Are you looking for a patio heater? This article will review the top 5 best infrared patio heaters.
Patio heaters have always been available, but last winter, their sales skyrocketed. Staying indoors and social distancing kept us away from each other. We all longed for the “good old days” when we could spend time with friends and family. A good patio heater made an evening with our loved ones and some hot cocoa possible while still following social distancing rules.
When I was thinking about getting a patio heater, I initially thought I would go with the more traditional propane heaters. But I realized it would be a hassle to keep going to the store to buy propane tanks. I decided to get myself an infrared heater instead.
I started researching the best infrared patio heaters; it took me nearly five days as I went through close to 30 products, but finally, I narrowed it down to 5.
- 5 Best Infrared Patio Heaters
- 1. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238
- 2. Briza Infrared Patio Heater
- 3. Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Infrared
- 4. Trustech Space Heater Infrared Heater
- 5. Surjuny Electric Patio Heater
- Buyer’s Guide For The Best Infrared Patio Heater
- Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Infrared Patio Heaters
- Wrap Up
5 Best Infrared Patio Heaters
Below are my top 5 best infrared patio heaters. Dr. Infrared is the one I bought because it’s the safest and has the best heating capacity. However, all the products are suitable for heating, so take your pick!
I’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide in this article, so you can arm yourself with knowledge before making a final purchase.
1. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238
Features
- Heating Power: Score 9/10
- Portability: Score 10/10
- Safety: Score 10/10
- Weather Proofing: Score 10/10
- Overall Rating: 10/10
Technical Specifications
- Max Power: 1500 W, with lower settings of 900 W and 1200 W
- Tripod Height: 46 – 75 inches
- Heating Element: 21 inches
- Cord Length: 12.5 ft
- Heater Cable Length: 3 ft
Bottom Line
Dr. Infrared stands head and shoulders above other infrared patio heaters with many safety features, a superb heating element, fantastic portability and height adjustability settings.
Pros:
- IP55 rated, weatherproof
- Long 12.5-inch cord
- Extended heating element (21 inches)
- Height adjustability (46-75 inches)
- Dual tip-over protection (both in stand and on the heater)
- Remote control for easy operation
- Three heat settings
Cons:
- The remote control has a minimal range; you have to get very close to the heater to operate it.
Details
Weatherproof: Patio heaters have to face all kinds of weather: wind, rain, dust and sometimes snow. The IP55 rating on Dr. Infrared’s heater means that it is protected from dust and can handle some rain as well.
Tripod Adjustment: Infrared heaters work by transferring heat directly to your skin rather than heating the nearby air. Therefore, their range may not be as impressive as a propane heater. If you are sitting alone, you would probably want the heater at a lower height and closer.
If you have a group of people on your patio, it may be better to have the heater slightly higher up so that the heat reaches everyone. Dr. Infrared has a height setting of 46 to 75 inches, giving you a lot of flexibility on this front. You can even adjust the tilt and pan of the heater on the tripod to point it in the best direction possible.
Cord Length: My patio does not have an electrical outlet, so this was an important criterion. Dr. Infrared comes with a 12.5-inch cord which I could connect to an outlet just inside my front door without purchasing an extension cord.
Heating: The low heating range of infrared heaters is why many people do not like to buy them. However, Dr. Infrared can easily cover 150 ft2 in an enclosed space due to its large element size (21 inches) and reflective aluminum casing around the carbon lamp.
Heat Settings: Some fall days can be a bit chilly but may not require the full force of your heater. Therefore, it’s always nice to have heat intensity settings. With Dr. Infrared, you can set the heat to three levels: 900 W, 1,200 W, and 1,500 W. You can even set the timer between 1 – 9 hours, in case you doze off. You also get a remote control to change the settings, though I didn’t like that you need to get very close to the heater to get the remote to work.
Safety: Heaters are inherently unsafe, especially if you have children in the house. Dr. Infrared has tip-over protection for both the stand and the heater. They even have provided sandbags on the tripod’s legs to increase the weight and make it more stable. The product is ETL approved; it complies with North American safety standards.
2. Briza Infrared Patio Heater
Features
- Heating Power: Score 8/10
- Portability: Score 9/10
- Safety: Score 8/10
- Weather Proofing: Score 10/10
- Overall Rating: 9/10
Technical Specifications
- Max Power: 1500 W, with three settings: L1, L2, L3
- Tripod Height: 44 – 84 inches
- Heating Element: 19 inches
- Cord Length: 10 ft
- Heater Cable Length: N/A
Bottom Line
Briza has one of the best heating elements and certainly the best height adjustability.
Pros:
- IP55 rated, weatherproof.
- Height adjustability.
- Adjustable tripod legs for tight spaces.
- Large heating element.
- Remote control for easy operation with three heat settings.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- No tilt and pan adjustment for the tripod.
- The heating range is low. Most users mention that a 4 – 6 ft. area is about all you can heat.
