We built this halogen patio heater to be a compact powerhouse—a high-output infrared emitter that actually makes sense for open-air spaces. It shines where convection heaters fall flat, sending warmth straight to people and surfaces instead of wasting energy on the air.
Power, voltage, and size—kept simple
These heaters typically run on 230V or 240V and pull between 1.5kW and 2.5kW. That voltage choice keeps wiring manageable while delivering the current needed for serious radiant heat. The quartz tube is usually around 300mm long, packing a lot of filament into a small footprint. That concentration gives you intense heat in a tight space, but it also means the fixture has to be built to handle the heat—and you need to keep proper clearance.
What’s inside—and why it matters
At the core is a tungsten halogen filament sealed inside a quartz envelope. The halogen cycle keeps the filament stable even at scorching temperatures, so it resists blackening and stays consistent over its life. Quartz handles rapid heating and cooling, and because things get seriously hot, the coating choices really matter. We use R7s connectors because they handle the high current, and swapping the lamp is a straightforward drop-in job.
Outdoor warmth that actually works
On a patio, this setup throws immediate infrared heat that cuts right through moving air, so you stay warm even when the wind picks up. The compact tube lets us keep the reflector slim, so you get focused warmth without a bulky profile. One thing to keep in mind: that surface gets hot. So we build in protective guards, and you’ll want to follow mounting distances to keep everything safe.