infrared patio heaters ?

teachergirl

Hi everybody. Have searched the forums for an answer to this question but can't really find one. I want to have a heater in my garden for chilly nights. I used to have a gas heater and a chimnea but for various reasons they are not suitable.( I have a beautiful wisteria which does not respond well to them for starters) I am now looking for a portable electric heater. I would like it to be portable because we have different seating areas outside.


Should I go for the cheapest or is there any value in splashing out for an infrared one? We could afford one but are they cheaper to run or more ecologically sound ?
Thanks in advance

I_have_spoken

I got this one a few weeks back.

2kW sounds a lot, but gas ones are more like 10Kw so be realistic about how much warmth you'll get from electric; IMHO they tend to be better for gazebo/conservatory rather than open air.

teachergirl

Hi there, I have spoken that looks exactly like what I was thinking of. we have several elderly relatives who will just appreciate the extra warmth......is it Ok?

Davesnave

teachergirl wrote: »

Should I go for the cheapest or is there any value in splashing out for an infrared one? We could afford one but are they cheaper to run or more ecologically sound ?

patio heater > 'ecologically sound' > doesn't compute :undecided

I_have_spoken

we have several elderly relatives who will just appreciate the extra warmth......is it Ok?

It's very simple to use, just pull on the cord to cycle between off the various heat settings. NB I already had a splash-proof outside socket on an RCD trip, so bear that in mind when using electrical items outside.

Does it warm you up? Well certainly you feel it, but if there's a nippy breeze you might miss a higher output gas unit. On a still evening, then I reckon it would be sufficient to let you stay outside another 30-45mins without feeling the chill.

teachergirl

What I don't really understand is there seems to be a huge variation in price. From about £40 to £1000 for what looks to me to be pretty much the same thing. Is it worth paying for carbon fibre? (Think that is what the more expensive ones are) what advantage do they have?

I_have_spoken

It's a two-bar electric fire on a pole! Why pay more?

missbiggles1

Simpler (and cheaper) just to go indoors.

pollypenny

Patio heaters must be the most ecologically damaging invention going!

Why pay to heat outdoor air?

teachergirl

Ok folks I know that they are not ecological . Sometimes elderly people and people who are sick want to be able to sit and enjoy a garden. They feel cold even when the rest of us don't . Obviously you can wrap them in blankets but I want a heater. Has anyone else got an opinion? On the best one to buy?