Researched comparisonLast updated October 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
We would start with the Hiland ($159.99), the lowest price, which lists 48,000 BTU and at 87 inches is the shortest of the four. The Dyna-Glo DGPH102SS ($249.99) lists 41,000 BTU, an 87.5 inch height, a piezo igniter and an anti-tilt safety device. The Nexgrill Sundara ($175.99) lists 48,000 BTU, a stainless steel body, and electronic ignition. The Cuisinart Perfect Position ($449.99) costs the most and is a different design: an overhead swivel-arm heater that lists 38,200 BTU, an 88 inch height, a base that stores the tank, and a one year limited warranty. All four are available on Amazon.
- Dyna-Glo DGPH102SS: best for buyers who want piezo ignition that lights at the turn of a knob, a variable heat setting and wheels at 41,000 BTU.
- Hiland 48,000 BTU: best for buyers who want 48,000 BTU at the lowest price here, in an 87 in unit 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).
- Cuisinart Perfect Position: best for buyers who want a swivel-arm overhead heater with a battery-powered spark ignition.
Prices as of October 12, 2026, 6:25 pm CT.
A tall propane patio heater lets you keep using the patio on cool evenings, so we compared one full-size propane patio heater each from Dyna-Glo, Hiland, Nexgrill, and Cuisinart side by side on price, BTU output, and size.
How We Chose
We picked four propane patio heaters from established brands that are available on Amazon. The heaters are close in size but not identical: the Hiland and Nexgrill list 48,000 BTU and the Dyna-Glo lists 41,000 BTU on the manufacturer pages we read, the Hiland is a different design with an open door, an adjustable table, and a weight bladder, and the Cuisinart Perfect Position is an overhead swivel-arm design that lists 38,200 BTU, stores its tank inside the base, and costs far more than the other three. 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 Dyna-Glo, AZ Patio Heaters, Nexgrill and Cuisinart pages all say the 20 pound propane tank is not included. Every spec in the table and every warranty line in the cards comes from the manufacturer’s own page or manual and names it. For the Cuisinart we show the 88 inch height from its product page, and its manual lists about 87 inches. Where a page covers a close model or a whole product line rather than the exact model, a note under the table says so. The Dyna-Glo product page lists no warranty, so its warranty line links to the Dyna-Glo warranty page. Prices are Amazon prices checked in October 2026 and can change.
The Lineup
Specs come from each manufacturer’s own pages. † Hiland 48,000 BTU: closest model HLDS01-CBT. ‡ Hiland 48,000 BTU: HLDS01 family. Prices as of October 12, 2026, 6:25 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.
Dyna-Glo DGPH102SS 41,000 BTU Deluxe Stainless Steel Patio Heater
$249.99 as of Oct 13, 2026, 9:21 am CT on Amazon · 41,000 BTU, piezo ignition
Best for: buyers who want piezo ignition that lights at the turn of a knob, a variable heat setting and wheels at 41,000 BTU.
We would pick the Dyna-Glo if you want a simple stainless steel tower with piezo ignition and wheels and do not need the most heat. Dyna-Glo’s product page for the DGPH102SS lists 41,000 BTU, piezo ignition that lights at the turn of a knob, a variable heat setting, an anti-tilt safety device, a stainless steel finish, a wheel assembly for easy mobility, and dimensions of 32.01 in L by 32.01 in W by 87.5 in H. A 20 pound LP gas tank is required and not included. Dyna-Glo does not publish a weight or a coverage area for this model, and its product page lists no warranty, so check its warranty page for the terms. It is available on Amazon.
Warranty: See Dyna-Glo Warranty page for details.
Check Price on Amazon →Hiland 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater, Open Door Design, Adjustable Table
$159.99 as of Oct 12, 2026, 6:25 pm CT on Amazon · lowest price
Best for: buyers who want 48,000 BTU at the lowest price here, in an 87 in unit with a pilot light ignition.
We would pick the Hiland if price decides it, and we like its open door design for swapping the tank. 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 data 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 lowest price here and is available on Amazon.
