Wall Mounted Outdoor Heaters That Keep Patios Usable After Sunset

Cool evenings are the quiet end of patio season: the grill is still warm, the conversation is good, and then everyone drifts indoors because the air turned crisp. A wall mounted outdoor heater solves that without eating floor space the way a standing propane model does. Mounted on a covered porch wall or under a pergola, an electric infrared unit points warmth down at the seating area and leaves the deck clear for chairs and tables.

The best wall mounted outdoor heaters are the ones rated for exterior use, mounted at the right height, and matched to the size of the space. The five picks below are electric infrared-style heaters sold for patios and covered outdoor areas, and the notes stay within what the names tell you. As of 2026, most buyers still overlook wiring and clearance until after purchase, so the buying criteria cover those basics first. Always confirm the outdoor rating on the specific model before installation.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Match heat output to the space

Outdoor heating is not like heating a room, because wind and open air carry warmth away. A common rule of thumb for electric infrared units is that a 1,500-watt heater warms a small seating zone of about 6 to 10 feet in front of it, while larger patios need several heaters or higher-output commercial models. Do not expect one heater to warm an entire open yard. Think about the spot where people sit, and aim for that.

Check the outdoor rating and installation requirements

Look for a heater stating that it is rated for outdoor or damp-location use, with an ingress protection rating clearly listed. A covered location is almost always required, even for rated units. Electric models may need a dedicated 120-volt or 240-volt circuit, and higher-wattage units often require hardwiring by a licensed electrician. Verify minimum clearances from walls, ceilings, and furniture, since infrared heaters get hot on the housing.

Think about mounting height and angle

Most manufacturers specify a mounting height range, often between 7 and 10 feet from the floor to the heater, with a slight downward angle toward the seating zone. Mounting too low can overheat people and furniture, while mounting too high wastes warmth. Look for a mounting bracket that allows tilting, and make sure the wall is solid enough: studs, masonry, or a rated backer board. A wall bracket should always bolt to structure, not just siding.

Consider controls, noise, and light

Infrared heaters are quiet, but some glow orange or produce visible light, which may or may not suit your evening ambience. Remote controls, thermostat settings, or smart app integration let you adjust heat from your seat. Some models offer multiple heat levels, which is handy for mild nights. Weigh the value of added controls against simplicity, because a heater with a clear on-off switch is easiest for guests to understand.

Our Picks Reviewed

Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric

Bromic is known for architectural outdoor heaters, and this Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric model is a design-forward option for patios, porches, and hospitality spaces.

• Pro: A brand built around outdoor heating tends to focus on weather durability and clean aesthetics, which suits visible installations.
• Pro: Electric operation means no fuel tank to refill, and the Smart-Heat name suggests refined control over heat output.
• Con: Premium architectural heaters often require professional electrical work, which adds time to the project.

Skip it if you want a plug-in solution you can hang yourself in an afternoon, or if your outdoor space is open and windy, where any heater struggles. Casual renters should also avoid permanent wiring changes. Anyone who cares more about low upfront cost than appearance may find the architectural approach more than the space actually needs.

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Phoenix Infrared Heater

Heat Storm sells infrared heaters for homes, garages, and patios, and the WIFI in this model’s name signals app-based control from your phone.

• Pro: Wi-Fi control lets you warm the patio before guests arrive, which is a real convenience on cold evenings.
• Pro: The 1500 in the name points to the common household power level, which suits a small seating zone.
• Con: Smart features depend on a stable Wi-Fi signal, which can be weak at the far edge of a yard or porch.

Skip it if you prefer simple physical switches, if your porch is far from your router, or if you want to heat a very large open area. Buyers who dislike apps for basic appliances will find the extras unnecessary. It is also a poor match for a stone patio far from the house, where wireless signal and outlet access both tend to be limited.

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater

Dr. Infrared Heater makes infrared units for several settings, and the DR-238 is described by its carbon infrared heating approach.

• Pro: A carbon infrared design is associated with quick warm-up, which suits short evenings outdoors.
• Pro: Infrared heat warms people and objects directly, so it can feel comfortable even when the air is cool.
• Con: Direct infrared warmth fades quickly with distance and wind, so seating must stay close to the heater.

