There’s a familiar feeling of disappointment we all know. It’s that moment when a perfect afternoon in the garden, filled with laughter and conversation, begins to fade. The sun dips below the horizon, and a sudden, unwelcome chill descends, forcing everyone to retreat indoors. For years, my own patio gatherings were cut short by this predictable temperature drop. We’d wrap ourselves in blankets, huddle together, but eventually, the cold always won. Extending those precious outdoor hours without the hassle and expense of a traditional gas heater felt like an unsolved puzzle. This is the exact problem the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater promises to solve: providing instant, targeted warmth that allows you to reclaim your evenings and enjoy your outdoor space year-round, on your own terms.
- PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR SETTINGS: Enjoy food & drink or simply relaxing in the garden, any time of year! The heater combines a robust structure with excellent design, making the product ideal for both...
- 3 HEAT SETTINGS – The heater uses Quartz tube heating elements with an impressive maximum output of up to 2kW - producing warming heat within seconds. It features 3 different power levels to manage...
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Patio Heater
An electric patio heater is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for extending the usability of your outdoor living areas. It transforms a chilly deck, a breezy balcony, or a cool conservatory into a comfortable, welcoming space, regardless of the season. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, electric heaters offer the significant benefits of convenience, lower running costs for targeted use, and silent operation. They don’t produce fumes or require you to store heavy, cumbersome gas canisters. By using radiant heat, they warm people and objects directly, much like the sun, making them far more efficient in open or breezy conditions where convective heaters (which warm the air) would struggle.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common challenge of an underused outdoor space due to unpredictable weather. This includes homeowners with patios or gardens, apartment dwellers with balconies, and even owners of small commercial spaces like pub gardens or café terraces. It’s for the person who wants a simple, plug-and-play solution to add comfort without major installation. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to heat a very large, completely open area, as the 2000W output is best for more defined zones. For vast spaces, a more powerful gas heater might be a better, albeit more expensive and less convenient, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the footprint of the heater and its height. The Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater boasts an adjustable height from 1.75m to 2.1m, which is a critical feature. This allows you to position the heat source optimally, whether you’re standing and mingling or sitting down for dinner, ensuring the warmth is directed exactly where it’s needed most.
- Capacity/Performance: A heater’s power is measured in watts (W). 2000W (2KW) is a robust output for most domestic patios, providing a comfortable bubble of warmth. Look for multiple power settings, like the 650W, 1300W, and 2000W options on this model. This versatility allows you to tailor the heat output and energy consumption to the specific conditions, from a mild autumn evening to a crisp winter night.
- Materials & Durability: Outdoor products need to withstand the elements. An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is key. The IP34 rating on this heater signifies it’s protected against water splashes from any direction, making it resilient enough for typical British weather. While you shouldn’t leave it out in a torrential downpour, it can handle light showers, adding to its practicality.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: An electric heater should be simple. Look for straightforward controls, like a pull-cord, and easy assembly. Long-term care is minimal; quartz tubes are durable and the main unit just requires occasional cleaning. The primary consideration is safe storage during harsh winter months if you choose not to use it.
This free-standing electric model offers a fantastic balance of power and flexibility, but the world of outdoor heating is diverse. Wall-mounted units, for example, offer a permanent, space-saving solution perfect for smaller areas.
While the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater is an excellent choice for portable, powerful heating, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including different mounting types, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 2-IN-1 FREESTANDING OR WALL MOUNTED ELECTRIC HEATER - The 2000W heater is IPX4 approved, which means it is suitable for outdoor use as a freestanding or wall mounted heater.
- EFFICIENT HEATING: Unleash the power of 2KW featuring three heat settings (650W, 1350W, and 2000W) tailored for diverse outdoor occasions. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a...
- PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR SETTINGS: Enjoy food & drink or simply relaxing in the garden, any time of year! The heater combines a robust structure with excellent design, making the product ideal for both...
First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the Olsen & Smith Heater
Upon arrival, the box for the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater is surprisingly compact and lightweight, clocking in at just 4 kilograms. Unpacking the components, we found the main heating head, the multi-part pedestal pole, and a weighted base. The black finish is sleek and unobtrusive, designed to blend into any garden or patio décor without drawing too much attention. The heating element itself is protected by a metal grille, and the three quartz tubes are clearly visible within.
Now, onto assembly. Echoing the sentiment of some user feedback we’d seen, we found the included instruction sheet to be more of a cryptic diagram than a helpful guide. It’s sparse on detail, and a novice DIYer might find it momentarily perplexing. However, we found the actual process to be largely intuitive. The head unit comes fully assembled, so the main task is simply screwing the pole sections together and attaching them to the weighted base. One user noted missing screws in their package; thankfully, ours was complete, but this points to potential quality control inconsistencies worth being aware of when you check the latest product details. In total, it took us about 15 minutes to have it fully assembled and ready to plug in, a task that was straightforward despite the unhelpful paperwork.
