Best Rated Outdoor Infrared Heaters for Patios and Porches

A patio dinner that ends early because everyone is shivering by the second course is the situation outdoor infrared heaters were made for. Unlike a standard heater, an infrared unit does not need to warm the air, which the wind would carry off anyway. It sends radiant energy straight to people and surfaces, so a seating area can feel comfortable even on a breezy evening. The catch is that the best choice depends on power source, mounting style and how much of your outdoor space is covered.

The five picks below range from permanent electric and gas designs to a portable propane radiant heater, and each is described only by what its name states and the trade-offs of its category. Check the clearance, coverage and wiring details on the manufacturer sheet before buying. As of 2026, many outdoor units ship with tip-over or flame-failure protection, and that feature is worth treating as a requirement instead of a bonus.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Decide on the fuel and power source first

Electric infrared heaters need a dedicated circuit and are the cleanest choice for covered patios, because they produce no exhaust. Gas models, which burn natural gas or propane, give more output and work where wiring is awkward, but they need ventilation and careful placement. A reasonable rule is to choose electric for enclosed or semi-enclosed porches and gas or propane for fully open areas that need extra reach.

Match output to the area you want to warm

Outdoor infrared output is measured in watts for electric units and in BTU per hour for gas. As a rough guide, a single 1,500-watt electric unit covers one small seating area, while larger groups usually call for 3,000 to 6,000 watts or several units. Mounting height matters too: most manufacturers specify a distance of seven to ten feet above the floor, with the beam angled toward the seats.

Confirm the weather and safety rating

Look for an outdoor or wet-location rating, typically shown as an IP code such as IP55, plus listing marks from a recognized lab. A unit used under a covered roof still sees humidity and spray, so a damp-location rating is the minimum. Tip-over shutoff for portable models and flame-failure protection for gas models are essential. Always keep the minimum clearances in the manual from walls, awnings and furniture.

Think about mounting and control

Wall or ceiling mounts keep the heater out of the way and tend to look tidier, while portable units move with the party. Dimmable controls let you scale output down on a mild night. A remote or wall controller is helpful when the heater is mounted high. Check that the housing finish suits coastal or damp climates, since cheap coatings corrode quickly.

Walk the space at the time of day you actually use it. Note where people sit, where the wind comes from and what sits overhead, because an umbrella, a pergola beam or a low awning changes the safe mounting position. Sketch the seating on paper and count the people: a pair of chairs needs far less coverage than a dining table for six. Matching heater placement to real seating beats buying more output and hoping it reaches everyone.

Finally, plan the cable or fuel route before purchase. An electric unit needs a protected run from the panel, while a gas unit needs a safe supply line and a shutoff within easy reach.

Our Picks Reviewed

Bromic Heating Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric

Because it is an electric infrared design with adjustable control, it fits owners who plan one permanent, tidy installation and want to dial warmth up or down by season.

Bromic is known for architectural outdoor heating, and the name states an electric tungsten infrared design with Smart-Heat control.

• Pro: An electric infrared design produces no exhaust, making it well suited to a covered patio or a restaurant-style terrace.
• Pro: The Smart-Heat naming suggests adjustable output, which helps you match warmth to the weather instead of running full tilt.
• Con: Permanent electric installations usually need professional wiring and a fixed mount, so it is not a plug-and-play purchase.

Skip it if you rent your home, or if you want a heater you can carry from the deck to the yard.

Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Heater

Mounted units like this are usually aimed at a defined zone, so measure the seating spot and the mounting height against the maker guidance before drilling any holes.

Heat Storm focuses on wall and ceiling mounted heaters, and the Phoenix name places this model in its infrared range.

• Pro: A mounted infrared heater keeps floor space free, which matters on a narrow porch or in a garage.
• Pro: Infrared warmth is felt on arrival, so a short outdoor session does not demand a long warm-up.
• Con: An outdoor environment pushes any electric heater harder, so you should confirm the damp or wet-location rating before using it exposed.

