Last Updated on October 9, 2023
This post is an open thread and contains affiliate links.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated for 2023.
Earlier this year, I made my way over to a friend’s house to check out their outdoor Halloween display. I found them sitting outside, handing out candy amidst one of the most amazing Star Wars setups I’d ever seen. Almost as interesting as seeing a replica of Han frozen in carbonite, though, was the wave of heat I felt on one side of the porch. My friend had an outdoor heater set up, and that was where other friends had gathered around, chatting it up as they waited for trick-or-treaters to arrive.
As temperatures drop in the fall months, people tend to head indoors. Some, though, aren’t quite ready to give up on being outside. Cold temperatures make that harder, especially once the sun sets, but there are ways to stave off the cold, at least for a while. The oldest solution is a simple fire, which nowadays can be built in a bowl or ring. More modern options include propane-powered heaters or even electrical ones.
In 2021, Aldi introduced an electrical heater to its lineup under the Gardenline private label. And Aldi brought it back in the fall of 2022 and in the fall of 2023.
What We Know:
The Gardenline 1200-Watt Portable Patio Heater (Product Code: 808260 in 2021; Product Code: 817408 in 2022; and Product Code: 823997 in 2023) is an Aldi Find, which means it is only in stores for a short time. Each store gets one shipment, and once it’s gone, it’s gone, and it won’t be back for a while, if at all. If your store doesn’t have them, you’re out of luck, since you can’t order them online.
The patio heater cost $49.99 in October of 2023. That’s $20 less than the $69.99 it cost in 2021 and 2022. This is one of many examples we’ve seen of Aldi lowering prices on Aldi Finds in 2023. Many 1200W heaters cost $130 and up, so this looks to be a great price for the output.
Here’s more information about the 2023 model, according to Aldi:
- Waterproof according to UL1278
- Two heat settings: 600 W and 1200 W
- Two oscillation settings: 120° and 270°
- 1200-watt capacity heats up to 165 square feet
- For outdoor and indoor use
- Suitable to use outdoors on and under tables
- Features a U-shaped carbon fiber heating tube
- Safety guard is cool to the touch
- Built-in handle allows for easy carrying and portability
- Safety tip switch turns heater off when moved or if it falls over
- Height: 22.05″
- Dimensions: approximately 8.9″ x 8.9″ x 22.05″
- Cord length: 5.9′
The 2021 model came with a two-year warranty, but Aldi has not yet published information about whether the 2023 heater includes a warranty.
What We Don’t Know:
We haven’t tested this particular model, so we don’t know how easily it sets up, how well it operates, or how durable it is. Aldi hasn’t provided any technical information on its site, either. We write open threads so readers can discuss Aldi products.
Do you have experience with this patio heater? Let us know in the comments.
These heaters are horrible. Lasted 1 week and the oscillator failed. 1 day later the heater will not stay on more than 2 minutes. Horrible purchase for $65 DO NOT PURCHASE!
Truly agree!!!
Wish I had read this earlier. Have used maybe 5 times and it just died.
This particular heater lasted 10 days working fine, till it threw sparks flew! It burned out, so scary. Not for everyday use, bad investment.
Definitely return it to Aldi for a refund.
Exact same thing here. We bought one, and it would oscillate but not heat. Exchanged it at Aldi, and it worked fine for about a month. This morning it would not work, kept tripping the GFCI. So I plugged it into a non-GFCI outlet to see if the outlet was the problem. It worked for about 3-seconds, emitted sparks and then tripped my breaker. No thanks. Returning this for a refund and will be getting a reputable high-rated brand.
We bought one. It would work for three minutes and then trip the overheat sensor. We exchanged it for another and this one does the exact same thing. Unfortunately we exchanged it because we did not have the receipt. So we are stuck.
They might still give you store credit even if you don’t have a receipt. It’s worth a try. https://www.aldireviewer.com/can-you-return-a-product-to-aldi-without-a-receipt/
See my comment below.
It doesn’t throw heat father than 6 inches. I’m taking mine back. But I only paid $39 and change for it.
Junk!
Our unit lasted for about a month before the heating element went out in it. It still oscillates but no heat. There is a 2-year warranty and it goes by the date code on the bottom. If it is less than two years from the date code, ALDI will refund the purchase price without the receipt. Call 866-367-7373. They will ask for your email. Reply with basic return info and they will send you a RAF number. You then cut the cord off about 3 inches from the plug, including the plug. Take a picture of the severed cord next to the unit and send the picture back with the RAF email. I am assuming the refund will be the $69.99 original price for both 2021 and 2022. Anyway, it’s a bit of a pain but a lot less than most returns nowadays.
Bought this heater a month ago and the heating element has burned out already. This is a rip off.
Definitely contact the warranty provider for help or to get a refund: https://www.aldi.us/en/about-aldi/warranties-manuals/warranties-detail/sis/si/gardenline-1200-watt-portable-patio-heater-1/
I bought 4 3 months ago. They also failed. Lucky I had my receipts and the gave me a full refund. Aldi is the best!!!!!
I came across this post during a search on fixing one ! I have to say, my heater has treated me pretty well – all things considering. It has taken a couple of good slams on the garage floor and continued to throw off heat. It stopped blowing and oscillating, but was toasty to sit by. Unfortunately, it stopped working this morning. The anti tip switch seems to be the culprit. Was hoping to open it up and see what I can find out, but I’m stumped. Based on my experience, I’d get another one, but if I had found this post before I bought mine, there is no way in hell I would have.
16 degrees in Texas. Disabled person needing to stay warm. Worked only a couple hours. Want my money back but I have no receipt … Trash.
This topic came up farther up in the comments as well: try taking it back to Aldi even if you don’t have a receipt. Aldi is pretty good about recognizing its own products and there’s a good chance they’ll give you store credit.