The Dr. Infrared DR-238 1500W Patio Heater is the best outdoor heater for most covered patios: it mounts on a wall or ceiling, plugs into a standard 120 volt outlet, carries an IP55 weather rating and has three power levels you can change from your chair.
The short answer
- For most covered patios up to about 80 square feet, mount a 1,500 watt infrared heater like the Dr. Infrared DR-238 on the wall or ceiling and plug it into its own outdoor outlet.
- For a bigger patio or a family seating area, step up to a 3,000 watt, 240 volt heater, or use two 1,500 watt units on separate circuits.
- Renting or not ready to drill? A freestanding tower heater warms one or two people well, but not a whole table.
- Skip propane mushroom heaters under a roof. Their manuals require open air and wide clearance above the flame.
It is a Friday night in late October. Dinner is done, nobody wants to go inside yet, and by eight o’clock everyone at the table is pulling their sleeves over their hands. A good heater over a covered patio buys you another two hours of that evening, and another two months of using the space you paid to build.
A covered patio is the best place for an electric heater. The roof keeps rain off the unit, and infrared heat warms people and furniture directly instead of chasing warm air that a breeze carries away. The catch is that most owners who say their heater “does nothing” bought one too small for the space or hung it too high.
We compared wattage, rated coverage, weather rating, mounting height, wiring needs and owner feedback for electric infrared heaters sold in the United States. We picked 6 heaters for small porches, large family patios and renters who cannot drill into the house, and we built a sizing chart so you buy the right amount of heat the first time.
We research and compare products, and we may earn a commission when you buy through links in this guide. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Short List
Best OverallDr. Infrared DR-238 1500W Patio HeaterA 1,500 watt carbon infrared heater with wall and ceiling brackets, an IP55 rating and a remote with three power levels.Jump to review
Best Low-Glare HeaterThermoMate 1500W Low-Glare Infrared HeaterA ceramic glass front softens the orange glow, with 9 heat levels, a 24 hour timer and an IP67 housing.Jump to review
Best for Large PatiosDr. Infrared DR-239 3000W Patio HeaterTwice the output of a plug-in heater on a 240 volt outlet, rated at 10,260 BTU with an IP55 housing.Jump to review
Best Hardwired HeaterThermoMate 3000W Hardwired Patio HeaterA hardwired 240 volt heater with 1,500 and 3,000 watt modes, a 24 hour timer and a bracket that tilts 45 degrees.Jump to review
Best Freestanding for RentersHaimmy 42-Inch Infrared Tower HeaterNo drilling: a 42 inch tower with 9 heat levels, a 9 hour timer and tip-over shutoff that warms you from feet to shoulders.Jump to review
Best Standing Heater for a Seating CornerSereneLife 1500W Standing Patio HeaterA 57 inch standing heater that throws warmth down over a chair or bistro set, with a remote and three settings.Jump to reviewBy Region: What to Buy
How much heat you need depends on how cold your evenings get. Find your zone on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, then match it to your patio size in the chart below.
| Your climate | USDA zones | Our pick | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild winters, cool evenings | 9 to 11 | Dr. Infrared DR-238 1500W Patio Heater | One 1,500 watt heater takes the chill off 50 to 60 F evenings in Southern California, Florida or Texas. |
| Four seasons | 6 to 8 | Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W Patio Heater | 3,000 watts keeps a family table comfortable into the 40s from October to April. |
| Cold, windy winters | 3 to 5 | ThermoMate 3000W Hardwired Patio Heater | Hardwire one or two 240 volt units and add side curtains. No heater wins against open wind in the 20s. |
| Renters, any climate | Any | Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Tower Heater | No drilling or wiring. Moves to wherever you are sitting. |
Below about 40 F, side walls matter as much as watts. Outdoor curtains or a screened porch can do more for comfort than a second heater.
How Much Heater Does Your Covered Patio Need?
