Most patios don’t have an outlet where you could connect an electric heater. If yours doesn’t, then you probably need one of the best kerosene heaters to make the patio a fantastic place to be instead.
If you’re looking to have a relaxing time at night, invite some friends over for a barbecue, or just share the night sky with your family – then nothing will help you withstand the cold like one of these heaters.
They come in all shapes and sizes, power levels, and safety features. But few of them are really worth the investment. Here, we want to show you some of those.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide with reviews with all the necessary info so you can pick a kerosene heater that works like a charm on your patio. Take a look!
Table of Contents
10 Best Kerosene Heaters for Patio Reviews 2022
After browsing through hundreds of heaters, getting the best inputs from experts, and considering their best and worst features at once – we found 10 models that were impossible to overlook. Here’s a bit more about each:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dyna-Glo KFA80DGD Delux Kerosene Air Heater | • Durable Construction • Straightforward Maintenance • Easy-to-Transport Design | |
 | Sengoku OR-77 HeatMate Omni-Radiant Kerosene Heater | • Large Tank • Practical Fuel System • Wind-Protected Burner | |
 | Pro-Temp PT-45-KFA Kerosene Forced Air Torpedo Heater | • Multi-Fuel System • Fast & Reliable Starts • Multiple BTU Options | |
 | Dura Heat DFA135C Kerosene Forced Air Heater | • Maximum Portability • LED Indicator • Multi-Fuel System | |
 | Sengoku CTN-110 KeroHeat Outdoor Portable Kerosene Heater | • Ideal for Small Patios • Easy to Fill Tank • One-Push Start Button | |
 | Mr. Heater MH75KTR Contractor Forced-Air Kerosene Heater | • Practical Multi-Fuel Tank • Utterly Resilient Build • Ideal for Large Areas | |
 | Remington REM-140T-KFA-O Heater | • Large Tank • Resilient Construction • Convenient Cart | |
 | STANLEY ST-80T-KFA Kerosene Forced Air Heater | • Straightforward Controls • Sturdy Materials • Ultra-Safe System | |
 | Avenger FBD125T Portable Kerosene Multi-Fuel Heater | • Practical Controls • Multi-Fuel System • Resilient Construction | |
 | Heatstar By Enerco F170375 Forced Air Kerosene Heater | • Super-Safe Build • Practical Design • Fast-Starting System |
1. Dyna-Glo KFA80DGD Delux Kerosene Air Heater
High power level to heat up large areas plus the ability to control the heat level conveniently, the Delux KFA80DGD from Dyna-Glo offers precisely that kind of experience.
It all starts with a gigantic power capacity of 80,000 BTU (also available in 50,000, 135,000, and 180,000 BTU). At 80K BTU, it can heat up areas of up to 1,900 square feet without problems. Whether indoors or outdoors, it reduces cold and increases coziness without a problem.
Then you get a Comfort Control Thermostat feature. It lets you set the ideal temperature depending on the place you’re at. But more importantly, it saves a lot of fuel in the process—no need to consume an entire kerosene tank when this heater can use only a little.
You also get a runtime fuel gauge that tells you when it’s time to refill, a pressure gauge for safety monitoring, and a practical handle on top for easy handling.
There’s nothing to dismiss about this heater. And for the price, it comes like a steal.
Top 3 Features
Durable Construction
Few kerosene heaters boast a motor with an aluminum casing. This one does. And that can make it last a lifetime.
Straightforward Maintenance
You won’t have to waste any time or effort when it comes to doing some upkeep. The quick-access combustion chamber and the motor save you up to 30% more time than typical heaters.
Easy-to-Transport Design
The top handle will make transport super easy. It works well with the built-in power cord wrap system. And with the wheelies on the largest models, bringing it around will be a pleasure.
What We Liked
- It is available in different BTU options
- Heats up large patios fast
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Can handle any environment
What We Didn’t Like
- Lacks wheels on its smallest designs
2. Sengoku OR-77 HeatMate Omni-Radiant Kerosene Heater
Ideal for creating a focal point, the HeatMate from Sengoku offers every feature necessary to improve your patio experience.
Thanks to its 10,000 BTU system, it can heat up an area as large as 380 square feet. That’s enough for getting rid of uncomfortable cold in a small patio.
Because it is small, it doesn’t take much space. You won’t have to make much of an effort to transport it around. At 15 by 15 inches in diameter plus 23 inches in height, the heater fits almost anywhere. This makes usage and storage a piece of cake.
