Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio vs Mr. Heater 11
Both made our Best Patio Heaters for Small Patios shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater if you want lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep within overhead clearance limits. Choose the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater if you'd rather have adjustable dial lets you scale heat down on milder evenings instead of one fixed setting. Overall we rank the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Patio Heaters for Small Patios list.
Winner overall: Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater
Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater vs Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 6 in Best Patio Heaters for Small Patios | #2 of 6 in Best Patio Heaters for Small Patios |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Fire Sense | Mr. Heater |
| Key features | 10,000 BTU propane burner; Stainless steel tabletop design; Auto-shutoff tilt valve | 8,000 to 11,000 BTU adjustable output; 1lb propane cylinder compatible; Piezo push-button ignition |
| Biggest strength | Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep within overhead clearance limits | Adjustable dial lets you scale heat down on milder evenings instead of one fixed setting |
| Main trade-off | Still an open flame, unsuitable for a fully enclosed or low-airflow porch regardless of height | Lacks the auto-shutoff tilt valve featured on the Fire Sense |
| Best for | covered porches | tables |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater if…
- Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep within overhead clearance limits
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve adds a margin of safety under a roof
- Inexpensive way to add heat to a covered porch that already has good airflow on two sides
Best for: covered porches
Prefer the alternative? See the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater section.
#2 pick
Choose the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater if…
- Adjustable dial lets you scale heat down on milder evenings instead of one fixed setting
- Piezo ignition lights consistently without a separate lighter or match
- Slightly higher max BTU than the Fire Sense at full output
Best for: tables
Prefer the alternative? See the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater section.
Pros and cons of each
Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater
Pros
- Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep within overhead clearance limits
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve adds a margin of safety under a roof
- Inexpensive way to add heat to a covered porch that already has good airflow on two sides
Cons
- Still an open flame, unsuitable for a fully enclosed or low-airflow porch regardless of height
- Requires verifying overhead clearance against the manufacturer's spec before using indoors-adjacent
- Smaller heat radius than the electric mounted options
Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater
Pros
- Adjustable dial lets you scale heat down on milder evenings instead of one fixed setting
- Piezo ignition lights consistently without a separate lighter or match
- Slightly higher max BTU than the Fire Sense at full output
Cons
- Lacks the auto-shutoff tilt valve featured on the Fire Sense
- Runs through 1lb cylinders quickly at the higher end of its output range
- Fewer long-term owner reviews than the more established Fire Sense line
Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater vs Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater: common questions
Which is better, the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater or the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater?
Choose the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater if you want lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep within overhead clearance limits. Choose the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater if you'd rather have adjustable dial lets you scale heat down on milder evenings instead of one fixed setting. Overall we rank the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Patio Heaters for Small Patios list.
What is the difference between the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater and the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater?
The Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater stands out because lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep within overhead clearance limits, while the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater stands out because adjustable dial lets you scale heat down on milder evenings instead of one fixed setting. The trade-offs differ too: the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater's main caveat is that still an open flame, unsuitable for a fully enclosed or low-airflow porch regardless of height, and the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater's is that lacks the auto-shutoff tilt valve featured on the Fire Sense.
Is the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater worth it over the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater instead if still an open flame, unsuitable for a fully enclosed or low-airflow porch regardless of height is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater instead of the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater?
The Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater suits tables, while the Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater is best for covered porches.