Australians enjoy spending time outdoors. Cafés, wineries, restaurants, and homes all make the most of terraces and patios until the temperature drops. Short-wave infrared heaters provide an efficient way to stay warm outside without wasting energy or relying on gas. They work instantly, are unaffected by wind, and can be fitted in almost any space.

One thing that often raises questions is glare, the visible light produced by the short-wave infrared heater’s lamp. Some people prefer a bright glow, while others want warmth without any light at all. Understanding the different glare levels makes it easier to choose the right infrared heater for your outdoor setting.

Short-wave infrared heat works differently from traditional convection or panel heating. Instead of warming the air, it emits radiant energy that directly warms people, furniture, and surfaces. The heat is felt immediately, and because it’s not carried by air, it isn’t lost to wind or open space.

That makes short-wave infrared technology ideal for outdoor use. A gas patio heater releases most of its warmth into the air and needs constant refilling, while long-wave panel heaters lose effectiveness the moment air starts to move. Short-wave systems, by contrast, deliver instant, targeted warmth — an advantage for cafés, wineries, and homes where people gather in open or semi-enclosed areas.

These heaters are also efficient. Nearly all the electricity used is converted into radiant heat, and they require very little maintenance. There are no fuel tanks, no filters, and no moving parts, just consistent performance whenever it’s needed.

All short-wave infrared heaters emit a small amount of visible light when operating. The heater lamp produces an amber or warm gold glow, which is a natural part of how short-wave infrared heat is generated. This light is completely harmless and has no impact on heating performance, though its brightness can influence the atmosphere of a space.

In a brightly lit café, warehouse, or workshop, the glow is rarely an issue. In contrast, restaurants, wineries, and private patios often prefer a softer visual tone. To meet these different requirements, manufacturers developed a range of infrared heater lamps designed to reduce visible light while maintaining full radiant heat output. They are suitable for both functional and decorative settings.

The Heliosa/Helios short wave infrared heater range demonstrates how this technology works in practice. Each heater model combines efficient short-wave infrared performance with carefully refined glare level, producing up to 80% less visible light than traditional infrared elements.

• The amber glow finish is well suited to hospitality venues and residential backyards, offering warmth with a pleasant visual tone.
• The warm gold glow is ideal for industrial or warehouse environments, or hospitality venues with mainly day-time trade, where stronger illumination is acceptable.
• Pairing a short-wave element with a black glass front creates a very low glare effect, delivering full heat output with a significantly reduced light source.

The table below summarises the main glare levels, their appearance, and the most suitable applications.

* On non-glass fronted heaters, the glare level only changes the amount of visible light — not the amount of heat. Glass fronted heaters reduce output by up to 30%.

When selecting the best outdoor heater for your area, consider how your space is used. Bright daytime areas can accommodate low-glare or medium-glare heaters, which provide gentle warmth with visible light that complements natural brightness.

For evening dining or dimly lit terraces, no-glare designs preserve the ambience while maintaining consistent comfort for guests.

1. Beyond choosing the right glare level to match the lighting tone and atmosphere of your outdoor area, short-wave infrared technology itself offers several practical advantages that make it ideal for year-round outdoor comfort:

• Immediate targeted warmth — heat is felt instantly, with no pre-heating or waiting.
• Energy-efficient — delivers up to 92% energy efficiency.
• Low maintenance — long-life lamps and no moving parts ensure years of reliable operation.
• Weather protection — IP-rated housings allow for permanent outdoor installation.

2. Good positioning is also key to achieving consistent outdoor warmth. Outdoor heaters perform best when mounted above or beside seating areas so that the radiant energy reaches people directly. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for mounting height and tilt angle to ensure safe and effective coverage.
3. For open patios or large courtyards, use multiple units arranged in zones. This approach allows you to control which areas are heated and helps manage power use efficiently.
4. Combining short-wave infrared heating with partial weather protection such as pergolas, umbrellas, or café blinds, further improves comfort and performance.
5. Before installation, always check the product’s IP rating. Models like the Heliosa H66 short-wave infrared heater carry an IPX5 rating, meaning they are fully weather-resistant and suitable for permanent outdoor mounting throughout the year.

Short-wave infrared heating combines the efficiency of modern technology with thoughtful design. The ability to choose between different glare levels of your infrared heater means you can create warmth that feels right for your space, bright and functional, or soft and understated.

We offer a wide range of Italian-made short-wave infrared heaters, all designed to perform reliably in Australian conditions. They deliver efficient, targeted heat that keeps people comfortable outdoors through every season.

To find out which heater suits your space best, contact our outdoor heating specialists for tailored advice or a no-obligation quote.

Get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or call (08) 7122 1114, and our team will help you to find the best solution.

Please visit our case studies to learn more about Heliosa infrared heaters use in applications. You can also experience our heater in one of the available locations near you.