What is an infrared patio heater—and do you need one?

Choosing the right patio heater can be a game-changer for enjoying your outdoor space during the colder months. Whether you choose electric or gas, freestanding or mounted, an infrared patio heater is a highly efficient and effective option for outdoor spaces. (Essentially, all patio heaters create infrared heat, and AuthenTEAK carries only infrared patio heaters from leading brands).

So how does infrared heat (also commonly referred to as “radiant heat”) work? Infrared patio heaters mimic the heat of the sun in the sense that they emit invisible infrared light that’s absorbed by solid objects, transferring heat directly to a person, a piece of furniture, or the floor. The temperature or the air hasn’t changed, but you feel warm thanks to infrared radiant heat. (Think about it like standing in the sun versus in the shade.)

See also: Our Patio Heater Buying Guide

When it comes to patio heaters, the proximity to an infrared heater dictates the amount of warmth felt. Because they work by heating the objects around them, infrared patio heaters don’t waste energy heating the air, making them an efficient choice for outdoor spaces. Another pro of infrared patio heaters: infrared heat doesn’t “blow away,” making it ideal for areas with windy conditions or outdoor spaces that cannot contain heat.

We dive more into electric vs gas patio heaters in our patio heater buying guide and in our blog about electric vs gas patio heaters. Generally speaking, gas infrared heaters are ideal for well-ventilated, high-clearance outdoor spaces. Electric infrared heaters are generally more flexible when it comes to mounting options, size constraints (they’re great for smaller spaces), and ventilation requirements. You’ll also want to keep in mind that gas patio heaters require either a propane tank or natural gas line, while electric patio heaters require access to electricity.

Make sure to abide by manufacturer recommendations and talk to your electrician or plumber before professionally installing your perfect patio heater. When deciding how many infrared patio heaters your space will need, measure the size of your space and consider any seasonal changes, as well as proximity to wind and airflow. You can use this simple equation to determine how many Watts you need to heat your space: Cubic feet of area x desired temperature rise = Watts needed. Our Patio Heater Buying Guide goes more in-depth about how to choose the perfect amount of patio heaters.