Heatstrip · Buying Help
Heatstrip Classic vs Max: Which Series Fits Your Patio
Heatstrip's two main residential lines solve different problems. Classic (1800W–3200W) is the long slim profile for covered patios. Max (2400W–3600W) is the heavier-output short-body line with better exposed-patio performance.
By Reed · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
Classic vs Max side-by-side
- Classic THH1800A
- 1800W. 7.5A. 1104 x 165 x 48 mm. 6 kg. Plug-in. Heating area 3-4 m² (32-43 sq ft).
- Classic THH2400A
- 2400W. 10A. 1364 x 165 x 48 mm. 7 kg. Plug-in. Heating area 4-5 m² (43-54 sq ft).
- Classic THH3200A
- 3200W. 13.5A. 1774 x 165 x 48 mm. 8 kg. Hardwired (no plug). Heating area 5-6 m² (54-65 sq ft).
- Max THX2400
- 2400W. 10A. 854 x 170 x 80 mm. 6 kg. Plug-in. Indoor-protected 19 m² / outdoor-enclosed 12 m² / outdoor-exposed 7 m².
- Max THX3600
- 3600W. 15A. 1184 x 170 x 80 mm. 8 kg. Hardwired. Indoor-protected 29 m² / outdoor-enclosed 18 m² / outdoor-exposed 10 m².
Step by step
Measure the area you want heated
Measure in square feet or square meters. Then match to the per-model coverage spec above. Add 20-30% for exposed patios (wind steals convective heat).
Decide on mounting height
Minimum mounting height is 2.1 m (6'10") for Classic and Max. Ideal is 2.2-2.8 m (7'2"-9'2") for Max; 2.2-2.5 m (7'2"-8'2") for Classic. Mount higher and performance drops; mount lower and you're outside spec.
Confirm you have the right electrical
Models up to 2400W (THH1800A, THH2400A, THX2400) come with a plug. Models at 3200W+ (THH3200A, THX3600) are hardwired only — no plug, requires a licensed electrician.
Pick body profile
Classic = long and slim (1104-1774 mm = 43-70 inches). Max = shorter and thicker (854-1184 mm = 34-47 inches). Classic looks lower-profile across a wide area; Max is more compact over a specific zone.
Common mistakes
- Buying Classic THH3200A thinking it has a plug. THH3200A is HARDWIRED — no plug. You'll need a licensed electrician to connect it. Only the 1800W and 2400W Classic models come plug-in.
- Picking the longest Classic model thinking length = more heat. Length scales with wattage. THH3200A is longer BECAUSE it's higher wattage. Don't buy length for aesthetics — buy wattage for your area.
Hands-on tips
- For a 200-sq-ft covered patio, you typically want one THX3600 or two THH2400A heaters. Spread the heat rather than concentrating it.
- Classic is more lifestyle-oriented (slim profile); Max is more commercial-oriented (higher output). For a restaurant: Max. For a residential pergola: Classic.
Questions people ask
What's the TG2200 / TF2200 series?
Heatstrip also makes Intense (TG2200RB) and portable gas (TF2200RW/RB) lines beyond Classic and Max — these are indoor-rated (Intense) or portable propane gas heaters. Classic and Max are the main residential electric outdoor lines.
Does Heatstrip work in freezing temps?
Yes. Heatstrip is radiant infrared — it warms objects and people in its path, not the air. Works down to any temperature that electrical components can handle (well below freezing).
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