Fire Sense 02110 Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Infrared Patio Heater

Bottom line

The Fire Sense 02110 Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Infrared Patio Heater is the only infrared heater we found with a significant number of positive user reviews. Owners say it's a good value, and most find it easy to install. However, they're divided over its heating performance, and some find its bright orange glow distracting.

Performance

Plenty of light, but only okay for heat. One of the most common comments about the Fire Sense 02110 is that its infrared bulb distributes a very bright orange light, which several users compare to the heat lamps at fast-food restaurants. However, most owners confess that they eventually got accustomed to it. While it performs great as a light, users say its heat output is inconsistent. Used in a covered or indoor setting, owners note it warms the area nicely, but those who use the Fire Sense 02110 in open areas often complain that they can only feel the heat when standing right in front of it.

Ease of use

Only a few quirks. Most owners say installation is quite easy, taking only a few minutes. Their single caveat is the template provided for drilling the mounting holes is inaccurate; you should use the mounting bracket itself to mark the holes. Once it's set up, the Fire Sense 02110 is simple to use: Just plug it in, and on it goes. To turn it off again, however, you'll have to unplug it, as it isn't equipped with an on-off switch. Still, users like the fact there's no fuel to buy, no flame and no fumes.

Ownership

Low power costs, but bulbs add up. This heater costs less to run than most propane-powered units. One HomeDepot.com reviewer estimates the power cost at 19 cents per hour, while an Amazon.com contributor claims a propane heater can be as much as a dollar per hour. However, one hidden cost of the Fire Sense 02110 is replacing the bulbs. While owners say their bulbs lasted a year or longer, others report that they burned out in a few weeks or even after a few hours of use -- and replacement bulbs cost over $60. On the plus side, users who had problems during the one-year warranty period say they received very good customer service.