Cooler days do not have to mean giving up time on your terrace. A well-chosen, correctly positioned heater can make outdoor seating more comfortable, whether you are enjoying a morning coffee at home, dinner at a restaurant or drinks on a café terrace.
But which heater should you choose, and how many do you need? The answer depends on more than floor area. Exposure, table layout, installation options and how you use the space all matter.
Here are five key factors to help you choose an infrared heater for your terrace.
How do infrared heaters work outdoors?
Infrared heaters transfer heat through radiation, directly warming people and surfaces within their coverage area. Short-wave models provide a feeling of warmth quickly after switching on, without having to warm the surrounding air first.
This makes them practical for terraces: you can direct warmth towards seating areas and switch the heating on when needed. In hospitality settings, this allows individual zones to be heated according to where guests are sitting.
Wind still cools the body, however. The same heater will therefore provide a different level of comfort on a sheltered terrace than on a fully exposed one.
1. Start with the space you want to heat
Before comparing models, consider how the terrace is used. Is it covered? How many sides are open? Where are the tables, and is there a wall or structure suitable for mounting a heater?
On a smaller home terrace, the priority is often a single seating area. In a restaurant or café, several groups of tables may need to be considered, along with the option of heating them separately.
A terrace may have a large total floor area, while only a few tables are used on cooler days. Planning should then start with those tables and their distance from suitable mounting locations.
A photograph of the terrace and its seating layout provide a more useful basis for a recommendation than floor area alone.
2. Match heater output, quantity and layout
A heater’s power rating is important, but it does not tell you on its own how comfortable people will feel. Performance also depends on the heater’s design, the direction of the heat, mounting height and distance from users.
If tables are arranged in two separate groups, a single heater between them may not warm either group effectively. Several carefully positioned heaters may be a better fit for this layout.
When choosing, consider the following together:
- the area each model can heat
- the recommended mounting height and position
- the seating layout
- the ability to switch individual heaters on separately.
The heating area stated in the specifications is a guide. It needs to be considered alongside the actual conditions on your terrace, particularly if the space is exposed to wind.
3. Choose a practical installation option
The heater should face the people using the space without obstructing movement or everyday use of the terrace. Depending on the model and compatible accessories, it may be mounted on a wall, ceiling or stand.
Wall mounting is practical when there is a suitable solid surface near the tables. The heater takes up no floor space and provides heat from a fixed position.
Ceiling mounting may suit covered terraces, provided it is permitted for the chosen model and the structure allows correct installation.
A stand is useful when there is no suitable location for permanent mounting or when you want to adjust the heater’s position to suit the furniture layout. A stable surface is essential, and the cable should be kept clear of walkways.
Always follow the specified mounting height, angle and clearances from awnings, furniture and other materials. When installing several heaters, the capacity of the electrical installation also needs to be checked.
4. Check protection for outdoor use
Choose a heater according to whether it will be under a canopy or exposed to rain. Check the IP rating in the specifications and the manufacturer’s instructions for outdoor use.
For example, an IPX5 rating indicates protection against water jets. This is a relevant feature when selecting a terrace heater, but it does not replace the instructions for correct installation.
Even a covered space can be exposed to wind-driven rain. The heater’s position, installation and protection of the electrical connection must therefore suit the actual conditions.
5. Consider ambience and controls
In the evening, the amount of visible light emitted by a heater also matters. This can be an important consideration for a restaurant with subtle lighting or a quiet seating area on a home terrace.
If you prefer less visible light, check whether the specific model includes technology designed to reduce it. A black housing alone does not mean the heater emits less light.
Consider the controls too. Is simple on/off operation sufficient, or would you prefer a remote control and adjustable power settings? These features vary between models.
How much does an infrared heater cost to run?
A 2000 W heater uses approximately 2 kWh of electricity in one hour when running at full power. At an assumed electricity price of €0.20/kWh, this works out at approximately €0.40 per hour, or €2 for five hours of operation.
This is an illustrative calculation, not a standard electricity tariff for Croatia. The assumed price includes energy, per-kWh network charges, applicable levies and VAT, but excludes fixed monthly charges. Your actual cost depends on your tariff, the number of heaters in use and their operating time.
To help manage consumption, heat occupied areas of the terrace and switch heaters off when they are no longer needed.
Heliosa 66 IPX5: an example of a terrace heater
One of the models in our range is the Heliosa 66 IPX5, a 2000 W infrared heater, designed to direct heat towards people and surfaces on hospitality and home terraces.
| Feature | Heliosa 66 IPX5 |
|---|---|
| Power | 2000 W |
| IP rating | IPX5 |
| Power cable | 3 m, with a Schuko plug |
| Mounting accessory included | Wall-mounting hook |
| Optional accessories | Compatible stands and additional brackets are sold separately |
The number of heaters and their layout should be tailored to your space. Explore our range of infrared heaters to view other models and compare their features.
Need help choosing?
Send us a photograph, the approximate dimensions of your terrace and a note on whether it is covered. We will help you select suitable heaters and suggest a layout.
Email us at info@ventoria.hr or call +385 91 983 4999.
