If nat gas is available not propane, I would opt for nat gas over electric...

IMO

I would opt for natural gas too, or if you have the ventilation to support it a decorative fire pit where you could burn wood. It gets cold in Minnesota. I think you would have to spend a fortune on electric heating for it to put out enough heat to be comfortable there and then you pay even more when you run it. (operational costs)

Natural gas, propane, everything else, electric - in that order!

Just to update this. We ended up with electric. You can see two in the photo below. Our builder had numerous complaints from customers about the smell of NG/Propane except in locations open on at least 3 sides. Then there are also the concerns about unhealthy PM and VOCs.

Cost to run them has not been too bad and s/b better once our solar is online.

Functionally they have been quite wonderful and allow us to use the porch many times when we'd otherwise not be able to.

The heat is fairly directional. Directly below is not surprisingly the warmest and drops off somewhat quickly as you move away. Sitting between these two is OK most of the time but any further apart could result in an uncomfortable cold spot.

Thanks for the follow-up. Glad it worked out for you.