You won’t have to worry about connecting it to the electricity either. It runs entirely on kerosene. And if you feel like it, adding a few batteries will make it radiate heat further – just in case.
Even operating the heater is a no-brainer. The automatic push-up ignition plus the EZ Flame Adjuster will help you get the most out of it with little effort.
It also comes with an automatic off switch for safety and a set of protective grills that prevents you from getting too close. It’s one of the best kerosene heaters.
Top 3 Features
Large Tank
At 1.2 gallons of total fuel capacity, this heater can handle 14 hours of continuous operation. With only one fill, it will last longer than any other.
Practical Fuel System
Refueling this heater won’t be a problem with the siphon pump it offers. And with an accurate fuel gauge, you won’t have an issue reading the fuel level when necessary.
Wind-Protected Burner
The wind-protected burner will prevent the flame from turning off even if there are strong winds outside.
What We Liked
- Delivers an accident-free experience
- Efficient combustion lasts 14 hours per tank
- Small design fits almost anywhere
- It is a piece of cake to operate
What We Didn’t Like
- Not recommended for large patios
3. Pro-Temp PT-45-KFA Kerosene Forced Air Torpedo Heater
Among the few brands that push the quality to whole new levels, we can find Pro-Temp. The Torpedo kerosene heater offers the chance to heat up over 1,100 square feet at once.
This is only possible with a 45,000 BTU output capacity. Thanks to its efficient kerosene system, this small forced-air heater can cozy up the patio in minutes.
Even though it heats up fast, the advantage comes from its ability to last 14 hours continuously. Thanks to a 5-gallon tank, the heater will work long hours with a single refill.
Another feature you can’t leave behind is the air-pressure gauge. You can check how much pressure it is producing, so you can adjust it as necessary.
And lastly, you get a practical handle on top that makes moving and transport a no-brainer. It doesn’t matter where you want to place it. This design will help you do so.
Top 3 Features
Multi-Fuel System
Another fantastic advantage of this heater is the capacity to work with both kerosene and diesel. You won’t have to worry if kerosene runs out as you can also use diesel.
Fast & Reliable Starts
Thanks to a reliable cold-start mechanism, you only need to push a button, and it will start heating up.
Multiple BTU Options
The PT-45-KFA offers 45,000 BTU. But you can also get its alternatives, offering up to 215,000 BTU so you can heat up an entire backyard if necessary.
What We Liked
- Has a large tank for long-lasting operation
- Makes transportation super-easy
- Works with different kinds of fuels
- It’s available in different BTU sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- Produces too much noise
4. Dura Heat DFA135C Kerosene Forced Air Heater
Powered up by kerosene but spreading the heat via forced air, the DFA135C from Dura Heat gets the job done like no other.
First thing you’ll notice is the practical RSG start system. This Ready, Set, Go function makes starting the heater super-easy. One touch will be enough to get it working.
Along with a fast start, you get a superb 135,000 BTU output. That’s enough to cover your entire patio, heating up a large area, and still have excess heat.
You won’t have to worry about its durability, either. It boasts a commercial-grade design and construction, including flat-free tires, sealed fan motor, and anti-corrosion metals all around, so you can make it work almost anywhere.
Don’t forget it also comes with a set of lift handles so you can move it and store it without making much of an effort.
And with the large fuel tank, you can operate it for several hours consistently.
Top 3 Features
Maximum Portability
With a cart-like base, you can move this heater around in the easiest of ways. Along with the top handle and the flat-free tires, you can enjoy next-level portability.
LED Indicator
In contrast with other models, this heater boasts a LED screen that displays the temperature and any diagnostic error on the job.
Multi-Fuel System
If you run out of kerosene, then you can always pour diesel or regular oil. The heater works like a charm either way.
What We Liked
- Ultra-fast starting system
- Ensures easy portability
- Has a long-lasting commercial build
- Delivers excellent output for its size
What We Didn’t Like
- Awkward location for refill cap
5. Sengoku CTN-110 KeroHeat Outdoor Portable Kerosene Heater
Looking for a radiant heater instead? Then you’ll love the CTN-110 KeroHeat from Sengoku.
As a radiant heater, it offers one of the most efficient performances on small patios. Especially with its 10,000 BTU output, you can heat up several hundred feet at once.
