AEI Corporation

Outdoor patios have become some of the most valuable spaces for restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, breweries, wineries, resorts, and country clubs. Whether guests are enjoying dinner under the stars, residents are grilling with friends, or visitors are relaxing by the pool, comfortable outdoor spaces encourage people to stay longer and return more often.

That is why commercial patio heaters have become an essential investment instead of a seasonal luxury.

The right heating solution extends the outdoor dining season, increases the use of outdoor amenities, and creates a more enjoyable experience for customers, residents, and guests. Property owners also benefit by getting more value from patios, courtyards, rooftops, clubhouses, and pool decks throughout the year.

For decades, two heater brands have helped make that possible: Sunglo mushroom heaters and Sunpak horizontal heaters.

Both are manufactured by Infrared Dynamics, one of the industry's most respected names in commercial outdoor heating. AEI has proudly partnered with Infrared Dynamics for decades, supplying industry-leading mushroom heaters, horizontal heaters, infrared patio heaters, OEM replacement parts, and expert product support to customers across North America.

Although Sunglo heaters and Sunpak heaters are designed for different types of outdoor spaces, they share the same goal: providing dependable, commercial-grade infrared heat that performs reliably year after year.

Why Commercial Patio Heaters Matter

Outdoor amenities have become one of the biggest selling points for commercial properties.

Restaurants increase seating capacity by serving guests outside.

Hotels and resorts create inviting gathering spaces where visitors can relax before or after dinner.

Apartment and condominium communities attract prospective residents with pools, grilling stations, outdoor lounges, and clubhouses.

Breweries, wineries, bars, and country clubs all rely on attractive patio spaces to enhance the customer experience.

Without dependable heating, many of these outdoor areas sit empty once temperatures begin to fall.

Commercial infrared patio heaters allow businesses and multifamily communities to extend the outdoor season, encourage guests to stay longer, and maximize the return on their outdoor investments.

Why Property Owners Trust Sunglo and Sunpak

Choosing a commercial patio heater is about much more than heat output.

Property owners need equipment that performs reliably, requires minimal downtime, and continues operating year after year.

That is exactly why Sunglo and Sunpak have remained industry leaders for decades.

Both product lines are:

• Manufactured by Infrared Dynamics
• Handcrafted in the USA
• Built specifically for demanding commercial environments
• Designed for daily operation
• Supported with OEM replacement parts
• Backed by robust manufacturer warranties
• Trusted by restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, resorts, breweries, wineries, and many other commercial properties

AEI has worked alongside Infrared Dynamics for decades, helping property owners, architects, contractors, and facility managers choose the right heating solution for projects of every size.

What Makes a Commercial Patio Heater Different?

Not every patio heater is designed for commercial use.

Residential patio heaters may perform well for occasional backyard gatherings, but commercial properties demand much more.

A commercial patio heater is engineered to operate for long hours, often every day, while maintaining dependable performance in challenging outdoor environments.

Commercial-grade heaters typically feature:

• Heavy-duty burners
• Durable ignition systems
• Corrosion-resistant construction
• High-quality materials
• Enhanced safety systems
• Longer product life
• OEM replacement parts
• Strong manufacturer warranties

These features reduce maintenance, minimize downtime, and help lower the total cost of ownership over the life of the equipment.

Why Infrared Patio Heaters Are So Effective

Both Sunglo and Sunpak are infrared patio heaters.

Instead of heating the surrounding air, infrared heaters warm people and nearby surfaces directly. Think about standing in the sunshine on a cool afternoon. Even if the air feels chilly, the sun still feels warm.

Infrared heating works the same way.

Because the infrared heat is a harmless, invisible form of light that heats people directly rather than the surrounding air, it remains effective outdoors even when a light breeze is present.

This makes infrared heating one of the most efficient and comfortable solutions for commercial patios.

