Best Infrared Heaters to Keep Your Outdoor Entertainment Area Warm

Do you love entertaining on your porch or patio but you can’t when the weather starts to turn cooler? If so, the best infrared heaters are exactly the products you need to keep your entertainment area warm, and they’re both efficient and safe. Because of the way these heaters operate, your guests will get a safe and comfortable warmth that heats up their entire body to give them a very natural warmth that you can’t get from other types of heaters. So, if you’re searching for the best infrared heater for your patio or deck, you’ve come to the right place because I picked out 10 great options for you. 

I understand how confusing it can be to have to try and find high-quality products and compare them, especially if you’re not sure which buying criteria to look for when you shop. My picks for the best infrared heaters come from reputable brands, and the short reviews will help you narrow down your choice. If you need more guidance, you can take a look at the short buying guide and see which best infrared heater fulfills all of your needs without breaking your budget. 

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The best infrared heaters save you money on your power bill while putting out enough heat to warm your space and keep you comfortable. There are wall-mounted units if you have little floor space, or you can choose a portable one to move around as you move.

1. AirNmore Comfort Deluxe Heater – Top Pick 

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If you want a long-lasting but more expensive infrared heater, this is a great pick that works as an excellent patio idea to help heat the area so you can entertain later in the day or season. Instead of coming with a traditional quartz bulb, this heater comes with positive temperature coefficient technology. It uses a high-quality copper element to produce the heat, and this means you don’t have to worry about a bulb burning out. In turn, you’ll get a long life with this product, even with heavy use or extended heating sessions. Also, it won’t have an impact on the humidity levels in the space, and this helps to keep you more comfortable. 

The housing unit on this infrared heater stays cool to the touch to make it safe to have close to your walls or items, and it has a decent amount of heat output to keep you warm. There is a tip-over sensor that will switch the heater off if something bumps it and knocks it over, and there is a three-prong grounded power cord with a correct-gauge wire to prevent fires. You can choose from a 1,500 or 1,000-watt power choice, and this makes it a nice choice for small or large rooms. It has auto-reboot memory that will take it back to the previous settings if the power goes out. There is a two-year warranty from the date of purchase. 

PROS

  • Tip-over sensor
  • Two output power levels
  • Auto-reboot memory feature 
  • Two-year warranty 
  • Uses positive temperature coefficient technology
  • Has a copper element 
  • Won’t increase humidity levels 

CONS

  • Price 

2. Dr Infrared Exaco Garage Heater – Step-Up Pick 

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A typical electric heater that puts a focus on warming the air’s temperature can be less effective at heating up any spaces that have very little or no insulation, including workshops or garages. However, this infrared heater is a nice pick if you want to give your space supplemental heat because it directly warms objects and people instead of wasting energy trying to heat an area with high heat loss. You’ll get a heavy-duty heater that needs a 208 or 240-volt outlet with a 6R-30 plug to help it put out a maximum of 5,000 watts of power. There is an adjustable thermostat dial that lets you set the exact amount of heat you want it to release.  

The maximum heat output on this infrared heater is 5,600-watts of power. It’s a very compact but powerful choice that will help you heat up your shop, gym, or garage very quickly and easily. You get a fan switch with an automatic on or off feature so it doesn’t get too warm or cold in your space. The built-in cord storage will help keep the area tidy to prevent tripping hazards, and you get a finger-proof intake and discharge grill when you pick out this product. 

PROS

  • Heavy-duty design 
  • 5,600-watts of power 
  • Built-in cord storage 
  • Very stable design 
  • Finger-proof intake and discharge grill
  • Adjustable thermostat dial 
  • Fan switch 

CONS

  • Not suited for larger areas 

3. COSTWAY Portable Quartz Heater – Mid-End Budget Pick

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If you’re after an affordable infrared heater, this is a tower-style one that can meet your needs if you’re on a tighter budget. It can fit neatly right alongside your faux fireplace to create a rustic look and feel to your space. It’s 22-inches tall, and it has a quartz heating element in it that produces a gentle, warm heat. You get high and low operation modes that allow you to adjust it according to the room size and temperature using a simple turn dial. It’s a very compact and portable heater that is easy to move from room to room without having to struggle. 

There is also a built-in handle on this infrared heater, and it’s a tower-style design that won’t take up a lot of floor space. The quality quartz heating element combined with the radiation heating method gives you a more uniform and quicker heat source than others, and it won’t produce any fumes, chemicals, or odors when it runs. It also won’t stir up dust, and you can switch between 600 and 1,200-watts of power. The automatic temperature cycle will keep the room a steady temperature, and it has overheating protection built in as a safety measure. 