Details
Weatherproof: Briza’s heater is also IP55 rated. It can withstand dust and rain.
Height Adjustment: The height adjustability of this heater is best-in-class. You can set the height from anywhere between 44 inches to 84 inches. I did not like that it had no tilt or pan adjustment on the stand. At 84 inches, if you cannot point the heater downwards, it becomes a bit of a nuisance.
Cord Length: While the 10-inch cord length on the heater is pretty long, most people would still need an extension cord to connect to an outlet inside the house.
Heating: Within 4 – 6 feet, it heats pretty well. It has a 19-inch heating element and reflective aluminum casing around the carbon lamp. Its unique design can emit close to 93% of the heat, which saves power. However, the overall heating range is a bit smaller than the Dr. Infrared heater.
Heat Settings: There are three levels of heating: L1, L2, and L3. The maximum heat output is 1,500 W.
Safety: The heater has tip-over protection; it automatically shuts off when it gets tipped over. Secondly, you can make the tripod’s base as wide as you like, which gives extra stability to the heater.
Ease of Use: The product has a timer that can be set for between 1 – 9 hours and comes with a remote control that you can use to operate it from your patio chair.
3. Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Infrared
Features
- Heating Power: Score 7/10
- Portability: Score 10/10
- Safety: Score 8/10
- Weather Proofing: Score 8/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
Technical Specifications
- Max Power: 1500 W. No heat modulation possible.
- Tripod Height: 36 – 80 inches.
- Heating Element: ~18 inches (smaller than Dr. Infrared and Briza).
- Cord Length: 13 ft.
- Heater Cable Length: N/A.
Bottom Line
If you are not too concerned about niceties like a remote control or tiltable heater head, this is an inexpensive but high-quality product.
Pros:
- Value-for-money.
- IPX4 rated, waterproof.
- Best height adjustability.
- Adjustable tripod legs.
Cons:
- No tilt and pan adjustment for the tripod.
- The heating range is low. Most users mention that a 4 – 6 ft area is about all you can heat up.
Details
Weatherproof: The Heat Storm HS-1500-TT is IPX4 rated. That means it should be fine if you accidentally leave it out in the rain, but it does not have dust protection.
Height Adjustment: The height adjustability of the heater is between 3 ft and 6.5 ft. However, there is no tilt functionality on the heater, so it might not be a great idea to set it up very high. Please also note that you cannot install this heater on the ceiling.
Cord Length: The long 13-ft cord is a nice feature to have, especially if you want to put the heater on a patio outside your home.
Heating: The heating element is smaller than the Dr. Infrared and Briza products. However, it does provide for reliable heating in an area between 60 – 100 ft2.
Heat Settings: The heater does not have the option to set heat levels, and it does not have a remote control.
Safety: The heater has tip-over protection; it automatically shuts off when it gets tipped over. Like the Briza product, you can make the tripod’s base as wide as you like, giving extra stability to the heater.
Price: This product is much cheaper than the rest of the tripod-style products in our lineup.
4. Trustech Space Heater Infrared Heater
Features
- Heating Power: Score 7/10
- Portability: Score 7/10
- Safety: Score 8/10
- Weather Proofing: Score 6/10
- Overall Rating: 7/10
Technical Specifications
- Max Power: 1,500 W. It has three heat settings: 500, 1,000, or 1,500 W
- Height: 31.7 inches
- Heating Element: N/A
- Cord Length: 6.5 ft
- Heater Cable Length: N/A
Bottom Line
If your patio is small and you want a heater for just one or two people, this is an inexpensive option.
Pros:
- Low price.
- Waterproof, but the manufacturer has not provided a rating.
- Adjustable heating (3 settings).
- Safety features such as tip-over protection, a switch protection sleeve, and an automatic shutoff.
- It comes with remote control and a timer.
Cons:
- You must place the heater at a low height (no tripod provided).
- Overall heating is not very high.
- Very short cord.
Details
Weatherproof: Trustech has claimed that the heater is waterproof but does not provide an IP rating for the product. I would be careful about leaving it out for too long. In any case, it’s a small heater, so you can always carry it back with you when you are going inside.
Height Adjustment: This is a fixed height infrared heater (31.5-inch height) with no tripod. There is no height adjustment.
Cord Length: The cord is about 6 ft long. You will need an extension cord for the patio.
Heating: This is a good heater for one or two people, but it is best not to use it for a large space because of the small size and low height.
Heat Settings: The heater has three power settings: 500, 1,000, and 1,500 W. It also has a remote control and a 24-hour sleep timer.
Safety: It has tip-over protection and a cover for the on/off switch that keeps it safe from children and pets.
Price: This product is modestly priced, given that it has high-end features. It is a good bargain if you have a small patio.
