If you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about getting the garden furniture out, dusting off those classic green cushions and giving the barbie the only clean it will have all summer. With summer just beginning to gain momentum, why not make the most of the glorious English sunshine and get outside? Host a barbeque, read a book on the grass, invite your friends to a Pimm’s reception – whatever summer means to you. Make the most of the sun as when you begin to take it for granted, the unreliable grey months will, once again, be upon us.
Yet, what if there was a way to make the English summer longer, the evenings warmer, and the unpredictable weather less of an issue? Yes, It may be the summer, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is still very much England, where the weather could change in a heartbeat. At Infrared Heaters Direct, we have the solution that will keep you enjoying the outdoors in supreme comfort and style from March until October: infrared patio heaters.
What are Infrared Patio Heaters?
Electric infrared patio heaters are designed to heat an outdoor space with either far or near infrared radiation. In covered areas, far infrared is the more efficient of the two, as it emits a gentle heat that is absorbed more easily by our bodies and the objects around us. It also emits no glare and is ideal for frequently used outdoor space. Alternatively, near infrared radiation provides an intense heat that gives off a glow; it is a cheaper option, but can’t be beaten in terms of instantaneous on-demand heat that will really make the difference in the more exposed areas of your garden.
However, both types of infrared heating have a major advantage over traditional convection heating solutions. Whilst convection heaters heat the air, infrared patio heaters radiate heat. This means that infrared heaters directly heat objects. In other words, infrared directly heats you, and not the air! We all know how, even if there’s stunning blue skies outside, an English breeze can quickly make you chilly. Although a convection heater may generate heat, anything more than a light breeze will waft the warm air away. Conversely, an infrared heater will heat you directly, ensuring you’re kept warm whilst enjoying your summer.
What Options Do I Have?
Infrared patio heaters generally fall into two categories: glowing quartz heaters, otherwise known as halogen heaters, or no-glare ceramic heaters, which give off no visible light. Quartz heaters utilise near infrared radiation, whilst ceramic heaters generate far infrared radiation.
Portable Halogen Garden Heaters
Here at infrared heaters direct, we don’t have such little faith in English weather to suggest that it’s going to be cold outside all the time. That’s why we stock a range of portable, free standing halogen patio heaters that aren’t fixed in one place. Let’s say the sun shining, its nice warm and you’re having dinner outdoors with some friends – the infrared heater is not needed and thus can be stored elsewhere. Yet, if the weather starts to get a bit cooler in the evening, a portable electric infrared heater can easily be set up in a matter of seconds – you’re free to enjoy a few post dinner drinks in comfort. Due to the portability of this heater, it can also be moved indoors to areas such as a conservatory when it gets colder during the winter months.
If you’re looking for a portable halogen heater suitable for alfresco dining, the Burda Term 2000 IPP4 Infrared Patio Heater, coupled with one of Burda’s Freestanding Outdoor Heater Tripod, would be an excellent choice. The tripod itself can be packed down easily along with the heater itself. The Burda Term also features ultra-low glow heating elements, meaning it only emits a very subtle glow, perfect for an outdoor dinner party. Additionally, if the weather decides to surprise you with a summer shower, as it often does in the UK, the Burda Term comes equipped with a splash proof IP44 rated body.
Wall Mounted Halogen Heaters
If you don’t like the idea of having to move your heater around, an electric wall mounted infrared heater would most likely be the better option, guaranteed to cut out the hassle. Wall mounted heaters can be installed onto most outdoor walls and positioned anywhere you desire heat to be projected towards. Hardwiring an outdoor wall mounted heater is a straightforward task for a qualified electrician and certainly won’t break the bank.
To be able to remain outdoors 365 days a year, a wall mounted infrared heater has to be resilient to the elements, whilst projecting a high level of heat. This is certainly not a problem for the Burda Term 2000 IP67 2kW Infrared Patio Heater, that, as well as being ‘ultra weatherproof,’ emits a 2000w power output. This means that, in the summer, being outside is a more viable option for dinner parties or just relaxing outdoors all year round. The near infrared radiation provides a warm glow, not dissimilar from candlelight, adding atmosphere to an outdoor space, as well as heat.
Non-Glare Ceramic heaters
At the top of the infrared patio heater tree, sits the no-glare ceramic heaters. Unlike quartz heaters, ceramic models use far infrared radiation. This heat is gentler, more natural, and is easily absorbed by the body, avoiding the “hot head, cold feet” phenomenon. Because of this, ceramic heaters can be used for a long period of time in complete comfort. Ceramic heaters aren’t intense enough to be used in areas that are exposed to high winds and harsh weather, but they make a great choice in covered outdoor locations such as pool shelters, gazebo dining areas and tables under awnings. For a reliable and stylish ceramic patio heater, we highly recommend the Hershel Aspect XL2. As well as featuring a contemporary matt finish and design, the Aspect is extremely energy efficient and very durable.
If you feel like spending more time outside, and beating the unreliability of English weather, feel free to browse our full range of infrared patio heaters. For more information on any of the products listed in this blog, or any further information, give our friendly sales team a call.