Best Infrared Bar Heater Options for Patios and Food Service

Infrared bar heaters provide targeted radiant warmth for outdoor patios, bar counters, and food warming applications. Below is a quick summary table of the five selected heaters covered in this guide, followed by focused product sections and a practical buying guide to help match a heater to your space and use case.

Product	Type / Key Feature	Power / Rating
Nemco 6150-48 48′ Infrared Bar Heater	Food Warmer / Toggle Control	120V / 1,100W
Nemco (6150-72) 72″ Infrared Bar Heater	Long Tubular Element / Metal Housing	Red Metal Housing / Tubular Element
Nemco 6150-24 Overhead Bar Heater, 24″	Compact Overhead Food Warmer	120V / 500W
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater	Indoor/Outdoor IP55 / Remote	900W / 1200W / 1500W
Patio Heater 1500W Electric Infrared Hanging Heater (Danluke)	IP34 Waterproof Hanging Patio Heater	1500W

Nemco 6150-48 48′ Infrared Bar Heater

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This Nemco model is a 48-inch infrared bar heater designed primarily for food-warming and overhead applications. It operates at 120 volts with a 1,100-watt tubular heating element and uses a toggle control for on/off operation. The long tubular element distributes infrared heat along the length of the unit to keep items warm without direct flame or hot plates. Suitable mounting positions include overhead or under-shelf installation where targeted radiant warmth is needed. The unit’s electrical rating and control type make it compatible with standard commercial kitchen circuits and basic on/off use cases.

Nemco (6150-72) 72″ Infrared Bar Heater

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The Nemco 6150-72 is a longer 72.25-inch unit built with red metal housing and a tubular heating element. Dimension specs list 2.75″ H, 72.25″ W, and 6.75″ D with a weight around 16 lbs. The extended length supports larger bars or food service lines where continuous warming across a broad area is required. The tubular element design provides steady radiant heat with a slim profile that mounts overhead or on a shelf. For commercial or high-use environments, the extended coverage helps reduce cold spots compared to shorter models.

Nemco 6150-24 Overhead Bar Heater, 24″ Silver

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The Nemco 6150-24 is a compact 24-inch overhead bar heater intended for smaller warming stations or tight mounting areas. It lists 120V operation and a 500W rating with a toggle control. The smaller footprint is useful where space is limited or when only a short section of counter or display requires gentle radiant warming. As with other Nemco bar heaters, the emphasis is on providing even infrared heat for food holding without direct cooking, making it suitable for buffets, small countertops, or warming shelves.

Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

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The DR-238 from DR. INFRARED HEATER is an IP55-rated indoor/outdoor carbon infrared heater designed for patios, restaurants, garages, and decks. It offers three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) on standard 120V circuits and includes remote control operation. The manufacturer emphasizes clean, instant, odorless infrared heat suitable for both commercial patio use and home outdoor areas. IP55 weather resistance and plug-and-go convenience make it adaptable for overhead mounting in covered outdoor dining or patio bar areas where weather exposure is a concern.

Patio Heater 1500W Electric Infrared Hanging Heater, Ceiling Mounted

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This ceiling-mounted 1500W electric infrared hanging heater is built for outdoor use with an IP34 weather-resistant rating. The unit claims instant heat and 360° radiant coverage suitable for porches, garages, balconies, and covered patios. Safety features include overheat and tip-over protection, and a dust cover is noted for storage protection. The form factor and safety options make it a candidate for overhead heating in hospitality patios or home bar areas where waterproofing and mounted installation are required.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An Infrared Bar Heater

This buying guide covers the key factors to evaluate when selecting an infrared bar heater for a bar, patio, restaurant, or food-warming application. Consider these perspectives to match performance, safety, and installation needs to your space.

Heat Output and Coverage

Wattage and BTU determine heating capacity. Higher wattage models like 1500W or multi-level units provide greater coverage and faster warm-up. For food holding applications, lower wattage with even distribution (500–1,100W) may be sufficient. For outdoor patio comfort, aim for 1,200–3,000W depending on area size and exposure.

Type Of Infrared Element

Tubular elements are common in bar and food warming units and deliver uniform line heating. Carbon infrared

Mounting And Coverage Geometry

Decide between overhead bar heaters, ceiling/pendant hanging units, and wall-mounted models. Long linear units (24″, 48″, 72″) suit continuous counters or service lines. Ceiling-mounted or pendant infrared heaters provide broader area coverage and are common in patio seating areas.

Weather Resistance And Ratings

For outdoor or semi-exposed installations, check IP ratings. IP55IP34

Controls And Convenience

Look for useful controls: multiple power settings, remote controls, timers, and memory functions provide flexibility in commercial and residential use. Toggle on/off controls are simple but lack fine adjustment compared to multi-level or touchscreen options.

Safety Features

Key safeguards include overheat protection, tip-over shutoff (mainly for freestanding units), and thermal fuses. For mounted heaters, ensure secure brackets and appropriate electrical protection. Confirm certifications like ETL for electrical safety when installing in public or commercial spaces.

Installation And Mounting Hardware

Check whether mounting hardware is provided and whether the unit supports ceiling, wall, or under-shelf installation. Consider professional installation for commercial setups to meet local codes and ensure correct electrical connections for higher wattage models.

Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost

Infrared heaters deliver targeted radiant heat and can be more efficient for spot-warming people or food than heating entire volumes of air. Use adjustable power levels and timers to manage runtime. Compare wattage needs versus expected runtime to estimate energy use for your application.

Durability And Build Materials

For commercial food service, stainless or coated metal housings resist kitchen environments. For outdoor use, corrosion-resistant finishes and protective dust covers extend service life. Heavier units and robust brackets improve long-term stability in high-traffic settings.

Comparison Perspectives

• Food Service/Counter Warming: Choose shorter tubular bar heaters (24″ to 72″) with even radiant profiles and simple toggles or switches.
• Patio Seating & Hospitality: Prefer IP-rated carbon or ceramic infrared heaters with multiple power levels and remote control for guest comfort.
• Home & Small Bars: Wall or ceiling-mounted 1,200–1,500W units balance power and ease of installation on standard circuits.
• Large Commercial Areas: Consider higher wattage, multiple units, or 220–240V models for extended coverage and robust performance.

Practical Installation Tips

• Measure the area and plan heater spacing to avoid cold spots; linear heaters typically require one unit per X feet of counter depending on wattage and exposure.
• Maintain recommended clearances from combustible materials; check manufacturer specs for safe distances.
• Use GFCI-protected circuits in outdoor or damp locations and comply with local electrical codes.
• Consider mounting height: too high reduces effectiveness, too low can cause discomfort or safety risks.

Maintenance And Longevity

Regularly clean housings and reflectors to maintain radiant efficiency. For outdoor units, use covers during prolonged storage and inspect seals or brackets seasonally. Replace elements or fuses per manufacturer guidance to preserve performance.

Use this guide to compare the key specs—element type, wattage, IP rating, and mounting—against your application requirements to select the most appropriate infrared bar heater for bars, patios, or food service areas.