Choosing A Wall-Mounted Outdoor Heater involves matching fuel type, BTU/output, mounting style, and weather resistance to your space. Below is a quick comparison of the five selected wall-mounted heaters covered in this guide.
| Product | Fuel / Type | Output | Coverage / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane | Propane (Direct Vent) | 17,000 BTU | Up To ~570 Sq. Ft. / Wall Mounted |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas | Natural Gas (Direct Vent) | 25,000 BTU | Up To ~825 Sq. Ft. / Wall Mounted |
| Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 | Natural Gas (Radiant Infrared) | 39,800 BTU | High-Output Commercial Patio Heating |
| Dr. Infrared 3000W Carbon Infrared (Electric) | Electric (Carbon Infrared) | ~10,260 BTU / 3000W | Indoor/Outdoor IP55; Patios, Decks, Garages |
| EAST OAK 3000W Wall Mounted Electric Infrared | Electric (240V Commercial) | 3000W (Infrared) | Commercial Outdoor Patios; IP65 Weatherproof |
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Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Propane Wall Heater
This direct vent propane wall heater is designed for fixed wall installation where a compact, vented gas heat source is needed. The sealed burn system isolates combustion from room air, making it appropriate for spaces where indoor air quality and safety are priorities.
- Heat Output: 17,000 BTU designed to heat up to approximately 570 sq. ft.
- Safety: Matchless Piezo ignition and a safety pilot with a pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot is extinguished.
- Design: Slim, space-saving wall mount intended for efficient area heating while minimizing footprint.
Installation requires a direct vent flue run to the exterior and an appropriate propane supply connection. This unit is targeted at residential or light commercial settings that prefer propane fuel and vented combustion.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Natural Gas Wall Heater
This direct vent natural gas wall heater provides higher output for larger enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. It uses a sealed combustion chamber and direct venting to move exhaust outdoors, maintaining indoor air quality.
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- Heat Output: 25,000 BTU suitable for up to roughly 825 sq. ft.
- Safety Features: Sealed burn system with built-in pressure regulator and safety pilot to shut off gas if pilot is lost.
- Mounting: Wall-mounted design, intended for fixed installation in buildings with natural gas supply.
The higher BTU rating suits larger patios, enclosed porches with ventilation or commercial service areas needing sustained radiant/warm-air heat. Proper venting and gas-line connection by a qualified technician is required.
Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Natural Gas Heater
The Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 is a high-output radiant infrared natural gas patio heater built for commercial and premium residential applications. It emphasizes direct radiant warmth aimed at people and seating areas rather than heating large volumes of air.
- Heat Output: 39,800 BTU for strong, immediate radiant heat.
- Design & Durability: Brushed stainless steel with tinted ceramic glass and contemporary styling suitable for visible patio installations.
- Wind Resistance: Manufacturer notes performance in breezy conditions (up to certain wind speeds) due to the infrared radiant burner design.
This unit is aimed at restaurants, hospitality settings, and upscale residential patios where high radiant output and aesthetic integration are primary concerns. Natural gas connection and professional installation for venting and mounting are typical requirements.
Dr. Infrared 3000W Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
Though electric rather than gas, this 3000W carbon infrared heater is included as a wall- or ceiling-mount alternative for outdoor areas where gas installation is not feasible. It converts electric power into direct infrared heat aimed at people and surfaces.
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- Output/Specs: 10,260 BTU equivalent, operates at 220–240V, IP55 weatherproof rating for outdoor use.
- Controls & Installation: Remote control, provided mounting hardware for wall or ceiling, and two power levels plus standby mode.
- Use Cases: Patios, decks, garages, and restaurant outdoor seating where electric supply is available and vented combustion is not desired.
Electric infrared heaters offer instant, odorless heat with less installation complexity than gas in many situations. They are a practical choice where gas line access or venting would be difficult or costly.
