Choosing the right patio heater means matching heat type, coverage, and safety features to your outdoor space. Below is a concise comparison of selected heaters from the list to help you find halogen-style infrared options and comparable electric or gas units for larger areas.
| Product | Type | Power/Coverage | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraheeter Hanging Patio Heater | Halogen/Carbon Infrared | 600W / 900W / 1500W | IP55 Waterproof, Hanging Install |
| Star Patio 1500W Tabletop Heater | Electric Infrared (tabletop) | 1500W / ~110 sq.ft. | Tip-Over Protection, IP44 |
| Star Patio STP1317 Oscillating Heater | Electric Infrared (oscillating) | 1200W / ~110 sq.ft. | 180° Oscillation, Honeycomb |
| DR. INFRARED DR-238 Carbon Heater | Carbon Infrared (portable) | 900W / 1200W / 1500W | IP55 Indoor/Outdoor Rating, Remote |
| EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater | Gas Patio Heater (commercial) | 50,000 BTU / ~20ft diameter | Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels |
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Hanging Patio Heater, Paraheeter
This hanging infrared heater uses carbon/halogen-style tubes to provide direct radiant warmth with three selectable power settings (600W, 900W, 1500W). The design is intended for ceiling or overhead mounting, making it suitable for covered patios, pergolas, or commercial awnings.
- Instant Heat: Infrared radiation warms surfaces and people directly rather than heating air.
- Adjustable Modes: Three power levels for different conditions and energy use.
- Waterproof Rating: IP55 rating allows use in semi-exposed outdoor areas when installed per guidelines.
- Tube Longevity: Manufacturer notes halogen tube life up to ~5,000 hours.
Use cases include installed overhead heating for dining areas and semi-permanent outdoor setups. Proper mounting height and clearances are required for safety and best performance. The unit’s halogen/carbon elements provide a quick warm-up and targeted radiant heat, which performs well in breezy conditions compared with forced-air heaters.
Star Patio Outdoor Heater Tabletop
This 1500W electric tabletop infrared heater offers portable radiant heat for small group seating areas, decks, and tableside use. It’s built with tip-over protection and an IP44-level water resistance for weather resilience in light outdoor use.
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- Instant Warmth: Infrared tube provides immediate heat for people within range.
- Safety Features: Tip-over shutoff and anti-slip base reduce accident risks.
- Coverage: Manufacturer estimates heating effective for up to ~110 sq.ft. depending on conditions.
- Design: Compact, hammered bronze finish intended for tabletop or small area placement.
As a tabletop infrared unit, this model emphasizes portability and safety for social settings. It’s suitable for balcony or patio dining where a localized radiant source is preferred and where halogen-style tube warmth is desired without permanent installation.
Star Patio Infrared Heater With Oscillation
The Star Patio STP1317 uses honeycomb-shaped infrared elements and offers 180° oscillation to distribute radiant heat across a wider area. With a 1200W/120V configuration it targets patio niches, gazebos, and under-table placements.
- Oscillation Function: Rotating output helps spread radiant warmth across a broader footprint than fixed-direction infrared tubes.
- Infrared Efficiency: Honeycomb emitter design aims for efficient, wind-resilient heating.
- Portability: Freestanding design can be relocated to focus heat where needed.
- Lifespan: Golden Tube elements rated for multi-thousand-hour operation for consistent output.
This model suits outdoor areas where a single fixed element would leave cold spots. Oscillation and honeycomb emitter design aim to balance the focused warmth of halogen-style infrared with broader coverage for groups of people in social settings.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared
The DR-238 is a carbon infrared electric heater designed for both indoor and outdoor use with an IP55 rating. It offers three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) and includes a remote control for convenience.
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- Indoor/Outdoor Use: IP55 approval allows semi-exposed outdoor placement when protected.
- Multiple Power Settings: Selectable watt levels for energy management and comfort control.
- Plug-and-Play: Standard 120V operation simplifies installation without hardwiring.
- Remote Control: Enables easy adjustment from seating areas.
Carbon infrared heaters like this provide radiant heat similar to halogen tubes but often with different emitter characteristics. They are typically quieter, require less maintenance, and are well suited for covered patios or larger outdoor rooms that need steady radiant warmth.
