Buying Guide
Outdoor Infrared Heater
How to choose the right Opranic model for your outdoor space
An outdoor infrared heater is the only heating method that genuinely works once you’re standing under open sky, and the gap between an average model and a well-engineered one is wider than most people expect. This buying guide gives you concrete answers on how much power you need for your patio, balcony or conservatory, which model suits your situation, and what it costs to run. No marketing, just straightforward facts and buying advice built on specialisation in infrared heating since 2011.
Power Requirements
How much power does your outdoor infrared heater need
A good rule of thumb for an outdoor infrared heater is to allow 150 to 200 watts per square metre in a sheltered spot, and up to 300 watts per square metre in a more exposed one. A 2,300 W heater will therefore cover 15 to 25 square metres under normal conditions, somewhat less in windy locations and somewhat more in sheltered ones.
For a balcony of 6 to 8 square metres, a single 1,800 to 2,300 W unit is almost always sufficient. For a patio of 20 to 30 square metres, you will typically need two to three units positioned on different sides to spread the warmth evenly across the whole area. If you have a conservatory or a pergola that is sheltered from wind and where the outdoor temperature does not drop below 16 degrees, a single 2,300 W heater can cover 20 to 25 square metres, since wind chill is then minimal.
Keep in mind that power requirement is about comfort, not about raising the air temperature. The goal is for the radiant warmth to reach everyone sitting within range. Two or three well-placed 2,300 W units running on power setting P2 or P3 will always outperform a single oversized unit that still fails to cover the area evenly.
Work out the power requirement and running cost for your patio with our patio heater power calculator.
Efficiency
96% of the energy becomes heat; none of it blows away
Opranic heaters convert up to 96% of the electrical energy supplied directly into radiant heat. Only 2-3% is emitted as a faint, pleasant glow. There is no warm-up time and no energy lost to air that heats up and then blows away. Every watt you pay for goes into warming you and your guests, not the atmosphere.
That translates into an operating cost of around 4,60 kronor per hour at full power of 2,300 W, based on a Swedish electricity price of roughly 2,00 kr/kWh. At lower power levels the cost drops proportionally. Power level 3 on the THOR S70 (1,600 W) costs around 3,20 kronor per hour, and power level 1 sits at around 1,00 krona per hour. For comparison, a gas patio heater delivering the same heat output costs around 30 kronor per hour in propane.
Because an outdoor infrared heater warms the body directly rather than the surrounding air, you can keep a lower ambient temperature and still experience full comfort. It’s the difference between switching to full power and hoping it gets warm, and directing exactly the right amount of heat precisely where it’s needed.
You warm the body, not the air. That's the whole difference outdoors.
The Sunshine Principle
Why an electric outdoor infrared heater is the better choice
A standard heater or a fan heater warms the air. Outdoors, that air disperses with the next gust of wind, and you end up paying for energy that simply blows away. This is why convection heating has never worked outdoors, and why a gas patio heater needs so much energy to produce any noticeable warmth. The heat rises and scatters faster than it can build up.
An electric outdoor infrared heater works on an entirely different principle. It emits infrared radiation that is absorbed directly by the body, in much the same way sunlight warms you on a clear winter’s day. You know the feeling: minus ten degrees on a mountain slope, yet warm the moment the sun hits you. It is exactly the same principle at work. No warm-up time, no draught, and no energy lost to the air above.
Opranic’s IR-X Carbon Black technology operates at 2.2 µm, the optimal wavelength for absorption by the human body. The body is roughly 80% water, and water absorbs precisely this wavelength with high efficiency. The result is immediate, even warmth that feels natural, without glare or a stinging sensation. This is why an electric outdoor infrared heater is the only rational choice for an outdoor patio. Read more about how infrared heating works and why wavelength matters.
Placement
Ceiling mount, wall mount, and correct safety clearances
Ceiling or wall mounting gives the most even heat distribution and is the most common choice for patios and pergolas. The radiant heat spreads downward across the entire seating area with no hot spots. The recommended mounting height is 1.8 to 2.5 metres, angled 30 to 50 degrees towards the seating area.
