Outdoor Heaters Buying Guide

Outdoor infrared heaters work purely using radiant heat which does not rely on the convection of air to keep you warm. Imagine trying to keep your patio seating area warm with a blow heater – any heat created would simply dissipate into the surrounding air before you could feel the benefit. Infrared uses radiation to heat people and objects directly so there is no wasted effort trying to heat the air in a large, open space.

Outdoor heaters are particularly effective in the way they provide zoned heating. Their radiated heat is projected out in a defined area, allowing you to target specific spaces that need heat, rather than trying to heat the whole garden! Common uses for this zoned heat are above outdoor seating areas or under patio umbrellas to keep people warm whilst they sit outside. Sources of warmth typically aren’t required in any other areas outside, which means that you’re using your heating as effectively as possible.

Additional controls give outdoor heaters plenty of scope for increased efficiency. Push button timers ensure that the heaters are only on for a set amount of time and will automatically switch off, so there’s no risk of forgetting to switch them off. Some models include Bluetooth functionality and can be controlled via a tablet or smartphone to provide even more heat management options.

Outdoor heaters are designed to be no-fuss and simple to use; just switch them on and enjoy almost instantaneous heat. Compared to other outdoor heating methods which require a lot of preparation beforehand, infrared provides a hassle-free heating solution with quick results. Sourcing fuel and repeated cleaning to get rid of ash build-up are common issues with fire pits and chimeneas but infrared outdoor heaters require no such maintenance. In fact, they are designed to be maintenance free and robust enough to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

Provided they are installed correctly, outdoor heaters are very safe to use. Most models are designed to be wall mounted, which keeps them out of the way of accidental knocks and the fingers of curious children. In addition, most infrared heaters come with a protective grill which should be sufficient to keep fingers away from the hot elements. Unlike fire pits or chimeneas, which require constant supervision to keep their fires under control, infrared heaters are fully self-contained and do not pose a fire risk unless damaged.

Having an effective source of heat to use outside can revolutionise your leisure time, making it easier to spend time outside when temperatures are cooler. Instead of relegating your outdoor time solely to the summer months, infrared heaters can help you enjoy your back garden in spring and autumn too, helping you make the most of the fresh air all year round.

Not only are infrared heaters excellent in domestic gardens, they also provide comfortable heating for commercial outdoor environments such as beer gardens and restaurant terraces. Being able to keep both your indoor and outdoor spaces well-heated is a fantastic way to maximise the potential of your business, keeping customers returning and, in turn, raising profits.

Outdoor infrared heaters can also be effective indoors, providing one of the most efficient methods of heating draughty, open-plan areas. Nobody wants to work in a cold workshop or warehouse, so what better way to keep your workforce happy and motivated by installing effective infrared heaters? Cheaper near infrared heaters can provide an invigorating heat and a motivating glow, whilst a system of longwave infrared heaters is a worthwhile investment if you want to make your employees truly comfortably in their workplace.

Outdoor heaters heat directly, sending out radiated infrared heat which is absorbed by the people and objects in its path. The effective reach of the radiated heat depends on the size and wattage of the heater. When you shop around for outdoor heaters, the first thing you should check is the heating span they will provide. Heating spans are measured in metres squared – for example a 2000w low glare outdoor heater might provide a 12m² heating span.

To choose the right size heaters for your project you will need to consider the size and shape of the area you want to cover and look for heaters with heating spans to suit. All of our outdoor heaters have their heating span clearly displayed on the product page.

Larger Projects

If you’re just looking for a portable heater to use in your back garden on chilly summer evenings, choosing the right size heater is an easy task. However, if you’re looking at setting up a permanent outdoor heating system for a larger area, you may need to give your choice of sizes a little more thought.

Many heating companies offer free quotation services to make this process easier. Pass the details of your heating project on to our heating experts and we will draw up a personalised heating plan with recommended heater sizes and fitting locations.

However, if you prefer to calculate your heating sizes yourself, here are a few handy hints:

• Make sure you carefully measure the space you want to heat.
• It may help to draw a plan or elevation diagram of your heated area on squared paper.
• As a general rule of thumb, radiated heat from outdoor infrared heaters usually reaches a maximum of 3.5m from the heater.
• One-directional outdoor heaters – such as wall or ceiling mounted heaters – usually cast a wedge-shaped heating span in whichever direction the heater is pointing.
• 360˚ outdoor heaters – such as umbrella mounted heaters or free standing tower heaters – will create a circular heating span around the heater.