The KeroHeat offers another feature you won’t regret having – a 14-hour tank capacity. Yes, you can heat up an entire patio for 14 hours continuously, even though the tank is barely 1.2 gallons in size.
This is only possible thanks to the exceptional efficiency it offers, consuming way less kerosene than the typical heater. Even after several hours, you can expect the heater to get rid of the cold as if it were recently turned on.
Despite its already excellent design, it still offers several safety features like the Automatic Safety Shut Off and Safety Grills. Whether it is overheating or touching the heater by mistake, you’ll be safe from both.
Top 3 Features
Ideal for Small Patios
Because it is powered by kerosene only, it works neatly for hard-to-heat places. Place it on areas as large as 380-square feet, and it will work wonders.
Easy to Fill Tank
Another huge advantage you get with this heater is the straightforward tank design. Filling it won’t be much of a problem.
One-Push Start Button
Don’t want to waste any time turning the device on? Then you’ll love the fast-start system on this one. A single push will be enough to get it working.
What We Liked
- Small and easy to transport design
- Can heat up a place for 14 hours
- Comes with tons of safety features
- Works like a charm on small patios
What We Didn’t Like
- It’s not ideal for large areas
6. Mr. Heater MH75KTR Contractor Forced-Air Kerosene Heater
Want to heat up a large patio area? Then get the 75,000 BTU heater from Mr. Heater. This is a kerosene monster heater for anyone in search of high-output capacity.
This level of BTU is ideal for covering over 1,000 square feet. And with its large tank, it can offer up to 11 hours of consistent heating without a single refill.
But it is not only the large tank or the high-output system you’ll love. This heater is also amazingly durable and capable of working in extreme cold, thanks to the cold-weather start system.
You won’t be disappointed by its controls, either. It boasts a practical temperature dial, as well as a temperature and fuel gauge. The lighted ON/OFF switch adds up to how easy it is to use.
And lastly, you get a light switch and a 6-function LED Diagnostics system. Making sure this heater works well will be a no-brainer.
Top 3 Features
Practical Multi-Fuel Tank
If kerosene runs out, don’t worry. This heater also uses JP8, gas, diesel, and even standard fuel oil to start working.
Utterly Resilient Build
There’s nothing like a heavy-duty steel construction to make a product that lasts. This heater offers precisely that experience.
Ideal for Large Areas
At 75,000 BTU, the heater covers 1,875 square feet in just minutes. This is enough to make it work on the largest patios.
What We Liked
- Uses different types of fuel
- Offers decent output for the size
- Anyone can set it up & use
- Comes with a unique diagnostics function
What We Didn’t Like
- Produces a lot of kerosene odor
7. Remington REM-140T-KFA-O Heater
Reliability and tons of power, the REM-140T-KFA-O from Remington combines exceptional output with materials that last decades.
At first, you’ll enjoy the magnificent power output at 140,000 BTU. That should be enough to get a large patio of up to 3,500 square feet heated up. So it’s likely to work wonders on yours.
But despite its fantastic output, it still offers a safe experience. You get a 5-point safety system that prevents common accidents and damage. This will make it last longer while keeping everyone around safer.
Apart from that, it can work with kerosene, as well as Jet A or JP8 fuel, diesel, and more. The appliance is one of the most practical out there if you run out of fuel.
And that’s without mentioning the air pressure gauge, the fuel gauge, and a practical thermostat dial for easy temp changes. You’ll get the whole package for an accessible heating experience.
Top 3 Features
Large Tank
With 10 gallons of total fuel capacity, you can expect this 140,000 BTU monstrous appliance to last 10 hours.
Resilient Construction
Boasting steel components and body, this heater can withstand freezing environments for years. Even in the hardest of situations, it lasts decades.
Convenient Cart
Bringing this heater around will be a piece of cake with the large wheels and handles on the front and rear. And despite its power, it’s still decently small to fit even in the smallest garages.
What We Liked
- Works with multiple fuels
- Ensures effortless temperature changes
- Has a large and long-lasting fuel tank
- Unique 5-point safety system
What We Didn’t Like
- It produces loud noise
8. STANLEY ST-80T-KFA Kerosene Forced Air Heater
Designed for ventilated places, the ST-80T-KFA from Stanley is an almost perfect heater for patio and decks.
What sets it apart at first is the forced-air design. It will heat up the place even in the coldest areas without a problem. This matches well with the cold-start system, so you won’t have a problem turning it on, whatever the climate.
