For many years, gas heaters were the obvious choice for restaurants, outdoor cafes and private patios. Today, the market looks different. More and more homeowners, restaurants and companies are choosing modern patio heaters with infrared heating instead.
The reason is simple. Today's infrared heaters provide fast heat, require minimal maintenance and often have significantly lower operating costs than traditional gas heaters.
At Infracenter, we have been working with infrared heating since 2014 and have seen the development up close. Here we go over why more and more people are choosing to leave gas bottles behind and instead invest in modern infrared heating.
The gas heater dominated the market for many years
Gas heaters became popular because they could provide a lot of heat outdoors and did not require any permanent installation.
For a long time, they were standard in restaurants, hotels, outdoor cafes and private patios. For many, the classic gas heater was the only option if they wanted to extend the outdoor season.
But technology has developed rapidly. Modern patio heaters with infrared heating today provide high comfort, rapid heating and are significantly easier to use than previous generations of outdoor heaters.
Instant heat instead of waiting
One of the biggest advantages of modern infrared heaters is that the heat quickly reaches where it is needed.
Short-wave patio heaters like Infracenter's Outside Heater provide comfortable warmth after just a few seconds, making them a popular choice for patios, restaurants and outdoor cafes where the heat needs to be felt immediately when the heater is turned on.
Unlike many traditional heating systems, infrared heating heats people and surfaces directly instead of first heating the air. The result is that comfort is experienced faster while using energy more efficiently.
Eliminate gas cylinders, transport and ongoing handling
One of the most common reasons why many people choose not to use gas heaters is convenience.
LPG cylinders have to be purchased, transported, stored and replaced when they run out. For restaurants and businesses, this can also mean extra work during peak season when the heaters are used every day.
An electric patio heater is always ready to use. You don't have to worry about whether the gas will last the whole evening or when the next bottle needs to be bought.
Modern patio heaters like Outside Heater also come with a remote control where the power can be easily adjusted between 750W, 1500W and 2000W depending on the weather and temperature.
Lower energy costs for many users
One of the biggest reasons why many people choose not to use gas heaters is the cost of energy.
The price of LPG has increased significantly in recent years and for many users the operating cost has become significantly higher than the equivalent heating with electricity.
At the same time, modern infrared heaters have become increasingly efficient. The Outside Heater 2000W from Infracenter has an efficiency of 95%, which means that almost all of the energy supplied is converted into usable heat.
For many homeowners, restaurants and businesses, this means lower energy costs, less handling and more heat for the money compared to traditional gas heaters.
More heat where people sit
One of the biggest differences between gas heaters and infrared heaters is how the heat is used.
Gas heaters heat the air around them to a large extent. As the warm air rises, a large part of the energy is also lost.
Infrared heating works differently. The heat is instead directed at people, furniture, floors and other surfaces that absorb the energy. This means that a larger portion of the heat ends up where it is actually useful.
On a patio or outdoor seating area, this means that the heat is experienced where people are sitting instead of several meters above them.
Modern design fits today's patios
Today's patios look different than they did ten or twenty years ago.
Many people today invest in pergolas, outdoor kitchens, lounge furniture and well-thought-out outdoor environments. They also want the patio heater to blend into the overall look.
Modern infrared heaters are considerably more discreet than traditional gas heaters. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings without taking up valuable floor space.
The result is a cleaner and more well-thought-out patio where the heat is in place without dominating the environment.
Infracenter offers infrared heating for all environments
Since 2014, Infracenter has specialized in infrared heating for both indoor and outdoor environments.
For open patios, balconies and environments where wind affects comfort, short-wave patio heaters such as the Outside Heater series are often used.
For glazed balconies, conservatories and pergolas, the Dark Heater series is a very popular option. The medium-wave technology provides a soft and comfortable heat that is appreciated by many customers.
For homes, offices, bathrooms and other indoor environments, Infracenter also offers the Nordic region's widest range of infrared heating panels with long-wave infrared heat.
By offering several types of infrared heating, customers can choose the technology that best suits the environment instead of trying to solve all situations with the same type of heater.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about gas heaters and infrared heating
Are infrared heaters cheaper to operate than gas heaters?
For many users, modern infrared heaters are cheaper to operate than gas heaters because gas prices have increased sharply while today's infrared heaters have a very high efficiency.
Which patio heater provides heat the fastest?
Short-wave patio heaters like the Outside Heater provide comfortable warmth after just a few seconds.
Are gas heaters still a good option?
Gas heaters still work, but many people today choose electric patio heaters due to lower operating costs, easier use and high comfort.
Why do restaurants choose electric patio heaters?
Many restaurants appreciate that they don't have to deal with gas cylinders while providing guests with fast and efficient heat.
Which patio heater is best suited for an open patio?
On open patios where wind affects comfort, shortwave patio heaters are often a popular choice.
Summary
Gas heaters have long been a common choice for patios and outdoor dining, but the trend is clearly towards modern patio heaters with infrared heating.
Faster heating, lower energy costs, easier use and modern design are some of the reasons why more and more people are choosing electric infrared heating instead of gas.
Since 2014, Infracenter has helped thousands of customers find the right infrared heating for everything from open patios and restaurants to conservatories, glazed balconies and homes. With the right technology, the result is both better comfort and more heat for the money.