Make sure you have enough space to mount your heaters. Carefully measure the area where you intend to install the heaters and cross-check with the dimensions of your chosen product. Don’t forget to take into account the depth of your heaters – especially if mounting near a door or walkway.

Infrared heaters are so called because they heat purely through radiation – and radiated heat travels in infrared waves. Radiated heat warms people and objects directly, without heating the air – in the same way that the sun can warm you on a cool but sunny winter’s day.

Radiated heat is a very efficient form of heat transfer because heat is transferred directly. Most forms of heating rely on convection to deliver heat. Convection is less efficient because it heats objects indirectly – heating the air which circulates around the room before it delivers heat to the occupants, wasting energy. Radiation effectively cuts out the middleman.

Radiated heat is by far the most efficient choice for outdoor heating. Convection heaters are ineffective outside, wasting energy heating air which immediately escapes to cooler locations. Radiated heat will warm you regardless of the motion or temperature of the air.

Infrared heaters can also provide an energy efficient heating solution for indoor spaces. Large and draughty spaces such as churches and warehouses typically need some form of heating in busy locations – but do not need heating throughout. Radiated heat allows you to zone your heat, heating only those areas that need to be warm. Instead of paying a huge amount to warm up the entire volume of air in your church, you can direct radiated heat over the pews and choir stands to dramatically reduce your heating bills.

Infrared radiation occupies a span of the electromagnetic spectrum – encompassing multiple forms of infrared radiating heat at different frequencies and with different wavelengths. These different wavelengths of infrared heat offer diverse benefits, with certain wavelengths better suited to some locations than others. Take a look at the next question in the buying guide for guidance on what form of infrared will be most beneficial for your heating project.

Reflectors

All outdoor heaters should be fitted with heat reflectors designed to project heat out from the heater. This maximises the heating span of your heater and prevents it retaining its heat – which can otherwise lead to overheating and premature lamp failure. Always look for outdoor heaters with dedicated reflectors, rather than heaters which rely on their back casing to reflect the heat. Heater casing is not reflective enough to redirect heat effectively. Dedicated reflectors are typically made from high grade reflective aluminium and should be positioned at the back and sides to keep the heat away from the lamp’s critical components.

Heating Controllers

Outdoor heaters do not usually come equipped with integrated controls. This is because the heaters must be weatherproof to withstand outdoor fitting, and it is harder to design switches, dials or control panels which are fully waterproof. However, some level of heating control is essential if you want to maximise the efficiency of your outdoor heating. Heating controls should be hardwired into your heaters by a professional electrician at the point of installation. Here are some of your options:

Push Button

Push button controllers offer the most basic level of heating control. The waterproof button allows users to switch the heater on whenever they want a boost of heat. The heater will switch off after a set period. A good budget option for outdoor heaters in domestic settings.

Motion Detector

Motion detector controllers use infrared sensors to switch the heaters on whenever they sense movement. The heaters will switch off after a set period, ensuring they only use energy when there are people there to heat. An intelligent option for use in domestic, commercial or industrial settings.

Remote Controllers

If you’re using outdoor heaters in a commercial setting, for instance in an outdoor restaurant or hotel terrace, you may want to be able to control your heating remotely. Remote controllers can be fitted internally and will allow the user to control a number of heaters, provided they are first fitted with compatible receivers.

Thermostat

Thermostats are only useful if you’re using your outdoor heaters in an indoor environment – for example in a church, workshop or conservatory. Thermostats work by monitoring room temperature and switching the heater on and off to maintain the desired temperature. This is a great way to save energy in indoor locations.

Integrated Controls

A small number of outdoor heaters are fitted with integrated heating controls, such as a heat dimmer switch or a dial to switch between heat settings. Despite their name, these heaters are often designed solely for use in indoor or covered areas.

Heaters that use shortwave infrared deliver infrared radiation at a higher frequency with shorter wavelengths. The higher frequency delivers a more intense form of heat which feels hotter against the skin. The shorter wavelengths are less easily absorbed by your skin, but the superficial effect of the heat is greater. Because shortwave infrared is close to the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, shortwave heat is typically accompanied by a red or orange glow.