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater
The EAST OAK model is a commercial-grade propane patio heater rated at 50,000 BTU with a round-table design and double-layer stainless steel burner. It’s meant for large outdoor spaces such as patios, restaurant seating areas, and commercial terraces.
- High Heat Output: 50,000 BTU can warm a large outdoor radius when placed centrally.
- Durability: Double-layer 304 stainless steel mesh aims to increase longevity and safety under heavy use.
- Mobility: Built-in wheels facilitate moving the unit between locations.
- Commercial Use: ETL certification noted for safe operation in commercial settings.
While not a halogen electric heater, this propane tower represents a comparative option for users needing broad area heating where radiant tube heaters may not provide sufficient coverage. Propane units deliver extensive radiant warmth but require fuel storage and different safety/clearance considerations.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Patio Heater
Selecting the right patio heater depends on heating method, area size, installation constraints, and safety. Below are key considerations to compare halogen-style options with other infrared or gas heaters.
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Heat Type And Performance
- Halogen/Infrared Tubes: Provide fast, direct radiant heat that warms people and surfaces rather than the air. They perform well in breezy conditions and for targeted, localized warmth.
- Carbon Infrared: Similar radiant effect but often with broader wavelength distribution and quieter, longer-lived elements. May feel gentler and more uniform.
- Gas (Propane/Natural Gas): Produce high BTU output suitable for heating large, open areas; requires fuel and more clearance but covers more square footage with fewer units.
Coverage And Output
- Wattage vs BTU: Electric heaters list watts (e.g., 1500W) while gas units list BTU. Higher ratings indicate more output—match output to area and expected wind conditions.
- Placement: Hanging or overhead halogen elements are ideal for fixed dining areas; tabletop units are for small groups; freestanding oscillating models help spread heat over wider footprints.
Installation And Portability
- Permanence: Ceiling/hanging units require mounting hardware and electrical access. Freestanding or tabletop models are plug-and-play and portable.
- Mounting Height & Clearance: Follow manufacturer clearance specs for safety—overhead halogen tubes often need specific heights for optimal performance and to prevent hazards.
Weather Resistance And Location
- Ingress Protection: Look for IP ratings. IP55 or IP44 are common for semi-exposed outdoor use; higher ratings mean better protection from splashes and dust.
- Wind Considerations: Infrared radiant heat is less affected by wind compared to convection heaters; gas flames and fans can be more susceptible to drafts.
Safety Features
- Tip-Over Protection: Important for tabletop and freestanding units to prevent accidental fires.
- Automatic Shutoff / Overheat Protection: Prevents damage if the unit overheats or is obstructed.
- Certified Ratings: ETL or equivalent safety certifications indicate compliance with electrical/gas safety standards.
Energy Use And Operating Costs
- Electric Units: Measured in watts—1500W draws about 12.5A at 120V. Infrared units can be efficient because they heat objects not air.
- Gas Units: High BTU units consume fuel and require propane tanks or gas lines. Consider fuel availability and usage frequency.
Maintenance And Durability
- Tube Lifespan: Halogen and infrared emitter life varies—check rated hours and replacement options.
- Weatherproofing: Stainless steel and powder-coated finishes resist corrosion; covers prolong life for pyramid or tower gas heaters.
- Serviceability: For commercial use, choose models with accessible burners/elements and available replacement parts.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Social Spaces: Tabletop or hanging halogen/infrared units provide quick, focused warmth for 2–6 people.
- Medium Covered Patios: Mounted halogen or carbon infrared strips and oscillating radiant units offer balanced warmth with less heat loss in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces.
- Large/Open Areas: Gas tower heaters or multiple high-output infrared towers may be required to achieve comfortable temperatures across wide seating arrangements.
Final Selection Checklist
- Match heater type to typical wind and exposure conditions.
- Confirm power source availability and required mounting or clearance.
- Verify IP rating and safety certifications for outdoor use.
- Compare coverage claims (sq.ft. or radius) to your layout and seating plan.
- Consider long-term maintenance, element life, and replacement parts availability.