Are you looking for an infrared patio heater to overhaul your outdoor space? There are a few things to consider before making a purchase – one of which being the level of control on offer. Our premium collection ranges from basic push-start buttons to sophisticated remote controllers and beyond. All have their upsides, so let’s read on to see what to expect with each control method and which is most suitable for you.
Manual control
Manually controlling your patio heater works exactly as you’d expect; you’ll find a main power switch on the side or base of the unit that can be turned on and off at your convenience. As this is the most basic form of control, our manual models only come with on/off programming. This is great if you value simplicity – the powerful heating elements used in our patio heaters will provide you with a constant set level of heat, primed to offset the outdoor chill with ease.
Benefits of a manual-controlled infrared patio heater
- Budget-friendly – Fewer functions equal a cheaper product. So, if you only need your patio heater to do one thing (heat to one consistent temperature) there isn’t much incentive to shell out on one with extra features.
- Great for domestic spaces – Private gardens will probably only need one or two heaters at most, so it makes sense to opt for this level of control. As long as your patio heater has been installed within reaching distance, it only takes a second to operate.
- Foolproof –Manual control is a guaranteed 1-step process, so even the biggest technophobes among us will be able to work it with ease.
We recommend: Ecostrad Solaglo
The Ecostrad Solaglo is the perfect choice for those looking for outdoor comfort without the premium price tag. Lightweight and portable, the Solaglo’s sleek silver finish is complemented by its soft amber glow while in operation. With a powerful 2000w output, it can reach outdoor areas of up to 9m2, making it suitable for a range of applications. Simply use the power switch at its base to turn the unit on and off – you’re guaranteed immediate, fuss-free comfort the moment of switch-on. Perfect!
Remote control
For something a little more sophisticated, why not opt for a patio heater with remote control? Included in your purchase as standard, these nifty controllers come battery-powered and work exactly like your standard TV remote. With a direct line of sight needed, simply point and click from the comfort of your chair! Remote control offers far more variety in terms of programming, allowing you to enhance your outdoor comfort while saving energy in the process. When you don’t have the remote to hand, your patio heater can still be controlled via its sleek push-button display. With clear LCD screens, you’ll always be in the know as to what setting or temperature you have enabled.
Benefits of a remote-controlled infrared patio heater
- No manual handling necessary – Instead of having to physically get up and adjust your heating, your patio heater’s remote does the hard work for you!
- Energy-saving features – Offering more features than a manual model, most come with countdown timers, customisable heat levels & intensities to complement every season. By setting your heater to a lower setting or putting it on for a set amount of time, you’ll see significant cost savings without any extra effort on your part.
- Compatible with multiple heaters – If you need a solution for a larger space or commercial setting, one remote will work with multiple heaters of the same range, ensuring a synchronised approach to heating that ensures optimal guest comfort.
We recommend: Stratus
The Stratus infrared patio heater is as intuitive as it is reliable. With a touch-sensitive control panel and remote control, this outdoor heater delivers ideal comfort levels no matter the season. With a 24-hour timer function, the Stratus is primed for set-and-forget heating – but it takes heat management to the next level with its range of customisable power levels. With the help of your remote control, switch between two different outputs to get the Stratus working at full or half power. From there you have the choice of nine different intensity levels. A great way to save energy and running costs, the Stratus makes the ideal accompaniment to your outdoor hangouts all year.
External control
If neither of these options work for you, there is another way. Many of our manual patio heaters can be paired with an external controller of your choosing, giving you ultimate freedom over your outdoor heating. Whether you’re looking to use a push-button timer, dimmer, proximity sensor or use your heater indoors with a thermostat, an external controller puts that choice in your hands. These types of controllers offer a great way to save energy and make your patio heater easier to use – with quick and straightforward installation by an electrician, they can be fitted to the wall as a discreet, central point of control.
Benefits of an external-controlled infrared patio heater
- Ultimate user flexibility – The range of control options available allows for customisation based on your personal preferences, making the outdoor heating experience truly personalised.
- Suitable for multiple applications – The versatility of external control means you can use your heater beyond traditional patio settings – whether that’s a quiet domestic space or bustling commercial setting.
- Used as part of a wider system – If you have multiple infrared heaters installed throughout your home, an external controller can be used to manage all of them. Centralised management allows you to be more efficient and coordinated, helping to keep energy usage to a minimum.
We recommend: Ecostrad Apex
The Ecostrad Apex electric patio heater is our most versatile patio heater yet, guaranteeing responsive, on-demand heating for a variety of applications. Whether mounted in a lofty interior or sheltered outdoor space, the Apex delivers efficient warmth in under 10 seconds. When paired with an external controller like the TS-3 Pre-Programmed Push Button Timer, programming the Apex has never been easier. With its 2-hour timer function, the Apex will turn off as soon as the countdown finishes – no micromanaging necessary. Tamperproof, the TS-3 prevents settings from being changed without authorisation, making it particularly useful if you’ve installed the Ecostrad Apex in a commercial or industrial setting.
Heat your outdoor space your way with infrared patio heaters
So, which do you prefer – the seamless simplicity of manual control, the convenience of remote control, or the flexibility of external control? Whatever your preference, we have an infrared patio heater to match. Browse our full range and experience a total overhaul to your outdoor space today.