The temperature required to produce shortwave radiation is much hotter than longwave radiation, so shortwave heaters usually use quartz bulbs. Most heaters also use tungsten and halogen to increase the heat output. This is why glowing outdoor infrared heaters are often known as quartz, tungsten or halogen heaters. Other names include near infrared heaters, shortwave heaters and low glare heaters.

Shortwave heaters are the best choice in outdoor and exposed locations. This is because the high intensity of the heat is more effective in countering the effects of the cool outdoor air. Out in the cold, your skin effectively becomes a battleground between the cool of the air and the warmth of the heater. The intense heat of shortwave infrared radiation creates a stronger sensation of warmth which provides an invigorating defence against the cold.

Shortwave infrared heaters heat up faster and are usually cheaper than longwave infrared heaters.

Heaters that use longwave infrared deliver infrared radiation at a lower frequency with longer wavelengths. Longwave forms of infrared are less intense than shortwave radiation, but they are also more easily absorbed by the body. Whilst shortwave infrared can produce higher temperatures externally, only longwave infrared can provide deep-level comfort heating. Longwave heaters do not glow because they do not overlap with the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The temperatures required to produce longwave radiation are much lower than shortwave radiation, so longwave heaters usually use ceramic heating elements. This is why longwave heaters are sometimes known as ceramic heaters. Other names include far infrared heaters, or no-glare heaters.

Longwave heaters are usually the better choice in indoor or covered locations. The gentler form of heat given off by longwave heaters is not always effective in outdoor locations, where the continuous supply of cold air can overwhelm its effects. However, in indoor locations, longwave heaters are much more efficient because more of the heat produced is absorbed by the body.

Longwave infrared heaters take a little longer to heat up because their elements have less heating capacity. They are usually more expensive than glowing near infrared heaters, but they are worth the investment if you want to provide a genuinely comfortable long-term heating strategy in covered locations such as warehouses, factories, workshops and churches.

Most outdoor infrared heaters are classified as shortwave or longwave heaters. However, because infrared is a spectrum, you will find some heaters that use mediumwave infrared radiation. These heaters share characteristics with both long and shortwave heaters. These are sometimes known as ultra-low glare heaters, which deliver heat almost to the intensity of standard shortwave infrared heaters, but with much less visible light.

Outdoor infrared heaters are available with a wide range of different types of installation, to suit different locations.

Wall Mounted

Wall mounted outdoor heaters should be hardwired by a qualified electrician. Wall mounting is a useful option because it provides a secure fitting which keeps the heaters away from small children.

Ceiling Mounted

Ceiling mounting is a popular option in warehouses, workshops and other covered locations. Most wall mounted outdoor heaters are suitable for ceiling mounting. The heaters can be fitted directly onto the ceiling or suspended from chains to provide heat from the optimum height. Ceiling mounting should always be carried out by a qualified professional.

Free Standing

Free standing heaters are a good choice if you want flexibility from your heating and want to save yourself the installation costs. Freestanding heaters are typically lightweight, adjustable and designed to be portable. They can be stored in the shed until you’re ready to use them – and then all you have to do is move them onto the patio and plug them into the nearest socket. Some wall mounted heaters can be fitted free standing if purchased with a compatible tripod. Freestanding heaters should not be used in the rain or left out unattended overnight. A good choice for domestic patios and workshops.

Floor Mounted

Floor mounted heaters are tall heating posts fitted with an array of heaters to provide 360˚ heating. Floor mounted heaters need to be fitted securely: some heaters come with integrated base plates which screw into the floor, whilst others need to be set within concrete. The heater should be connected to the mains by a qualified electrician using underground cables. A popular and effective choice in large outdoor spaces such as restaurants, pubs, garden centres, outdoor markets and tourist attractions.

Parasol Mounted

Parasol mounted heaters clamp around the pole of the umbrella. They are lightweight and provide 360˚ heating to the people sat at the table. Before purchasing, check the product specifications to make sure the clamp is adapted to fit around the diameter of your umbrella pole. Umbrella mounted heaters in a commercial setting should be connected to the mains via underground cabling. If you are using the heater in a domestic setting you may be able to install the heater more cheaply by hardwiring into the wall and using rubber cable protectors to run the cable to the umbrella. However, this should only be attempted by a professional electrician. A great choice for outdoor dining.

