Choosing a reliable 120V patio heater means balancing power, weather resistance, mounting style, and safety. Below is a quick comparison of five popular 120V electric patio heaters from Amazon to help you compare features at a glance.
Product
Type
Power/Settings
Outdoor Rating
DR Infrared DR-238 Carbon
Wall/Ceiling Mounted Infrared
900W / 1200W / 1500W
IP55
Heliosa 66 Black
Wall Mounted Halogen Infrared
1500W
IPX5
Joanolga Greenhouse Heater
Portable Electric Heater With Thermostat
1500W / Fan-only 20W
Indoor/Outdoor Use
ThermoMate Portable Tower
Freestanding Carbon Infrared Tower
1500W
IP55
Colliford Wall Mounted Infrared
Wall/Ceiling Mounted Carbon Infrared
900W / 1500W
IP65
This selection focuses on heaters that are compatible with standard 120V household outlets, suitable for patios, porches, garages, and light commercial outdoor dining areas.
The DR Infrared DR-238 is a 120V carbon infrared heater designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It carries an IP55 rating, indicating protection against dust ingress and water jets, which makes it suitable for covered patios and protected outdoor dining areas.
Power Levels: Three settings — 900W, 1200W, and 1500W — provide flexible heat output for different needs.
Heat Type: Carbon infrared offers rapid, direct radiant warmth without moving air.
Controls: Plug-and-go design with remote control for convenience.
Applications: Rated for restaurants, patios, garages, decks, and indoor use.
The combination of multiple power settings and a remote makes this model adaptable for variable outdoor conditions. The stated IP55 approval suggests it is best suited where it receives some protection from direct exposure, such as under an awning.
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The Heliosa 66 is a high-intensity halogen infrared heater designed for wall mounting and immediate heat output from a 120V plug. It emphasizes reduced glare and outdoor durability.
Instant Heat: Heats immediately when switched on; suitable for quick warmth on patios and outdoor seating.
Weather Resistance: IPX5 rating enables use in rainy conditions and outdoor environments.
Reduced Glare: Heat-resistant black safety glass reduces visible red glare while delivering radiant heat.
Installation: Wall-mounted design conserves floor space and targets seated areas.
This heater is positioned for customers who want focused, instant radiant warmth with lower visible glare. The IPX5 rating indicates it can withstand water jets but is best placed where it is not constantly exposed to severe weather.
This 1500W electric heater is marketed for greenhouses but is compatible with 110–120V outlets, making it useful for patios that need thermostatic temperature control. It includes multiple safety and control features.
Power & Coverage: 1500W output releasing ~5118 BTU, suitable for enclosed or semi-enclosed patios up to moderate square footage.
Two Modes: Fan-only mode (20W) and combined fan+heater mode for distribution control.
Digital Thermostat: Adjustable 40°F–108°F range and compatibility with the heater for automated temperature control.
Safety: Built-in overheat protection that shuts the unit down at unsafe temperatures.
For users who prioritize maintaining a set temperature or using a thermostat to limit runtime, this model offers precise control. The fan function aids heat distribution in smaller enclosed patio spaces.
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The ThermoMate tower heater is a freestanding infrared unit rated for IP55 outdoor use and designed to provide instant radiant warmth from a 120V outlet. It focuses on portability and safety features.
Fast Heat: Claims heat in about 3 seconds via carbon fiber infrared elements.
Safety Protections: ETL certification, tip-over auto-shutoff, and overheat protection for stable operation.
Controls: Remote control with a 24-hour timer for scheduled use and convenience.
Durability: IP55-rated aluminum housing for dust and water resistance in outdoor settings.
This tower-style heater suits patios where a wall mount is not possible or where a mobile heat source is desirable. The tip-over protection supports use around families or variable furniture arrangements.
The Colliford wall-mounted heater focuses on efficient infrared heating and outdoor durability with an IP65 rating. It’s configurable for two power levels to match heat requirements and energy use.
Heating Performance: 3-second fast heating with 1500W peak output and a 900W lower setting for flexible warmth.
Installation: Designed for wall or ceiling mounting; includes a remote control for easy operation.
Durability: Rust-proof metal cover and IP65 waterproof rating suitable for exposed or partially exposed patios.
Noise: Infrared-only operation means minimal noise and no forced-air circulation.
The higher IP65 rating makes this an appropriate option for more exposed outdoor areas. Two power levels enable modulation of output to conserve energy while providing targeted warmth.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A 120V Patio Heater
Selecting the right 120V patio heater requires weighing several technical and practical factors. Below are key considerations and comparison perspectives to help you decide.
Power And Heat Output
Look for wattage and available power settings. Typical 120V electric heaters range from 900W to 1500W. Higher wattage produces more radiant heat but consumes more electricity. Models with dual or multiple settings let you adjust output for comfort and efficiency.
Heating Type: Infrared Vs Fan
Infrared (halogen or carbon) heats surfaces and people directly and is quiet. Carbon fiber often provides longer element life and reduced visible glare. Fan-based electric heaters circulate warm air and may be better in semi-enclosed spaces where air mixing is useful.
Outdoor Weather Rating
IP ratings indicate water and dust resistance. For protected patios under roofs or awnings, an IP55/IPX5 device may suffice. For more exposure, prefer IP65 rated units. Note that IP ratings do not mean fully waterproof—installation location matters.
Mounting Style And Coverage
Wall or ceiling mounted heaters direct heat to a seating area and save floor space. Freestanding towers provide portability and don’t require installation. Consider the angle and stated coverage area; many patio heaters concentrate heat within a limited radius.
Safety Features
Essential safety features include tip-over protection for freestanding units, overheat shutoff, and recognized certifications (ETL/UL). Check that electrical cords, remote control ranges, and mounting hardware meet your installation needs.
Controls And Convenience
Remote controls, timers, and thermostats improve usability. A digital thermostat is valuable if you want to maintain a target temperature or automate operation. Multiple heat levels and quick-start heating are useful for variable conditions.
Durability And Materials
Look for rust-resistant casings (aluminum, stainless steel) and durable element coatings. Commercial-grade finishes last longer in outdoor environments. Warranty and manufacturer support are also important practical considerations.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost
Compare wattage to expected coverage and choose adjustable settings to conserve power. Infrared heaters typically convert a high percentage of input energy into radiant heat, which can feel more efficient for spot warming versus heating whole air volumes.
Installation And Electrical Compatibility
Confirm the unit is compatible with standard 120V outlets and check cord length and plug type. Wall-mounted models require secure mounting hardware and sometimes electrical hardwiring; consult product documentation or a qualified electrician for permanent installs.
Comparison Perspectives
Small Covered Patio: A wall-mounted 1500W infrared heater with IP55 protection provides quick, targeted warmth.
Exposed or Semi-Exposed Patio: Prefer units with higher IP ratings (IP65) and corrosion-resistant housings.
Portable Needs: Choose tower or freestanding heaters with tip-over protection and remote/timer functions.
Thermostatic Control: If maintaining a set temperature matters, choose heaters compatible with digital thermostats or integrated temperature control.
Use these criteria to match a heater’s features to your specific outdoor layout, expected weather exposure, and usage patterns.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
Prioritize Quality Over Cost The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money.
Check for Rebates Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost.
Compare Multiple Quotes Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors.