Infrared heaters warm a zone, not the whole patio. Makers rate a 1,500 watt patio heater for roughly 25 to 80 square feet of seating outdoors, and a 3,000 watt model for about 100 to 130 square feet. Measure the area where people actually sit, not the whole slab.
| Your space | Seating area | What to buy | Wiring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bistro set on a porch | Up to 60 sq ft | One 1,500 W wall heater, such as the Dr. Infrared DR-238 | Standard 120 V outdoor GFCI outlet |
| Dining table for 4 to 6 (10 by 12 ft) | About 120 sq ft | One 3,000 W heater, or two 1,500 W heaters facing the table from both ends | 240 V circuit, or two separate 120 V circuits |
| Family patio (12 by 16 ft) | About 190 sq ft | One 3,000 W heater over the table plus one 1,500 W over the lounge chairs | Electrician recommended |
| Large patio with outdoor kitchen | 250 sq ft or more | Two or three 3,000 W hardwired heaters, one per zone | Dedicated 240 V circuits |
A 1,500 watt heater draws about 12.5 amps on 120 volts. That is most of a standard 15 amp circuit, so plug it into its own outlet and leave the string lights and the blender on another one. The Electrical Safety Foundation advises plugging heaters straight into the wall, never into an extension cord or power strip.
Where to Mount It: Height and Clearance
- Height: most wall and ceiling infrared heaters list a minimum mounting height of about 7 to 8 feet. ThermoMate, for example, recommends at least 7.88 feet for its 3,000 watt model.
- Too high is the most common mistake. Every extra foot spreads the heat thinner. On a 10 foot ceiling, a wall mount angled down at the table usually works better than a ceiling mount.
- Aim it at people, not the floor. Point the heater at chest height of seated guests, roughly 45 degrees down.
- Clearance: follow the manual for distance to the ceiling, beams and fabric shades. Keep cushions, curtains and umbrellas out of the beam.
- Glare: standard carbon heaters glow bright orange. If you watch TV or read outside, a low-glare model or a dimmer setting helps.
Why We Left Propane Heaters Off This List
Tall propane “mushroom” heaters are the first thing many people picture, but they are built for open air.
Their manuals typically require at least 3 feet of clearance above and around the heater from anything that can burn, and they warn that the flame produces carbon monoxide, which has no smell. The CDC notes that carbon monoxide can build up from fuel-burning devices in partly enclosed spaces.
Under a solid roof, especially one with walls or curtains on two or three sides, that is a real risk. Electric infrared heaters produce no fumes, need no tank refills and can mount up out of the way, which is why every pick here is electric.
Each Pick, Up Close
Best Overall
1. Dr. Infrared DR-238 1500W Patio Heater
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What We Like
- Mounts on a wall or ceiling with the included brackets
- Plugs into a standard 120 volt outlet, no electrician needed
- 900, 1,200 and 1,500 watt settings from the remote
- IP55 weather rating and aluminum housing
What We Don’t Like
- No thermostat, so it runs at the level you set
- Heat feels light beyond about 8 feet away
- Some owners report the element failing early, so keep the receipt
The DR-238 is our top pick because it fits the way most covered patios are built: one outdoor outlet, a wall or beam to mount on and a seating area of 50 to 80 square feet.
Owners on Amazon say it is easy to install and that the remote works well, and many use it on enclosed porches and in garages.
The weak spot is the same one every 1,500 watt heater has. Owners who bought it for a large open patio report little heat, while owners who sit within a few feet of it are happy. Use it over one table or one sofa, not the whole slab.
Skip it if: your seating area is larger than about 100 square feet, or you want a thermostat that cycles on its own.
Climate fit: Zones 7 to 11 on covered patios and porches up to about 80 square feet.
| Power | 900, 1,200, 1,500 W, 120 V |
|---|---|
| Heat type | Carbon infrared |
| Mounting | Wall or ceiling brackets included |
| Weather rating | IP55 |
| Control | Remote, 3 levels |
| Thermostat | None |
Best Low-Glare Heater
2. ThermoMate 1500W Low-Glare Infrared Heater
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What We Like
- Black ceramic glass cuts the bright orange glow
- 9 heat levels and a 24 hour timer
- IP67 housing, among the highest ratings in this guide
- Standard 120 volt plug and a 6.2 ft cord
What We Don’t Like
- Rated for about 80 square feet, like other 1,500 watt units
If you sit outside to read, watch a game or talk late into the evening, glare matters more than you would think. Most carbon heaters glow bright orange. ThermoMate puts this one behind black ceramic glass, which gives a softer light while still delivering 1,500 watts of infrared heat.
