Table-Top Patio Heater Costco Cost: Prices, Models, and Tips

Right now at Costco, tabletop patio heaters range from about $39.99 for the FlamePro propane model (currently discounted $30 off) up to $169.99 for the Kenmore 1500W infrared electric unit. Those two are the main tabletop-compatible options you'll find in Costco's patio heater category today, and they're genuinely different animals: one runs on propane with a 10,000 BTU flame, the other plugs into an outlet and uses carbon infrared heat. Which one makes sense depends on your table size, whether you're covered or exposed, and what's more convenient for your setup.

What tabletop patio heaters Costco actually sells right now

Costco's patio heater selection rotates seasonally, but as of May 2026 there are two products worth knowing about for tabletop use.

The FlamePro (Model 14306) is your classic tabletop propane heater. It's compact at 12.48 x 12.48 x 23.38 inches and weighs just 11.46 lbs, so it sits comfortably on a patio table and can move around with you. It comes with a 6 ft. adapter hose for a 20 lb external propane tank, but it also accepts a standard 1 lb camping-style canister directly. The Kenmore (Model KH-7E01-BKTP) is technically a tripod-mounted floor unit, but it's compact enough to use on a large surface or nearby table edge, and its remote control makes it genuinely convenient. Just know it's listed as online-only at Costco, so you can't walk into a warehouse and grab one.

What actually drives the price difference

At first glance, the $130 gap between the FlamePro and the Kenmore seems huge. But it reflects real differences in what you're getting, not just brand markup.

Heat output and coverage area

The FlamePro puts out 10,000 BTU, which translates to a 52-inch heat radius. That's solid warmth for a couple of people sitting around a medium patio table. The Kenmore delivers 1,500W of infrared heat covering roughly 36 square feet. Infrared works differently: instead of heating the air (which wind quickly steals), it heats objects and people directly, similar to the feeling of sunlight. On a covered patio with no wind, both are effective. The Kenmore has a slight edge in exposed or breezy conditions because infrared energy isn't as easily dispersed.

Safety features and build quality

The FlamePro has a safety switch that automatically cuts off the propane if the unit tips over or if the flame goes out unexpectedly. That's a critical feature for any open-flame heater on a table where bumps happen. The Kenmore lists built-in safety features as well, and the manual specifies keeping combustible materials at least 3 feet from the front of the unit. Both heaters meet basic safety expectations for their category, but the propane unit's tip-over shutoff is especially worth noting if you have kids or pets around.

Controls and convenience

The FlamePro uses one-handed impulse ignition (push-button start) with an adjustable flame dial. Simple and reliable. The Kenmore offers three power level settings and includes a remote control, which is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade if you're settled in on a cold evening and don't want to get up to adjust heat. These conveniences are part of what justifies the higher price on the electric model.

Propane vs. electric infrared: cost-per-use and real-world practicality

Let's talk about what it actually costs to run each of these over time, not just the sticker price.

FlamePro propane: fuel costs and burn time

On a 1 lb camping canister, you get roughly 2 to 4 hours of heat at max output. That's fine for a single evening, but those small canisters cost around $3 to $6 each, which adds up fast. The smarter move is using the included 6 ft. adapter hose with a 20 lb propane tank. At max output, that gets you 43 to 83 hours of heat depending on your flame setting. A 20 lb tank exchange runs about $20 to $25 at most hardware stores or gas stations. That works out to roughly $0.25 to $0.60 per hour, making the FlamePro very economical once you invest in the external tank. The tank itself (if you're buying new rather than exchanging) costs $30 to $50, but you only buy it once.

Kenmore electric: running costs and outlet requirements

At 1,500W, the Kenmore draws 1.5 kWh per hour of use. At a national average of around $0.16 per kWh, that's about $0.24 per hour to run. At the three lower power settings, it's even less. So the ongoing cost is comparable to propane, sometimes less. The catch: you need a standard 120V outlet within cord reach. The Kenmore manual explicitly warns against using an extension cord. If your table is far from an outdoor outlet, that's a real constraint. No extension cord means you're limited by where your outlet is.

Side-by-side cost comparison

How to choose the right one for your space

The honest answer is that the best pick depends almost entirely on where and how you'll use it. Here's how to think through it.

Table size and placement distance

The FlamePro's 52-inch heat radius means everyone within about 4 feet of the unit should feel meaningful warmth. For a standard 4-person round patio table (typically 42 to 48 inches in diameter), placing the heater in the center is ideal and effective. For a 6-person rectangular table, one heater in the center may not reach the far ends comfortably. The Kenmore's 36 sq. ft. coverage is a directional cone of infrared heat, not a 360-degree radius, so placement matters more: you aim it at the people, not the center of a table.

Covered patio vs. open or windy space

Under a covered patio, both heaters perform well. In an open, breezy backyard, propane open-flame heaters lose efficiency because wind disrupts the heat column. Infrared is more weather-resilient in that respect since it heats surfaces and bodies rather than the surrounding air. If your setup is exposed, lean toward the Kenmore or look at other infrared options. If you're under a pergola or overhang with minimal wind, the FlamePro is excellent value.

