The best outdoor heater in NZ overall is the Devanti 3000W Infrared Strip Heater, which pushes out up to 3000W of instant carbon-fibre warmth and carries a weatherproof IP65 rating that suits large covered decks and pergolas. For most Kiwi patios, though, the right heater comes down to the size of the space and how it mounts.
This guide compares six electric infrared outdoor heaters sold in New Zealand, from powerful ceiling-mounted strips to a pocket-sized personal warmer, so shoppers can match heat output to their outdoor area. Every pick uses carbon-fibre or radiant infrared technology, which warms people and objects directly rather than heating the air, so the warmth is not blown away by a breeze.
Infrared is also cheap to run. A 2000W model costs roughly 60 to 80 cents an hour at average NZ power prices, about a sixth of the cost of a gas mushroom heater. Testers weighed heat output, mounting options, weather rating, controls and real owner feedback to rank these picks. Those after warmth indoors instead should read our guide to the best indoor electric heaters.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Max power | Mounting | IP | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Devanti 3000W Infrared Strip Heater | Large covered decks | 3000W | Wall or ceiling | IP65 | Remote |
| 2. Maxkon 2000W Carbon Fibre Infrared Heater | Best value all-rounder | 2000W | Wall or ceiling | IP65* | Remote + 24h timer |
| 3. Devanti 1500W Infrared Radiant Strip Heater | Small patios and caravans | 1500W | Wall | IP34 | Remote + 24h timer |
| 4. Maxkon 2000W Infrared Tower Heater | 360-degree group heating | 2000W | Freestanding | IP44 | Manual |
| 5. Maxkon 2000W Freestanding Infrared Heater | Portable, move anywhere | 2000W | Freestanding | IP44 | Remote + 24h timer |
| 6. Maxkon 800W Personal Infrared Heater | Personal under-desk warmth | 800W | Freestanding | IP44 | Manual |
1. Devanti 3000W Infrared Strip Heater – Best for Large Covered Areas
The Devanti 3000W Infrared Strip Heater is the pick for anyone heating a big covered deck or high-ceilinged pergola, because it delivers the most raw output on this list. The slim 95 x 8 x 11 cm silver bar sits almost unnoticed once mounted, and its aluminium reflector is built to send up to 95% of the energy it draws straight out as radiant heat.
It mounts on either a wall or a ceiling using adjustable swivel brackets, so it angles down over a seating area, and the included remote handles the three power steps (1000W, 2000W and 3000W). There are no moving parts, so it runs silently and needs almost no upkeep. The catch owners flag most often is electrical: this model ships with a 15A plug and needs a matching 15A socket, which can mean paying an electrician if the deck only has a standard outlet. The IP65 rating is the highest here, so it copes with exposed, damp positions better than the cheaper strips. As with all radiant heaters, the warmth is felt in the line of the beam and the orange glow can look bright in an enclosed indoor room.
Pros
- Highest output on the list at up to 3000W
- Top-tier IP65 weatherproof rating for exposed spots
- Wall or ceiling mount with a remote included
- Silent and virtually maintenance-free
Cons
- Needs a dedicated 15A socket, so an electrician may be required
- No timer function is listed
- Bright glow is less pleasant inside a small enclosed room
Key specs: 3000W max (1000/2000/3000W), 220-240V, 15A plug, 95 x 8 x 11 cm, aluminium reflector, IP65, wall or ceiling mount, remote, 1-year warranty. Model RHP-TWR-3000-AL.
2. Maxkon Carbon Fibre Infrared Heater – Best Value All-Rounder
The Maxkon 2000W Carbon Fibre Infrared Heater is the most flexible everyday choice, pairing a decent 2000W output with the widest set of controls here. The 85 x 13 x 8 cm bar weighs only about 3.2 kg and combines an aluminium housing with a 304 stainless-steel mesh face, which feels a step above the plain plastic-ended budget strips.
Its carbon-fibre heating tube is rated for around 10,000 hours and reflects close to 98% of its energy forward, reaching full heat in 5 to 10 seconds. The remote runs two power levels (1000W and 2000W) plus nine fine heat steps and a 1 to 24 hour timer, which is genuinely useful for an evening outdoors. Maxkon quotes coverage of roughly 20 square metres indoors and 32 outdoors. Owners on Amazon AU give it about 4 out of 5 and call it easily movable and warm even on the lowest setting, but the recurring gripe is mounting: one buyer could not fit it to their only usable wall and found a compatible stand hard to source, since the tripod is sold separately. The weather rating is quoted inconsistently too, with the manufacturer spec sheet saying IP65 while some listings say IP55, so treat exposed installs with caution.
Pros
- Nine heat levels plus a 1 to 24 hour timer
- Instant heat in 5 to 10 seconds
- Around 4 out of 5 from Amazon AU owners
- Aluminium and stainless-steel build with a long-life carbon tube
Cons
- Wall mounting can be awkward and a tripod stand costs extra
- IP rating is quoted inconsistently (IP55 versus IP65)
- Heat is directional, so it warms what is in front of it
Key specs: 2000W (1000/2000W, 9 levels), 5-10s heat-up, ~20 sqm indoor / 32 sqm outdoor, 85 x 13 x 8 cm, 3.2 kg, aluminium + 304 stainless mesh, IP65 per spec sheet, wall/ceiling bracket, remote + 24h timer. EESS E2026006427.