Sunglo Mushroom Heaters

For decades, Sunglo mushroom heaters have become a familiar sight at restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, resorts, wineries, breweries, and countless other commercial properties.

Their recognizable mushroom-shaped design is known throughout the hospitality industry.

More importantly, owners know they can depend on Sunglo heaters for years of reliable operation.

Each heater is handcrafted in the United States using premium materials chosen for long service life, corrosion resistance, and dependable commercial performance.

Comfortable 360-Degree Heat

One of the biggest advantages of mushroom heaters is how they distribute warmth. Sunglo heaters radiate infrared heat in a full 360-degree circle.

This makes them an excellent solution for open patios where guests gather around tables, lounge furniture, grilling stations, or pool areas.

Depending on the model, Sunglo heaters produce 40,000 to 50,000 BTUs per hour, comfortably warming areas measuring approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, with higher output models covering up to 12 feet by 12 feet.

Imagine an apartment community hosting a resident barbecue beside the pool on a cool autumn evening. A few strategically placed Sunglo heaters allow residents to comfortably gather, eat, and socialize long after sunset.

Restaurants often use the same approach, positioning mushroom heaters between outdoor dining tables to provide comfortable warmth from every direction.

Built for Commercial Durability

Daily commercial use requires dependable equipment.

Sunglo heaters are built with durability in mind.

Features include:

• Natural gas and propane models
• Corrosion and rust resistance
• Built-in safety shutoff mechanisms
• Multiple ignition and control options depending on model
• Commercial-grade construction
• Robust manufacturer warranty
• OEM replacement parts available through AEI
• Proudly made in the USA

This combination of durability and serviceability helps owners protect their investment for many years.

Sunpak Horizontal Heaters

Many outdoor spaces require a different heating approach.

Covered patios, pergolas, rooftop lounges, restaurant canopies, and outdoor bars often benefit from horizontal heaters mounted overhead.

That is exactly where Sunpak’s heaters excel.

For more than 65 years, Sunpak has produced commercial overhead patio heaters trusted throughout the hospitality industry.

Rather than placing heaters on the ground, Sunpak units mount overhead and direct infrared heat toward the seating area below.

This allows designers to preserve valuable floor space while delivering comfortable warmth exactly where guests need it.

Directional Infrared Heating

Sunpak heaters produce between 25,000 and 34,000 BTUs per hour.

Several heaters feature two-stage operation, allowing you to choose either 25,000 or 34,000 BTUs depending on your needs.

Need a little less heat during mild evenings? Operators can select the lower 25,000 BTU setting. When temperatures fall, switching to the full 34,000 BTUs provides additional comfort without changing equipment.

Coverage ranges from approximately 10 feet by 10 feet up to 12 feet by 12 feet, depending on installation height and model selection.

A winery with a covered tasting patio is a perfect example. By mounting Sunpak heaters overhead, guests remain comfortably warm while every square foot of floor space remains available for tables and seating.

Commercial Features

Every Sunpak heater is designed for demanding commercial environments.

Available features include:

• Natural gas and propane models
• Black aluminized steel or stainless steel construction
• Direct spark ignition
• Automatic re-light system
• Flame sensor safety system
• ON/OFF wall switches
• LOW/HIGH/OFF controls
• Wireless remote control options
• OEM replacement parts available through AEI
• Commercial warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

These features help reduce maintenance while providing dependable operation season after season.

Planning Your Patio Heating Layout

Every outdoor space is unique.

Choosing the right heater depends on much more than BTU output.

When planning a commercial patio, consider:

• Is the patio open or covered?
• How much wind does the area receive?
• How high can heaters be mounted?
• Where are the seating areas located?
• Is natural gas already available?
• Will propane offer greater installation flexibility?
• How many heaters are needed to provide consistent comfort?

For example, a restaurant may install overhead Sunpak heaters beneath covered dining areas while placing Sunglo mushroom heaters in adjacent open waiting areas.