Skip it if your seating area is open to the weather without a roof, or if you need to move the heater around the property.

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998

Treat the model number as the thing to verify: confirm the outdoor suitability, cord length and wattage on the maker page, since the title does not spell those details out.

The brand name is built around infrared heating, and the DR-998 designation identifies this particular model for spec checking.

• Pro: Directed infrared is a practical way to warm a chair or a work bench, since it heats what it faces instead of the open air.
• Pro: A model-number identity makes it easy to confirm wattage, rating and dimensions on the maker page before purchase.
• Con: The name does not say it is built for open, wet conditions, so some units in this family are better kept in sheltered spots.

Skip it if you want a heater for an exposed rooftop or an uncovered deck in rainy weather.

Sunpak S34 TSS

This is a model-code listing, so the fuel type, mounting method and clearance distances need to come from the maker documentation before you plan the patio layout around it.

Sunpak is a name associated with high-output gas infrared heaters, and the S34 TSS code points to a specific commercial-style model.

• Pro: Gas infrared units typically deliver far more output than a plug-in electric heater, which helps with larger terraces.
• Pro: A fixed gas heater does not rely on household circuits, which can simplify a layout where wiring is difficult.
• Con: Gas heaters require a gas line or a fuel supply, plus installation clearance and ventilation checks, so setup is more involved.

Skip it if you want a portable, temporary solution or if you are not comfortable arranging a licensed gas installation.

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Radiant Heater

Its portable format makes it the flexible choice for renters and for gatherings that move around the yard, because nothing has to be wired or bolted into place.

This is a portable radiant heater, so it brings warmth to a tailgate, a campsite or a porch without a mounted fixture.

• Pro: Portability means you can place it exactly where people are sitting and put it away when the season ends.
• Pro: Radiant output warms people and objects directly, which holds up better in light breezes than a heater that depends on warming air.
• Con: Portable fuel-burning heaters need ventilation and careful placement, and the fuel supply must be refilled or swapped.

Skip it if you plan to use it in a tightly enclosed space or want a fixed, hands-off installation.

Which One Fits

• Covered restaurant-style patio: the Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric.
• Porch or workshop with a nearby outlet: the Heat Storm Phoenix or Dr. Infrared DR-998.
• Large, open terrace with a gas supply: the Sunpak S34 TSS.
• Camping, tailgating or occasional gatherings: the Mr. Heater Big Buddy.
• Indoor rooms that never warm up: see our guide to the best radiant space heater for indoor options.

If two options seem equally good, choose the one that suits how often you entertain. A heater used a few weekends each season justifies a portable unit that stores away, while a patio used every evening from spring to late fall justifies a fixed installation that looks tidy and is always ready.

Common Mistakes

1. Mounting the heater too high or too low, which wastes output or overheats a ceiling.
2. Choosing an indoor heater and leaving it in a damp outdoor spot.
3. Ignoring clearance to awnings, umbrellas and combustible walls.
4. Underestimating how much output is needed for a group, then running the heater at its limit all night.
5. Skipping lighting: guests linger longer when a rechargeable LED light keeps the table usable after dark.

One last point on upkeep: wipe the housing and reflector with a soft, dry cloth when the unit is cold, keep spider webs and leaves out of vents, and cover or store portable models in the off-season. A clean reflector directs more warmth toward the seating area, so upkeep quietly improves performance.

FAQ

Do infrared heaters work in the wind?

They cope better than air heaters because the energy travels directly to people and surfaces, though strong gusts can still reduce comfort.

How far does the warmth reach?

Most manufacturers describe a comfort zone of a few feet to around ten feet, depending on output and mounting height. Check the heater sheet for the exact figure.

Can I use an electric infrared heater in the rain?

Only if it carries a wet-location rating. Otherwise keep it under a solid roof and away from splashes.

Are portable propane radiant heaters safe on a porch?

They can be used safely in well-ventilated spaces when they follow the maker instructions and include tip-over protection, but never in a fully enclosed area.