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Patio Heaters for Home & Business

Infrared Patio Heaters - instant, targeted warmth for outdoor comfort


Infrared patio heaters are designed to warm people, not the sky. Instead of trying to heat large volumes of air that drift away with the slightest breeze, infrared (IR) systems emit radiant energy that your skin, clothing and surrounding surfaces absorb directly. The result is immediate, targeted warmth that makes terraces, pub gardens, pergolas and semi-open venues comfortable far beyond the summer months—without noisy fans, fuel cylinders or visible flames.


Why infrared beats gas and convection outdoors


Convection relies on warming air, which is precisely what wind whisks away. Gas "mushroom" heaters and hot-air blowers feel cosy close-up, yet waste energy into the atmosphere and often create hot-overhead/cool-at-seat imbalances. Electric infrared outdoor heaters deliver heat where it matters: to occupants and surfaces in the beam. That means:


+ Instant comfort: full output within seconds; no pre-heat penalty at opening time.

+ Wind resilience: warmth remains perceivable even with air movement.

+ Precise zoning: heat only occupied tables or service areas instead of the whole deck.

+ Lower on-site hassle: no cylinders, no combustion by-products, no pilot lights to relight.

+ Slim, quiet, low-maintenance: discreet housings, silent operation, long element lifetimes.


For hospitality, these traits translate into longer trading seasons, happier guests and predictable running costs, especially when paired with timers, dimmers and scene control.


How infrared works outdoors


Infrared spans a spectrum of wavelengths. Shorter waves penetrate more deeply and feel punchier; longer waves feel softer but are more sensitive to wind. Choosing the right technology for your exposure level is the key to comfort and efficiency.


Choosing the right heater


Start with the exposure of your space. The more open and windy, the more you'll benefit from short-wave (IR-A) technology. In partially sheltered pergolas or winter gardens, medium-wave (IR-B) or long-wave (IR-C "dark heaters") provide a softer, more immersive warmth with reduced visible light.


Tube technologies explained

Short-wave IR-A (Halogen-quartz, "golden tube", ultra low-glare)


A tungsten filament inside a quartz envelope emits very short-wave IR. It delivers high intensity that cuts through moving air, so guests feel warm almost instantly. Historically, these tubes showed a bright red glow; modern low-glare coatings reduce visible light significantly while keeping the punch.

➔ Best for: exposed patios, pub gardens, smoking areas, open terraces where "now" heat is essential.

Medium-wave IR-B (carbon fibre tubes)


Carbon filaments radiate a mid-wave spectrum with a gentler, enveloping feel and a muted ember-like glow. IR-B is less penetrating than IR-A but more atmospheric, which many operators prefer under pergolas or canopies.

➔ Best for: semi-sheltered lounges, covered dining, winter gardens and design-led terraces where a cosy ambiance matters.

Long-wave IR-C (ceramic elements / dark heaters)


Ceramic or metal-sheathed elements emit long-wave IR with no visible light. Warm-up is slower and wind has more impact, but the heat is uniform and visually discreet.

➔ Best for: sheltered zones with low air movement, heritage sites, premium venues where zero light emission is a requirement.

Rule of thumb: the more open and breezy the area, the more you should favour IR-A. The more protected and mood-sensitive the setting, the more IR-B or IR-C will shine.

Sizing, layout and reach


Comfort depends on power density, mounting height and aiming. As a practical planning range, allow 1.5-2.5 kW per 10-12 m² of occupied area, then adjust for exposure (higher for open decks, lower for sheltered pergolas) and waveband (IR-A needs less installed wattage for the same "perceived heat" outdoors). Multiple smaller heaters, each dimmable, usually outperform a single large unit: you gain coverage uniformity and fine control for edge tables and walkways.


Place heaters above or to the side of seating, tilted 30-45° so the beam covers lap-to-shoulder height. Over-table mounting avoids shadows from chair backs and parasols. For standing zones (barrels, service queues), mount slightly higher and widen spacing.


Mounting and IP protection


Outdoors, hardware needs to resist weather. Look for IP55 or IP65 enclosures on fully exposed façades; IP24/IP44 can suffice under a deep canopy. Brackets should offer solid tilt adjustment and vibration-resistant fixings. Typical mounting heights are 2.1-2.7 m; always follow the manufacturer's safe-distance diagrams - especially under awnings or timber.


Controls that save energy and lift comfort


Infrared is as controllable as lighting:

• Step or smooth dimming sets the mood and trims costs in shoulder seasons.


• Remote controls and wall keypads simplify operation for staff.


• Zoned switching lets you heat only seated sections.


• Timers prevent accidental overnight burn.


• Presence sensors can automate low-traffic areas (entrances, smoking corners).


• Connected control (BLE/Wi-Fi) enables pre-sets like "open/peak/late".

Because IR heats people directly, even a reduction from 100% to 60-70% output can maintain comfort once bodies and surfaces have warmed, cutting consumption without hurting the guest experience.

Aesthetics: glare management and integration


Modern low-glare IR-A reduces the classic red glow to a warm amber. Carbon IR-B adds a gentle ember tone, while ceramic IR-C emits no light at all. For premium terraces, mix technologies: IR-A over wind-exposed perimeter seating, IR-B over lounge sofas, and dark heaters where light pollution must be avoided. Slimline housings in black, silver or architectural finishes help heaters disappear against beams and façades.


Safety and compliance


Outdoor electrics demand care:

• Use RCD (residual current) protection and appropriately sized circuits.

• Keep clearances to fabrics and signage.

• Route cables away from traffic and provide strain relief at brackets.

• In commercial sites, integrate heaters into the fire and shutdown strategy (e.g., emergency off).


Total cost of ownership and sustainability


While any electric heater consumes power, IR's directional delivery avoids wasting kilowatt-hours on warm air that drifts away. Pairing heaters with renewable electricity tariffs, dimming and occupancy-based control often outperforms gas on both running cost and carbon intensity. There's also less logistics: no cylinder swaps, no combustion risk, no flue permits.


Quick selection checklist


➔ Exposure: open = short-wave IR-A; semi-sheltered = IR-B; sheltered/design-critical = IR-C.

➔ Power density: 1.5–2.5 kW/10–12 m² as a starting point; adjust for wind and height.

➔ Mounting: 2.1–2.7 m, 30–45° tilt, clear beam path.

➔ Controls: dimming + zoning + timers for comfort and savings.

➔ IP rating & finish: match weather exposure and architectural look.


Typical applications


Hospitality terraces, pub gardens, rooftop bars, club smoking areas, semi-open event spaces, concourses, entrances and winter-garden extensions all benefit from IR's speed and focus. For private use, pergolas and covered decks become three-season rooms with the right mix of waveband and control.

In summary


If you want outdoor heat that is fast, focused, wind-resilient and easy to control, choose infrared patio heaters. Select the waveband to suit your exposure, specify dimmable zones, mount with care, and you'll extend outdoor comfort for guests and family alike—while directing energy precisely where it counts.
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