3. Devanti Infrared Radiant Strip Heater – Best for Small Patios and Caravans
The Devanti 1500W Infrared Radiant Strip Heater is the one to buy for tight spaces, such as a small deck, a sleepout or even a caravan, where its compact 66 x 9.5 x 20 cm frame and roughly 3 kg weight are easy to mount out of the way. It comes in a black-and-silver finish with an LED control panel on the unit itself.
Behind the aluminium reflector sit carbon-fibre elements, and the maker claims 99% of the energy becomes usable heat. Three settings (500W, 1000W and 1500W) are handled by the LED panel or the included remote, with a 24-hour timer, an adjustable auto-off and a safety cut-out switch. One owner fitted it inside a caravan and said it works perfectly, while another called it the perfect size for a lounge and praised how simple the controls are. The trade-offs are real, though: at IP34 it carries the lowest weather rating in this guide, so it needs a well-covered position away from rain; the bright glow draws the usual indoor complaints; and at least one owner reported the remote failing after a couple of years with little support on offer. At 1500W it is best kept to small, sheltered zones rather than an open patio.
Pros
- Compact and light for small decks, sleepouts and caravans
- Three heat settings with a remote and 24-hour timer
- Safety cut-out switch and adjustable auto-off
Cons
- IP34 is the lowest rating here, so it needs a well-covered spot
- Bright glow can be harsh in an enclosed room
- Some owner reports of the remote failing over time
Key specs: 1500W (500/1000/1500W), 220-240V, 66 x 9.5 x 20 cm, ~3 kg, aluminium reflector + carbon fibre elements, black/silver, LED panel + remote, 24h timer, IP34, wall mount, 1-year warranty. Model RHP-1500R-SI.
4. Maxkon Infrared Tower Heater – Best for 360-Degree Group Heating
The Maxkon 2000W Infrared Tower Heater is the pick when people are seated all around, because its pyramid-topped tower throws heat in every direction rather than one beam. It stands 80 x 20 x 20 cm, weighs about 5.6 kg and has a built-in carry handle, so it moves from the deck to the garage without any mounting.
Inside is a carbon-fibre lamp that reaches full heat in 5 to 10 seconds and spreads warmth omnidirectionally out to an effective radius of about 1.8 metres. The aluminium body is IP44 rated for splashes, and safety is covered by tip-over and overheating protection that cuts power if the unit is tilted past roughly 45 degrees. Maxkon claims a 40 to 60% electricity saving against a fan heater. The honest limits: unlike the strip and freestanding Maxkon models, this tower has no remote and no timer, so every adjustment is manual. One reviewer noted you have to sit fairly close to feel real warmth and that it draws plenty of power, which is the nature of a 1.8 metre radius radiant tower rather than a whole-room heater.
Pros
- 360-degree heat suits seating on all sides
- Freestanding with a carry handle, no mounting needed
- Tip-over and overheating protection built in
Cons
- No remote and no timer
- Effective radius is only about 1.8 metres, so people sit close
- Noticeable power draw for the warmth delivered
Key specs: 2000W, 220-240V, carbon fibre lamp, 360-degree, 1.8 m radius, 5-10s heat-up, 80 x 20 x 20 cm, ~5.6 kg, aluminium, IP44, tip-over + overheat protection, freestanding. Model ZEW-BD-VOLCANO2000.
5. Maxkon Freestanding Infrared Heater – Best Freestanding Portable
The Maxkon 2000W Freestanding Infrared Heater suits shoppers who want to carry warmth wherever they need it without drilling into a wall. It is a floor-standing unit with a handle, described by the maker as easy to move to every corner of the home, and one five-star owner called it easily movable and very warm even on the lowest setting.
The carbon-fibre lamp is rated for around 10,000 hours and hits full heat in 5 to 10 seconds, throwing warmth across a 120-degree spread out to roughly 1.8 metres. Controls are the strongest part: a remote works from about 10 metres and there is a 0 to 24 hour timer, plus two heat modes at 1000W and 2000W. Tip-over and overheating protection are included and it runs silently. Two honest caveats: Maxkon does not publish exact dimensions or a weight for this model, so buyers cannot check the footprint in advance, and its 120-degree beam heats one direction rather than the full circle of the tower. The IP44 rating means it should sit under cover in heavy rain.
Pros
- Genuinely portable with a remote and 24-hour timer
- Instant heat and warm even on the low setting, per owners
- Tip-over and overheating protection
Cons
- Maker does not publish dimensions or weight
- 120-degree beam heats one direction, not all around
- IP44 means keeping it under cover in heavy rain
Key specs: 2000W (1000/2000W), carbon fibre lamp ~10,000 h, 1.8 m radius at 120 degrees, 5-10s heat-up, remote (~10 m) + 0-24h timer, IP44, tip-over + overheat protection, freestanding, 1-year warranty.
