Gas or Electric Patio Heaters? What move to make for a Canadian patio?
As the lure of enjoying your outdoor space begins, extending patio time can be achieved with the right patio heater. Making the best choice involves considering fuel type, mounting options, clearances, and running costs, especially across Canada's wide range of electricity rates.
Not sure which heater fits your space? Take our free 2-minute quiz and get a personalized recommendation: Find Your Perfect Bromic Heater
Types of Patio Heaters
There are two main categories: electric and gas (natural gas or propane). Each has clear advantages depending on your space, climate, and budget.
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters are a versatile option for semi-enclosed spaces like pergolas or covered patios. They require little to no ventilation and are available in wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, recessed, and free-standing configurations. Outputs reach up to 6,000W (20,000 BTU) on a 240V supply, with control options ranging from simple on/off switches to wireless dimmers and smart home integration.
Shop electric options: Bromic Tungsten Electric Radiant Heater | Bromic Platinum Electric Radiant Heater | Bromic Eclipse Electric
Control options for electric heaters: Electric models support the full range of Bromic controllers, from the Wireless Dimmer Controller for simple remote dimming, up to the Affinity Smart-Heat Dimmer Controller for whole-home integration, scene control, and multi-zone management. The Affinity Dimmer is the top-tier option for permanent installations where precision and smart home compatibility matter.
Pros: Strong performance in windy or low-clearance areas, variety of control methods, clean radiant heat, no combustion. No pilot flame to blow out, which matters on an exposed site.
Cons: Not rated for use in rain or snow (check IP rating per model), may require dedicated wiring, higher energy cost in some provinces.
Gas Patio Heaters
Gas patio heaters, available in natural gas (NG) and propane (LPG), deliver high heat output up to 43,000 BTU per heater. Natural gas models connect to a fixed gas line for the lowest ongoing fuel cost. Propane models run off pressurized tanks and offer portability. Mounting options include wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and portable free-standing units.
Shop gas options: Bromic Tungsten Gas Patio Heater | Bromic Platinum Gas Radiant Heater | Bromic Tungsten Portable Gas Heater
Control options for gas heaters: Fixed wall-mount gas heaters (Tungsten Gas, Platinum Gas) are compatible with the Wireless On/Off Controller for remote operation, or the Affinity Smart-Heat On/Off Controller for advanced scene control and multi-zone setups. Note: the Tungsten Portable is a self-contained unit, so no external controllers are compatible.
Pros: High heat output, quiet operation, radiant heat with no fan, portability available, lower fuel cost in most provinces.
Cons: Rated for wind up to 8 mph, and a strong enough gust can blow out a pilot on any gas heater. Open flame requires clearance from combustibles such as vinyl siding, and propane tanks require refilling.
Running Cost by Province
Running costs vary significantly across Canada based on electricity rates. The table below shows the estimated monthly cost of running a 6,000W electric heater for 10 hours per week, based on average provincial electricity rates as of 2026.
| Province | Avg. Electricity Rate (¢/kWh) | Est. Monthly Cost (6kW, 40 hrs/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | ~11.4¢ | ~$27.36 |
| Alberta | ~25.8¢ | ~$61.92 |
| Saskatchewan | ~19.9¢ | ~$47.76 |
| Manitoba | ~10.2¢ | ~$24.48 |
| Ontario | ~14.1¢ | ~$33.84 |
| Quebec | ~7.8¢ | ~$18.72 |
| New Brunswick | ~15.2¢ | ~$36.48 |
| Nova Scotia | ~18.3 to 18.6¢ | ~$43.92 |
| PEI | ~18.4¢ | ~$44.16 |
| Newfoundland | ~14.8¢ | ~$35.52 |
Rates based on average total cost of electricity per province as of 2026. Contracted rates may differ.
Which Should You Choose?
If you have a covered or semi-enclosed patio and access to 240V wiring, an electric heater like the Bromic Tungsten Electric or Platinum Electric gives you precise control and clean heat. If you have an open patio or want maximum BTU output, a gas heater like the Bromic Tungsten Gas or Platinum Gas is the stronger performer. For flexibility without a fixed installation, the Bromic Tungsten Portable is a premium option you can move with the season.
Still not sure? Take the 2-minute quiz and get a recommendation matched to your space.
Browse the full Bromic Heating collection at PremiumBackyard.ca.
Further Reading
Designing an outdoor hospitality space or running a restaurant patio? This episode breaks down how to use heating to extend your season and improve the guest experience: Hospitality and Outdoor Spaces, Archispeak Podcast Episode 315
Free Outdoor Heating Layout Advice
Want a heating plan built around your specific space? Send us your patio dimensions, a couple of photos, and how you use the area. We will come back with a recommendation covering heater model, placement and controller setup, at no charge.
Request your free heating layout or call 1 (888) 851-8852
Vous cherchez un chauffage de terrasse au Canada? Les modèles Bromic Tungsten offrent un chauffage radiant au gaz propane ou à l'électricité, idéal pour les patios couverts, les pergolas et les espaces extérieurs semi-fermés. Que vous ayez besoin d'un chauffage mural fixe, d'un appareil de chauffage portatif au propane, ou d'un chauffage électrique encastré pour terrasse, la gamme Tungsten couvre tous les besoins, du chalet au restaurant. Chauffage extérieur Québec, chauffage patio Montréal, réchauffeur de terrasse, appareil de chauffage radiant, chauffage infrarouge extérieur, chauffage au gaz naturel patio, propane terrasse Québec.
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