AEI Corporation

Outdoor patio spaces have become one of the most valuable assets for restaurants and hospitality businesses. Whether it is a sidewalk café, a rooftop lounge, or a covered patio behind a restaurant, these spaces help businesses serve more guests and create memorable experiences. The challenge, of course, is the weather. When temperatures drop, patio seating quickly becomes unused space unless the right heating solution is in place.

This is where Sunpak patio heaters stand out. For more than six decades, AEI has supplied Sunpak patio heaters to businesses across North America. Since partnering with Infrared Dynamics in 1961, AEI has helped restaurants, bars, hotels, and other businesses keep their patios warm and comfortable using reliable overhead patio heaters designed for daily commercial use.

By using commercial patio heaters like Sunpak horizontal heaters, businesses can extend patio hours, increase the number of days per year their outdoor seating is usable, and improve the return on their existing outdoor space.

Why Patio Heaters Matter for Businesses

Outdoor seating is no longer a seasonal bonus. For many restaurants and bars, patio seating is a core part of their business model. More tables mean more guests served, higher daily revenue, and better use of available space without major building expansions.

The problem is simple. When guests feel cold, they will avoid sitting outside or cut their visit short. Even a mild chill in the morning or evening can reduce patio use. Without restaurant patio heaters, a business may only be able to use its outdoor space during the warmest hours of the day or during a few months of the year.

Overhead patio heaters solve this problem by extending the usable hours and seasons of outdoor dining and gathering spaces. With properly installed patio heaters, patio tables can be used in the morning for breakfast, throughout the day on cooler days, and well into the evening for dinner and drinks.

Sunpak Heaters and Their Long History

Sunpak patio heaters have a long track record in commercial environments. For more than 60 years, businesses have relied on Sunpak heaters to perform day after day in demanding outdoor settings. AEI’s long-standing partnership with Infrared Dynamics has made Sunpak one of the most trusted names in horizontal heaters for hospitality use.

This history matters. Restaurants and businesses need commercial patio heaters that are proven, reliable, and built for daily use. Sunpak heaters are designed specifically for business patios, not occasional residential use.

Sunpak Heaters for Restaurant Patios

Restaurants are one of the most common users of Sunpak patio heaters. Outdoor dining has become a major draw for guests who enjoy fresh air and a relaxed atmosphere, as long as they are warm and comfortable.

Sunpak patio heaters allow restaurant patios to stay open and inviting throughout the day. Morning guests enjoying coffee stay warm during cool starts, lunch service remains comfortable on chilly days, and evening diners can relax outdoors long after the sun goes down.

Many restaurants also replace older mushroom heaters with overhead patio heaters. Replacing floor standing mushroom heaters with horizontal heaters frees up floor space, improves traffic flow for servers, and creates a cleaner, more modern patio layout.

Return on Investment for Patio Heaters

Installing commercial patio heaters is not just about comfort. It is a smart business decision. Sunpak patio heaters help restaurants and hospitality businesses turn unused or underused outdoor space into consistent revenue.

By keeping patio seating comfortable, businesses can serve more guests throughout the day and across more months of the year. More usable tables often lead to increased daily sales without the cost of expanding indoor dining areas.

Warm and comfortable guests are also more likely to stay longer, order additional food or drinks, and return for future visits. Over time, this increased use of patio space can deliver a strong return on investment from overhead patio heaters.

Making the Most of Limited Space

One of the biggest advantages of Sunpak heaters is their overhead design. These horizontal heaters are mounted above the patio, either from ceilings, rafters, or walls and eaves angled downward. Because they are mounted overhead, they do not take up valuable floor space.

For restaurants and bars where every square foot matters, overhead patio heaters allow for more flexible seating layouts. Removing floor-mounted heaters makes patios feel more open and easier to navigate for both guests and staff.

Expanding Use Beyond Restaurants

Sunpak patio heaters are used by many types of hospitality businesses beyond restaurants. Bars, breweries, comedy clubs, and nightclubs use overhead patio heaters to keep guests comfortable and encourage longer visits.

Hotels and resorts install patio heaters around pools, outdoor lounges, and dining areas to enhance guest experiences. Shopping centers and mixed-use developments also benefit from commercial patio heaters that encourage guests to spend more time outdoors.

Valet Areas and Guest Comfort

Patio heaters are not limited to dining areas. Many restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping malls install Sunpak heaters in valet waiting areas. Keeping guests warm while they wait for their vehicles leaves a positive final impression and adds to the overall experience.

Sunpak Heaters in Multifamily Settings

Apartments and condominiums also benefit from Sunpak patio heaters. Installing overhead patio heaters in communal spaces such as pools, spas, rooftops, and grill areas helps residents enjoy amenities for more hours and more seasons of the year.

For property owners, this can lead to higher resident satisfaction and improved tenant retention.

How Sunpak Patio Heaters Work

All Sunpak patio heaters are horizontal heaters designed for overhead installation. They use a high-efficiency ceramic infrared burner system that produces consistent infrared heat.

Infrared heat warms people directly rather than heating the surrounding air. This makes Sunpak heaters effective outdoor heaters even in breezy conditions, which is common on patios.

Natural Gas and Propane Heater Options

Sunpak patio heaters are available as natural gas heaters or propane heaters. Natural gas patio heaters are often preferred for permanent installations, while propane heaters are a practical option for properties without gas infrastructure.

Both options deliver the same reliable heating performance and are suitable for commercial use.

Built for Outdoor Use

Sunpak heaters are designed specifically for outdoor environments. They feature durable steel construction and are available in black aluminized steel or stainless steel, both of which resist corrosion and rust.

This durability makes Sunpak patio heaters a dependable choice for daily use in a wide range of climates.

Heating Output and Controls

Sunpak patio heaters deliver either 25,000 BTUs, 34,000 BTUs, or both levels for our Two-stage patio heaters. Two-stage heaters offer both outputs in one unit and are controlled with simple HIGH, LOW, and OFF switches.

This allows businesses to adjust heat levels based on weather conditions and guest comfort.

Installation and Safety

Sunpak patio heaters must be installed by a licensed contractor following all clearance and safety guidelines listed in the owner’s manual. Proper installation ensures safe operation and effective heat coverage.

Upgrading Older Patio Heaters

Many businesses upgrade older patio heaters to Sunpak overhead patio heaters. Replacing outdated equipment often improves heat direction, reduces ongoing maintenance, and creates a cleaner patio appearance.

Overhead patio heaters also eliminate clutter on the ground, helping patios look more modern while improving safety and comfort for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sunpak patio heaters safe for restaurant patios?

Yes. When installed by a licensed professional and used according to manufacturer guidelines, Sunpak patio heaters are safe for commercial patio spaces.

Do Sunpak heaters work in windy areas?

Yes. Because Sunpak heaters use infrared heat, they warm people directly and are less affected by wind compared to traditional heaters.

Should I choose natural gas or propane patio heaters?

Natural gas heaters are ideal for permanent installations with gas access. Propane heaters are a reliable option for properties without natural gas service.

Final Thoughts

For more than 65 years, Sunpak patio heaters have helped restaurants and hospitality businesses keep their outdoor spaces warm, comfortable, and profitable. With durable construction, efficient infrared heating, and flexible fuel options, Sunpak remains a trusted choice for commercial patio heating supplied by AEI.

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