Is the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater worth it?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater ranks #1 in our Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches list (best overall). Its biggest strength: ceiling mount uses zero floor space, ideal for a furnished covered porch. The ma in caveat: requires a dedicated circuit for permanent installation.
Alternatives to the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater
Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.
Buying advice: patio heaters
- 1Propane is portable and powerful. Electric is clean and simple under cover. Natural gas needs a gas line but never needs a tank swap.
- 2Tall propane heaters are often around 40,000 to 48,000 BTUs and warm a circle several feet across. Electric heaters are rated in watts.
- 3Open — windy patios lose heat quickly. Windscreens and sheltered placement help more than a bigger heater.
- 4Look for tip-over shutoff and — for gas heaters, a flame-failure device. Keep clearance from ceilings and walls as the manual specifies.
- 5Never use propane heaters indoors or in enclosed spaces. Electric infrared heaters are the usual choice for covered porches.
Read the full guides
- How to Choose a Patio Heater
- Patio Heaters Buying Guide
- Patio Heater Not Igniting
- Patio Heater Not Producing Enough Heat
More patio heaters shortlists
- Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches
- Best Patio Heaters for Large Decks
- Best Patio Heaters for Small Patios
- Best Patio Heaters for Tables
- Best Patio Heaters Under $150
- Best Patio Heaters Under $300
Our picks
Products we recommend
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Best overallSolaira
Ceiling mount uses zero floor space, ideal for a furnished covered porch
- 1500W / 120V quartz infrared element
- 10 by 10 foot coverage area
- Ceiling or wall mount, 4-inch slim housing
- No combustion, no carbon monoxide risk
✓ Pros
- Ceiling mount uses zero floor space, ideal for a furnished covered porch
- No combustion byproducts, so it's genuinely safer in a lower-airflow covered space
- Near-instant quartz warmup means no waiting for the space to feel the effect
✕ Cons
- Requires a dedicated circuit for permanent installation
- Higher price than any propane option on this list
- Coverage is fixed to roughly a 10 by 10 foot zone directly below and in front of it
Dr. Infrared Heater
Nearly the Solaira's safety profile at a lower price.
- 120V / 1500W carbon infrared element
- 3 heat settings
- IP55 weatherproof rating
- Wall, ceiling, or freestanding with included tripod
✓ Pros
- IP55 rating handles the humidity and occasional wind-blown ra in a covered porch still gets
- Multiple mount options let you go ceiling, wall, or freestanding depending on the porch layout
✕ Cons
- Slightly smaller effective coverage area than the Solaira at the same wattage
- Included tripod is a lower-end accessory compared to a permanent mount
- Needs an outdoor-rated outlet or hardwire with in reach
Fire Sense
Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep with in overhead clearance limits
- 10,000 BTU propane burner
- Stainless steel tabletop design
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve
- CSA approved
✓ Pros
- Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep with in overhead clearance limits
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve adds a marg in of safety under a roof
- Inexpensive way to add heat to a covered porch that already has good airflow on two sides
✕ Cons
- Still an open flame, unsuitable for a fully enclosed or low-airflow porch regardless of height
- Requires verifying overhead clearance against the manufacturer's spec before using indoors-adjacent
- Smaller heat radius than the electric mounted options
Mr. Heater
Adjustable BTU range lets you dial down heat for warmer evenings instead of running full blast
- 8,000 to 11,000 BTU adjustable output
- Runs on a 1lb propane cylinder
- Compact tabletop footprint
- Push-button piezo ignition
✓ Pros
- Adjustable BTU range lets you dial down heat for warmer evenings instead of running full blast
- Piezo ignition lights reliably without a separate lighter
- Lighter and more compact than most tabletop competitors
✕ Cons
- Lower ceiling on max BTU than the Fire Sense at full output
- 1lb cylinders run out faster than most owners expect on a cool night
- Fewer safety certifications listed than the Fire Sense model
Top pickAZ Patio Heaters
48,000 BTU and a 10 to 15 foot radius cover most single-heater deck layouts on their own
- 48,000 BTU propane burner
- 87-inch hammered bronze standing design
- 10 to 15 foot heat radius
- Wheeled base, push-button ignition
✓ Pros
- 48,000 BTU and a 10 to 15 foot radius cover most single-heater deck layouts on their own
- The tall standing design puts heat above head height, spreading it evenly over a seating area rather than one hot spot
- Wheeled base makes it realistic to reposition as the party moves around a large deck
✕ Cons
- 87 inches tall and visually bulky, not the pick for a smaller or more curated space
- Needs 3 to 5 feet of clear floor space in every direction
- Burns through a 20lb tank in roughly 8 to 10 hours at full output
Hiland
A stainless tabletop propane heater that runs on a 1 lb cylinder or a 20 lb tank with an adapter.
✓ Pros
- Warms a table area without floor space
- Thermocouple and anti-tilt safety shutoffs
- Runs on 1 lb or 20 lb propane
- Stainless steel finish
✕ Cons
- Small heat radius
- 1 lb cylinders run out quickly
- Needs shelter from wind
FAQ
Common questions
Is the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater worth buying?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater ranks #1 in our Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches list (best overall). Its biggest strength: ceiling mount uses zero floor space, ideal for a furnished covered porch. The ma in caveat: requires a dedicated circuit for permanent installation.
Who is the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater best for?
Based on our research it suits covered porches and small patios. It's ranked #1 of 3 in our Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches list.
What are the downsides of the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater?
The ma in trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: requires a dedicated circuit for permanent installation; higher price than any propane option on this list; coverage is fixed to roughly a 10 by 10 foot zone directly below and in front of it.
What are the key features of the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater?
1500W / 120V quartz infrared element, 10 by 10 foot coverage area, Ceiling or wall mount, 4-inch slim housing and No combustion, no carbon monoxide risk.
What are the best alternatives to the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater?
Worth comparing: Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater, Fire Sense 60262 Tabletop Patio Heater and Mr. Heater 11,000 BTU Table Top Patio Heater. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.
Where can I buy the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater?
It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.
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