Key Benefits
- Excellent adjustability with variable height and a 45-degree tiltable head
- Three distinct power settings (650W/1300W/2000W) for total control
- Instant, silent radiant heat from high-efficiency quartz tubes
- Important safety features including an IP34 waterproof rating and a tip-over switch
Potential Drawbacks
- Assembly instructions are minimal and unhelpful
- Reports of inconsistent quality control (missing parts or damage on arrival)
Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Testing
A patio heater’s true worth is only revealed when the temperature drops. We put the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater through its paces over several weeks of unpredictable spring weather, testing its assembly, heat output, adjustability, and safety features in a real-world garden setting. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.
Assembly and Build Quality: An Intuitive Build Despite Poor Instructions
As mentioned, our first hands-on experience was the assembly, and it set a mixed tone. The lack of clear, step-by-step instructions is a definite oversight from the manufacturer. We laid out the three main components: the base, the multi-section pole, and the pre-assembled head unit. The base has a decent weight to it, which is crucial for stability, especially when the pole is at its full 2.1m extension. The pole sections screw into each other and then into the base. The threads felt adequate, though not exceptionally robust, so care should be taken not to cross-thread them during setup. The final step is mounting the head onto the pole and securing it.
While we managed without issue, the reports from other users about missing screws or damaged parts upon arrival are concerning. This suggests that while the design itself is sound, the quality control at the packing stage can be hit-or-miss. We strongly advise buyers to unpack and inspect all parts immediately upon receipt. Once assembled, however, the heater feels reasonably stable. The overall construction is lightweight metal, which makes it easy to move around the patio, but the weighted base does a good job of keeping it upright. The IP34 rating is evident in the sealed head unit, which feels well-protected against the elements, giving us confidence to leave it out during a light drizzle, a feature that really enhances its practicality. For those considering a purchase, we recommend you see its full feature set and user reviews to get a complete picture of this initial setup experience.
The Heart of the Heat: Quartz Radiant Technology in Action
This is where the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater truly shines. The moment you pull the cord, the quartz tubes glow with a warm, orange light, and you feel the heat instantly. This is the magic of radiant heating. Unlike fan heaters that waste energy warming the air (which then promptly blows away), this heater emits infrared radiation that travels through the air and warms any object it hits—you, your chair, your table. One user perfectly described it as feeling like the warmth from the sun through a car window on a cold day, and we couldn’t agree more. It’s a pleasant, direct heat that cuts through the chill without feeling stuffy.
We tested the three power settings extensively.
- 650W (Low): This setting is perfect for taking the edge off a cool, still evening. It provides gentle background warmth for one or two people sitting within a couple of feet of the unit. It’s also the most energy-efficient setting for long-term use, perhaps inside a small conservatory.
- 1300W (Medium): This is the workhorse setting. It creates a comfortable bubble of heat for a small group of 3-4 people sitting around a bistro table. We found it ideal for outdoor dining, providing enough warmth to sit comfortably without needing heavy coats.
- 2000W (High): At full power, the heat output is impressive. It can comfortably warm a radius of several feet, making it suitable for a slightly larger group. On a genuinely cold night, this setting made our patio usable when it otherwise would have been abandoned. The heat is directional, so positioning is key, but the intensity at this level is a feature that really sets it apart at this price point.
The operation is completely silent, a huge advantage over noisy fan or propane heaters, ensuring the ambience of your evening isn’t disturbed.
Customisation and Control: The Power of Adjustability
A heater’s power is useless if you can’t direct it where you need it. The dual-adjustability of the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater is arguably its strongest design feature. The height adjustment, ranging from 1.75m to 2.1m, is incredibly practical. We kept it at a lower height when seated around a table, allowing the heat to wash over us directly. When guests were standing and mingling, we raised it to its full height to broadcast the warmth over a wider area, preventing it from being too intense for those closest to it. This simple feature dramatically increases the unit’s versatility.
Equally important is the adjustable head, which tilts from 45 to 90 degrees. This allowed us to angle the heat downwards onto our seating area, ensuring maximum efficiency. Instead of heating the empty space above our heads, we could focus the entire 2000W output exactly where it was needed. This combination of height and angle adjustment means you can adapt the heater to almost any situation, from a solo reading session in a garden chair to a small drinks party. The control mechanism is a simple pull-string, which cycles through the settings: 650W -> 1300W -> 2000W -> Off. It’s a tried-and-true, weather-resistant method, though it does feel a bit less modern than the remote controls found on some higher-end or hanging models.
Safety and Practicality for Everyday Use
When dealing with any heating element, safety is paramount. The Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater incorporates two essential safety features. The first is its IP34 waterproof rating. This means it is protected from splashes of water, so a sudden light shower or morning dew won’t damage the unit. While we wouldn’t leave it uncovered in a storm, this rating provides peace of mind for typical outdoor use.
