Radiant Heaters

Radiant Heaters at Mitre 10

Radiant heaters warm people and objects directly with infrared heat, rather than heating the air first. That makes them a good choice for large draughty spaces, workshops, garages, patios and rooms you only use briefly. Compare heat output in watts, tilt range, reflector design, safety features like tip-over and overheat cut-off, and whether the heater is rated for outdoor use.

Are radiant heaters safe?

Radiant heaters run hot on the front and can scorch nearby materials, so keep them at least 1m from curtains, furniture and bedding. Tip-over switches and overheat protection help prevent fire risk. Never leave a portable radiant heater unattended in a room with children or pets, and choose models with a protective mesh guard over the element. Outdoor models need to be rated for outdoor use.

What is the difference between a radiant and a convection heater?

A radiant heater uses infrared to warm people and surfaces in its line of sight. You feel the heat almost immediately, but the air around you stays cool. A convection heater warms the air, which rises and circulates through the room, so it takes longer to feel the warmth but you end up with more even room temperature. Radiant heaters suit spot heating, while convection heaters suit whole-room heating.