Best Infrared Patio Heater
An infrared patio heater is the best option if you are looking for an energy-efficient heater with low maintenance costs. On those chilly, windy days, these unique heaters send sunshine outside to patios, warming up people and the environment. The infrared heaters can heat up to 40 to 60 square feet of space on an insulated patio compared to 25 to 40 square feet in an uninsulated area.
Deciding on which Infrared patio heater is the best for you can be a challenge. There are a lot of factors, such as what color scheme would look good in the space and what kind of heater would provide the most effective heating without posing any safety risks. However, there are numerous options available, and you don’t want to buy the wrong one and get stuck with a patio heater you don’t like, or that doesn’t make enough heat in the room.
1. Radtec G30R Infrared Heater
The Radtec G30R – 38” Golden Tube Infrared Heater is a wall or ceiling-mounted heater that is all black and is very lightweight. This heater is convenient for spot heating in places other heaters cannot reach and cover. The heater has a remote control and mounting kit, all covered in the warranty. Additionally, the heater features three different heat settings that cover an average of 80ft2.
2. Radtec SBT-15S Infrared Heater
The Radtec Bistro SBT-15S – Infrared Bistro Square Table Heater is perfect for keeping your legs warm when eating or drinking something outside. It includes a sturdy 26-pound base plate and a tilt-control shutdown system that is completely incorporated. It has an easy on and off switch with a 6ft long power cord. This heater is built to last outdoors and withstand the elements.
3. Lynx 61” Leh61 Infrared Heater
The Lynx 61 Leh61 – Dual Element Infrared Heater includes dual stacked control and is listed in the US as the top heater for outdoor use. Each element is rated f Lynx Grills Infrared Electric Heaters or about 5000 hours of use. This heater must be installed on a flat ceiling away from any light fixture.
4. Lynx 39” Leh39 Infrared Heater
The Lynx 39 Leh39 – Dual Element Infrared Heater also includes a dual-stacked control like the Lynx 61 and is rated for approximately 5000 hours of use per element. In addition, it has stainless steel construction and medium wave infrared technology, which means no blinding and uncomfortable orange light that will irritate you.
5. Dr. Infrared DR-239 Infrared Heater
The Dr. Infrared DR-239 Infrared Heater has a carbon infrared heating element that is easily mounted and comes with a remote that allows you to easily switch between the two power levels and standby mode. In addition, the heater has a self-recoverable overheating protection function, is weatherproof, and resists the elements. You can also use this heater indoors in restaurants, garages, and retail establishments.
6. Dr. Infrared DR-368 Infrared Heater
The Dr. Infrared DR-368 Infrared Heater is indoor and outdoor-friendly, with two safety protections to ensure the most excellent safety precautions. It is safe, clean, and odorless, providing a comfortable atmosphere in the winter. This heater is made with aluminum and is perfect for outdoor use. It comes with a power cord wall mounting bracket and remote control.
7. Fire Sense Telescoping Infrared Heater
The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Telescoping Offset Pole-Mounted Infrared Heater is heavy-duty and offers a new look to outdoor heating. The heater operates at 90% heating efficiency and runs on a regular household electric current. As a result, the cost of operation is significantly lower than propane heaters and can be used indoors and outdoors. In addition, it has wheels for easy movability.
8. Fire Sense Wall Mounted Infrared Heater
The Fire Sense Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Infrared Patio Heater runs on standard household electric current and is much less expensive than propane patio heaters. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and has a moveable mounting bracket. The heater has a 9ft blanket of heat that is not affected by wind, has no UV rays, and offers silent operation.
9. Tungsten Portable Infrared Heater
The Tungsten Smart Home Portable Infrared – BH0510001 Infrared Heater is up to 3 times more efficient than a traditional mushroom heater. This heater is gas operated and has a matte black finish with a modern art style. This heater directs the heat to a specific spot and easily overcomes winds up to 8mph. In addition, the heater is also very easy to assemble.
10. Tungsten Electric Infrared Heater
This Tungsten Smart-Heat™ Electric – 6000 Series Infrared Heater has a high-temperature coating and stainless-steel body with a durable design and superior wind resistance, making it suitable for all environments. The heater comes in 2 colors, white and black, and various mounting options are provided. This heater provides an even heat flow throughout outdoor spaces of up to 160ft2.
11. Infratech WD-Series Infrared Heater
The Infratech WD-6024 Infrared Heater is a high-powered dual-element fixture that concentrates more on large-scale heating. This heater can be wall, ceiling, or pole mounted and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They come in 8 standard colors, and unlimited custom colors are available. There is also a wide range of control options, including universal, home management, and solid-state controls.
12. Infratech SL-Series Infrared Heater
The Infratech SL-1624 Infrared Heater has a single element with crisp modern styling that houses a narrow profile that virtually disappears into the surroundings. They can be fixed to a ceiling or wall and come in two different colors. As a result, they are suitable for outdoor installation and have low clearance requirements. Like the WD series, they also have a wide range of control options.
13. EnerG+ HEA-157 Infrared Heater
The EnerG+ HEA-1575J67L-2 Infrared Heater is a table-style heater that is perfect for any restaurant and café setting with an infrared tower and LED lighting. In addition, it has low operating costs and is much cheaper to use than propane heaters. This heater is safe and environmentally friendly with no carbon monoxide emissions.
The heat bulb of this heater lasts about 5000 hours and has a 6.5 feet power cord. Further, the heater has a glass top and frame made of aluminum. Additionally, the heater features a 360-degree safety cut-off switch in case of the table tips over. It also has dual heating power settings that quickly switch between 750W and 1500W output.