Nine levels give finer control than the usual three, and the 24 hour timer means it will not run all night if someone forgets it. It is newer, so long-term durability is less proven than the Dr. Infrared models.
Skip it if: you want the longest owner track record, or you need heat for more than one seating zone.
Climate fit: Zones 7 to 11 on porches and covered patios where you spend late evenings.
| Power | 1,500 W, 120 V |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 80 sq ft (maker) |
| Levels | 9 |
| Timer | 24 hours |
| Weather rating | IP67 |
| Size and weight | 33.46 in long, 12.79 lb |
Best for Large Patios
3. Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W Patio Heater
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What We Like
- 3,000 watts, about 10,260 BTU of infrared heat
- Comes with a 240 volt NEMA 6-15P plug
- Wall and ceiling brackets plus a remote
- ETL listed, from a US-based brand
What We Don’t Like
- Needs a 240 volt outlet, which most patios do not have
- No thermostat
Once your seating area passes about 100 square feet, a single plug-in heater stops keeping up. The DR-239 doubles the output and keeps the same simple wall or ceiling mount, so it suits a family dining table under a pergola roof or a large covered deck.
It ships with a 240 volt plug rather than bare wires, so an electrician only needs to add a matching outdoor outlet. Plan for that cost up front.
Skip it if: you do not want to add a 240 volt outlet, or your patio is under about 80 square feet.
Climate fit: Zones 5 to 9 on covered patios with seating areas of 100 to 150 square feet.
| Power | 3,000 W, 220 to 240 V |
|---|---|
| Heat output | 10,260 BTU |
| Plug | NEMA 6-15P |
| Weather rating | IP55 |
| Mounting | Wall or ceiling |
| Listing | ETL |
Best Hardwired Heater
4. ThermoMate 3000W Hardwired Patio Heater
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What We Like
- Low 1,500 and high 3,000 watt modes
- 24 hour timer on the remote
- Bracket tilts 45 degrees to aim at seating
- Clean look with no cord hanging down
What We Don’t Like
- Must be hardwired to a dedicated breaker by an electrician
- Maker coverage of 100 sq ft outdoors is modest for 3,000 watts
For a patio you are finishing or remodeling, hardwiring is the tidiest option. The ThermoMate connects to its own circuit, mounts on a wall or ceiling, and lets you switch between 1,500 and 3,000 watts so you are not paying for full power on a 55 degree night.
ThermoMate recommends mounting it at least 7.88 feet high and rates it for about 100 square feet outdoors or 130 in an enclosed space. Owners say it keeps them comfortable in cold conditions.
Skip it if: you are not willing to hire an electrician, or you rent.
Climate fit: Zones 3 to 7, especially screened porches and patios with side curtains.
| Power | 1,500 or 3,000 W, 240 V |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 100 sq ft outdoors, 130 enclosed (maker) |
| Install | Hardwired, dedicated breaker |
| Min. height | 7.88 ft (maker) |
| Weather rating | IP54 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Freestanding for Renters
5. Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Tower Heater
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What We Like
- No drilling, no wiring, plugs into any outlet
- Heating tube runs about two-thirds of its 42 inch height
- 9 heat levels from 620 to 1,500 watts
- Tip-over and overheat shutoff plus a child lock
What We Don’t Like
- Warms one or two people, not a whole table
- Some owners report it shutting off after short run times
If you rent, or you just are not ready to drill into siding, a tower heater is the practical answer. The Haimmy stands next to your chair and warms you from feet to shoulders, which is where cold patios feel worst.
Owners like the remote and easy setup and use it on patios, in garages and even in small greenhouses. A few report it cutting off early. Check the 1 to 9 hour timer and keep it on level ground so the tip-over switch does not trip.
Skip it if: you want to warm a group around a dining table.