But if there’s something that makes it useful, then that’s the outstanding 80,000 BTU of power it offers. That’s enough to heat up places of up to 2,000 square feet in minutes. You’ll make the entire patio a lot cozier.
And if that wasn’t enough, you can still enjoy maximum portability. A built-in handle and a 28-pound of weight make it decently portable in most situations. It gets even better with the small design it offers, making it possible to store in sheds and garages with ease.
Top 3 Features
Straightforward Controls
Operating this appliance will be a no-brainer. The thermostat knob, power switch, fuel gauge, and pressure gauge – they’re all conveniently located for easy use.
Sturdy Materials
A steel construction will make it last a lifetime. You won’t have to worry about the machine wearing out because of too much heat or too much cold. It can withstand everything.
Ultra-Safe System
An automatic shut-off system plus a sealed electric motor, they ensure super-safe operation of this heater.
What We Liked
- Heats up a large area
- Boasts a small and practical design
- Anyone can set it up and use
- It’s super-safe to operate
What We Didn’t Like
- Warms up slowly
9. Avenger FBD125T Portable Kerosene Multi-Fuel Heater
If you’re looking for excellent portability, then you’ll love how well the FBD125T from Avenger performs. It makes the whole process of bringing the heater around a lot easier.
It all starts with large front wheels. Located opposite to the handles, they’re perfectly placed to ensure ease of movement. These wheels are entirely flat-free and will also work well on rugged terrain (so you can use the heater on any patio).
But it is not the wheel system that stands out the most about this heater. The real advantage comes from the 125,000 BTU of total heat capacity. That’s enough to cozy up places that reach -40 degrees Fahrenheit (even outdoors).
And lastly, you can enjoy the high-quality construction. This heater easily withstands the coldest temperatures, not only bringing some heat around but also working without corroding or wearing off.
Top 3 Features
Practical Controls
With a reliable thermostat control system and a convenient glow-plug ignition system, starting and configuring the heater will be a no-brainer.
Multi-Fuel System
You can use it with kerosene as well as diesel and even Jet fuel. The opportunities are endless, so you won’t have to stick with a cold patio.
Resilient Construction
You won’t have to worry about the paint wearing off as it uses black powder coating. And you won’t have to worry about the handles breaking either, as they’re made of heavy-duty steel.
What We Liked
- Has sturdy & practical wheels
- It is super-easy to operate
- Works with different fuel options
- Withstands freezing temperatures
What We Didn’t Like
- Moving it around can be tricky
10. Heatstar By Enerco F170375 Forced Air Kerosene Heater
Looking to heat up a large patio? Then no heater will help you like the F170375 from Heatstar. At 175,000 BTU, it will easily make your patio cozier even in the coldest of environments.
With this amount of BTU, you can cover areas of up to 4,250 square feet. That’s enough for most patios, especially small ones, which can heat up in 10 minutes or less.
Apart from its tremendous power, this system offers magnificent tank capacity and efficiency. At 10 gallons, the heater can heat up the place for 10 hours continuously. Whether it is a family reunion or just a relaxing Sunday night – this heater will not let you down.
This matches well with the capacity to work with kerosene 1 and 2 and diesel and even home-heating oil and Jet fuel. So there’s no excuse not to use this heater.
Top 3 Features
Super-Safe Build
This heater boasts an overheat shutdown system, preventing fires and increasing the lifespan of the piece. Add the enclosed motor for extra durability.
Practical Design
Coming with rear and front handles plus a pair of wheels, carrying, and transporting this heater around won’t be a problem.
Fast-Starting System
Thanks to a continuous ignition function plus the addition of a handy thermostat control, you can fire it up and start heating your patio in seconds.
What We Liked
- Works with different fuels
- Delivers tons of power for its size
- Can heat up for several hours
- Starts immediately with little effort
What We Didn’t Like
- Makes way too much noise
What to Look for When Buying Kerosene Heaters for the Patio
Buying a new kerosene heater to place on your patio may feel like an effortless experience. But in reality, you need to know precisely what you’re looking for. Otherwise, you may end up with a heater you don’t even like.
