Infratech vs Bromic: Which Patio Heater Is Right for You?
Infratech makes short-wave electric infrared heaters; Bromic makes high-output gas (NG and LP) heaters. Different fuel, different install, different aesthetic. Both are the premium picks in their category. Here's how to decide which belongs in your outdoor space.
Last reviewed by the BBQs.com editorial team on October 8, 2026
Infratech
California-made electric short-wave infrared heaters — 3,000–6,000W output per unit, flush-mount or surface-mount installations, no visible flame or combustion, instant heat with no warm-up. $700–$2,500 per unit depending on size and finish.
Buy this if:
- The install location has 240V power but no gas line (electric is the only option)
- Flush-mounted into a soffit or pergola for a clean architectural look
- No visible flame + instant on/off are deciding features
- Covered patio or enclosed space where gas isn't code-compliant
Bromic
Australian-designed gas (NG and LP) and electric infrared heaters — the Platinum Smart-Heat and Tungsten Smart-Heat gas lines deliver up to 50,000 BTU per heater with a mix of radiant + convective heat. $1,200–$3,500 per heater depending on fuel + size + remote package.
Buy this if:
- You have a gas line (NG or LP) available and want maximum heat output
- Open-air patio or deck without enclosed ceiling (gas is efficient here)
- You want remote control + wall-switch zoning across multiple heaters
- Visible flame + larger heat footprint are features, not drawbacks
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Infratech | Bromic | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Electric (240V, 20A dedicated circuit per unit) | Natural gas, liquid propane, or electric infrared variants |
| Heat output | 3,000–6,000W (10,000–20,000 BTU equivalent) | Up to 50,000 BTU (gas lines); 2,300W (electric line) |
| Heat type | Short-wave infrared (direct body heating) | Radiant + convective (gas); infrared (electric) |
| Install | Flush-mount or surface-mount; needs 240V hardwire | Surface-mount; needs gas line + stable mounting surface |
| Warm-up time | Instant (0 seconds) | 30–60 seconds (gas); 15–30 seconds (electric) |
| Weatherproofing | IP24 (splashproof) | IP24 (gas); IP55 (electric Platinum) |
| Coverage area (per unit) | 80–150 sq ft | 150–250 sq ft (gas 50k BTU) |
| Code: enclosed vs open space | OK for enclosed + semi-enclosed | Gas: outdoor + semi-enclosed only; electric: anywhere |
| Warranty | 3 years (parts + heating element) | 2 years (parts + burner); 1 year (electronics) |
| Install cost (DIY vs electrician) | Electrician required ($300–$800 per unit for 240V run) | Plumber + electrician ($400–$1,000 per unit) |
| Operating cost (per hour at full output) | $0.40–$0.80 (electric at $0.15/kWh) | $0.60–$1.20 (NG); $1.50–$3.00 (LP) |
Our Dealer-Side Verdict
Different jobs, different winners. For enclosed patios, pergolas with gas restrictions, and clean architectural installs, Infratech is the only legitimate pick — the flush-mount electric design doesn't exist from Bromic. For open-air decks and large patios where maximum heat output matters, Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Gas wins — the 50,000 BTU output heats 2–3× the coverage area of a single Infratech. If your space has both electricity and gas available, the real question is enclosed (Infratech) vs open-air with gas (Bromic). Mixed installations with Infratech under the roof + Bromic on the open edge is a legitimate pattern we spec for larger covered-plus-open patios.
Frequently Asked
Which heats a patio faster — Infratech or Bromic?
Infratech heats PEOPLE faster via direct infrared body heating (instant warmth sensation). Bromic gas heats the air faster via radiant + convective output (larger coverage area). For a single-table seated group under 100 sq ft, Infratech feels warmer sooner; for a 200+ sq ft open patio, Bromic covers more area with the same perceived warmth.
Can I install Infratech in an enclosed space where gas isn't allowed?
Yes — electric infrared has no combustion, so Infratech is code-compliant in enclosed spaces, pergolas with full roofs, and screened porches where open-flame gas heaters are prohibited. This is Infratech's biggest install-location advantage over Bromic gas.
Is Bromic's gas line more cost-effective than Infratech electric?
Natural gas is typically 20–30% cheaper per BTU than electricity at retail US energy prices. Liquid propane is usually more expensive than electricity. If you have natural gas at the install location, Bromic's operating cost is lower; if you have only propane or only electricity, Infratech's electric is more cost-effective.
How many Infratech or Bromic heaters do I need for a 300 sq ft patio?
Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat 500 (50,000 BTU) covers roughly 250 sq ft of open patio — one heater handles most of a 300 sq ft space with slightly uneven edges. Infratech CD-6024 (6,000W) covers 100–150 sq ft — you'd need 2–3 units for the same patio, usually mounted on perimeter walls or soffit.
What's the aesthetic difference between Infratech and Bromic?
Infratech is designed for near-invisibility — flush-mounted into a soffit or pergola underside, the heater is barely visible. Bromic is designed as a visible architectural element — the Platinum Smart-Heat has a sculptural stainless housing meant to be seen. For contemporary minimalist installs, Infratech wins on aesthetic restraint. For statement-piece installs, Bromic's design presence is the feature.