Climate fit: Any zone, for one or two people on a porch or covered balcony.
| Power | 620 to 1,500 W, 120 V |
|---|---|
| Height | 42 in |
| Levels | 9 |
| Timer | 1 to 9 hours |
| Safety | Tip-over, overheat, child lock |
| Weather rating | Not listed, keep under cover |
Best Standing Heater for a Seating Corner
6. SereneLife 1500W Standing Patio Heater
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What We Like
- Tall 57 inch stand puts heat over a chair or small table
- Remote with three heat settings
- 360 degree tip-over switch and a mesh guard
- ETL certified
What We Don’t Like
- Maker rates it for only about 25 sq ft
- Splash resistant at best, so keep it under the roof
The SereneLife works like a small version of a restaurant heater, but electric. It stands behind a chair or beside a bistro set and sends heat down and out, so it suits a reading corner or a two-person table on a porch.
Owners say the warmth comes on instantly and is even across a 10 by 10 foot space, and several mention Georgia and Southern evenings where a little heat is all you need. In colder zones, treat it as a personal heater.
Skip it if: you need more than one seating spot warmed, or you live where evenings drop below 40 F.
Climate fit: Zones 8 to 11 for one seating corner.
| Power | 1,500 W, 120 V |
|---|---|
| Height | 57 in |
| Levels | 3 |
| Coverage | About 25 sq ft (maker) |
| Safety | Tip-over switch, mesh guard |
| Listing | ETL |
Comparison Table
| Model | Power | Output | Mounting | Weather rating | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Infrared DR-238Best Overall | 120 V plug-in | 900 to 1,500 W | Wall or ceiling | IP55 | Remote, 3 levels |
| ThermoMate 1500W Low-GlareBest Low-Glare Heater | 120 V plug-in | 1,500 W, 9 levels | Wall | IP67 | Remote, 24 h timer |
| Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000WBest for Large Patios | 240 V plug (6-15P) | 3,000 W | Wall or ceiling | IP55 | Remote, standby |
| ThermoMate 3000WBest Hardwired Heater | 240 V hardwired | 1,500 or 3,000 W | Wall or ceiling | IP54 | Remote, 24 h timer |
| Haimmy 42-Inch TowerBest Freestanding for Renters | 120 V plug-in | 620 to 1,500 W | Floor tower | Not listed | Remote, 9 h timer |
| SereneLife 1500W StandingBest Standing Heater for a Seating Corner | 120 V plug-in | 1,500 W, 3 levels | Floor stand | Splash resistant | Remote |
Our Recommendation by Need
If you have one outdoor outlet and a small seating area
Get the Dr. Infrared DR-238. Mount it 7 to 8 feet up, angled at the table.
If you sit outside late and hate the orange glow
The ThermoMate Low-Glare gives softer light and finer control.
If your table seats six or more
Choose the Dr. Infrared DR-239 3000W and add a 240 volt outlet, or the ThermoMate 3000W if you are hardwiring during a remodel.
If you rent or cannot drill
Use the Haimmy tower for yourself, or the SereneLife standing heater for a two-person corner.
Mistakes Owners Make, and How to Avoid Them
- Buying one 1,500 watt heater for a 200 square foot patio. A single 1,500 watt heater often feels weak on a patio that size. Use the sizing chart above and plan one heater per seating zone.
- Expecting it to heat the air. Infrared warms what it hits. Step out of the beam and you will feel the cold again. Place heaters where people sit.
- Sharing a circuit. A heater on the same circuit as a refrigerator or a hot tub pump will trip the breaker. Give it its own outlet.
- Ignoring the timer. Several freestanding models shut off after a set time or when tilted. If yours cuts out, check the timer and the tip-over switch before assuming it is broken.
- Leaving it out uncovered in an exposed spot. Weather ratings assume the heater is mounted as the manual says. Under a roof is fine; on an open fence in sideways rain is not.
How to Choose Outdoor Heaters for a Covered Patio
Watts matched to your seating area
Use the sizing chart above. As a rule of thumb from maker ratings, plan 1,500 watts for a small seating zone and 3,000 watts for a dining table for six.
Your wiring
A 120 volt plug-in heater tops out at 1,500 watts. Anything stronger needs a 240 volt outlet or a hardwired circuit. Outdoor outlets should be GFCI protected, and new circuits are a job for a licensed electrician.
