 89 in pyramid patio heater. The statement piece: an 89.4 in propane flame tower with a quartz glass tube, rated at 42,000 BTU, heating up to 175 square feet and a 15 ft diameter. Triple safety protection: tip-over auto shut-off, flame-failure protection and overheat guard. Wheels, a fade-resistant cover, pulse ignition and a side-access door for the 20 lb tank. At 61.7 lb. Outdoor use only.

Hykolity 48,000 BTU pyramid patio heater. The high-output tower: 48,000 BTU with a variable heat setting, standing 90 in tall with a glass tube flame, on a 20 lb propane tank for 8 to 10 hours of run time. Anti-tilt safety shutoff, electronic ignition, two wheels and a waterproof cover. Outdoor use only. The listing offers free exchange for quality problems within the warranty.

How to choose

Start with the room or the lack of one. Heating a patio, deck or backyard: the pyramid towers or the tank-top, all outdoor-only propane with serious output. Heating a garage, cabin room or tent: the Portable Buddy, the only one here approved for indoor use, with its low oxygen safety system.

Then the tank. The Portable Buddy runs on 1 lb cylinders at 5.4 hours on low and 2.4 hours on high. The other three run on standard 20 lb propane tanks: about 9.5 hours on high for the tank-top, 8 to 10 hours for the hykolity. Bigger tank, longer evenings, more hauling.

Then the safety fine print. Tip-over shutoff appears on the tank-top, the Pamapic and the hykolity; the Pamapic adds flame-failure and overheat protection. The Portable Buddy adds the low oxygen system that makes indoor use possible. Never use an outdoor-only heater indoors, and keep every heater clear of anything that burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a patio heater indoors?

No, unless it is rated for it. The Pamapic, hykolity and Mr. Heater tank-top are all outdoor use only. The Portable Buddy is designed and approved for indoor and outdoor use.

What is the difference between the two pyramid heaters?

The Pamapic is 89.4 in with 42,000 BTU, 175 square feet of coverage and triple safety protection. The hykolity is 90 in with 48,000 BTU, a variable heat setting and 8 to 10 hours of run time. Both run on 20 lb propane tanks with wheels and covers.

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last?

The tank-top runs about 9.5 hours on high; the hykolity runs 8 to 10 hours. The Portable Buddy runs 5.4 hours on low and 2.4 hours on high from a 1 lb cylinder.

Which is best for a small patio?

The Portable Buddy suits small spaces at up to 225 square feet and works indoors or out. The pyramid towers suit larger patios at 175 square feet of coverage each, outdoor only.

Do these need electricity?

No. All four are propane powered. The Pamapic uses pulse ignition and the hykolity electronic ignition; the tank-top is match lit and the Buddy uses piezo ignition.

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