Choosing the right heater for a covered patio requires attention to ventilation, safety ratings, and heat type. The table below summarizes five top choices for covered patios, focusing on electric and infrared models that are safe for semi-enclosed areas as well as robust commercial-rated units that can perform near covered spaces when installed per instructions.
| Product | Type | Key Feature | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared | Electric Infrared | IP55 Indoor/Outdoor Rating, 3 Power Settings | Covered patios, garages, restaurants |
| VAGKRI 1500W 36″ Electric Infrared Heater | Electric Tower Infrared | IPX5 Waterproof, Tip-over & Overheat Protection | Covered porches, patios, portable use |
| Buyplus Greenhouse Heater w/ Digital Thermostat | Electric Space Heater | Digital Thermostat, Fast Heating, Overheat Protection | Covered patios, greenhouses, enclosed porches |
| London Sunshine 1500W Electric Patio Heater | Electric Ceramic Heater | Floor Or Wall Mount, Remote Control | Covered patios, garage, wall-mounted installations |
| Slkdrft 1500W Infrared Oscillating Heater | Electric Infrared Oscillating | 60° Oscillation, 9 Heat Levels, Timer | Covered porches, gazebos, patio seating areas |
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Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
This electric carbon infrared heater is rated IP55 for indoor and outdoor use, making it suitable for covered patios and partially enclosed areas when installed according to manufacturer instructions. It offers three power settings—900W, 1200W, and 1500W—allowing staged heat output depending on conditions.
Key features listed by the manufacturer include clean, instant infrared heat, standard 120V plug-and-play operation, and remote control. The infrared design targets people and objects rather than heating large volumes of air, which is often preferable under a roofed patio where air circulation is limited.
Safety and fit considerations: the IP55 rating indicates protection against dust and water splashes, but not full submersion. For covered patios, ensure clearance from overhead structures and follow mounting or placement guidance for a safe installation.
VAGKRI Outdoor Infrared Heater 1500W 36 Inch
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The VAGKRI unit is a portable electric infrared tower with three wattage settings (600W, 900W, 1500W) and rapid heat output. It lists IPX5 waterproofing, tip-over and overheat protection, and ETL certification, highlighting multiple safety features relevant for covered outdoor use.
Design aspects include a carrying handle for portability and multiple protection mechanisms that reduce risk during accidental tipping or excessive temperature. Infrared heating helps maintain warmth in covered spaces by heating people and nearby surfaces directly.
When selecting a location on a covered patio, allow for adequate clearance above and around the heater and avoid installing beneath low-hanging combustibles. The tower form factor is useful where wall mounting or ceiling installation isn’t feasible.
Buyplus Greenhouse Heater With Digital Thermostat
Designed for enclosed plant spaces, this 1500W electric heater includes a digital thermostat and a waterproof temperature probe. The thermostat allows users to set a target temperature, while the unit cycles to maintain that setpoint—useful for covered patios where consistent ambient temperatures are preferred.
Features include rapid heating, overheat protection, and a heating range that supports small to medium covered areas. The thermostat and probe are helpful in preventing overheating in tight or poorly ventilated covered spaces by maintaining a steady output.
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For covered patio use, the temperature probe should be placed away from direct radiant heat to measure ambient air. Follow manufacturer guidance on clearances and placement to minimize fire risk and ensure accurate thermostat control.
London Sunshine 1500W Electric Patio Heater
This model offers floor-standing or wall-mounted installation, a ceramic heating element, and remote control. It lists coverage up to ~150 sq ft and provides three power levels for flexible heating in covered patio setups.
Mounting on a wall or under a soffit (per clearance specs) can focus radiant heat into seating areas on a covered patio without placing a freestanding heater in foot traffic. The included remote simplifies control from seating areas.
As with all mounted heaters on covered patios, confirm the installation clearances and ensure secure attachment to overhead structures. Wall mounting may provide the most efficient radiant distribution while reducing risk of tip-over or obstruction.
Outdoor Infrared Heater 1500W With 60° Oscillation
This infrared unit emphasizes targeted coverage via 60° oscillation, nine heat levels, and a programmable 9-hour timer. It uses carbon fiber infrared elements to deliver quick, focal warmth—helpful in covered patios where spreading heat efficiently is important.
Safety features include tip-over and overheat protection as well as a safety lock. The oscillation widens the effective warmed area without increasing overall output, which can benefit covered patios with multiple seating positions.
For covered spaces, the timer and adjustable power settings allow lower continuous settings to maintain comfort without excess heat buildup. Adhere to clearance rules and place the unit to avoid direct radiation onto flammable materials.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Covered Patio Heater
Selecting the right heater for a covered patio requires balancing heat type, safety features, and mounting options. Below are the key considerations to evaluate before purchase.
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Heat Type: Infrared vs Convection vs Gas
- Infrared (Electric) — Heats people and objects directly. Best for covered patios because it provides quick, targeted warmth and is effective with limited ventilation.
- Convection (Fan/ceramic) — Warms air over time. Can be used in covered patios but needs more power for the same perceived warmth; risk of heat losses if ventilation is high.
- Gas/Propane — High BTU output for open areas. Avoid use under fully covered/low-ceiling patios unless specifically rated and installed for that environment due to combustion byproducts and ventilation needs.
Safety Ratings And Protections
- IP/Waterproof Ratings: For semi-outdoor covered patios, look for IPX4/5 or IP55 to resist splashes and light moisture.
- Tip-Over Protection: Essential for freestanding units to prevent sustained operation if knocked over.
- Overheat Cutoff: Ensures the unit shuts off if internal temperatures rise too high, important in enclosed covered areas.
- Certifications: ETL or CSA marks indicate compliance with safety standards—prefer models with recognized certifications.
Mounting And Placement
- Wall/Ceiling Mount: Best for covered patios to direct heat downward and keep the unit out of the way.
- Freestanding/Tower: Offers portability. Ensure sufficient clearance and stable placement to avoid tipping hazards.
- Ceiling Clearance: Check minimum distance requirements from ceilings and rafters as listed in the manual.
Power And Coverage
- Wattage/BTU: Electric heaters are rated in watts; higher wattage equals more heat. Infrared heaters with 1500W are common for small-to-medium covered patios. Propane units list BTUs for larger open areas.
- Targeted Coverage: Infrared radiation is efficient for spot heating; choose an oscillating or angled model for grouped seating areas.
Controls And Convenience
- Multiple Heat Settings: Useful for fine-tuning comfort without wasting energy.
- Thermostats & Timers: Thermostatic control maintains steady temperature; timers reduce unattended runtime.
- Remote Control: Adds convenience for mounted or distant units.
Installation And Local Codes
- Check local building codes for mounted heaters under covered structures. Some jurisdictions require specific clearances or professional installation.
- For gas heaters, confirm ventilation requirements and that use under a particular roof type is permitted.
Comparison Perspectives
- Safety Focus: Prioritize models with tip-over sensors, overheat protection, and ETL/CSA certification if the patio is small or used by children and pets.
- Efficiency Focus: Infrared units heat people faster and waste less energy in semi-enclosed patios compared with convection heaters.
- Coverage Focus: For larger covered patios, evaluate multiple radiant units or higher wattage outputs; consider oscillation to broaden effective coverage.
- Durability Focus: Choose stainless or IP-rated casings for resistance to moisture in partially exposed covered spaces.