PROS

  • Compact and lightweight 
  • Carrying handle included
  • 600 and 1,200-watt power settings 
  • No chemical and fume production 
  • Overheating protection included 
  • Indoor temperature automatic cycle switch
  • Tip-over protection 

CONS

  • Not a lot of extra features 

4. TRUSTECH Space Heater – Bargain Budget Pick 

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If you’re after an infrared heater that doesn’t sacrifice power for price and you’re on a budget, we recommend you take a look at this model. It’s just nine-inches tall by seven-inches wide, and it packs in 1,500-watts of heating power to help you keep smaller rooms warm. It has a lightweight design with an integrated carrying handle, and you can use it anywhere you have a wall outlet to power it. You get a 700-watt low setting with a 1,500-watt high setting that is quick and easy to adjust to suit your needs, and it comes with a third wind-mode setting if you want to keep using it during the summer months. 

There are also safety features built in that are critical to any infrared heater, especially portable ones. You get a tip-over shut-off feature that will switch it off if someone bumps it to prevent fires. There is also an automatic shut-off feature if it starts to overheat from extended use. It’ll heat up to a 200-square foot space with ease, and it can warm the air around it in under five seconds. It’s very easy to adjust to keep the space comfortable, and you get a slightly longer power cord to give you more movement. 

PROS

  • Two heating modes
  • Runs very quietly 
  • Built-in handle 
  • Tip-over protection 
  • Won’t overheat and damage any components 
  • Can heat up to 200-square feet 
  • Lightweight but durable 

CONS

  • Not extremely steady  

5. Heat Storm Logan Portable Heater – Best for Portability

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You can get additional warmth in any room with this infrared heater, and it’ll also keep you warm if you plug it in by your outdoor bench on your deck or patio. You will need wall space to hang up this 19-inch by 13-inch heater, but it can easily heat up to 400-square feet. It’s a wall-mounted design that will put out a maximum of 5,200 BTUs of heat for every hour you have it on, and it can quietly and quickly heat up your space without interrupting your day. The housing on this heater won’t get hot to the touch, and this makes it safer to brush up against. It also stands out because it comes equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities. 

You can use any device or smartphone you have to wireless control this infrared heater using an app, and you can also schedule times that it turns on and off or how high the heat output is. It weighs in at just 10-pounds, and it has a fragrance feature that allows it to mimic the scent of a wood-burning fireplace. The heat exchanger works with the room’s natural humidity levels to provide you with safe, soft heat without reducing the humidity or oxygen levels. It has a built-in thermostat with LEDs that allows you to check the room’s temperature at a glance, and you get a year warranty from the date of purchase. 

PROS

  • Wall-mounted unit
  • Two temperature settings
  • Wi-Fi capabilities 
  • Lightweight 
  • Built-in thermostat with LEDs 
  • Doesn’t get hot to the touch 
  • Puts out soft heat 

CONS

  • Thermostat can be off by a few degrees 

6. Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Heater  – Best for a Stylish Look

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If you want to get the ambiance that comes with having a wood-burning fireplace but you don’t want the mess and risks associated with the real thing, Duraflame’s infrared heater may be a nice compromise. You get realistic faux logs that come with a rolling ember effect that you can turn a knob to adjust. This is a stationary unit design, and you can sit it inside most fireplaces. However, it also means that there aren’t as many safety features on this unit as you’d get with a typical portable infrared heater, but it does come outfitted with a cool-touch exterior. 

It draws 1,350-watts, but it puts out an impressive 5,200 BTUs when you switch this infrared heater on. This is enough power to heat up a 1,000-square foot space with ease. The blower is slightly louder than other options, but it offers excellent heat exchange that makes up for it. You can switch it on to get the visual effects without heat too if it’s too warm, and you don’t need any vents or hookups when you install it. There is a remote control included that allows you to remotely adjust the settings, and it comes from Twin-Star International. 