Below, we want to explain all the different factors that make a kerosene heater worth buying. Read this guide up and be prepared to get the ideal heater:
- Type of Kerosene Heater
Even though they all look similar, they actually work differently. And each type offers a different experience. So you must know how this difference plays out. Here, we explain that:
Forced Air
By burning up the kerosene (or any other fuel), the system starts to heat up and push hot air out. This happens thanks to a tube-like design with a fan on the back. While the bottom heats up the kerosene, the fan pushes the air out through the tube-like radiator.
Convection
Instead of using a fan that pushes air out, convection heaters pull air in. This air is heated up with the combustion of the kerosene. And then it is pushed out to heat up the place around.
Radiant
You could say a radiant heater is the combination of a forced-air model and a convection one. Instead of a cylindrical shape or a rounded lamp-like design, radiant heaters are rectangular. This helps them pump heat towards a specific location on a wide angle (not 360 degrees).
- BTU Output
Also known as the power output the heater can deliver in BTU (British Thermal Units), you need to go for the number that best meets your demands.
This is not easy to measure, though. But as a general guide, we recommend going for 10,000 BTU for every 300 square feet. A 100,000 BTU heater, for example, can keep a large patio cozy.
- Tank Size
Want the heater to heat up the place for several hours? Then you better pick something with at least 3 gallons of total kerosene capacity.
A 1-gallon tank is not bad, though. It may offer 4 to 8 hours of total heating. But that also means you’ll have to fill it up faster. And with a 10-gallon tank, you can expect over 10 hours without filling it up.
Be aware that the kerosene will run out faster, no matter the tank capacity, the higher the output or temperature you’re working at.
- Fueling Options
An excellent kerosene heater is one you can fill up with little effort. That’s why we recommend easy-access designs where you don’t need to make much of a struggle. With a large tank, this gets even easier.
Apart from how easy it is to fill up, we recommend models that can work with other fuels apart from kerosene. If the heater can work with gas, propane, or even diesel, then that’s a heater worth having.
- Portability
When it comes to getting a heater for your patio, nothing beats a highly portable design. That’s why going for a powerful but small model is always the way to go.
Yet, it is not only about size but about the features that allow easy portability. For example, a top handle so you can carry the piece easily is an excellent addition. The same happens with wheels or cart-like bases, so you can move the heater even more quickly.
Apart from that, consider how easy it is to store. You want something that fits in your garage, closet, or patio shed.
- Safety Features
Even though most heaters are relatively safe for most people, you should still consider a few features that make them safer, such as:
- Overheat Protection
- Anti-Tip Over Switch
- Pressure & Temperature Gauges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While the guide is comprehensive and our reviews are pretty detailed, there is still a thing or two we didn’t talk about. In this section, we want to talk about those things and possibly respond to any doubt you may have:
How does a kerosene heater work?
The way a kerosene heater produces heat is not a mystery. But it can be somewhat complicated for most people at first. To give you a better idea, here’s a step-by-step process:
- It all starts with the kerosene on the fuel tank. This tank connects to the burner, which usually has a wick made of cotton and/or fiberglass.
- When the user opens the fuel dial and turns the ignition on, this wick combusts, burning the kerosene on the tank and lighting up the burner.
- Here, the user can adjust the heat level using an air system that controls how much kerosene goes into the burner. The more air there is, the more kerosene will burn – so the more heat will be created.
- This heat transfers around either by using internal fans that push it out or with metals that radiate the heat. This happens once the burner is turned on.
As you can see, it is not rocket science. But still a bit complicated if you don’t know much about it.
Are kerosene heaters dangerous?
Yes, of course, a kerosene heater is dangerous. But with proper safety precautions, there shouldn’t be a problem. Here are a few safety tips to consider:
- Place the heater away from flammable objects.
- Don’t touch the heater when the burner is on.
- Try refilling the tank outdoors to prevent indoor spillage.
- Keep it away from children and pets.
- Store the heater after draining the tank.
- Don’t use them in small rooms.
These are general safety tips to follow. If you want even more safety, read the instructions of the heater before using it.
Is it safe to fall asleep with a kerosene heater on?
While a kerosene heater is generally safe if it is located in the right place, it is still not recommended to sleep with one of them on. The carbon monoxide from burning kerosene can be hazardous, especially in enclosed spaces like bedrooms.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen the best kerosene heaters for the patio, it is time to make your last pick.
This won’t be easy, especially considering the quality of all the models available. But if you pay attention to your buying guide and read our reviews thoroughly, it won’t be much of a problem either. So, what are you waiting for?