14. EnerG+ HEA-218 Infrared Heater
This EnerG+ HEA-21848 Infrared Heater (With Bluetooth Speaker) uses the standard outlets and has low operating costs. As a result, it is more affordable and convenient than propane heaters. With multicolor LED lighting and a Bluetooth speaker, this heater is entirely silent and hardly affected by the wind. The remote control is wireless, and a bulb last roughly 5000 hours.
15. EnerG+ HEA-230 Infrared Heater
The EnerG+ HEA-23046-WM-RM Infrared Patio Heater is safe and convenient as it does not produce carbon monoxide and is protected against rain and dust. Therefore, it is ideal for use in indoor areas and outdoor spaces. Further, it has a wall mounting bracket and 6 feet extension cord. The remote control allows you to switch between the 1500W and 3000W output easily. The bulb is rated for around 5000 hours of use.
Infrared Heater Comparison Table
| Model | Estimated Cost | Size (Inches) | Warranty | Waterproof Rating | Max Output | Mounting |
| Radtec G30R | $450 | 38 x 5 x 4 | 180 – Day warranty | IPX 5 | 3000W | Wall & Ceiling |
| Radtec SBT | $550 | 30 x 24 2x 24 | 180 – Day warranty | IPX 5 | 1500W | Standing |
| Lynx 61” | $900 | 61 x 9.4 x 8.2 | 2 – Year Warranty | Not Listed | 6000W | Wall & Ceiling |
| Lynx 39” | $750 | 39 x 9.4 x 8.2 | 2 – Year Warranty | Not Listed | 4000W | Wall & Ceiling |
| Dr. Infrared DR-239 | $350 | 41.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 | 1 – Year Warranty | IP55 | 3000W | Wall & Ceiling |
| Dr. Infrared DR-368 | $220 | 43.3 x 37 x 58 | 1 – Year Warranty | IP55 | 1500W | Tripod & Wall |
| Fire Sense Telescoping | $500 | 20 x 92 x 22 | 1 – Year Warranty | Not Listed | 1500W | Standing |
| Fire Sense Mounted | $270 | 22 x 8 x 5 | 1 – Year Warranty | Not Listed | 1500W | Wall |
| Tungsten Portable | $2100 | 85 x 27 x 19 | 1-Year Parts & 7- Year Elements | Not Listed | 38,500 BTU | Standing |
| Tungsten Electric | $1000 | 56 x 8.5 x 6 | 1-Year Parts & 7- Year Elements | Not Listed | 6000W | Ceiling, Wall & Pole |
| Infratech WD | $900 | 61.25 | 3 – Year Warranty | Not Listed | 6000W | Ceiling, Wall & Pole |
| Infratech SL | $600 | 29.5 | 3 – Year Warranty | Not Listed | 1600W | Ceiling & Wall |
| EnerG+ HEA-157 | $350 | 23.6 x 27.6 x 29.5 | 1 Year Warranty | IP 24 | 1500W | Standing |
| EnerG+ HEA-218 | $320 | 12.6 x 7.9 x 43.3 | 1 – Year Warranty | IP 55 | 1500W | Standing |
| EnerG+ HEA-230 | $450 | 41.7 x 5.5 x 3.9 | 1 – Year Warranty | IP 54 | 3000W | Ceiling & Wall |
Infrared vs. Propane
Both infrared and propane have a lot of options to offer. Humanity discovers better, more effective solutions to daily issues as technology develops. There is no doubt that every decade introduces something new to make our lives simpler, whether in communication, health, or heating solutions.
Infrared might not be anything new, but it is much more recent than propane. Many people think more contemporary might be better, but in many cases, it is not so. Both infrared and propane patio heaters will supply the needed heat, but the main difference will be how each model achieves this result. Each type of heating has a variety of advantages and disadvantages.
On the pros side, propane heaters warm the air, so effects last much longer, even when turned off. In addition, they are much cheaper to run as gas is less expensive than electricity. On the cons side, propane requires much more attention and maintenance than infrared, and you constantly need to replace the canisters. In addition, they have slower heating times and can be a fire hazard.
Infrared heaters are better at heating a room quickly and are much safer to use than propane heaters. Additionally, there are lower environmental pollution and maintenance costs with these systems. Infrared patio systems are durable and adaptable and can be used indoors and outdoors. However, electricity is more expensive, and the warmth doesn’t last long after the heater has been turned off.
The other consideration is where to place your patio heater so it’s in the best place to maximize the heat and keep safe as well we wrote an article covering this with some advice on different types of heater as well.
Considerations To Make When Purchasing A Patio Heater
There are a few factors that you must take into consideration. Purchasing the improper heater could mean that it has the wrong features, does not fit your style, or it might not be suitable for warming up the designated area as there are many different types and kinds of patio heaters. Therefore, you should consider the heaters:
- Size – You must be sure where your heater is mainly to stand. You can purchase a sizable heating system if your living space is more significant. You might say that room is on the smaller side and want to get a smaller patio heater to ensure enough space. All patio heaters have a minimum clearance around them, so leave space when looking at the room.
- Safety – Try getting a heater with a cool-to-touch exterior to ensure nobody gets harmed. Therefore, protecting curious young kids and your pets. Flammable objects should also not be left near the heater as they could catch fire. Infrared is no different from other heaters in that department. Also, ensure that the system is safe and that you protect the power cord from damage.
- Affordability – A lot of this depends on the area and the price of electricity in your area. If electricity is low-cost in your area, then an infrared patio heater will not be that expensive to run. The heat locks in on the objects in the room also help keep it warm, so they don’t need to operate additional heaters. Low maintenance also helps with the costs.
- Portability – Getting a portable infrared patio heater is something everyone wants, but unfortunately, there aren’t many options in this department. These heaters rely on electricity, so they should always be near a wall outlet. There might be a few with longer cords, but none of the systems can be put in the middle of nowhere.
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