Who each model is really for

• FlamePro at $39.99: Best for budget buyers, anyone who wants full portability (camping, tailgating, moving between spots), covered patios, and small round tables. Add a 20 lb tank and the long-term cost is hard to beat.
• Kenmore at $169.99: Best for anyone with a nearby outdoor outlet, covered or semi-exposed patios, people who want remote convenience, and those who prefer not dealing with propane tanks or refills.

Where to buy and how to avoid getting a bad deal

Checking current Costco availability

Costco's patio heater inventory shifts with the season. Spring (March through May) is typically when inventory is freshest and deals are most visible, which is exactly where we are right now. The FlamePro's current $39.99 price is already marked as a $30 discount, so you're catching it at a good time. The Kenmore is online-only, meaning you won't find it in a warehouse, but online stock can also fluctuate. Check Costco.com directly by searching the item numbers (1807351 for FlamePro, 1786036 for Kenmore) to confirm current pricing and availability before you buy.

Seasonal timing and price swings

If you miss the spring window, Costco sometimes marks down remaining patio heater inventory in late summer or early fall to clear floor space. But selection gets thin. The risk of waiting is that specific models sell out and don't return until the following spring. If you see the FlamePro at $39. If you are hoping to snag a table top patio heater black friday deal, keep an eye on sales around the same models and confirm the watt or BTU output for your space. 99 right now and you need a tabletop heater, that's a reasonable price to act on. For reference, similar tabletop propane heaters at other retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and Amazon) typically run $50 to $100, so this is genuinely competitive. Similar tabletop patio heater models are also commonly sold at Home Depot. If you’re specifically checking Ace Hardware for a tabletop patio heater, compare propane vs. electric infrared models and confirm BTU or watt output for your space.

What to verify in the listing before buying

• Confirm BTU output (10,000 BTU for the FlamePro) or wattage (1,500W for the Kenmore) matches what you need for your table size.
• Check whether safety certifications (tip-over shutoff, overheat protection) are listed. Both Costco models include these.
• For propane: verify the adapter hose is included so you know you can connect to a 20 lb tank right away.
• For electric: check that you have a properly rated outdoor outlet close enough to the intended placement spot.

Costco's return and warranty policy: your safety net

One of the best things about buying from Costco is the return policy. Both the FlamePro and Kenmore listings explicitly state that items can be returned to any of Costco's 800+ warehouses worldwide. That's a significant advantage over buying from a third-party Amazon seller or a specialty outdoor retailer where returns can be complicated. The Kenmore carries a 1-year manufacturer's warranty on the heater itself (per the manual). If something goes wrong, you have both Costco's generous return window and the manufacturer warranty as backup. For a $40 purchase like the FlamePro, this practically eliminates purchase risk.

Setup, ongoing operation, and what it really costs to run one

Setting up the FlamePro propane heater

Assembly is straightforward. The unit ships ready to use with the instruction manual and one AAA battery included for the igniter. Connect the included 6 ft. hose to a 20 lb propane tank (sold separately), do a quick leak test by applying soapy water to the connection and watching for bubbles, then turn the knob and press the igniter. The propane manual guidance applies here: always use the regulator and hose assembly supplied, never connect an unregulated cylinder directly to the heater, and if you're relighting a hot heater, wait at least 5 minutes before attempting to relight. These aren't complicated steps, but they matter for safe operation.

Setting up the Kenmore electric heater

The Kenmore assembles onto its tripod and plugs into a standard 120V outdoor outlet. Position it so the heat cone aims toward your seating area, and keep combustible materials at least 3 feet from the front of the unit. Do not use an extension cord: the manual is explicit on this. If you don't have an outdoor outlet within reach, you'll need an electrician to add one or this heater simply won't work for your setup.

Ongoing maintenance and accessory costs

• Propane tank: 20 lb tank exchange costs $20 to $25 and lasts 43 to 83 hours of use at varying flame settings.
• 1 lb canisters: $3 to $6 each, good for 2 to 4 hours; convenient for travel but expensive long-term.
• Hose inspection: Check the adapter hose for cracks or wear before each season. Replace if damaged. Never use a leaking hose.
• Annual propane inspection: The manufacturer recommends a qualified service check annually if you use the unit heavily.
• Heater cover: A fitted cover ($15 to $30) extends the life of either unit when stored outdoors between uses.
• Electric running cost: Budget roughly $0.24 per hour at average electricity rates for the Kenmore at full 1,500W output.
• AAA battery replacement: The FlamePro igniter uses one AAA battery. Keep a spare on hand so you're not stranded with a dead igniter.

Which one wins overall?

For most people shopping Costco right now, the FlamePro at $39.99 is the smarter first buy, especially if this is your first tabletop heater or you're not sure how much you'll use it. The low sticker price, full portability, solid BTU output, and Costco's return policy make it almost zero-risk. If you already know you'll use a tabletop heater regularly and you have an outdoor outlet nearby, the Kenmore's infrared technology, remote control, and wind-resilience justify the higher price over time. Either way, check current availability at Costco.com using the item numbers above before making the trip, since seasonal stock can disappear fast. For comparison shopping, it's worth knowing that similar tabletop gas and electric models show up at Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and on Amazon as well, often with different brands or slightly different specs, so if Costco is out of stock it's not your only option. You can also find similar tabletop patio heaters at major retailers like Lowe's if Costco is out of stock.