Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater review

The Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater (model HIL-1P) is designed specifically to work with patio table parasols. It offers an affordable way to stay warm while sitting outside in cooler weather. It's made by AZ Patio Heaters, which is one of the leading patio heater brands in the United States. This makes the Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater one of the best patio heaters you can buy. 

The Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater has three burners, which produce a total of 1,500W of power. This is the equivalent of 5,115 BTU – each BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Not for you? Check out our other picks like the Endless Summer Triple Dome Patio Heater or the Fire Sense Table Top Patio Heater.

Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater review: Price

An easy and affordable option for heating your patio table area, the Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater retails for under $100 at many online retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. It's a few dollars more at Home Depot.

Another well-known patio heater brand, Fire Sense, manufactures a similar-spec parasol patio heater at a slightly higher price point (although it's possible to find one for under $100 on Amazon).

Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater review: Features

Constructed from stainless steel, the Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater is waterproof and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. There's an anti-tilt switch for safety, in case your parasol tips over.

With each of the three burners providing 500W of power for 1,500W in total, AZ Patio Heaters has also incorporated a variable temperature control into the heater. Power-saving dual switches enable you to turn on one, two or all three burners to produce 500W, 1000W or 1500W respectively.

The heater fixes easily onto most parasols. Simply slide the pole through the hole in the heater and clamp it in place. The burners can fold down when not in use.

Hiland Parasol Patio Heater review: User reviews

Amazon customers give the Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater 4 out of 5 stars, across over 100 reviews.

Home Depot customers rate it even more highly, with 4.2 out of 5 – although this is only based on six relatively brief reviews. Walmart customers are more critical, giving it 3.8 out of 5 from over 10 reviews.

High points include value for money, ease of installation and efficiency of operation. Its performance is generally rated well, for the price. Some reviewers criticized the heating range, pointing out that your head and shoulders feel most of the benefit while your legs underneath the table get cold.

Several reviewers noted that the Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater produces a lot of bright orange light as well as heat, which was an issue for some and a positive point for others. The power cord can also be an eyesore if you can't tie it out of the way easily. An extension lead may be necessary if your table isn't near the house.

Should you buy the Hiland Parasol Patio Heater?

It depends on your circumstances. If you spend a lot of time outside in cooler weather and need to warm your whole patio, you'd be better off spending more money on a more powerful heater – or two wall-mounted electric units.

But if you spend most of your time sitting at the table underneath a parasol, this is an excellent and convenient choice that targets the warmth in a very specific area.

For other ways to keep warm outdoors, take a look at our guide to the best fire pits.