The second, and most critical, feature is the safety tip-over switch located at the base. We tested this by deliberately nudging the heater until it tilted past a certain angle. The switch engaged instantly, and the power to the quartz tubes was cut off immediately. This is a non-negotiable feature for a free-standing heater, especially in a busy garden with children or pets, and we were pleased to find it worked flawlessly. The convenience of its electric power source cannot be overstated. There are no heavy gas bottles to refill or store, no ignition worries, and no harmful fumes. You simply plug it into a standard outdoor socket, and you have instant, clean heat, which for many users is the deciding factor. The ease of use and built-in safety measures make this a very practical choice for any household wanting to extend their outdoor living season.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback paints a picture of a product that offers excellent value but can be let down by quality control. Many users echo our experience, praising the impressive and immediate heat output. One reviewer aptly noted it’s perfect for their conservatory, allowing them to read comfortably in winter, highlighting the heater’s indoor/outdoor versatility. The sentiment that it’s “Great value for the price” appears frequently, indicating that for most, the performance outweighs any initial setup hassles.
However, the negative feedback focuses on consistent themes. The “useless” instructions are a common complaint, as is the experience of receiving a product with missing parts like screws. More serious reports mention units arriving damaged, with some users finding cracked heating tubes right out of the box. This feedback is crucial as it suggests a gamble on quality control. While many receive a perfectly functioning unit, a noticeable minority encounter issues that require dealing with customer service. This reinforces our advice to thoroughly inspect the heater upon delivery.
How Does It Compare? The Olsen & Smith vs. The Competition
The Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater occupies a popular niche, but it’s far from the only option. To understand its place in the market, we’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives, each catering to a different need.
1. Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater
- Powerful: 1.2 - 2.4 kW indoor heater for rooms up to 21m³ (e.g. small rooms or tents)
- Universal: with adapter for butane and propane gas cartridges with EN 417 thread (7/16"x28 UNEF)
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is a completely different beast. Powered by propane cartridges, its primary advantage is total portability. With no cord to tie it down, it’s the perfect companion for camping, fishing, or working in a garage where power outlets are scarce. Its heat output is slightly higher at up to 2.4kW. However, it relies on convective heat, which is less effective in windy outdoor conditions, and requires a steady supply of propane canisters. Choose the Mr. Heater if your priority is off-grid portability and indoor-safe (with ventilation) use over the plug-and-play convenience of an electric model.
2. BU-KO Stainless Steel Pyramid Patio Heater
- 🔥 DOUBLE BENEFIT - This pyramid-shaped outdoor gas heaters for home is powered by propane gas and displays an attractive open flame safely contained in a quartz glass tube. Its column design and...
- 🔥 BUILT TO LAST - Crafted using premium, high-grade stainless steel and powder coated aluminium, this patio heater is waterproof and almost weather-proof too - it can handle exposure to the harsh...
The BU-KO Pyramid Heater is a statement piece as much as a heating appliance. It’s a large, powerful gas heater with a massive 13kW output, designed to heat large patio areas for commercial venues or big garden parties. The visible flame adds significant ambience. However, it’s much larger, heavier, more expensive to run, and requires storing a large LPG bottle. The Olsen & Smith is for targeted, personal warmth; the BU-KO is for heating an entire zone and creating a dramatic visual effect. If you’re hosting large events and budget isn’t the primary concern, the BU-KO is a superior choice for raw power and style.
3. blumfeldt Hanging Infrared Patio Heater
- ENERGY EFFICIENT HEATING WARMS YOUR SPACE: Infrared heaters do not emit CO2 and maximise the heat produced - far more than a conventional electric patio heater. With three temperatures, enjoy energy...
- A REASON TO GO OUTSIDE IN WINTER: Outdoor seating can be enjoyed all winter with a garden heater. This far infrared heater uses infrared heat panels powered by a halogen element to warm objects...
The blumfeldt hanging heater is the closest competitor in terms of technology but differs in form factor. It also uses infrared electric heat but is designed to be hung from the ceiling of a gazebo, covered patio, or summerhouse. This is a huge space-saving advantage, as it has zero footprint on your floor. It also often comes with modern conveniences like an LED light and a remote control, which the Olsen & Smith lacks. The trade-off is a complete lack of portability. Choose the blumfeldt if you have a dedicated, covered outdoor spot and want a permanent, unobtrusive installation that saves precious floor space.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Olsen & Smith Patio Heater Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater is a highly capable and versatile solution for most domestic outdoor heating needs. Its standout features are its excellent adjustability—both in height and angle—and its three distinct power settings, which provide a fantastic degree of control over your environment and energy use. The instant, silent, and pleasant radiant heat effectively transforms a chilly patio into a comfortable oasis, successfully extending the time you can enjoy your garden.
It is not without its flaws. The assembly instructions are poor, and the reports of inconsistent quality control are a genuine concern that prospective buyers should be aware of. However, if you receive a good unit, its performance significantly outweighs its budget-friendly price tag. We recommend it for homeowners with small-to-medium-sized patios, gazebos, or conservatories who prioritize flexibility, ease of use, and targeted warmth over raw power or premium finishes. If you’re ready to stop letting chilly evenings dictate your schedule and want to reclaim your outdoor space, the Olsen & Smith 2KW Outdoor Electric Patio Heater offers incredible value and is well worth your consideration.
Last update on 2025-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API