Never position a wall-mounted outdoor infrared heater directly facing a window. Glass reflects infrared radiation and reduces efficiency significantly. Always aim the heater at the surface and the people it is meant to warm, not at reflective surfaces.
The following safety clearances must always be respected: 100 cm in front of the heater, 40 cm to the sides, and 20 cm to the ceiling for wall-mounted units. These distances apply to flammable materials such as wood, textiles, and plastic. Every Opranic model carries an IP65 rating and electronic overheat protection, but the basic principle of free air circulation around the heater must always be followed.
The right power at the right height. That is what settles the purchase.
The range
Opranic's outdoor models: same technology, three formats
All three Opranic models built for outdoor use share the same IR-X Carbon Black technology, the same carbon element manufactured in Japan, and the same engineering philosophy. What you choose is format and mounting, not a compromise on heating performance. A THOR S70 on power level 5 delivers the same amount of infrared radiation at 2.2 µm as a PRO V70 on power level 5. The difference lies in durability, material choice and mounting flexibility.
The three models are compared side by side below. Lifetime is measured in operating hours of the carbon element, and with normal use of 3 to 5 hours per day through the outdoor season, 12,000 hours corresponds to more than a decade of use.
| THOR S70 | NOVA V50 | PRO V70 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Portable / freestanding | Wall / ceiling / awning | Wall / ceiling / awning |
| Colour | Cloud White or Jet Black | Champagne with black sides | Cloud White or Jet Black |
| Power | 2,300 W | 2,300 W | 2,300 W |
| Technology | IR-X Carbon Black | IR-X Carbon Black | IR-X Carbon Black |
| IP rating | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Lifetime | 12,000 h | 8,000 h | 12,000 h |
| Protective grille | Brushed stainless steel | Chrome-plated steel | Brushed stainless steel |
| Ready for central control | No | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Power levels | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Timer | 9 h | 9 h | 9 h |
| Outdoor coverage | 15-25 m² | 7-15 m² (25 m² sheltered) | 15-25 m² |
| Best suited for | Patio, balcony, conservatory | Patio, balcony | Restaurants, cafés, commercial use |
Product
THOR S70: portable, freestanding, uncompromising
THOR S70 is Opranic’s signature product and a test winner among outdoor infrared heaters. Portable and freestanding at 106 cm and 8.1 kg. Powder-coated aluminium, a brushed stainless steel grille and an IP65 rating built for northern European outdoor conditions. Five power levels, a 9-hour timer, remote control and electronic overheat protection with a tip-over safety switch. Lifetime up to 12,000 hours and a 3-year warranty.
THOR S70 works equally well on the patio, the balcony, the conservatory or the terrace. You can move it between locations, bring it indoors for winter and set it up wherever you need it. It is the flexible option for anyone who prefers not to drill into a wall, or who rearranges furniture between seasons.
- Power
- 2,300 W (5 power levels)
- Heating area
- 15–25 m² depending on environment
- IP rating
- IP65
- Lifetime
- Up to 12,000 hours
- Timer
- 9 hours
- Warranty
- 3 years
- Height / weight
- 106 cm / 8.1 kg
- Colours
- Jet Black, Cloud White
Product
NOVA V50: wall-mounted, discreet, built for the home
NOVA V50 is Opranic’s wall-mounted outdoor infrared heater for home use. It uses the same IR-X Carbon Black technology as THOR S70, housed in an anodised aluminium casing finished in champagne. Dimensions of 19.5 x 91.5 x 9 cm and a weight of just 3.2 kg. IP65-rated, with five power levels, a 9-hour timer and an LCD display. Lifetime of 8,000 hours and a 2-year warranty.
NOVA V50 suits anyone who wants a permanent installation that blends into its surroundings. It nearly disappears against the wall when switched off, without disrupting the aesthetic of your patio. It covers 7 to 15 square metres outdoors, and up to 25 square metres in a sheltered conservatory or pergola where wind chill is minimal.
