Researched comparisonLast updated September 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU heater is the lowest price at $157.49. The Hiland ($159.99) is the middle price of the three and lists 48,000 BTU, and at 87 inches is the shortest of the three. The Nexgrill Sundara ($175.99) costs the most and lists 48,000 BTU, a stainless steel body, and electronic ignition. All three are available on Amazon.
- Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU: best for buyers who want one-touch ignition and 46,000 BTU at the lowest price.
- Hiland 48,000 BTU: best for buyers who want 48,000 BTU in the shortest unit here (87 in) with a pilot light ignition.
- Nexgrill Sundara: best for buyers who want 48,000 BTU, a stainless steel finish and electronic ignition in the tallest unit here (92 in).
Prices as of September 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT.
A tall propane patio heater lets you keep using the patio on cool evenings. This comparison puts one full-size propane patio heater each from Amazon Basics, Hiland, and Nexgrill side by side on price, BTU output, and size.
How We Chose
We picked three propane patio heaters from established brands that are available on Amazon. We also checked a Fire Sense 46,000 BTU heater but left it out because the offer we found was from a third-party seller. Amazon Basics is Amazon’s own brand. The heaters are not identical: the Amazon Basics lists 46,000 BTU, the Hiland and Nexgrill list 48,000 BTU, and the Hiland is a different design with an open door, an adjustable table, and a weight bladder. The Amazon listing for the Hiland gives odd dimensions (33 in D x 87 in W x 33 in H), so we use the 87 inch height from AZ Patio Heaters, which makes it. Its page is for the closest model, HLDS01-CBT, because no manufacturer page names the HLDS01-WCBT. The Amazon Basics listing, AZ Patio Heaters and Nexgrill all say the 20 pound propane tank is not included. Every spec and warranty cell in the table comes from the manufacturer’’s own page and names it, except the Amazon Basics cells, which come from the Amazon listing because Amazon Basics is Amazon’s own brand. Where a page covers a close model or a whole product line rather than the exact model, the cell says so. This is a researched comparison, not a hands-on test, so we make no claims about how evenly they heat or how long they last beyond what each listing says. Prices are Amazon prices checked in September 2026 and can change.
The Lineup
Prices as of September 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Portable Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels
$157.49 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · lowest price
Best for: buyers who want one-touch ignition and 46,000 BTU at the lowest price.
Amazon Basics is Amazon’s own brand. The listing describes a 46,000 BTU tower heater in Havana Bronze with a powder-coated finish, one-touch ignition, wheels, a water-filled base for weight, a tilt safety auto shut-off, and a chain to secure the tank. It lists 91.3 inches tall, weighs 39.9 pounds, and says it heats up to an 18 foot diameter (324 square feet). A 20 pound propane tank is required and not included. The listing did not spell out a warranty in its text, and the Amazon Basics limited warranty document lists 1 year for the brand. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Hiland 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater, Open Door Design, Adjustable Table
$159.99 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon
Best for: buyers who want 48,000 BTU in the shortest unit here (87 in) with a pilot light ignition.
The Hiland listing text also refers to AZ Patio Heaters. It describes a 48,000 BTU propane heater in a hammered silver finish with an open door design for swapping the tank, an adjustable table 15.7 inches across, a weight bladder, a regulator and hose, and a tilt switch plus a thermocouple as safety features. It lists coverage of 78.54 to 176.71 square feet. The Amazon listing shows 33 x 87 x 33 inches, while AZ Patio Heaters lists the heater as 87 inches tall with a 33 inch shield, so 87 inches is the height. AZ Patio Heaters lists 48,000 BTU in its specs but 41,000 BTU in its description, so check the rating plate if the exact figure matters. AZ Patio Heaters’ limited warranty page lists one year for its heaters without naming a model. It is the middle price and is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Nexgrill Sundara 92" Stainless Steel Propane Patio Heater with 48,000 BTUs
$175.99 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · highest price, stainless steel
Best for: buyers who want 48,000 BTU, a stainless steel finish and electronic ignition in the tallest unit here (92 in).
Nexgrill is a well known grill manufacturer. The listing describes the Sundara, a 92 inch stainless steel propane patio heater with 48,000 BTU, one-button electronic ignition, two wheels, and anti-tip protection. It weighs 39.5 pounds. Nexgrill’s page for this exact model does not state a warranty, and its page for a different Sundara model (920-0079C) lists a 1 year limited warranty, so check which applies before you buy. It costs the most of the three. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
If price matters most, the Amazon Basics is the pick, and its listing states its coverage and tank size. The Hiland costs about $2.50 more and is the shortest at 87 inches. The Nexgrill has a stainless steel body and electronic ignition. We did not test any of them, and only some of the manufacturer pages give a warranty length for the exact model, so check the terms before you buy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTU does a patio heater need?
The heaters here list 46,000 to 48,000 BTU. The Amazon Basics listing says its 46,000 BTU covers up to an 18 foot diameter, and the Hiland lists 78.54 to 176.71 square feet, so the coverage claims are not measured the same way.
What size propane tank do these use?
The Amazon Basics listing says it uses a 20 pound propane tank that is not included. AZ Patio Heaters and Nexgrill also say their heaters use a 20 pound tank that is not included.
Are propane patio heaters safe under a covered patio?
Heater manufacturers commonly warn against using outdoor propane heaters under covered or enclosed spaces because of heat and carbon monoxide risk. Read the manual for the model you buy and keep the required clearances.
Do these heaters shut off if they tip over?
Amazon Basics and AZ Patio Heaters (Hiland) describe tilt safety devices, and Nexgrill describes an auto shut-off tilt valve.
