How Much Does a Patio Heater Cost to Rent or Buy?

By Geoffrey Sperring

June 28, 2025

You enjoy entertaining on the patio but find it difficult to keep the area warm and comfortable during chilly weather. You're thinking of investing in outdoor heating but aren't sure whether it's better to rent heat lamps or splurge and buy a patio heater.

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On Average, How Much Does It Cost to Rent Heat Lamps or Patio Heaters?

Outdoor heater rental offers an affordable way to warm outside areas when hosting an event or entertaining family and friends during cooler times of year. On average, the cost of renting a patio heater is between $50 and $100 (CAD 70 and CAD 141) per day, but there's usually a discount for longer rentals.

Patio heater rental costs vary depending on your location and the time of year. You'll normally pay about $60 (CAD 84) per day for mushroom-style propane patio heaters. Infrared electric heaters are slightly more expensive at around $70 (CAD 98), while other items such as portable gas fire pits cost about $150 (CAD 211) per day. You can often rent these heaters from local event, party and entertainment rental companies, and most offer a discount if you rent for a longer period.

Additional Costs to Consider

While heater rental is convenient, you'll usually have to pay a delivery fee. Additionally, you need to get propane tanks from the rental company, and they may charge a bit more than propane suppliers.

How Much Does It Cost to Purchase a Patio Heater?

The price of patio heaters largely depends on the type of unit and fuel. Generally, patio heaters cost between $100 and $400 (CAD 141 and CAD 562), while the cost of wall-mounted heaters is significantly higher at around $1,500 (CAD 2,108) or more.

Propane Patio Heaters

Propane heaters are popular because of their high heat output. They're not suitable for indoor events because they must be used in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, tall mushroom heaters may be a fire risk in spaces with low ceilings. Propane heater prices vary from $47 (CAD 66) for a stainless steel standing model to $1,852 (CAD 2,603) for a high-end pyramid/flame style unit.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric patio heaters primarily use infrared elements to warm you directly. Prices for electric heaters vary from $150 to $600 (CAD 211 to CAD 843). These heaters are safe for use in both enclosed and indoor areas.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Like propane heaters, natural gas units are powerful, but they must be professionally installed. They're available in tower or ceiling-mounted versions. Prices range from $400 to $3,500 (CAD 562 to CAD 4,920).

Wood Patio Heaters

Portable wood-burning fire pits have terrific ambiance, although they're more suitable for use with small groups who can gather close to the warmth. Wood-burning fire pits range in price from $99 to $700 (CAD 138 to CAD 984).

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What Are the Different Types of Patio Heaters — and How Much Do They Cost?

When buying or renting a heating appliance, it's crucial to consider the area you want to heat, its location and how much the heater costs to run.

Common Types of Patio Heaters

Outdoor patio heaters are more powerful than models designed for use indoors. You can choose from two main types: Propane or natural gas versions warm the air directly, while the electric models uses infrared heating to warm you. Popular styles of patio heaters include:

Mushroom Patio Heaters

Shaped like a tall mushroom, this type of heater normally uses propane and has a powerful burner under its mushroom top. These heaters are extremely popular for warming outdoor entertainment areas.

These types of heaters can cover between 700 and 1,200 square feet. Expect to pay $200 to $500 (CAD 281 to CAD 702) for one.

Standing Pyramid Tower Patio Heaters

With a shape like an elongated pyramid, these heaters are both aesthetically pleasing and effective. They may be powered by propane or electricity. Propane versions have the same heating capabilities as mushroom heaters, while the less-powerful electric models are more suitable for heating sheltered areas.

You can find these models for $300 to $800 (CAD 421 to CAD 1,124).

Outdoor Tabletop Portable Propane Heaters

These smaller heaters can be safely used on a table. Tabletop heaters are often smaller versions of pyramid or mushroom-style units.

Tabletop propane patio heaters are relatively cheap. You can find them for $100 to $250 (CAD 140 to CAD 351).

Electric Infrared Heat Outdoor Lamps and Heaters

Electric radiant and infrared heaters have relatively limited heating ranges. Ceiling- and wall-mounted models are available, as well as freestanding and tower versions.

Prices vary based on the size of these heaters. You could pay anywhere from $150 to $800 (CAD 211 to CAD 1,124).

Fire Pits

There are fire pits designed to burn wood, propane or natural gas, and they're available in various shapes and styles. You can choose from small tabletop versions, freestanding models and fire pit tables.

Expect to pay between $100 and $50 (CAD 140 and CAD 702).

Is It Better to Buy or Rent Deck Heaters?

The decision whether to buy or rent heat lamps or patio heaters comes down to how often you use a heater. If you entertain frequently, it may be better to buy one. However, if you only plan to use a heater occasionally, it's more economical to rent. When renting, you won't have to worry about maintenance or protecting your own patio heater from inclement weather.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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