Infrared Patio Heater Buying Guide

Overhaul your garden with the far-reaching warmth of an infrared patio heater.

Safe and efficient, infrared overcomes the challenges of heating the outdoors – but with so many types to choose from, there’s a lot to consider. So, whatever the requirements of your outdoor space, our handy buying guide is here to help you choose the ideal heater for your patio.

Watch our infrared patio heater buying guide video here >

Low Glare

Providing a notable orange or amber glow, our range of low glare outdoor heaters use tungsten elements to generate shortwave infrared, delivering instant heat that’s ideal for infrequent use. Many of our low glare heaters use gold reflector technology to reduce the level of light emission, adding a soft ambience to your patio.

No Glare

Discreet but no less efficient, our range of no glare patio heaters allow for a gentle distribution of heat without that stereotypical orange blaze. Using far infrared technology, these outdoor electric heaters contain ceramic heating elements instead of a bulb to provide subtle warmth – perfect for all-day use.

Calculating the running costs of your infrared patio heater can be tricky depending on a number of factors: the time of year, weather conditions, and the heater’s level of exposure to the elements, but in order to make an estimate you should know:

- Your energy tariff in pence per kilowatt hour

- The wattage of the heater in kilowatts

- The number of hours you expect to run your heating per day

Of course, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Check out this blog for more information on the running costs of infrared heaters.

Converting every watt of energy into usable heat as well as providing direct radiant warmth, none of the power used to create heat is wasted, allowing your patio heaters to work at 100% efficiency. Plus, due to the lasting and stable nature of infrared, you will still feel the benefits long after switch-off, helping to reduce your running costs. When paired with a renewable energy source such as a green energy supplier or wind/solar power, you even have the opportunity to make your infrared heater carbon free – great for your energy bills and the environment, too.

Lightweight and flexible, our patio heaters can be up and running in minutes with quick fitting and simple plug and go installation. With no mandatory upkeep or the need for storing or sourcing fuel, infrared patio heaters are an incredibly low effort and robust heating solution for the outdoors. We recommend a hardwired installation if you plan on using your heater regularly, as it adds extra protection against the elements – this is a quick and simple job for a professional electrician that won’t leave you out of pocket.

The short answer is yes, infrared heat is completely safe. You'd be forgiven for associating this term with ultraviolet waves and wondering how safe it really is. Allow us to put your mind at ease – you’ll find infrared heat used in all facets of everyday life, from incubators for babies, to brooding lamps for roosting chickens. Infrared heat feels comfortable because of how natural it is – our bodies are literally designed to absorb and emit it on a daily basis. You’ll even find it’s good for allergies too since it doesn’t disrupt air movement! Like the soothing warmth you feel when the sun peeps through clouds, infrared patio heaters merely adopt that same kind of heat, minus the harmful UV waves. In fact, it’s at the complete opposite end of the electromagnetic spectrum: it’s low energy, gentle and, like we said, completely safe.

Our patio heaters come with all relevant fixtures and fittings included, so wall mounting is a straightforward and efficient option. The adjustable mounting brackets allow for versatility, so you can install your heater at your preferred height for direct heat dispersion.

Ceiling mounting is a great option as its unhindered heat distribution allows for the broadest spread of warmth. Ideal for installation in sheltered areas, this discreet placement allows for extra protection against the elements.

The most adaptable option: freestanding installation is the ideal choice if you value mobility. The Ecostrad Infrared Patio Heater Stand is compatible with many of our heaters, with added height adjustment to suit your needs.

Stratus Infrared Patio Heater

Ecostrad Thermaglo Infrared Patio Heater

Ecostrad Sunglo Infrared Patio Heater