Mid-Wave vs Long-Wave Guide
Not sure which Outdoor Heater to choose? Learn the difference between Mid-Wave and Long-Wave infrared heaters, how many you need, and how to size your space correctly.
Choosing the right Outdoor Heater is less about picking the most powerful model and more about matching the heater to your space, layout, and how you plan to use it. Outdoor conditions, mounting options, and the way infrared heat works all affect the result.
This guide will help you choose the right outdoor heater for your patio, balcony, or garden area.
Quick overview
Think about your space, whether it is enclosed, or if its exposed to winds. Learn about how our Outdoor Heaters actually heat, and what the difference is between Long-Wave and Mid-Wave Heaters. Which heater bests suits the mounting method you require. What size and how many, learn more here!
Start with your space
The most important factor is how exposed your area is.
| Open or windy outdoor areas | vs | Enclosed or protected areas |
|
If your patio, balcony or alfresco is open on multiple sides, heat loss is constant. In these spaces, you will need a heater that warms people directly rather than trying to heat the surrounding air. Mid-Wave infrared heaters are generally better suited to these exposed conditions. They produce stronger, more direct radiant heat that cuts through airflow and wind. |
If your space has walls, blinds, or screens which blocks most of the wind, Long-Wave infrared will work well. Long-Wave Heaters provide a gentler, ambient warmth that builds gradually and feels consistent across the space. This type of heat suits enclosed patios, covered balconies, and indoor-outdoor rooms. |
How Do Electric Outdoor Heaters Heat?
Electric Outdoor Heaters use infrared energy rather than convection. That means they do not rely on warming air and waiting for it to circulate.
Instead, infrared heat travels in a straight line and warms the people and surfaces it reaches. You feel the immediate heat when you are in range, which is why positioning and mounting height matter as much as wattage.
Mid-wave vs Long-Wave Outdoor Heaters
Understanding this difference makes heater selection much easier.
| Mid-Wave infrared heaters | vs | Long-Wave infrared heaters |
|
Mid-Wave heaters produce a brighter, more intense heat that you feel quickly. They are well suited to outdoor conditions where air movement would otherwise strip heat away. Typical characteristics:
Heaters like the Ash Outdoor Heater range and the Cedar Indoor-Outdoor Heater range use Mid-Wave carbon filament elements. |
Long-Wave heaters operate at a lower surface temperature and produce no visible light. The heat feels softer and more ambient, especially in protected areas. Typical characteristics:
The Lotus Outdoor Heater range uses Long-Wave infrared technology and is designed for indoor and protected outdoor spaces. |
Wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or freestanding?
The right mounting option depends on how permanent your setup is.
| Wall-mounted heaters | Ceiling-mounted heaters | Freestanding heaters |
Both Mid-Wave and Long-wave heaters can be wall mounted, provided clearances are followed |
Ceiling mounting is common for alfresco areas with fixed layouts. |
Portable models like the Cedar indoor-outdoor heater can be moved between areas and include safety features such as tip-over protection. |
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Heater Size
Bigger is not always better.
Heater size should be matched to:
• The square metres being heated
• How open the space is
• Mounting height and distance to seating
For example:
• A small balcony or compact patio may only need coverage of 10 to 12 m²
• Larger alfresco areas often require multiple heaters rather than one oversized unit
• Open areas may need higher output or more units than enclosed spaces of the same size
• Adding a second correctly positioned heater often gives better comfort than one high-wattage unit.
How Many Outdoor Heaters Do I Need for My Space?
As a general guide:
• Small spaces with defined seating may need one heater
• Larger or open spaces often perform better with two or more heaters spaced evenly
• Long tables or L-shaped seating benefit from multiple lower-output heaters rather than a single hot spot
Spacing heaters improves coverage and reduces cold zones, view the diagram below:
Is higher wattage always better?
The short answer is no, higher wattage increases heat output, but it does not fix poor placement or unsuitable heater type. A correctly sized heater positioned at the right height will feel warmer than an oversized heater installed too far away.
Look at coverage area and recommended installation rather than just wattage.
Installation and clearance
Outdoor heaters must be installed with correct clearances for safety and performance.
Key points to consider:
• Minimum distances from walls and ceilings
• Avoiding placement near flammable materials
• Positioning the heater so heat reaches people, not empty space
• Some models are supplied with a plug, while higher-output units may require hardwiring by a licensed electrician.
Some points to consider
Are outdoor heaters safe?
Modern electric outdoor heaters include safety features such as:
• Overheat protection
• Tip-over switches on freestanding models
• Protective front grilles
• Weather protection ratings for outdoor use
Always install according to manufacturer guidelines and local electrical requirements.
Can outdoor heaters get wet?
Outdoor heaters are rated for different levels of moisture exposure.
• Higher IP ratings suit exposed outdoor conditions
• Lower IP ratings are intended for protected outdoor or indoor areas
• Matching the IP rating to your installation location is essential for longevity and safety.
Controls, timers, and smart options
Modern Outdoor Heaters often include:
• Remote control operation (All of our ranges include this option)
• Adjustable heat levels (All of our ranges include this option)
• Thermostat control (All of our ranges include this option)
• Countdown timers (All of our ranges include this option)
• Wi-Fi control on selected models (Only the Lotus Range includes this option)
These features improve comfort and help manage energy use, especially when heating is used intermittently.
Final takeaway
The best Outdoor Heater is the one that suits:
• Your space type, open or enclosed
• How the area is or will be used
• Installation constraints
• Desired comfort level, immediate heat or ambient warmth
Mid-Wave heaters suit open, windy outdoor spaces. Long-Wave heaters suit protected or enclosed areas where subtle, even warmth matters more than instant intensity.