Home & Kitchen · Head-to-head
AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01-CG 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater vs Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Patio Heater (1500W)
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Patio Heaters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
For open-air warmth that a group can actually feel, the 48,000 BTU propane tower is the safe default. If your space is covered and you'd rather skip tanks and fumes, the weatherproof electric infrared bar is the smarter, lower-maintenance pick.
AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01-CG 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater
Buy itThe classic 87-inch mushroom-top propane tower that actually warms an open patio.
- 48,000 BTU output genuinely heats an open area, not just the person directly under it
- Runs off a standard 20 lb propane tank hidden in the base, with the maker lists about 8-10 hours on high
- Thermocouple and anti-tilt devices are listed as standard, and the base houses the tank
- Wheels and a built-in table make a heavy unit easy to reposition
- Tall and top-heavy, so it needs a level surface and should come inside in high wind
- Propane means outdoor-only use and buying/refilling tanks
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Patio Heater (1500W)
Buy itA plug-in carbon infrared bar for wall or ceiling mounting, the no-fuel pick for a covered patio or balcony.
- Three heat settings (900W, 1200W and 1500W) on a standard 120V outlet, with no fuel to run out and no tank to refill
- Weatherproof anodized aluminum housing the maker rates for indoor and outdoor use, with wall and ceiling brackets included
- No flame or fumes, plus automatic tip-over and over-temperature protection and ETL certification listed by the maker
- A remote is included for switching heat levels from your seat
- Directional heat only warms what it points at; it won't blanket an open yard the way propane does
- 1500W is modest, and the maker's page publishes no IP rating or coverage area
- The manual asks for 1 m (39.4 in) between the front of the heater and people or combustibles, and recommends a weather-proof outlet outdoors
Side by side
| AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01-CG 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater | Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Patio Heater (1500W) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Open decks and patios where you want real, spread-out warmth for a group. | Covered patios, pergolas, and balconies where mounting and no-fuel convenience matter most. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the AZ Patio Heaters Hiland HLDS01-CG 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater - The classic 87-inch mushroom-top propane tower that actually warms an open patio. Choose the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Patio Heater (1500W) instead if covered patios, pergolas, and balconies where mounting and no-fuel convenience matter most.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Patio Heaters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).