Infrared heaters: the ultimate guide

The long-standing debate over the best form of electric heating might finally be settled this season.

For decades, traditional systems like fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, and convector heaters have been household staples. Now, infrared heaters are rising in popularity, offering equal warmth for a fraction of the cost. But how do they actually work?

What is infrared heat?

Put simply, infrared heat is an electromagnetic wave that is invisible to the human eye. This unique property means that it can warm up objects and people directly, without needing to heat the air surrounding them.

How does infrared heating work?

Traditional electric heaters warm the air around you slowly, making them inefficient. In contrast, infrared heaters work like the sun, directly warming objects, walls, furniture, and people.
This direct heat transfer is far more energy-efficient.

Think of it like standing in sunlight: even on a cold day, you feel warm when the sun’s rays hit you. Infrared heat also gets absorbed by the room’s materials, storing and releasing warmth over time.

Once the room starts cooling, a short burst from the infrared heater restores the warmth.

With convection heaters, hot air rises to the ceiling or escapes through gaps, forcing the system to work harder and less efficiently to keep you warm.

How does infrared heating compare with conventional radiators?

Infrared heating is much more efficient than the convection heating supplied by conventional radiators and oil or gas central heating systems.

Convected heat warms the air only, which circulates around the room. Instead of warming the air, direct radiated heat warms everything it touches, from your body to the walls.

Is Infrared Heating Safe?

Infrared heaters are safe to use, emitting no harmful gases, chemicals, or fumes.

They produce natural heat similar to sunlight but without dangerous UV rays. Designed with safety in mind, many infrared heaters feature cool-to-the-touch surfaces and automatic shut-off systems to prevent overheating or fires if tipped over.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Infrared Heating?

Pros:

• Warms all areas, eliminating cold spots
• Natural heat source without harmful emissions
• No annual maintenance required
• More cost-effective than traditional boilers or heat pumps
• Easily connects to standard electricity supply
• Can be wall, floor, or ceiling mounted
• Offers zoned heating with individual room control
• Heats rooms quickly and can be turned on as needed
• Portable and 40% smaller than convection heaters
• Noiseless operation with no moving parts
• Available for outdoor heating

Cons:

• Higher installation cost compared to upgrading to a heat pump or efficient boiler
• Not covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, requiring full out-of-pocket payment
• Requires direct line-of-sight to objects for effective heating, needing open space
• Cannot heat water

Best infrared heaters to buy right now:

Briza Infrared Patio Heater

Perfect for chilly winter nights, the Briza offers three heat settings and a built-in timer for customised comfort. With an IP55 protection rating and an automatic shut-off feature for safety, it’s a durable choice for your garden.

LifeSmart Extra Large Room Infrared Cabinet

This stylish cabinet blends seamlessly into your décor while warming up to 1,000 square feet. Its oak finish adds elegance, and the remote-controlled temperature settings make it easy to adjust.

Heat Storm WiFi-Enabled Heater

Control the Heat Storm with its remote or WiFi-enabled app. This versatile heater can be wall-mounted or used as a standing unit, delivering a powerful 1,500 watts of heat.

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

Featuring dual-infrared quartz and PTC heating, the Dr. Infrared Heater efficiently warms your space.

With auto, low, and high settings (50-86°C), it’s an attractive, portable option that won’t break the bank.

Duraflame Infrared Quartz Fireplace

This stove-style fireplace delivers 5,200 BTUs, heating up to 1,000 square feet.

Enjoy the adjustable 3D flame effect with customizable colours, brightness, and speed. Lightweight and durable, it also comes with a handy remote for easy thermostat control.

Infrared heaters: FAQs

What are infrared panel heaters?

These slim panels can be freestanding or wall-mounted, so they won’t take up valuable space. Classic white panels from Kiasa are a great space-saving solution and give a clean, modern look to any room. If you want more control, choose infrared heating from the Smart+ Range and you can control your heaters from your smart phone and create a weekly heating schedule for different rooms by setting a target temperature. With WiFi connectivity the heaters will obey your Alexa or Google Home commands.

Can I have glass or mirrored panels?

Infrared heaters don’t need to blend into the background. Choose a glass panel infrared heater in a chic frost colour, or in black to make a statement in a living room or kitchen. For the bathroom, a mirror panel heater works as both a steam free mirror and a heater, and it comes with an IP65 water resistance rating.

What are heater bars?

If you’re after a discreet look, infrared heater bars could be the solution.
They’re the ideal way to bring a spot of warmth to a chilly room, conservatory, office or garden shed. Select one with a simple on/off switch or choose a smart version with built-in WiFi with smart phone control.
The aluminium infrared heating bars come with easy-fix mounting brackets. Though you could ask an electrician to wire them in, they can simply be plugged into a nearby electric socket if you prefer.

How can I heat the patio?

It feels great to prolong the time you spend out on the patio when the evenings start to get chilly.
Halogen outdoor heaters such as the Smart WiFi Blade infrared patio bar are an energy-efficient way to warm up, providing instant radiant heat.
Complete with a wireless remote control, the heaters can be controlled them from anywhere, and they come with a watertight protection cover, too.