Sunstar Patio Heaters: The Best Infrared Heating Solution for Outdoor Spaces
For businesses in the hospitality industry and multi-family property owners, outdoor spaces are a valuable asset. Restaurants, bars, and clubs can serve more customers by expanding their seating areas outdoors, while apartment complexes and condos can improve resident satisfaction with well-equipped outdoor amenities. However, when temperatures drop, these spaces often become unusable—unless they’re properly heated.
That’s where Sunstar patio heaters come in. These powerful infrared heaters provide reliable, efficient warmth, allowing you to keep your patios open year-round. Whether you manage an upscale restaurant, a lively bar, or a multi-family community with outdoor gathering spaces, Sunstar heaters ensure your guests and residents stay comfortable in cooler weather.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Sunstar’s horizontal patio heaters, including their fuel options, build materials, mounting kits, BTU output, heat shields, and control systems.
What Are Horizontal Patio Heaters?
Horizontal patio heaters are rectangular, box-shaped infrared heaters designed for overhead installation. Horizontal heaters are mounted to patio structures, ceilings, or walls, freeing up valuable floor space.
Sunstar’s heaters work by emitting infrared heat, which warms people and objects directly rather than heating the surrounding air. This method is more efficient than traditional heating, as it doesn’t waste energy on heating the wind or open spaces.
Why Choose Horizontal Infrared Heaters?
- Space-Saving Design – Mounted overhead, keeping pathways clear
- Even Targeted Heating – Directs warmth where it’s needed
- Wind-Resistant – Unlike forced-air heaters, infrared heat isn’t affected by breezes
- Energy-Efficient – Uses less fuel compared to traditional gas heaters
SunStar Patio Heaters: Features & Options
All SunStar heaters are two-stage infrared heaters, meaning they can operate at low or high heat settings. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of SunStar heaters with different: fuel types, materials, mounting kits, and BTU outputs.
Fuel Options: Natural Gas vs. Propane Heaters
Sunstar offers both natural gas and propane versions of their heaters, so you can choose the best fuel type for your location.
Natural Gas Heaters
- Connected directly to your property’s gas line
- No fuel tank to replace or refill
- Ideal for businesses and properties with a natural gas hookup
Propane Heaters
- Uses a propane fuel tank, which must be replaced periodically
- Great for locations without natural gas access
- More flexible installation options since they don’t need a gas line
No matter which fuel option you choose, Sunstar’s heaters provide the same powerful and efficient heat output.
Weather-Resistant Design: Built to Last
Sunstar heaters are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoor use. They are built with high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure durability and long-term performance.
SunStar Heater Materials Options
- Zinc-Plated Hi-Temp Black Aluminized Steel
- Strong and highly durable
- Painted with black hi-temp silicone powder coating for extra protection
- Suitable for most outdoor environments
- Marine-Grade 316 Stainless Steel
- Superior corrosion resistance, especially useful in coastal areas
- Designed for locations with saltwater exposure
- Ideal for beachfront restaurants, hotels, and seaside apartments
Both material options are built to withstand exposure to rain, wind, and humidity, making them a low-maintenance heating solution.
Additional Weather Protection Features For All SunStar Heaters
- Tinted High-Temperature Glass Faceplate – Reduces glare without reducing heat output while protecting the ceramic heating element
- Internal Reflectors – Enhance heat efficiency and direct warmth downward toward seating areas
Patio Heater Mounting Options: Flexible Installation Choices
Sunstar heaters are designed for use with one of two installation methods, fixed or angled. Depending on the layout of your outdoor space, one mounting kit might work better than the other.
Mounting Kits Available
- Fixed Mounting Kit – For flat installations (0-degree), best for ceilings
- Adjustable Mounting Kit – For angled installations (15-60 degrees), ideal for ceilings or wall-mounted setups
Common Installation Locations
- Ceiling-Mounted – Suspended from permanent outdoor structures, such as pergolas, gazebos, or covered patios
- Wall-Mounted – Installed high on walls or under eaves, angled downward to direct heat toward guests
- Overhead Beam Installation – Great for large patios, poolside areas, or outdoor waiting zones
Since these heaters are installed off the ground, they maximize available space while providing even warmth.
BTU Output: Choosing the Right Heat Level
Sunstar offers two different BTU ranges for their patio heaters, allowing you to choose the right level of heat for your space.
BTU Options
- 24,000 & 35,000 BTU – Ideal for smaller patios and seating areas
- 34,000 & 50,000 BTU – Best for larger outdoor spaces or colder climates
Larger spaces and colder environments benefit from higher BTU output, while smaller patios may only need lower BTU settings.
Heat Shields: Increased Safety & Installation Flexibility
One of the standout features of Sunstar heaters is their optional heat shield, which allows for closer installation to combustible materials.
Why Use a Heat Shield?
- Reduces the required minimum clearance from combustible materials
- Allows heaters to be safely installed in tighter spaces
- Adds an extra layer of safety for wood, vinyl, or other flammable structures
In many cases, installing a heat shield isn’t necessary, but it’s a great option for locations where clearance requirements are a concern.
Control Systems: Easy and Convenient Operation
All Sunstar patio heaters come with a simple and user-friendly control system, making them easy to operate.
Standard Control Switches
- Three-Position Switch – OFF / LOW / HIGH
- Allows users to adjust the heat output based on the temperature and comfort level
Wireless Remote (Select Models)
Some Sunstar heaters come with a wireless remote control, adding an extra level of convenience. This allows users to adjust heat settings from a distance without manually operating the heater.
For businesses and property managers, this means less hassle when controlling outdoor heating across multiple areas.
Why Choose Sunstar Patio Heaters?
With so many patio heater options available, why should you choose Sunstar?
- Efficient Infrared Heating – Directly warms people and objects, not the air
- Natural Gas & Propane Options – Choose the best fuel type for your property
- Durable, Weather-Resistant Build – Designed to last in outdoor environments
- Multiple BTU Sizes – Perfect for both small and large spaces
- Flexible Mounting Options – Ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted installation
- Optional Heat Shields – Safer installation near combustible materials
- Easy-to-Use Controls – Simple switch operation with wireless remote on select models
Keep Your Outdoor Space Warm with Sunstar
If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable, and efficient way to heat your outdoor patio, Sunstar’s infrared patio heaters are the perfect solution. Whether you manage a restaurant, bar, hotel, or multi-family property, these heaters allow you to extend your outdoor season, improve customer comfort, and create an inviting atmosphere year-round.
By choosing Sunstar patio heaters, you’re investing in durability, efficiency, and long-term comfort for your outdoor spaces.
Explore Sunstar’s patio heaters today and transform your outdoor space into a warm, welcoming environment!
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