Gas vs Electric Patio Heater Running Cost Calculator
Both heater types get quoted a headline output, but that alone doesn't say what an evening's use actually costs. Enter your own gas bottle price and electricity rate below to see which one comes out cheaper over a year of the same usage.
Compare gas vs electric patio heater running costs
Enter each heater's output, how much you pay for gas or electricity, and how long you run it — the same weekly usage on both sides makes this a fair like-for-like comparison.
Gas
£678 / year
£13.04/week · bottle lasts ~13.8h
Electric
£168 / year
£3.24/week
At these figures, electric works out roughly £510 cheaper per year for this amount of use. Running cost is only one side of the decision — gas heaters typically throw more heat outdoors and keep working in a power cut, while electric heaters need no refills and no naked flame.
Recommended products
A few well-reviewed patio heaters, gas and electric.
- 13kW
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Classic mushroom design throws heat over a wide radius
- Brushed stainless steel resists rust and corrosion
- Piezo ignition and tilt safety shut-off included
Cons
- Heavy — needs two people to assemble
- Gas bottle not included
- 2.5kW
Currently unavailable
Pros
- No gas bottles to buy or store
- IP55 weatherproof for year-round outdoor use
- Remote control with 4 heat levels and carbon fibre glow
Cons
- Needs a nearby outdoor power socket
- Wall or ceiling fixing required
- 2.1kW
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Halogen infrared heats almost instantly with no warm-up wait
- IP44 weatherproof rating for safe outdoor or indoor use
- Includes a matching stainless steel side table and transport wheels
Cons
- Needs two bulbs fitted to unlock all three heat settings
- Freestanding footprint is bigger than a wall-mounted heater
Frequently asked questions
Is a gas or electric patio heater cheaper to run?
It depends on local gas bottle prices and your electricity tariff, but at typical 2026 UK prices a gas mushroom heater and a similarly-powerful electric heater often land within a similar range per hour — the gap widens once usage is more than a couple of hours a week, which is why comparing your own figures matters more than a generic rule of thumb.
Do gas and electric patio heaters produce the same amount of heat?
Not necessarily for the same nominal rating — a 13kW gas mushroom heater throws heat over a wider area outdoors, while a 2kW electric heater is typically designed to warm people sitting directly in front of it, so they are often bought for different-sized spaces rather than as a direct swap.
Are there running costs beyond gas or electricity to consider?
Gas heaters need occasional replacement of the regulator and hose, and unused bottles still carry a small ongoing rental or deposit cost with some suppliers. Electric heaters have no fuel storage cost but rely on an outdoor-rated socket and cable being available.
Which is safer to leave running, gas or electric?
Both are safe when used as intended, but they carry different risks: gas heaters produce a naked flame and need ventilation and stable ground, while electric heaters need a weatherproof supply and are safer around trailing cables and rain. Neither should be left unattended.
How this calculator works
This calculator uses the formula: Annual cost = (Bottle Price × Number of Bottles Used) + (Electricity Rate × Kilowatt-hours (kWh)) For gas heaters, it estimates the number of bottles needed based on the heater's output and the average burn time. For electric heaters, it calculates kWh usage from your input. The calculator assumes standard usage patterns: 8 hours a day for gas and 10 hours a night for electricity.
Assumptions include a standard bottle size of 47 kg (LPG) or 50 litres (butane), an average burn time per bottle, and typical electricity rates based on the UK's current market. These figures are updated annually to reflect recent trends.
Reference: Factors Affecting Cost
- Gas prices can vary widely depending on supplier and region in the UK; typical costs range from £120 to £150 per bottle.
- Electricity rates also fluctuate, with an average cost of about 18.39p per kWh (as of 2024).
- Gas heaters generally consume more energy than electric ones, meaning higher running costs unless the gas price is significantly lower.
- Usage patterns can greatly affect both types of heaters: a heater left on for longer periods will increase annual costs.
Worked example: Gas vs Electric Heater Costs in London
Assume you have a gas patio heater with an output of 12,000 BTU and use it for 8 hours per day. A typical 47 kg bottle lasts around 35 days. Your electricity rate is 19p/kWh and you estimate using the electric heater for 10 hours each night during the winter months (about 60 days). Here’s how to calculate your costs:
For the gas heater: - Number of bottles needed = (8 hours/day × 60 days) / 35 ≈ 14.29 bottles, so use 15 bottles. - Annual cost = (£130 × 15) + (19p/kWh × 2kWh/day × 60 days) = £1,950 + £72 = £1,972
For the electric heater: - Annual kWh usage = 10 hours/night × 60 days × 1.5kW ≈ 900 kWh - Annual cost = 900 kWh × 19p/kWh = £171
In this example, the electric heater is significantly cheaper to run annually at just £171 compared to £1,972 for the gas heater.
More questions answered
How do I know my electricity rate?
Your electricity provider will provide your current rate on their website or in your bill. Rates are typically measured in pence per kWh (e.g., 18.39p/kWh as of 2024).
What if my heater has a different output?
You can adjust the calculator by inputting the actual BTU or kW rating of your specific patio heater to get more accurate results.
How often should I refill my gas bottle?
The frequency depends on your usage. As a general guide, a 47 kg LPG bottle lasts around 35 days with an 8-hour daily use for a gas heater.
Can the calculator account for different weather conditions?
No, it assumes standard usage patterns based on typical UK winters. Adjust your usage inputs according to actual conditions.
Why does the electricity rate seem so high compared to gas?
Electricity rates are typically higher than gas prices in the UK due to infrastructure and grid costs. However, some electric heaters can be more efficient, leading to lower overall costs.
What if I want to use both types of heaters together?
You'll need to calculate the cost for each separately and then add them up. Consider using a gas heater during colder months when needed, then switch to electricity for longer-term warmth.
How does the calculator handle different bottle sizes?
It uses standard sizes (47 kg LPG or 50 litres butane) as placeholders. You can enter specific quantities based on your supplier's bottles if they vary.
What is a BTU and how much heat do I need for my garden?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, indicating the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. A small patio heater might require around 10,000-25,000 BTUs.
Can I use this calculator for other types of heaters?
This calculator is specifically for gas and electric patio heaters. For other types such as infrared or oil-filled, you would need to calculate their energy consumption differently.
How does the calculator factor in maintenance costs?
The calculator focuses solely on running costs. Maintenance costs are not included; however, they can be significant for both gas and electric heaters and should be considered separately.