PROS

  • Rolling ember effect
  • Visual effects with or without heat 
  • 5,200 BTU rating 
  • Great heat exchange 
  • Easy to install
  • Stays cool to the touch 
  • Remote control included 

CONS

  • Slightly louder noise output

7. Dr Infrared Outdoor Heater – Best for Open Patios

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If you’re someone who likes to entertain all day long into the night or you spend a lot of time outside in your garage, this infrared heater can help you stay comfortable and warm in colder weather. It is a 1,500-watt infrared heater that has an anodized aluminum housing that is weatherproof, and it won’t rust or corrode with exposure to the elements. There are also adjustable mounting brackets included that allow you to hang it on a ceiling or wall, and you get a carbon heating element with three different heating settings that allows you to customize the heat output. There is also a remote control included in the price that lets you operate it from anywhere in the room. 

There is an automatic shut-off feature if it starts to overheat to prevent it from damaging the components or scorching the ceiling or wall, and the heat settings range from 900-watts up to 1,500. There is a slightly longer power cord attached that allows you to mount it in higher spaces without running out of cord, and it plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet. You can also get it with a tripod when you order to allow it to turn into a freestanding model that you can move around your space. 

PROS

  • Three heat settings 
  • Comes with mounting brackets 
  • Can put it on the ceiling or wall
  • Automatic-shut off to prevent overheating 
  • Aluminum body 
  • Won’t rust or corrode 
  • Can get on with a tripod to mount it

CONS

  • Not suited for freezing temperatures  

8. Surjuny Patio Heater – Best for Garages

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This infrared heater from Surjuny is very easy to set up while being affordable, and there are minimal moving parts or fans to reduce your maintenance needs. You’ll get instant warmth when you switch it on, and it’s a waterproof unit that will survive being outside without any damage. You can stick it on your balcony, in your garage, or out on your deck or patio without a worry, and you can use it indoors without a problem. It comes with a mounting system for the ceiling or walls, and you can rotate it left or right to get the perfect stream of heat for your needs. 

This infrared heater comes with a remote that lets you set three different power levels, from 500 and 1,000-watts up to 1,500-watts. There is a timer function included that you can set around a 24-hour model to have the heater automatically go on and off. There are LCD buttons if you prefer to manually adjust, set, and control the heater, and they make it easy to use in dim conditions. You can choose from two sizes when you order this product, and it comes with CE and ETL certification for safety and convenience. You get a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

PROS

  • Three power modes
  • Can put it on the ceiling or wall
  • Adjustable
  • Comes with mounting brackets 
  • 12-month warranty 
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee 
  • ETL and CE certifications 

CONS

  • No tip-over automatic off switch 

9. EdenPURE CopperSMART Heater – Best for People with Allergies

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Just like several other options on our list of the best infrared heaters, this option is a highly portable one that is great for when you have those summer barbecues and invite people over well into the night. You’ll get an automatic on and off function with it that helps you regulate the heat output and ensure that you don’t waste energy by overheating the space. There is a nice timer function that lets you set when the unit will go on and off, and it weighs in at a lightweight 15-pounds to make it easy to move from room to room or space to space. 

It has a very simple bookshelf design to it. It looks like it’s extremely well-built, and it comes with a wooden plastic finish that is very durable. It has grated vents that hold quartz heating elements, and it offers a stylish and modern look. The touch-safe exterior won’t heat up with extended use, and it also comes with an automatic tip-over feature to shut it off to prevent fires if it falls over. You can also install an air purification kit on it, and it comes with a UV light, HEPA filter, and a PC component that makes it a nice choice for people with allergies. 

PROS

  • Stylish and modern design 
  • Safe-touch design that won’t heat up
  • Tip-over sensor 
  • Timer options
  • Has a remote 
  • Great for regulating heat 
  • One-year warranty 

CONS

  • More expensive choices  

10. Homegear Compact Infrared Heater – Best for Small Rooms

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The final infrared heater on our list is one of the most affordable options, and it’s great for anyone who wants something simple to heat smaller areas. You get a very durable plastic exterior that houses a bright LCD display that allows you to quickly and easily control the thermostat, timer, power, and temperature settings with a push. It weighs in at just over 11-pounds, and this makes it easy to move from space to space. You get 1,500-watts of power in this compact device, and this allows it to heat a room that is up to 1,000-square feet. 

You can cycle through a low, high, or eco-mode with this infrared heater to help you tailor your power usage to your wants. There is a silent motor on this infrared heater that distributes the heat from the quartz and mica heating element. There is also a remote control that lets you change your settings or switch it on and off from a distance. It comes with four small feet so the heating unit doesn’t sit flat on the floor, and this ensures that it has great airflow all around the unit to prevent it from getting too warm. 