Heating Controllers

Heating controllers should be hardwired into the heaters at the point of installation. If you want to use any form of remote control on your heaters you will need to fit each heater with a suitable receiver.

Outdoor heaters, like all electric heaters, require the bare minimum of maintenance. They require much less attention than fire pits, outdoor ovens or chimeneas.

All you need to do is keep your heaters clean. When the heater is switched off you can do this by wiping carefully around the grill with a lint-free cloth.

Upgrading or extending your outdoor heating system is easy. This is because the heaters operate independently, meaning they do not need to be wired up or otherwise connected to your existing heaters.

Patios, balconies, terraces, courtyards and gardens can all benefit from some form of outdoor heating, allowing you to sit out and enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is less warm. Near infrared or shortwave heaters are usually the most effective form of heating for exposed outdoor locations, but if you prefer a more discreet fitting without the bright glow you might want to look for a medium wave or longwave infrared heater.

Wall mounted heaters are a good choice if you want a permanent, space-saving solution; an umbrella heater might be the best choice if you do a lot of outdoor dining; whilst a free-standing heater allows you to save on the costs of installation and use your heater in multiple locations. All heaters for permanent outdoor installation should carry an IP rating of at least IP24.

Conservatories, workshops, garages, bathrooms, outhouses and other draught-prone indoor spaces can benefit from directed infrared heat that does not heat the air. You can also use infrared heaters to create heating zones in larger indoor areas – for example if you have a large workshop but only need heat at one workstation. Longwave or far infrared heaters are typically the most efficient choice for indoor heating, but shortwave or near infrared heaters may be a cheaper option if you only plan to use the heaters on an occasional basis. Near infrared heaters are a good choice for bathrooms because they provide heat instantly – perfect if you just want a boost of heat to keep you warm when you nip to the loo or have a quick shower.

When it comes to fitting your heater, a free-standing heater, repositioned to suit your needs, will usually be your cheapest option because you can use one heater for multiple areas and you won’t have to pay installation costs. If you want to heat a larger area, wall mounted heaters provide a permanent solution that saves space and hassle. To maintain comfort temperatures efficiently you may want to install your heaters with a thermostat.

Restaurants, tourist attractions, pubs, garden centres, uncovered markets, stadiums, train stations and other outdoor commercial spaces may find that they can boost their business by making their customers more comfortable outdoors. Glowing near infrared heaters are usually the best choice for outdoor fitting because they give off heat at a higher intensity, counteracting chilly outdoor temperatures more effectively.

Umbrella mounted heaters are a good choice if you’re heating an outdoor restaurant or café; wall mounted heaters may be suitable if you’re heating a small pub garden, a walled courtyard or a restaurant terrace; whilst tall floor mounted heaters will be the best choice if you’re heating a large, open area. Outdoor heaters for public spaces must be installed safely with no trailing wires or accessible controls. Heaters for outdoor fitting must carry a minimum IP rating of IP24. You should also check each product carefully before purchasing – not all heaters are certified for use in commercial locations.

Factories, warehouses, workshops, garages, covered markets, showrooms and churches are all draughty spaces which may be heated more efficiently with directed infrared heat. They may also benefit from infrared zoning – warming the areas which need it without heating the entire building. Far infrared heaters are usually the best choice for building-wide heating because they provide comfort temperatures more effectively and cost less to run than near infrared heaters.

Most indoor industrial locations will benefit from wall or ceiling mounted heaters that leave the floor space uncluttered. Ceiling mounted heaters can be suspended to hang at the optimum height above busy areas, so no heat is wasted heating high ceilings. Your chosen heaters must be certified for commercial use and carry the appropriate IP rating for the environment in which they will be fitted. The heaters must be fitted securely with no loose wires or accessible sockets.

All electric heaters are 100% carbon neutral at point of use – and outdoor infrared heaters are no exception. Used with green electricity, they are one of the few 100% carbon free outdoor heating solutions on the market. However, if your outdoor heaters are hardwired into the mains they will not be truly carbon neutral because mains electricity is still generated, in the main, by fossil fuel burning power stations.