- Power
- 2,300 W (5 power levels)
- Heating area
- 7–15 m² (up to 25 m² sheltered)
- IP rating
- IP65
- Lifetime
- Up to 8,000 hours
- Timer
- 9 hours
- Warranty
- 2 years
- Dimensions / weight
- 19.5 x 91.5 x 9 cm / 3.2 kg
- Colour
- Champagne (anodised aluminium)
Product
PRO V70: professional grade for demanding environments
PRO V70 is Opranic’s professional-grade outdoor infrared heater for restaurants, cafés and permanent installations. It shares the same power and technology as THOR S70 and NOVA V50, but adds anodised aluminium and carbon-fibre-reinforced side panels for tougher operating environments. Lifetime up to 12,000 hours and a 3-year warranty. Remote control included.
Five PRO V70 units, mounted three metres apart, cover a 60 square metre outdoor seating area at 23 kr per hour. Compared with four gas patio heaters, which cost around 120 kr per hour for the same area, the saving runs up to 62,000 kr per season. If you are installing for a restaurant or outdoor seating area, a complete cost comparison between infrared heating and gas patio heaters is available in our separate guide.
- Power
- 2,300 W (5 power levels)
- Mounting
- Wall, ceiling, awning
- IP rating
- IP65
- Lifetime
- Up to 12,000 hours
- Timer
- 9 hours
- Restart function
- Automatic, for central power control
- Protective grille
- Brushed stainless steel
- Warranty
- 3 years
- Material
- Anodised aluminium + carbon-fibre panels
- Remote control
- Included
Infrared heating or gas: a complete comparison with cost calculations
Same technology. Three formats. Choose the one that suits your space.
Swedish engineering
Specialising in infrared warmth since 2011, from Stockholm
Opranic is a Swedish company with offices in Stockholm. We have not simply selected components and assembled a system. Since 2011, we have developed every part ourselves: the carbon element, the reflector, the housing and the electronics, all optimised and tested together for northern European outdoor conditions.
The carbon element is manufactured in Japan to specifications that most suppliers never even test against. It is not a single well-made element that makes the difference; it is the system that delivers warmth exactly where it is needed, with minimal loss and maximum comfort. The geometry of the reflector, the material in the steel grille and the electronics governing power levels are all part of the same whole.
This engineering philosophy is what has earned Opranic awards in Sweden and internationally, with recognition from Aftonbladet, The Independent, The Telegraph, Inspekto, Testson, Testat.nu and Hantverksproffset, along with hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon across Europe. It is also why Opranic is one of the most recommended brands for outdoor infrared heaters. Read more in our guide to infravärmare bäst i test.
Safety & operation
IP65 protection, minimal maintenance, low running costs
An Opranic outdoor infrared heater asks little of you. Wipe down the reflector and steel grille when needed, and check the cable and plug before each season. There are no service contracts, no filters, and no moving parts to wear out.
The IP65 rating gives full protection against rain, snow, frost, and dust. The heater can stay mounted outdoors year-round without damage, even through Nordic winters with sub-zero temperatures and damp conditions. That said, we still recommend bringing THOR S70 indoors over the winter months when it is not in active use, mainly to protect the remote control’s electronics and the powder coating.
There is also a real benefit for allergy sufferers: radiant heat does not move the air, so it does not stir up dust or pollen. This is a noticeable difference from fan heaters and convectors, and it makes an outdoor infrared heater a sound choice even on an inner courtyard or balcony, where allergens can be an issue. THOR S70 and PRO V70 carry a 3-year warranty, NOVA V50 carries 2 years, and every model includes electronic overheat protection as standard.
Summary
Which outdoor infrared heater suits you?
If you have a patio, balcony or conservatory and want flexible, portable warmth: choose THOR S70. If you want a fixed, unobtrusive installation for home use that blends into its surroundings: choose NOVA V50. If you run a commercial outdoor space or a restaurant patio: choose PRO V70.
All three are outdoor infrared heaters of the highest order. They share Opranic’s IR-X Carbon Black technology, engineering expertise built up since 2011, and the same promise: the warmth reaches you, not the air above you. It is a difference you notice from the first second, and it is why Opranic heaters are found on restaurant patios and terraces across Europe.
Infrared heater vs. gas: the complete comparison · Best patio heaters 2026: Opranic THOR and PRO put to the test
Electricity prices based on Energimyndigheten (Swedish Energy Agency) statistics for Swedish households, including grid fee and tax (approx. 2.00 kr/kWh). Actual costs vary with local prices and the power level selected.