PROS

  • Modern design 
  • Has a remote included
  • Offers an LCD control panel 
  • Cool-touch exterior 
  • 12-hour timer function 
  • Affordable model 
  • Solid base 

CONS

  • No wheels to move it

Best Infrared Heaters – Buying Guide

When it comes to the best infrared heaters, what buying criteria do you have to keep in mind when you shop? Are there parts that are more important than others? This doesn’t necessarily have to be a super expensive purchase, but it’s important that you get one that will tick all of your boxes and cover enough area to suit your needs. 

Portable or Fixed

One of the first things you want to decide is whether you want a fixed or portable infrared heater. The best infrared heater with a fixed design is usually larger and able to heat a bigger area like out by your outdoor movie screen on your patio or deck. You mount them straight to the ceiling or wall to help you save space and give you even coverage. 

On the other hand, you have the portable best infrared heater. They usually have carrying handles or wheels, and they feature a more compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to move from point A to point B. They’re usually not as powerful as the fixed ones, but you can compensate for this by moving them closer to your sitting area. 

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Portable heaters are nice if you have larger areas where you move around as you entertain. They’re also a nice choice if you want to use them both indoors and outdoors. Fixed heaters allow you to set up a dedicated entertainment space all year round. 

Safety Features

Since this heater can and will run when you’re not around to water it, it’s essential that you pick one that has several safety features built into the design. The last thing you want is to start a fire or have someone brush against it and burn themselves, so safety features are a must. 

  • Automatic Shut-Off – When your heater reaches a certain temperature or you accidentally knock it over, the automatic shut-off feature cuts power to the heating element. It’ll stay off until the temperature starts to fall before switching off. It’ll also sense whether or not the heater stays upright. 
  • Cool-Touch Exterior – The large majority of your heater’s case should stay cool to the touch, even when it’s on for extended periods. This will prevent anyone from getting accidentally burned if they brush up against it. 
  • Tip-Over Switch – If you knock your heater over, this built-in switch will cut the power and stop the heater from running. This can help prevent fires because your grate or elements will cool down right away and stay off until you set it back up. 

Remote Control

If you’re lounging on your porch swing bed, the last thing you want to do is get up to change your heat settings. Having the best infrared heater that comes with a remote control adds a layer of convenience to this product. You can switch the unit on and off, change the temperature, and cycle through the heat settings all from the comfort of your seat. 

Timers

The best infrared heaters come with timers on them. These timers let you choose when you want the unit to switch off or on. If you’re gone during the day but want to come back to a warm porch or patio, a timer is a handy way of helping you accomplish this. Most of the best infrared heaters on the list have a timer function, and they range from 1 to 24 hours. 

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How open and airy your space is will dictate which power level your heater has to have to keep up with the demands. Smaller and more enclosed spaces will retain the heat much better than larger open and airy ones. 

Heat Settings 

These types of heaters can really save you money because they’re energy-efficient. However, you want your best infrared heater to come with at least two or three heat settings. They can be different watts, and they allow you to easily pick and choose how warm you want an area. For example, maybe you want to heat your small laundry room but you want to use the same heater outside on your patio to heat a larger area. You’ll need different heat settings to keep both spaces comfortable. As eco-mode is nice because it draws less power and it’ll switch the unit off when you reach your desired temperature. 

Infrared Heaters – Frequently Asked Questions 

When you’re looking at infrared heaters and trying to find the best one, it’s common to have questions about them. We’ve picked out some of the most frequently asked questions and outlined them for you below. 

1. Do infrared heaters use a large amount of electricity?

Generally speaking, infrared heat is safer than resistive, conventional heat. However, it takes just as much electricity. You’ll find the rating for your specific infrared heater on the label, and it can be up to 1,500-watts. 

2. How do infrared heaters heat your space?

One nice thing about an infrared heater is that it can heat up your space in a small fraction of the time compared to traditional heaters. It’s able to do this because it doesn’t heat the air. Instead, it heats objects. So, you’ll be able to stay warm in frigid temperatures while saving money on your heating bills. 

3. Where is the best place for infrared heaters?

Put your heater near a warmer inside wall. You want to direct the heat output toward a cooler outer wall of the room. The cooler wall tends to draw any generated heat toward it, and this gives you a much more efficient heating measure for the room. 

Bottom Line 

Choosing the best infrared heater takes work, but it’s worth it because you can find a useful tool that can help you enjoy your deck or patio well into the crisp, cool fall months. I’ve picked out 10 high-quality options that you can compare side by side. Finally, you can use the buying guide to narrow down your final pick and make an informed decision. 

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