Buy infrared heaters: Instant heat for patios, industry & home

Table of contents

1. How does an infrared heater work?
2. What types of radiant heaters are there? (Bright vs. dark heaters)
3. Where are infrared heaters used?
   • Terrace, balcony, restaurant
   • Wellness, Bath Baby
   • Industry, halls, animal husbandry
4. What are the advantages of infrared technology?
5. Mounting location: wall, ceiling or stand?
6. What power output (watts) do I need?
7. Security IP protection classes

How does an infrared heater work?

An infrared heater works fundamentally differently than conventional heaters. While normal radiators heat the air (convection), the heater uses short-wave radiant heat.

The principle is identical to natural solar radiation :

• The electricity causes a heating tube (e.g. quartz, carbon or gold tube) to glow or heat up.
• The emitted electromagnetic radiation penetrates the air with almost no loss.
• Only when it hits solid objects (people, furniture, ground) does the energy convert into heat.

The effect: You feel the warmth on your skin immediately after switching it on – similar to when the sun emerges from behind a cloud. Since the air doesn't need to be heated first, these devices are ideal for drafty outdoor areas or high-ceilinged halls.

What types of radiant heaters are there?

Since this category is very diverse, differentiating between technologies helps in finding the right product:

1. Bright spotlights (The high-performance ones)

You can recognize bright infrared lamps by the red-orange glow of the heating element (low-glare or ultra-low-glare lamps reduce the light intensity). They use short-wave IR-A radiation.

• Advantage: Extreme instant heat that is hardly dissipated by wind.
• Uses: Open terraces, outdoor dining areas, drafty workshops.

2. Dark Radiators (The Elegant Ones)

Dark radiators operate without visible light. The heating elements are concealed behind a ceramic or metal front (black panel). They utilize longer-wavelength IR-C radiation.

• Advantage: No disturbing "red-light district" atmosphere, very aesthetically pleasing.
• Use: Wind-protected areas such as conservatories, loggias or interiors.

3. Special solutions for every installation location

• Flexible: A freestanding radiant heater can be moved with you from the dining table to the lounge area.
• Space-saving: Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted radiant heaters are the classics for permanent installations.
• Integrated: Special brackets allow for the use of radiant heaters for awnings or parasols.

Where are infrared heaters used?

Terrace, balcony, restaurant

This is the most common place to use them. Patio heaters have almost completely replaced outdated gas patio heaters. They are more efficient, space-saving, and emit no CO2 (when powered by green electricity). For small city balconies, compact balcony heaters that are easily mounted on the wall are ideal.

Wellness, Bath Baby

Indoors, infrared technology demonstrates its strengths through its spontaneous warmth:

• Changing table: A radiant heater for babies is essential to prevent them from getting cold during diaper changes. Many models have an automatic shut-off function.
• Bathroom wellness: Use infrared heat as supplemental heating. Switch it on in the bathroom in the morning, enjoy the warmth immediately, and switch it off again after 20 minutes. This saves enormous costs compared to underfloor heating running all day.

Industry, halls, animal husbandry

In high-ceilinged warehouses, warm air rises – a huge waste. Infrared heaters, on the other hand, heat only the work area on the floor ("zone heating").
Deep-penetrating heat is also used in animal husbandry (horse solariums, chick rearing, zoos) for muscle relaxation and maintaining health.

What are the advantages of infrared technology?

• Instant heat: No preheating time – switch it on and feel good.
• Efficiency: They heat bodies, not cubic meters of air. No heat loss due to wind.
• Cleanliness: No dust being stirred up (allergy-friendly), no smell, no noise.
• Easy installation: Simply plug it into the socket ("Plug Heat").
• Smart control: Many models can be controlled via remote control, app or dimmer.

Mounting and placement: What do I need to pay attention to?

Correct alignment is crucial for the perception of heat.

• "Line of sight": The radiation only works where it hits. Do not cover the emitter with curtains.
• Orientation: Point the device directly at the seating area or workspace.
• Height: Refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Wall-mounted units are typically installed at a height of 2.00 to 2.50 meters.
• Coverage: For large areas, it is recommended to install two weaker spotlights diagonally (e.g., in two opposite corners) instead of using a single very powerful spotlight. This avoids the "grilling effect" from only one side.

What power output (watts) do I need?

The required power output depends heavily on the installation location (wind, insulation). A rule of thumb is:

• Indoor area (living room/bathroom): approx. 50 - 90 watts per m².
• Protected outdoor area (conservatory/loggia): approx. 150 - 200 watts per m².
• Open outdoor area (windy terrace): approx. 250 - 300 watts per m².

Tip: If in doubt, opt for the more powerful device with a dimmer . This way you have power reserves on very cold days and can save electricity on mild evenings.

Security IP protection classes

When buying, look for certified safety (CE, VDE, RoHS). For outdoor use, the IP protection rating is crucial.

• IP 20 / IP 24: For indoor use and dry areas.
• IP 44 (splashproof): The standard for bathrooms and covered terraces.
• IP 65 / IP 67 (protection against water jets): For unprotected outdoor areas where the device may be exposed to direct rain or a garden hose.

Discover our brand manufacturers such as Elbo therm , MO-EL and Infralogic Infrared or Etherma .