6. Maxkon Personal Infrared Heater – Best Personal Under-Desk Heater
The Maxkon 800W Personal Infrared Heater is the smallest pick here and the one to grab for warming a single person rather than a whole patio. It is a lantern-shaped portable in a matte-black finish, small enough to tuck under a desk or table at a home office or beside an outdoor chair.
Its carbon-fibre elements deliver near-instant, sun-like warmth within about three seconds and spread it in a 360-degree pattern to cut out cold spots at close range. Safety is handled by a 360-degree tip-over switch that shuts the unit off if it is knocked over, and the cool-touch steel housing lowers the burn risk around pets and children. The IP44 rating allows sheltered outdoor use. The honest picture: at 800W it is a personal spot heater, not something that will warm an open deck, and the retailer listing carries no customer reviews yet, with several specs drawn from the closely matched 1000W sibling rather than published for this exact unit. There is no confirmed remote or timer, so expect manual control.
Pros
- Smallest and most portable option here
- Near-instant three-second warmth
- 360-degree tip-over safety switch and cool-touch housing
Cons
- 800W warms one person, not an open patio
- No verified owner reviews yet
- Limited published specs and no confirmed remote or timer
Key specs: 800W, carbon fibre elements, ~3s heat-up, 360-degree, lantern shape, matte black, IP44, 360-degree tip-over safety switch, cool-touch steel (several specs per the 1000W sibling model).
How to choose an outdoor heater in NZ
Start with the space. A small covered deck, sleepout or caravan is well served by a 1500W strip, while a large pergola or an open entertaining area wants 2000W to 3000W. Radiant infrared heats people and objects in its beam, so aim it at where people actually sit rather than trying to warm the whole yard.
Mounting matters next. Wall or ceiling strips keep floor space clear and angle heat down over a table, but they need a solid fixing point and, for the 3000W model, a 15A socket. Freestanding towers and portables move with the party and need no drilling, which is handy for renters. If the goal is simply extra warmth on cold nights indoors, a good electric blanket is a cheaper companion to a patio heater.
Check the IP rating against how exposed the spot is. IP24 is the practical minimum for outdoors; IP44 suits a patio with an overhang or pergola; and IP65 is best for fully exposed, rain-prone positions. Running cost is a strong point for electric infrared: at around 60 to 80 cents an hour for a 2000W unit, it is far cheaper than a gas mushroom heater, and New Zealand’s largely renewable grid keeps the carbon footprint low. Finally, weigh the controls and safety features, such as a remote, a timer, tip-over cut-off and overheating protection. Heaters pair naturally with other outdoor kit, so an outdoor pizza oven can round out an entertaining area, and for the warmer months portable air conditioners cover the other end of the temperature range.
The verdict
For sheer output on a large covered deck, the Devanti 3000W Infrared Strip Heater leads, provided the space has or can get a 15A socket. The Maxkon 2000W Carbon Fibre Infrared Heater is the smartest all-rounder thanks to its nine heat levels, 24-hour timer and strong owner rating, while the Devanti 1500W is the value pick for small, sheltered spaces. Choose the Maxkon tower for 360-degree gatherings, the freestanding Maxkon for portability, and the 800W personal heater when only one person needs warming.
FAQs
What is the best outdoor heater in NZ?
For most Kiwi patios, an electric carbon-fibre or radiant infrared heater is the best choice because it heats people directly, resists wind and runs cheaply. The right output depends on the space: 1500W for small covered decks and up to 3000W for large pergolas or open entertaining areas.
Are electric infrared patio heaters cheap to run in NZ?
Yes. A 2000W infrared heater costs roughly 60 to 80 cents an hour at average New Zealand power prices of about 35 cents per kWh. That is around a sixth of the running cost of a gas mushroom heater, and most of the electricity here comes from renewable sources.
Are electric outdoor heaters better than gas?
For covered or semi-enclosed NZ patios, electric infrared usually wins: it produces no fumes or carbon monoxide, is safe in sheltered spaces, resists wind and costs far less per hour. Gas suits large, open, well-ventilated areas where higher output and no power cabling matter more.
Do infrared heaters work outside in the wind?
Yes, better than most heaters. Infrared warms people and surfaces directly rather than heating the air, so a breeze cannot simply carry the warmth away. That makes carbon-fibre and radiant infrared heaters a strong fit for New Zealand’s often-breezy decks and coastal patios.
What IP rating does an outdoor heater need?
Aim for at least IP24 for outdoor use. IP44 suits a patio with an overhang or pergola and handles splashes, while IP65 is best for fully exposed, rain-prone positions. Lower ratings such as IP34 mean the heater needs a well-covered spot away from direct rain.
Is it safe to leave a patio heater on unattended?
It is not recommended to leave any patio heater running unattended, especially overnight. Choose a model with tip-over and overheating protection and an auto-off timer, keep it clear of anything flammable, and switch it off before leaving the area or going to sleep.
What size outdoor heater do I need?
Match wattage to the area. Around 1500W handles a small covered deck, sleepout or caravan; 2000W suits a typical patio; and 3000W is better for a large or high-ceilinged pergola. Radiant heat is directional, so position the heater over where people actually sit.