Weather rating
An IP rating tells you how well the heater resists dust and water. IP55 or higher is a good target for a covered patio. Lower-rated or unrated heaters should stay well under the roof.
Mounting and aim
Wall and ceiling units free up floor space and keep heat above kids and pets. A tilting bracket lets you aim heat at the seats.
Controls
A remote is standard. A timer stops the heater running all night. A thermostat is rare on outdoor infrared heaters because they warm people, not the air.
How We Chose
We do not run a test garden. We compared wattage, maker coverage ratings, voltage and wiring needs, weather ratings, mounting options, safety features and patterns in owner feedback for electric infrared patio heaters sold in the United States.
We picked 6 heaters that cover small porches, large family patios, hardwired remodels and renters, and we left out propane models because they are not designed for use under a roof.
Why Trust Garden Guide US
We compare garden gear for American yards using manufacturer specifications, product manuals, warranty terms, cooperative extension guidance and patterns in owner feedback. We do not run a test garden, and every claim comes from a maker, a manual, an extension service or owner feedback. Every guide notes which USDA zones and conditions each pick suits. Read how we review.
Final Verdict
For most covered patios, the Dr. Infrared DR-238 1500W Patio Heater is the one to buy. It mounts where you need it, plugs into a standard outlet and has enough heat for one seating area.
If this pick fits only part of your plan, see the best propane patio heaters or the best fire pit for deck. For the full set of guides in this category, start at Backyard Birds and Outdoor Living buying guides.
If your patio is bigger than about 100 square feet of seating, plan for 3,000 watts or two heaters, and talk to an electrician before you order.
FAQs
Can you use an outdoor heater under a covered patio?
Yes, if it is electric and rated for outdoor use. Electric infrared heaters like the Dr. Infrared DR-238, which carries an IP55 rating, mount on the wall or ceiling of a covered patio.
Propane mushroom heaters are built for open air, and their manuals require wide clearance and warn that the flame produces carbon monoxide, which has no smell, so check the manual before using one under any roof.
How high should I mount an infrared patio heater?
Usually 7 to 8 feet, or whatever the manual says. Most wall and ceiling infrared heaters list a minimum mounting height of about that, and ThermoMate recommends at least 7.88 feet for its 3,000 watt model.
Too high spreads the heat thin, so aim it at the chest height of seated guests, roughly 45 degrees down, and follow the manual for ceiling and shade clearance.
How many square feet does a 1,500 watt patio heater cover?
About 25 to 80 square feet outdoors, depending on the model. The Dr. Infrared DR-238 suits a seating area of 50 to 80 square feet, while the SereneLife 1500W Standing Patio Heater is rated for only about 25 square feet (maker).
Below about 40 F, side walls matter as much as watts, so measure where people sit, not the whole slab.
Do electric patio heaters use a lot of electricity?
A 1,500 watt heater uses 1.5 kilowatt-hours per hour on high. Multiply that by your local electric rate to estimate an evening. It also draws about 12.5 amps on 120 volts, so give it its own outlet. Lower settings and a timer cut the bill: the ThermoMate 1500W has 9 levels and a 24 hour timer.
Can I plug a patio heater into an extension cord?
It is best not to. The Electrical Safety Foundation advises plugging heaters straight into the wall, never into an extension cord or power strip.
A 1,500 watt heater draws about 12.5 amps, most of a standard 15 amp circuit, so give the Dr. Infrared DR-238 its own outlet. If you need an outlet closer to the heater, have a licensed electrician add one.
Will a patio heater work on a screened porch?
Yes, and a screened porch helps. Below about 40 F, side walls matter as much as watts, and a screened porch or outdoor curtains can do more for comfort than a second heater. The ThermoMate 3000W is rated for about 100 square feet outdoors or 130 enclosed (maker). Keep any heater under the roof and within its weather rating.
Sources and Further Reading
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Heating Safety, National Fire Protection Association
- Space Heater Safety Tips, Electrical Safety Foundation International
- Home Fire Prevention, U.S. Fire Administration