EAST OAK 3000W Commercial Wall-Mounted Infrared Heater
This commercial-grade 240V electric infrared heater emphasizes rapid heat and durability for outdoor and semi-outdoor commercial spaces. It uses a gold-coated infrared element and a broad 45° heat angle to target people and surfaces.
- Power & Coverage: 3000W designed for larger commercial areas; intended for 240V circuits rather than 120V household outlets.
- Durability: Extra-thick aluminum construction with nano-ceramic gold-coating for corrosion and high-temperature resistance; rated IP65 for outdoor use.
- Performance: Claims near-instant heat with concentrated radiant output for dining areas, warehouses, and covered patios.
As a commercial electric option, this unit suits venues that prefer electric installations for simplicity, no combustion, and consistent radiant warmth across seating zones. Proper electrical supply and mounting considerations are necessary.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Wall-Mounted Outdoor Heater
This guide outlines the core factors to compare when selecting a wall-mounted outdoor heater for residential or commercial use.
Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Propane, Or Electric
- Natural Gas: Best for continuous, high-output heating where a gas line exists; typically used for larger patios and commercial sites.
- Propane: Portable relative to natural gas; useful for locations without a fixed gas line but requires safe cylinder storage and change-out procedures.
- Electric Infrared: Easier installation (no venting or gas line), instant radiant heat, and no combustion emissions. Requires appropriate electrical service (120V, 240V, or 208–240V for higher-output models).
Heat Output And Coverage
- BTU Or Watts: Gas heaters list BTU; electric heaters list watts (convert 1 kW ≈ 3412 BTU). Match output to the size and enclosure level of your space.
- Radiant Vs Forced Air: Radiant heaters warm people and surfaces directly and perform better in open or breezy spaces. Forced-air or warm-air systems heat air volume and are less efficient outdoors.
Mounting And Placement
- Wall Mounting Height: Follow manufacturer recommendations for minimum and maximum mounting heights for safety and optimal heat distribution.
- Clearances: Check required clearances to combustible materials, furniture, and typical seating positions to maintain safety and warranty.
Weather Resistance And Durability
- IP Ratings: IP55, IP65, etc., indicate protection against dust and water. Higher IP ratings improve reliability in exposed patios.
- Materials: Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or ceramic-protected emitters resist corrosion and discoloration from outdoor exposure.
Safety Features
- Sealed Combustion: Direct vent or sealed-burn gas units prevent indoor air contamination and improve safety in semi-enclosed spaces.
- Automatic Shutoff: Pilots with pressure regulators or sensors that stop gas flow if the flame goes out are essential for gas models.
- Thermal Cutoffs & Tip-Over: Electric models may include overheat protection and automatic shutoff features for safe operation.
Operational Controls And Convenience
- Ignition Type: Matchless Piezo or electronic pilots for gas; remote and programmable controls for electric units add convenience.
- Multi-Output Settings: Variable power settings or multiple BTU outputs allow adaptable comfort and energy savings.
Installation And Service Requirements
- Professional Installation: Gas models typically require licensed installers for gas connections and venting; check local codes.
- Electrical Supply: Confirm required voltage and amperage for electric units and whether dedicated circuits are necessary.
- Maintenance: Periodic inspection of burners, pilots, and connections for gas units; cleaning of reflectors and elements for infrared units.
Comparison Perspectives
- Cost Of Operation: Natural gas often has lower operating cost per BTU than electric, but electric units avoid gas-line installation costs.
- Performance In Wind: Radiant infrared units maintain comfort better in breezy conditions than warm-air systems which lose heat quickly.
- Safety & Air Quality: Electric units produce no combustion byproducts, making them preferable for partially enclosed spaces without heavy ventilation.
When selecting a wall-mounted outdoor heater, weigh the installation complexity, fuel access, desired heat coverage, and durability for your climate and venue. For commercial settings, prioritize certified sealed-burn designs or high-output radiant burners with professional installation and robust mounting.
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.