If you want to reduce your energy consumption, the best way to start is by using energy efficient appliances. Infrared heaters are often the most efficient choice in locations which are outdoors or very draughty because they do not waste energy heating air which can be lost through draughts, opening doors or the natural circulation of air.

To make the most sustainable choice for your property you should look for heaters manufactured from recycled materials.

When you purchase a new outdoor heater, you should make sure it carries the appropriate IP rating for the location in which it will be fitted. IP ratings measure the degree of protection your appliances offer against water and solid particles. The first digit in the IP rating measures the heater’s protection against solid particles; the second digit measures its protection against water. The higher the digits the more complete the level of protection. A rating of “X” simply means the heater hasn’t had its ingress protection tested in that capacity. When choosing a heater for outdoor fitting, it’s the second digit which is important to check. Here are some examples of the most common IP ratings offered with outdoor heaters:

IP20	Heaters with an IP rating of IP20 or below are not suitable for outdoor use. They offer no protection against water and are typically designed for use in covered locations such as workshops.
IP24	An IP rating of IP24 is the minimum IP rating required for outdoor fitting. The heater is protected against splashing water and objects as small as fingers.
IPX4	The “X” signifies that the heater has not been tested for ingress protection against solid objects. However, it is just as suitable for outdoor fitting as an IP24 heater.
IP55	IP55 heaters are more durable, offering full protection against jets of water and limited protection against dust ingress. A good choice for exposed or industrial areas.
IP67	The most well protected heaters carry a rating of IP67, signifying total protection from dust and immersion in water. The best choice for the most exposed areas.

Outdoor heaters get very hot so it’s important to keep them well out of the way of children. If you have young children, or many of your customers have young children, it’s a good idea to mount your heaters high up on the wall or ceiling. For added protection, most outdoor heaters come with a protective grill which keeps fingers away from the hot elements inside the heater.

All outdoor heaters should be sold with an integrated safety cut off device which will cut power to the heater in the event that it overheats.

If you’re installing outdoor heaters in a public location, you should make sure they are fitted with tamper proof controls.

Always check that your chosen heaters come with the appropriate safety accreditation certificates. As a minimum, you should look for the CE mark. This is the manufacturer’s declaration that the heaters meet the minimum safety standards set by the European Council. Safety accreditation marks can usually be found in the product manual.

Never purchase an electric heating appliance without a warranty. A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to repair or replace your heaters if they malfunction within a set time after purchase. The length of the warranty is a good indication of the heater’s quality. A two-year warranty is typical of most outdoor heaters – however this may not include all components. Some outdoor heater warranties will cover the heater body, heat reflectors and electrical components but not include the heating lamp. This is because the heating lamp may wear out faster if the heater is used constantly. Most heating lamps can be replaced at low cost, so the lifespan of your heater will not be restricted by the lifespan of the bulb.

Depending on the type of infrared your heaters generate, they may give off some level of visible light. It is usually better to choose your heaters based on the heating characteristics of the infrared wavelength that they use; however, we know that in some locations form comes before function.

If you want your heating to be discreet, you may prefer a longwave or far infrared heater which delivers heat without any visible light. If a bright orange glow is preferable you should choose a shortwave or near infrared heater. Some people prefer a glowing heater because they find the light comforting and it makes it easier to know the heaters are on. If you want the benefits of shortwave radiation without the bright glare you should look out for ultra-low glare heaters which use glare reducing reflectors to minimise the visible light.

Most glowing heaters give off a bright orange light. However, some outdoor heaters use coloured bulbs to change the colour of the visible light.

Typically, the only design choice offered by smaller wall mounted or umbrella mounted outdoor heaters is the colour of the heater body. This choice is usually restricted to utilitarian silver or gold, discrete black or smart white.

Free-standing outdoor heaters, floor mounted restaurant heaters and indoor tower heaters have more casing so typically offer more design and colour options. Here you might find heaters available in bolder colours such as red or blue, which allow you to turn your free-standing heater into a design feature.

Larger infrared heaters can be fitted with useful additional features which turn your heaters into multi-functional pieces of garden furniture. Floor mounted restaurant heaters are available with integrated tables and ashtrays, turning your heaters into social focal points for your customers to gather around.