Choosing the right heater for a screened-in porch means balancing safety, coverage, and weather resistance. Below is a quick comparison of five heaters suited to screened porches, followed by detailed product sections and a buying guide to help you decide.
| Product | Type | Power/Output | Weather Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared | Plug-in Carbon Infrared | 900W / 1200W / 1500W | IP55 (Indoor/Outdoor) |
| SereneLife Outdoor Electric Patio Heater | Plug-in Infrared | 900W | IP65 (Weather-Resistant) |
| Dr Infrared DR-338 Carbon Infrared | Tripod Patio Heater | 900W / 1200W / 1500W | IP55 (Indoor/Outdoor) |
| Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI | Wall-Mounted Infrared | 1500W | Indoor/Wall Mount (check model spec for outdoor suitability) |
| Hykolity Pyramid Patio Heater | Propane Glass-Tube | 48,000 BTU | Outdoor Use (open-air) |
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater
Type: Plug-in carbon infrared heater. Weather Rating: IP55 approved for indoor and outdoor use.
This model provides clean, instant infrared heat with three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W). It uses standard 120V power, includes a remote, and is designed for patios, decks, garages, and open-air dining. The IP55 rating indicates protection from water jets and dust, making it suitable for a screened-in porch where it may be exposed to humidity or occasional spray. The plug-and-go setup simplifies installation compared with hardwired units.
Key features listed: IP55 indoor/outdoor approval, odorless infrared heat, 3 power settings, 120V plug, and remote control. Consider positioning to maximize radiant coverage while keeping clearances from flammable materials and ensuring stable mounting or placement.
SereneLife Outdoor Electric Patio Heater – 900W Infrared
Type: Plug-in infrared heater with aluminum reflector. Weather Rating: IP65 for water and dust resistance.
SereneLife’s 900W heater is designed to deliver instant, sun-like, odorless heat and uses carbon fiber elements with high efficiency. The IP65 rating offers stronger ingress protection than IP55, useful if your screened porch gets direct wind-driven rain. It offers two heat levels and a remote for convenience, plus a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy housing for outdoor durability.
Features highlight: ETL-certified 900W output, high-efficiency carbon fiber elements, IP65 weather resistance, remote control, and quiet operation. This unit is suited to small-to-medium screened porches or focused heating near seating areas. Check cord length and outlet placement before purchasing.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-338 Carbon Infrared Patio Heater
Type: Portable tripod infrared heater. Weather Rating: IP55 for indoor/outdoor use.
The DR-338 offers portability via an adjustable aluminum tripod and includes tip-over protection for added safety. It provides three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) and can be wall-mounted if a fixed installation is preferred. The carbon infrared element is designed for odorless operation, delivering radiant heat that warms people and surfaces directly—advantageous on a screened porch where wind can reduce convective warmth.
Features: IP55 rating, adjustable tripod, 12.5-foot extension cord, tip-over protection, and multiple power settings. The tripod design allows the unit to be moved to target seating areas, but ensure tripod stability on uneven porch floors and maintain required clearances.
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, Wifi Wall Mounted
Type: Wall-mounted infrared heater with Wi‑Fi. Power: 1500W.
This wall-mounted unit saves floor space and includes Wi‑Fi control for smartphone operation, a touchscreen with digital thermostat, and a remote. The heater features tip-over safety (applicable to some models) and a slim profile for unobtrusive mounting. Wall-mounted infrared heaters are effective on screened porches when installed to face seating zones and when the porch structure allows secure anchoring.
Features listed: Wi‑Fi enabled control, digital thermostat, remote included, and space-saving design. Confirm the model’s outdoor suitability for your porch; some wall-mounted models are intended for indoor or sheltered outdoor locations. Follow mounting height and clearance recommendations to ensure optimal radiant coverage.
Hykolity Pyramid Patio Heater, 48000 BTU Glass Tube Propane
Type: Freestanding propane glass-tube heater. Output: 48,000 BTU.
The Hykolity pyramid heater offers a decorative flame in a glass tube and significant radiant output, designed for large open outdoor spaces. It runs on a standard 20-lb propane tank and includes variable heat settings with detachable wheels for portability. This style delivers strong convection and radiant warmth but requires careful ventilation and clearance, especially on screened porches with limited airflow.
Features: 90-inch height, 48,000 BTU output, 8–10 hour runtime on 20 lb tank, variable heat control, and wheels for mobility. When considering propane on a screened porch, consult local codes and the heater’s safety guidance; ensure adequate ventilation and keep flames and hot parts away from fabric and insect screens.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Heater For A Screened-In Porch
This buying guide covers the main considerations when selecting a heater for a screened porch. Use it to compare radiant vs. convective heat, fuel sources, safety, and installation types.
1. Heating Type: Infrared vs. Propane/BTU Heaters
- Infrared (Electric) heats people and objects directly and performs well in breezy or partially enclosed spaces because it’s less affected by air movement.
- Propane or Gas (High BTU) produces strong convection and radiant heat for larger open areas but requires ventilation and clearance; not ideal for tightly enclosed porches.
2. Weather Rating And Outdoor Suitability
- Look for an IP rating: IP55 is suitable for sheltered outdoor use; IP65 offers stronger resistance to water and dust.
- For a screened porch that may get wind-driven rain or humidity, favor models with higher ingress protection or that are explicitly rated for outdoor/sheltered outdoor use.
3. Power Source And Electrical Requirements
- Plug-In (120V) offers simple installation; confirm outlet location and cord length for placement.
- Hardwired / 240V heaters deliver high power but often need professional installation and a dedicated circuit.
- Check whether the unit includes a remote, timer, or Wi‑Fi controls for convenience.
4. Coverage Area And Output
- For small seating areas, 900–1500W infrared units often suffice. For larger areas, multiple units or higher-output heaters (or propane) may be required.
- Match heater output to seating layout—radiant heaters are directional; position them to face the primary seating zone.
5. Mounting, Portability, And Stability
- Wall-mounted units save floor space and offer stable, permanent placement; ensure secure mounting to structural members.
- Tripod or freestanding units provide portability but need to be stable and placed away from edges, fabric, and screens.
- Wheels and handles are helpful for moving larger units like propane heaters, but confirm surface stability on porches.
6. Safety Features
- Look for tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, and clear manufacturer safety zones.
- For propane units, verify gas leak prevention, flame failure devices, and follow local venting codes.
- Maintain recommended clearances from screens, curtains, furniture, and structural elements to reduce fire risk.
7. Noise, Odor, And Comfort Factors
- Electric infrared heaters are generally quiet and odorless, making them suitable for intimate porch seating.
- Propane heaters may produce some combustion noise and odor when starting; consider this for dining or social spaces.
8. Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
- Infrared heaters warm people directly, often reducing operating time and energy use for spot heating.
- Propane heaters can deliver higher heat per hour but require tank replacement and ventilation; consider usage patterns when estimating costs.
9. Local Codes And Porch Enclosure Considerations
- Check local building codes and manufacturer guidelines before installing fuel-burning heaters on a screened porch.
- Determine whether your porch is considered “enclosed” vs. “open” for code compliance—some fuel appliances are prohibited in enclosed spaces.
10. Comparison Perspectives
- Best For Small Screened Porches: 900–1500W plug-in infrared units with IP55/IP65 ratings for sheltered weather exposure.
- Best For Large or Open Porches: High-BTU propane pyramid heaters can warm larger areas but need ventilation and space.
- Best For Permanent Installation: Wall-mounted infrared units with Wi‑Fi or thermostat control for steady zone heating.
- Best For Portability: Tripod or freestanding electric units with extension cords and tip-over protection.