The right industrial radiant heater delivers targeted warmth with efficiency and durability. This guide reviews five top-rated radiant-style heaters and panels suited for workshops, garages, patios, and confined spaces. Below is a quick summary table to compare key models at a glance.
| Product | Heat Type / Fuel | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SunFire SF150 Radiant Heater | Radiant — Diesel/Kerosene/#2 Fuel Oil | High BTU, long run time, low odor |
| SunFire SF80 Radiant Heater | Radiant — Diesel/Kerosene/#2 Fuel Oil | Compact radiant unit, quieter than forced-air |
| Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 | Radiant Infrared — Natural Gas | Sleek stainless design, wind resistant |
| Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared | Electric Infrared — 120V | Indoor/outdoor IP55, 3 power settings |
| TPI 170TS Under-Desk Radiant Panel | Electric Radiant Panel — 120V | Confined space/freeze protection, compact |
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SunFire Radiant Heater – 150,000 BTUs (SF150)
The SunFire SF150 Is A High-Capacity Radiant Heater Designed For Large Indoor Or Semi-Enclosed Work Areas. Its 150,000 BTU output Is Intended To Heat Up To 3,500 Sq Ft, Making It Suitable For Warehouses, Large Workshops, And Job Sites Where Focused radiant warmth Is Preferred Over Forced-Air Circulation.
Key Features Referenced: No Smell & No Fumes Construction Burns Fuel Cleanly, Reducing Odors; 19-Gallon Tank With Approximately 19 Hours Run Time At The Stated Flow Rate; Operates On Diesel, Kerosene, Or #2 Fuel Oil. The Product Notes That Radiant Heat Is Less Affected By Wind Compared To Forced-Air Torpedoes, And It Runs Quieter.
Operational Considerations: The Model Relies On Direct Radiant Transfer Rather Than Displacing Air, So It Warms Objects And People Efficiently Even In Drafty Environments. Fuel Storage, Ventilation Requirements For Indoor Use, And Proper Placement To Avoid Obstructions Are Important For Safe Operation.
SunFire Radiant Heater – 80,000 BTUs (SF80)
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The SunFire SF80 Offers A Mid-Range Radiant Option For Medium-Sized Spaces. With 80,000 BTU Output, It Targets Workshops, Pole Barns, And Garages Up To 1,900 Sq Ft. This Unit Is Designed To Combine Portability With Radiant Efficiency.
Key Features Referenced: The Unit Emphasizes No Smell & No Fumes Through High-Combustion Efficiency; 6-Gallon Tank With An Approximate 10-Hour Run Time Based On Fuel Flow Rates Provided For Diesel And Kerosene. The Product Highlights Quiet Indoor/Outdoor Operation Compared To Torpedo-Style Forced-Air Heaters.
Use Case Notes: This Model Is A Practical Choice Where Lower Fuel Capacity And Easier Handling Are Preferred. As With Larger Radiant Fuel Heaters, Installers Must Follow Ventilation And Fuel Handling Best Practices For Indoor Use And Consider Placement To Maximize Direct Radiative Coverage.
Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Radiant Infrared
The Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Is A Natural Gas-Fired Radiant Infrared Heater Built For Patios, Outdoor Dining, And Commercial Spaces That Require Designer Styling And Durable Construction. The Unit Produces Direct Radiant Heat To Warm People Rather Than Air.
Key Features Referenced: Brushed Stainless Steel And Tinted Ceramic Glass Provide A Contemporary Appearance; The Infrared Burner Is Designed For Fast, Direct Heat; Wind Resistance Up To 12 Mph Helps Maintain Heating Performance Outdoors. The Design Focuses On Targeted Comfort For Seated Areas.
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Installation and Application: This Heater Is Intended For Mounted Outdoor Or Semi-Enclosed Applications Where Natural Gas Supply Is Available. Radiant Infrared Units Like This Deliver Comfort In Outdoor Seating Zones While Minimizing Heat Loss To Air Movement.
Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
The Dr Infrared DR-238 Is An Electric Carbon Infrared Heater Rated For Indoor And Outdoor Use (IP55), Suited To Patios, Garages, And Small Commercial Outdoor Spaces. It Offers Multiple Power Settings To Match Heat Output To Need.
Key Features Referenced: IP55 Rating For Weather Resistance, Three Power Settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W), And Plug-And-Go 120V Convenience With Remote Control Capability. The Unit Emphasizes Clean, Instant, Odorless Infrared Heat Suitable For Areas Where Fuel Storage Or Combustion Is Undesirable.
Operational Notes: Electric Infrared Units Provide Near-Instant Warmth To People And Surfaces, Making Them Effective For Patio Seating Or Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Spaces. Consider Circuit Capacity And Mounting Height To Achieve Comfortable Coverage And Avoid Electrical Overload.