Warranty: 1 year
Check Price on Amazon →Nexgrill Sundara 92" Stainless Steel Propane Patio Heater with 48,000 BTUs
$175.99 as of Oct 12, 2026, 6:25 pm CT on Amazon · stainless steel
Best for: buyers who want 48,000 BTU, a stainless steel finish and electronic ignition in the tallest unit here (92 in).
We like the Nexgrill Sundara for its stainless steel body and electronic ignition. Nexgrill is a well known grill manufacturer. Nexgrill’s page for the Sundara 920-01001 lists a 92 inch stainless steel propane patio heater with 48,000 BTUs, a battery-operated electronic starter, an included wheel kit, safety anchors and an auto shut-off tilt valve. Nexgrill does not publish a weight for this model. Nexgrill’s page for this model states no warranty, and its manual for the 920-01001 gives a 1 year limited warranty to the original owner. It costs about $16 more than the Hiland. It is available on Amazon.
Warranty: 1 year limited, original owner only
Check Price on Amazon →Cuisinart Perfect Position Propane Patio Heater, 38,200 BTU Directional Stainless Steel Outdoor Heater
$449.99 as of Oct 12, 2026, 6:25 pm CT on Amazon · highest price, swivel arm
Best for: buyers who want a swivel-arm overhead heater with a battery-powered spark ignition.
We would pick the Cuisinart Perfect Position if you want to aim the heat rather than heat a circle, though it costs the most here. Cuisinart’s COH-400 page describes an overhead heater whose swivel arm adjusts the heat from left to right and folds down for storage, with a 33 inch heat shield, a cone-shaped burner that lists 38,200 BTU, a built-in stainless steel drink table, and an enclosed base that holds a 20 pound propane tank (not included) with a 50 pound weighted wheeled base. The page lists 58 by 33 by 88 inches and a weight of 100 with no unit, the manual lists an approximate overall weight of 110.25 pounds, and it describes a battery-powered spark button with a match as the backup. The page lists a 1 year limited warranty, and the manual says all parts are covered for one year from the date of purchase. It lists less BTU than the other three and does not give a coverage area. It is available on Amazon.
Warranty: 1 year limited
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
If price matters most, we would pick the Hiland at $159.99. We like the Nexgrill for its stainless steel body and electronic ignition, and it costs about $16 more than the Hiland while also listing 48,000 BTU. The Dyna-Glo DGPH102SS costs $249.99, about $90 more than the Hiland, lists 41,000 BTU, and is the one to look at if you want a stainless steel tower with piezo ignition and wheels. The Cuisinart Perfect Position costs $449.99, about $290 more than the Hiland, and is the one to look at if you want an overhead swivel arm that directs heat left or right and a base that stores the tank. 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 Hiland and Nexgrill list 48,000 BTU, the Dyna-Glo lists 41,000 BTU and the Cuisinart Perfect Position lists 38,200 BTU, so we would choose on other features as well. The Hiland lists 78.54 to 176.71 square feet of coverage, and we did not find a comparable coverage figure for the other three, so heating area is not directly comparable.
What size propane tank do these use?
We would plan to buy the tank separately. Dyna-Glo says its heater uses a 20 pound LP gas tank that is not included. AZ Patio Heaters, Nexgrill and Cuisinart also say their heaters use a 20 pound tank that is not included, and the Cuisinart base is built to hold it.
Are propane patio heaters safe under a covered patio?
We would follow the warnings: 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?
We like that the Dyna-Glo, Hiland, Nexgrill and Cuisinart describe a tip over safeguard: Dyna-Glo describes an anti-tilt safety device, AZ Patio Heaters (Hiland) describes tilt safety devices, Nexgrill describes an auto shut-off tilt valve, and the Cuisinart manual describes a flame failure and tilt device that cuts off the gas supply if the unit is tipped over. The Cuisinart product page lists a sand-filled wheeled base for stability.
How does the Cuisinart Perfect Position differ from the other heaters?
Cuisinart’s page describes an overhead heater with a swivel arm that adjusts the heat from left to right, a 33 inch heat shield, a built-in drink table, and an enclosed base that holds a 20 pound propane tank. It lists 38,200 BTU and an 88 inch height, and its manual describes a battery-powered spark ignition with a match as the backup.