5. Surjuny Electric Patio Heater
Features
- Heating Power: Score 8/10
- Portability: Score 5/10
- Safety: Score 8/10
- Weather Proofing: Score 8/10
- Overall Rating: 7/10
Technical Specifications
- Max Power: 1,500 W. Three heat settings: 500, 1,000, or 1,500 W
- Height: N/A (wall-mounted)
- Heating Element: ~18 inches
- Cord Length: 6 ft
- Heater Cable Length: N/A
Bottom Line
If you have an enclosed patio, this wall-mounted heater can be a good, inexpensive option.
Pros:
- Low price.
- Waterproof, IP34.
- Adjustable heating (3 settings).
- Remote control and timer.
Cons:
- You cannot move the wall-mounted heater around easily.
- Very short cord.
Details
Weatherproof: The heater is IP34 rated. It is waterproof to a certain extent and can withstand tools and wires.
Height Adjustment: This is a wall-mounted heater. You can mount it about half an inch away from your patio’s ceiling to get the maximum heating area in an enclosed space.
Cord Length: The cord is about 6 ft long. You will need an extension cord for the patio.
Heating: It is a good heater if your patio is enclosed or has some covering on at least 2-3 sides. For patios that are open on all sides, a wall-mounted heater is not appropriate.
Heat Settings: The heater has three power settings: 500, 1,000 and 1,500 W. It also has a remote control and a 24-hour sleep timer.
Price: This product is the cheapest in our lineup. It has good features and can be a great option as long as you have an enclosed space.
Buyer’s Guide For The Best Infrared Patio Heater
Types of IR heaters
There are three types of IR heaters: freestanding, wall-mounted and hanging. Freestanding is the most popular type.
Most freestanding patio heaters are detachable, and you can convert them into wall-hanging heaters as well.
Hanging heaters are useful for hanging over the top of a table to heat a small space or a group of people.
Related article: Propane vs Kerosene Garage Heater: Which is Better
Heating Power
How much heat a heater can generate is measured in Watts or BTUs (1 W is equal to 3.41 BTU). 1,500 W is the maximum Wattage allowed for heaters in America. With 1,500 W, you should be able to heat about 150 ft2 of enclosed space.
If you know your room’s area in square footage (ft2), you can multiply that by 10 to get the Wattage you require to heat it.
Weather Proofing
Patio heaters work outside the house. They have to be strong enough to withstand rain, wind, dust, and sometimes even snow. The IP rating of your heater tells you how well your product can manage the hazards of the outside environment. Ideally, you should opt for heaters with an IP rating of 55. Of the products I reviewed, the Dr. Infrared and Briza infrared are both IP 55 rated.
Safety
Since outdoor patio heaters are usually freestanding, you should look for essential safety features such as a tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the product if it falls. You should also look for stable tripods with either a broad base or sandbags to provide extra stability.
In our article, all the products we tested had stable tripods, and all have a tip-over automatic shutoff option.
Portability
Since you are setting up a patio heater outside your house, the heater must have a suitable, long power cord so that you can connect it to an outlet inside the house.
Price
IR patio heaters usually fall in a $100 – $250 price range. Any heaters beyond that are excessively costly, and any heaters below the range may be of poor quality.
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Infrared Patio Heaters
What Are The Best Infrared Patio Heaters?
The best infrared patio heaters are:
Are Infrared Patio Heaters Any Good?
While it depends on the size of the heater and your patio’s design, Watt-for-Watt, infrared heaters are as powerful as most propane or natural gas patio heaters. Infrared heaters are also energy-efficient and can save you quite a bit of money compared to propane or natural gas heaters.
Since infrared heating does not heat the nearby air but only the objects in its path, the heat does not remain after shutting off the heater. Other than that, they are just as good as any other type of heater.
What Size Infrared Heater Do I Need?
Since patios are open, it’s difficult to estimate the size of the heater that you might need. In an enclosed space, an infrared heater with 1,500 W power can heat a room of about 150 ft2 but may end up heating a much smaller area on a patio, depending on how open it is and the outdoor conditions.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Infrared Heating?
Here are a few disadvantages:
- Safety: The radiating coils of the infrared heater can cause burns if someone touches them by mistake.
- Limited Heating: Infrared heating occurs in the heater’s line of sight. Infrared heaters will never heat the entire room. As long as you are in the line of the beams, you will feel the heat. If you are moving around, or leave the room often, you will not feel as much warmth.
- Heat Does Not Remain: With infrared heating, the heat dissipates as soon as you turn off the heater.
Related article: 14 Infrared Heater Troubleshooting Tips
Wrap Up
Before closing off, let me recap: I judged these products on their weatherproofing, safety features, portability, and of course, heating power.
My top pick, which is a standout for all these parameters, is Dr. Infrared’s Heater.
If you are looking for a value-for-money product, I suggest you opt for the wall-hanging Surjuny patio heater.
Related articles: 6 Best Non-Electric Space Heaters for Indoor & Outdoor Use and Radiant vs Infrared Heater: What’s The Difference?
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