TPI 170TS Confined Space Radiant Panel Heater
The TPI 170TS Radiant Panel Is A Compact 170W Electric Unit Designed For Confined Space Or Under-Desk Freeze Protection. It Is Intended To Provide Localized Radiant Heat For Small Industrial Enclosures, Control Cabinets, Or Workstations.
Key Features Referenced: Rugged Construction For Industrial Conditions, Designed For Freeze Protection And Confined Spaces, And Includes A 6-Foot Cord For Flexible Placement. The Panel Promotes Efficient Airflow Distribution In Small Areas.
Application Considerations: Radiant Panels Like The TPI 170TS Are Suited For Targeted Heat Where Large-Scale BTU Output Is Unnecessary. They Offer Low-Profile Installation Options And Can Prevent Condensation Or Freeze Damage In Enclosures When Correctly Sized For The Space.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Industrial Radiant Heater
Selecting The Right Industrial Radiant Heater Requires Balancing Heat Output, Fuel Or Power Type, Installation Constraints, And Intended Use Environment. Below Are Key Factors To Compare.
Heat Delivery And Coverage
- BTU Or Watt Rating: Determine Required Output Based On Space Size And Desired Temperature Rise. Higher BTU Units (Like 150,000 BTU) Suit Large Areas; Electric Infrared Units Provide More Localized Heat.
- Radiant Versus Convective: Radiant Heaters Warm People And Objects Directly, Not Air. This Makes Them Effective In Drafty Or Outdoor Spaces.
Fuel And Power Considerations
- Fuel-Fired Units: Diesel, Kerosene, Or Natural Gas Offer High Output For Large Spaces. Consider Fuel Storage, Refueling Logistics, And Indoor Ventilation Requirements.
- Electric Infrared: Easier Installation For Indoor Or Outdoor Use With Proper Weather Rating. Check Circuit Capacity And Amperage Requirements.
Portability, Mounting, And Placement
- Portable Heaters: Fuel-fired portable units Offer mobility For Job Sites. Ensure Stable Placement And Clearances.
- Mounted Units: Ceiling Or Wall-Mounted Infrared Heaters Provide Permanent Coverage And Even Distribution For Fixed Spaces.
- Radiant Panel Placement: Panels For Under-Desk Or Confined Spaces Should Be Positioned To Prevent Obstructions And To Maximize Surface Exposure.
Safety And Environmental Factors
- Indoor Use Considerations: Fuel-burning radiants Claim Low Odor And High Combustion Efficiency But Require Appropriate Ventilation And Compliance With Local Codes.
- Weather Ratings: For Outdoor Use, Check IP Ratings And Wind Resistance To Maintain Performance In Variable Conditions.
- Overheat And Flame Protection: Look For Enclosures, Sheathed Elements, And Motor Protection For Dusty Industrial Environments.
Operational Efficiency And Runtime
- Fuel Tank Capacity And Flow Rate: For Diesel/Kerosene Units, Evaluate Tank Size Versus Flow Rate To Estimate Runtime Between Refuels.
- Electric Settings: Multi-Stage Power Settings Allow Matching Output To Demand And Conserving Energy.
Maintenance, Durability, And Build Quality
- Materials: Stainless Steel And Robust Housings Resist Corrosion And Mechanical Damage In Commercial Applications.
- Serviceability: Check Availability Of Replacement Parts And Ease Of Servicing For Burners, Elements, Or Controls.
Coverage And Comfort Considerations
- Targeted Warmth: Radiant Heat Is Best For Zones Where People Or Work Surfaces Are Stationary.
- Even Distribution: Fan-Assisted Ceiling Units Provide Broader Heat Distribution Versus Direct Radiant Emitters Focused On Specific Areas.
Comparison Perspectives
- Large Workshop/Job Site: Fuel-Burning Radiant Units With High BTU (SunFire SF150) Offer Extended Runtime And Strong Output.
- Medium Garage Or Shop: Mid-Range Radiant Fuel Units (SunFire SF80) Or Ceiling Fan-Forced Electric Heaters Balance Output And Installation Complexity.
- Outdoor Dining/Patio: Infrared Gas Or Electric Emitters (Bromic, Dr Infrared) Deliver Comfortable Seating Heat And Weather Resistance.
- Confined Or Freeze Protection: Radiant Panels (TPI 170TS) Provide Targeted Low-Profile Heating For Enclosures And Under-Desk Applications.
Final Selection Tips: Match The Heater Type To Your Primary Use Case — choose fuel-based radiant models for large, off-grid heating; electric infrared for fast, clean heat with simpler installation; and compact radiant panels where space and localized protection are priorities. Confirm installation requirements, ventilation, and local safety codes before purchase.
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. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.