Apartment communities frequently install mushroom heaters around pools and grilling stations while selecting horizontal heaters for covered clubhouse patios.

The goal is not choosing only mushroom or horizontal heaters. It is choosing the right heating solution for each outdoor environment.

AEI works with architects, developers, contractors, and property owners to help answer these questions early in the planning process, ensuring each project receives the most effective heating solution.

Built for Long-Term Ownership

Commercial patio heaters should provide dependable performance for many years.

While simple seasonal inspections can help extend equipment life.

Owners should:

• Inspect burners for debris.
• Clean reflectors and heater surfaces.
• Verify gas connections remain secure.
• Test ignition systems.
• Replace worn components with OEM replacement parts.

Using genuine OEM replacement parts helps ensure proper fit, reliable operation, and continued safety. Unlike aftermarket components, OEM parts are designed specifically for Sunglo and Sunpak heaters, helping maintain the performance and longevity owners expect.

Because AEI stocks OEM replacement parts, maintaining existing heaters is straightforward and often far more cost-effective than replacing an entire unit.

Common Commercial Applications

Sunglo and Sunpak heaters can be found at:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Resorts
• Apartment communities
• Condominiums
• Breweries
• Wineries
• Rooftop lounges
• Country clubs
• Outdoor event venues
• Clubhouses
• Senior living communities

Every property has different heating needs, but all share the same goal of creating comfortable outdoor spaces that people want to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a commercial patio heater?

A commercial patio heater is designed for frequent daily use in demanding outdoor environments. Compared to residential models, commercial heaters typically feature heavier-duty construction, improved safety systems, longer service life, and readily available OEM replacement parts.

How do infrared patio heaters work?

Infrared patio heaters warm people and nearby surfaces directly instead of heating the surrounding air. This makes them highly effective for outdoor applications.

What is the difference between mushroom heaters and overhead patio heaters?

Mushroom heaters radiate heat in a 360-degree pattern around the heater, while horizontal patio heaters direct heat toward specific seating areas from above.

How high should a patio heater be mounted?

The recommended mounting height depends on the heater model and manufacturer guidelines. Proper mounting height helps maximize heat coverage and safety.

How many patio heaters do I need?

The number of heaters depends on the size of the patio, seating layout, wind exposure, and desired comfort level. AEI can help determine the appropriate layout for your project.

Are infrared patio heaters energy efficient?

Yes. Because infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly, they use energy more efficiently than many outdoor heating methods.

Can commercial patio heaters be used year-round?

Yes. Many restaurants, hotels, apartment communities, and resorts operate their commercial patio heaters throughout the year whenever outdoor temperatures require supplemental heat.

Are OEM replacement parts available?

Yes. AEI offers OEM replacement parts for both Sunglo and Sunpak heaters, helping owners maintain their equipment for years of dependable service.

Are Sunglo and Sunpak heaters made in the USA?

Yes. Both product lines are proudly made in the United States.

Do commercial patio heaters require electricity?

Some models require electrical connections for ignition or controls, battery-powered ignition systems, while some are manually lit. Requirements vary by model.

Create Comfortable Outdoor Spaces That Guests Will Enjoy

Every commercial property is different, and so is every patio.

Some projects benefit from the broad, 360-degree warmth of Sunglo mushroom heaters. Others are better served by the clean appearance and directional heating of Sunpak horizontal heaters. Many successful projects incorporate both, matching each heater to the space where it performs best.

Whether you're designing a new restaurant patio, upgrading an apartment amenity area, enhancing a resort pool deck, or renovating a winery tasting patio, AEI can help you select the ideal commercial heating solution. Our team has decades of experience helping architects, developers, contractors, and property owners choose the right products, mounting options, and OEM replacement parts for long-term success.

Contact AEI today to discuss your project and discover how Sunglo and Sunpak commercial patio heaters can help keep your outdoor spaces warm, comfortable, and welcoming throughout more of the year.

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