Infrared and radiant heaters are closely related, and the terms are often used together. Radiant heat describes how warmth is delivered, while infrared describes the type of energy used to deliver that warmth.
In simple terms, infrared heaters are radiant heaters. They warm people, surfaces, and objects directly instead of trying to heat the air first. That is why infrared radiant heaters are a strong option for outdoor spaces, where warm air can quickly escape.
Last updated: September 2026
At a Glance
- Infrared heaters and radiant heaters often refer to the same type of heat.
- Radiant heat describes how warmth is delivered.
- Infrared describes the type of energy used to deliver that heat.
- Infrared radiant heaters warm people and surfaces directly, not the air.
- This makes them effective for outdoor spaces, patios, restaurants, and covered areas.
- Bromic electric outdoor heaters use infrared radiant heat for targeted warmth and design-forward installation options.
What Are the Advantages of Infrared Radiant Heaters?
Since infrared heaters warm objects and people directly, not the air, they are able to effectively heat outdoor spaces, unlike convection heaters which have little to no impact on an outdoor area.
Is there Better Heat Coverage with an Infrared Radiant Heater?
Infrared radiation is emitted from infrared heaters which transmit infrared radiant energy through the air and is absorbed by objects that it encounters, making its molecules vibrate; thereby, directly increasing the heat of the object.
In comparison convective heaters indirectly heat people in a space by first warming the air in that space. While this can be effective in a closed space (indoors), this air will generally escape into the environment before resulting in any appreciable impact on the people in outdoor spaces – the result being ineffective heating at a high cost.
How Energy Efficient are Infrared Radiant Heaters?
The ability to effectively heat the desired area by using infrared heaters also means more energy efficiency. This type of focused heating means less heat lost therefore more energy saving. More comfortable temperature levels can be achieved with a lower thermostat setting rather than with a forced-air system.
Are Infrared Radiant Heaters More Durable than Others?
Infrared Radiant Outdoor heaters are made to withstand a range of environmental conditions, and not all heaters are created equal. For electric outdoor heaters, any ingress protection (IP) rating of less than IPX4 should not be considered. Ingress protection ratings or IP ratings refer to the level of protection offered by an electrical enclosure, against solids and liquids. Beyond ingress, build quality and material selection need to be considered to ensure a long-lasting product.
All Bromic electric outdoor heaters have an IP rating equal to or in excess to IPX4, with material selection and surface protection selected to ensure the best possible useful life of the product. Bromic heaters are constructed predominantly with stainless steel, and in combination with strict quality procedures, the build quality is second to none. Additionally, Bromic offers a range of Marine grade heaters, utilizing a premium grade stainless steel, these offer an even higher level of corrosion resistance and are recommended in those harsh coastal and marine environments.
Can I Get a Sunburn from My Infrared Radiant Heater?
Like any warm surface, infrared radiant heaters emit radiation. The balance of this radiation (UV, visible and Infrared Radiation) is highly dependent on the temperature of the heater element (or surface temperature). Due to the low element temperatures of infrared radiant heaters, UV production if present is negligible and there is no risk of sunburn.
Do Infrared Radiant Heaters Make Noise?
Infrared radiant heaters generally contain no moving parts, such as fans, and thus operate silently. This means no distractions keeping you from peacefully enjoying your outdoor heater.
Are There Stylish Infrared Radiant Heaters?
Many outdoor heating companies have not yet upgraded their format and are solely focused on function. Bromic has adopted a form and function approach, offering a range of heaters which are designed to operate without compromise while also complementing the design of any outdoor space.
With the innovative ceramic glass screen, the Platinum Heaters offer the possibility to seamlessly integrate a heater into a ‘clean’ space minimizing impact and being ‘lost’ in the design of the space – especially when recessing (electric).
If the space is more industrial, then the Tungsten Heaters offer a product which complement this design and will not be ‘lost’ offering a bolder and eye-catching black metal grill.
The newest offering in the Bromic product range is the Eclipse (electric) Pendant and Portable. Taking its lineage from the Platinum heaters, the Eclipse also employs a ceramic glass screen presenting a groundbreaking round heater which is designed to be a feature in any space. The Eclipse range also includes LED lighting becoming a lighting solution to an outdoor space.