Skip it if guests will spread across a large deck, if the area is uncovered, or if you want a heater that changes the air temperature of the whole space. Always check the outdoor rating before installing near moisture. People who want a heater that doubles as a decorative fixture may also want to look at units designed with a more finished appearance.

Westinghouse Infrared Electric Outdoor Heater

Westinghouse is a recognizable household brand, and this infrared electric heater is built for patio and deck use without any fuel to handle.

• Pro: Electric infrared means no propane tank, no refilling trips, and no open flame on a covered porch.
• Pro: A familiar brand makes support information and replacement parts easier to track down.
• Con: Plain naming means you must read the spec sheet for wattage, mounting range, and outdoor rating details.

Skip it if you want smart controls, if you need a heater for very large areas, or if your wall cannot support a mounted unit. Buyers who want an architectural look may prefer a design-led brand. Households that entertain large groups on a sprawling deck should plan on several heaters rather than relying on one wall unit to do all the work.

Dimplex DIR15A10GR Electric Infrared Heater

Dimplex is a long-established maker of electric heaters, and the DIR15A10GR is an electric infrared model suited to covered indoor-outdoor spaces.

• Pro: A heating specialist brand usually provides thorough installation documentation, which helps with clearances and wiring.
• Pro: Electric infrared units are quiet and clean, with no fuel, smoke, or open flame to manage.
• Con: A model-number name tells you little at a glance, so you must verify wattage and mounting details yourself.

Skip it if you want app control or a stylish, design-forward look, or if your outdoor area is fully exposed to weather. Confirm the outdoor rating before wiring it in. Anyone who wants a quick plug-in solution without checking spec sheets or planning mounting height may find a simpler brand-named product easier to understand.

Which One Fits

• Design-conscious patios: Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric.
• Remote or app control: Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Phoenix Infrared Heater.
• Quick warm-up near seating: Dr. Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater.
• Straightforward deck use: Westinghouse Infrared Electric Outdoor Heater.
• Covered indoor-outdoor rooms: Dimplex DIR15A10GR Electric Infrared Heater.

If you are also planning an outdoor entertainment area, see the guide to the best wall mount for a 65 inch TV. For rainy days around the pool or lake, read about the best waterproof floating bag.

A practical way to decide is to picture the seating plan. Four chairs around a small table is a one-heater job, and the heater should point at the middle of that group from slightly above. A long dining table needs two heaters at opposite ends, or one at each side. A single sofa on a porch needs only one unit placed a few feet back. Sketch the layout on paper before buying, mark where the nearest outlet or junction box sits, and make sure the wall behind the heater can handle the load of the bracket.

Weather also matters. A heater under a solid roof will perform better than one under an open pergola, because the roof traps a little rising warmth. Side walls, even partial ones, cut drafts and make every watt count. If your patio is exposed on three sides, expect more modest results and consider adding windbreaks, outdoor curtains, or screens to hold the warmth near the seating.

Common Mistakes

1. Mounting the heater too low, where it overheats seated guests and nearby furniture.
2. Buying an indoor-rated unit and hanging it outside where moisture will damage it.
3. Expecting one heater to warm an entire open yard rather than a single seating zone.
4. Skipping professional wiring for higher-wattage models that need a dedicated circuit.
5. Ignoring clearance to ceilings, awnings, and flammable materials.

FAQ

Are electric wall heaters safe outdoors?

Models rated for outdoor or damp locations are designed for it, but they still need a covered spot and correct clearances. Follow the instructions exactly.

How many watts do I need?

For a small seating group, 1,500 watts is a common starting point. Larger areas need more heaters or higher-output models.

Can I install one myself?

Plug-in models are easy, but hardwired units should be installed by a licensed electrician to meet code. Local rules often require a permit for new outdoor circuits, so check before drilling. Use a ground-fault protected outlet or breaker for any outdoor electrical equipment, and keep the cord out of walkways and standing water at all times.

Do infrared heaters work in wind?

Infrared warms people directly, so it handles light breezes better than convection heaters, but strong wind still reduces comfort.

Do they use a lot of electricity?

A 1,500-watt heater draws about the same as a space heater, so use timers or remotes to avoid leaving it running unattended. Running costs depend on local electricity rates and how long you keep it on, so a rough check is to multiply the wattage by hours of use and compare that with your utility bill. Many owners run the heater only during the first hour of an evening, when the temperature drops fastest, and then turn it off as the group settles in with blankets and warm drinks.