The right wall-mounted heater can extend outdoor season and keep guests comfortable. This guide compares five wall-mount heaters suited for outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces, focusing on gas models along with a high-performance infrared option for mixed installations. Below is a quick comparison, followed by detailed product sections and a buying guide to help choose the best fit for your patio or commercial space.
| Product | Fuel/Type | Key Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Propane | Propane (Direct Vent) | ~17,000 BTU | Small to Medium Outdoor Rooms |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Natural Gas | Natural Gas (Direct Vent) | ~25,000 BTU | Medium To Large Covered Patios |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Natural Gas | Natural Gas (Direct Vent) | ~17,000 BTU | Small Outdoor/Enclosed Areas |
| Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 | Natural Gas (Radiant Infrared) | ~39,800 BTU | High-End Restaurant Or Large Patio |
| Dr Infrared DR-238 (Electric Infrared) | Electric Infrared (IP55) | 900–1500W settings | Versatile Indoors/Outdoors Where Gas Is Not Feasible |
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Propane Heater
Type: Direct vent propane wall heater. Coverage: Heats up to approximately 570 sq. ft. The sealed-burn design directs combustion exhaust outdoors for safer indoor-adjacent installations.
Safety And Ignition: Features a sealed burn system with Matchless Piezo ignition and a safety pilot with integrated pressure regulator that stops gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. Mounting: Wall-mount design conserves floor space and fits narrow utility locations.
Performance Notes: A 17,000 BTU output is suitable for small to medium outdoor rooms, enclosed patios, or utility spaces. The vented configuration reduces indoor combustion byproducts compared with unvented appliances.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
Type: Direct vent natural gas wall heater. Coverage: Up to about 825 sq. ft., making it a larger-capacity option among direct-vent wall units.
Safety And Controls: Includes a sealed-burn system, Matchless Piezo ignition, and a safety pilot with a built-in pressure regulator to halt gas flow if the pilot is out. Installation: Wall-mountable with a space-saving footprint; professional gas line and venting installation recommended.
Use Cases: Appropriate for larger covered patios, auxiliary rooms, or commercial back-of-house spaces where direct venting is preferred for combustion safety and ventilation control.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
Type: Direct vent natural gas wall-mounted heater with a 17,000 BTU rating. Coverage: Similar footprint to the propane variant—designed for roughly 570 sq. ft.
Installation And Venting: Designed for wall mounting; requires professional hookup to a natural gas line and appropriate vent termination to the outdoors. Safety: Sealed combustion reduces indoor exposure to combustion byproducts compared to vent-free options.
Practical Considerations: A compact footprint fits against walls in covered outdoor areas or attached garages. Ideal where natural gas is already available and a vented wall unit is preferred.
Bromic Smart-Heat Platinum 500 Radiant Heater
Type: Natural gas radiant infrared heater with a high BTU output (~39,800 BTU). Design: Brushed stainless steel with tinted ceramic glass for contemporary styling in commercial settings.
Heating Characteristics: Radiant infrared burner delivers direct heat to people and surfaces rather than warming air. The unit is engineered for fast heat-up and efficient point heating under conditions where wind and open air may be present.
Durability And Use: Built for commercial patios and restaurant terraces. The unit offers wind resistance and is intended for professional installation with proper gas connections and clearance considerations.
Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
Type: Electric carbon infrared heater rated with multiple power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) and IP55 for indoor/outdoor use. Flexibility: Plugs into standard 120V circuits and offers remote control operation.
Applications: Suitable where gas installation is impractical or prohibited. Provides clean, instant, odorless heat with the convenience of plug-and-play installation for covered patios, garages, or semi-outdoor spaces.
Notes On Coverage: Electric infrared heat is effective for spot warming and smaller outdoor seating areas; output and effective coverage will be lower than high-BTU gas units but installation is simpler.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Wall-Mounted Outdoor Gas Heater
Fuel Type And Availability
Natural Gas vs Propane: Natural gas offers continuous supply for fixed installations when a mains connection exists. Propane is portable and suited where natural gas is unavailable but requires cylinder management.
BTU Output And Coverage
Match Output To Space: Estimate the square footage and match BTU capacity to the area. Higher BTUs cover larger spaces, but effective heat also depends on wind exposure, ceiling height, and how enclosed the space is.
Vented Vs Unvented Designs
Direct Vent (Sealed Combustion): Recommended for semi-enclosed or adjacent indoor areas because combustion exhaust is routed outdoors and indoor air quality is preserved.
Flue Requirements: Vented units require proper venting; confirm clearance and routing options before purchase.
Mounting And Installation
Wall Clearance: Verify manufacturer clearance specs for combustible surfaces and mounting heights. Professional installation for gas lines and venting is strongly advised.
Durability And Weather Resistance
Outdoor Ratings: Look for weather-resistant materials and finishes for exposed patios. Stainless steel and sealed components resist corrosion in coastal or humid environments.
Heating Method: Radiant Vs Convection
Radiant Infrared: Warms people and surfaces directly, effective in open-air and windy conditions for spot heating. Convection/Combustion: Heats air in the space; better for enclosed or sheltered outdoor rooms.
Safety Features
Sealed Burn Systems: Reduce indoor combustion exposure. Look for safety pilots, pressure regulators, and automatic shutoff in case of pilot failure.
Controls And Convenience
Ignition Type: Matchless Piezo ignitions eliminate the need for separate lighters. Remote controls and variable output settings increase usability in commercial and residential settings.
Ventilation And Code Compliance
Local Codes: Confirm local building codes and permit requirements for gas appliances. Professional installers can ensure proper venting, clearance, and compliance.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
Efficiency Factors: Radiant heaters often feel warmer at lower air temperatures because they warm objects directly. Compare expected fuel consumption and usage patterns rather than only BTU numbers.
Commercial Versus Residential Use
Commercial-Grade Units: Designed for continuous operation, higher outputs, and heavier-duty materials. Residential units may prioritize compact size and lower BTU ratings.
Comparison Perspectives
- Performance: High-BTU gas units (e.g., Bromic) deliver maximum area coverage and rapid radiant warming for commercial patios.
- Installation Complexity: Natural gas and vented units require professional plumbing and venting; propane may be simpler but needs cylinder management.
- Flexibility: Electric infrared units offer simple installation and are preferable where gas lines or permits are restrictive.
- Durability: Stainless steel and commercial finishes stand up better to outdoor elements and frequent use.
Final Selection Checklist
- Confirm fuel availability and preferred heat distribution (radiant vs convection).
- Measure the intended area, including ceiling height and exposure to wind.
- Review venting needs and local code requirements.
- Prioritize safety features such as sealed combustion, pressure regulators, and automatic shutoff.
- Decide between plug-in electric options and gas units based on installation feasibility and expected usage.