Bromic Smart-Heat Tungsten Electric Patio Heater review

The Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater is available in four different models, ranging from 2000W to 6000W. It's a wall-mounted tungsten heater that combines stylish contemporary design with a powerful, reliable heat output. In this review, we'll give you the pros, cons, and everything in between to see if this outdoor addition is worthy of a place among the best patio heaters (opens in new tab). 

Towards the higher end of the market in terms of both cost and performance, the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater uses state-of-the-art infrared radiant elements to provide efficient directional heating.

The most powerful 6000W model produces the equivalent of 20,460 BTU of heat – each BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. For comparison, this is roughly half the output of the average freestanding propane patio heater. For a more powerful option, have a read of our AmazonBasics Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater review (opens in new tab).

Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater review: Price

The price of the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater varies depending on the power output you choose, but even the cheapest model is still a significant outlay. The 2000W model costs $543, and the price rises incrementally from there – $647 for a 3000W model, $673 for 4000W, and $787 for the top-of-the-range 6000W model.

Our advice: if you're planning to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end wall-mounted electric patio heater, it's worth investing in a model that will heat your entire patio space if you can.

According to Bromic, the 2000W model can heat an area of up to 64 square feet. While this is substantially more effective than a cheap option such as the Sundate Wall-Mounted Patio Heater (opens in new tab), is unlikely to justify the cost if the reach isn't sufficient. The price of buying multiple units would be prohibitive for most: it's cheaper to upgrade to a more powerful model.

The Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater's coverage rises to 100 square feet for 3000W, 120 square feet for 4000W, and 144 square feet for 6000W. Comparing the increasing heat output with the relative increase in price, if you have a large patio we would recommend the 4000W model as the best output for your money – for $130 more, you get almost twice the coverage.

Bromic Smart-Heat Tungsten Electric Patio Heater review: Features

With a blend of stylish design and robust precision engineering, the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater uses frosted infrared tube elements to provide a soft red glow. The elements are covered by a lifetime warranty.

For maximum efficiency, the electric heater uses a 'parabolic specular reflector' to direct infrared energy accurately, minimizing light emission, heat loss, and glare. 

Constructed from stainless steel, the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater features a high-performance mesh screen to spread the heat effectively and evenly. Its black ceramic corrosion-resistant coating protects the finish of the unit at high operating temperatures.

The Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater is supplied with brackets to mount it on either the wall or the ceiling. The angle can be adjusted by up to 30 degrees in each direction. Bear in mind the minimum clearances before installing the unit: it must be at least 12 inches from the ceiling, and 96 inches (8 feet) from the floor.

For maximum control, each element can be wired to a simple on/off switch or dimmer, and is compatible with timers and smart control systems (sold separately).

Bromic Smart-Heat Tungsten Electric Patio Heater review: User reviews

Wayfair customers give the 4000W Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater 5 out of 5 stars, although this is only based on five relatively brief reviews. They praise its design as well as its efficiency, and don't highlight any negative points.

Amazon customers are much more critical, giving the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater 3.4 out of 5 stars, from 22 reviews. It should be noted that these reviews relate to all four models, not the 4000W unit specifically.

Amazon reviews praise the speed with which the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater warms up, and emphasize the heater's reliability. You need to sit within the direct line of the heater to feel the benefits, so it's important to adjust the positioning to maximize its effectiveness. 

While the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater is ideal for cooler fall nights, users point out that it will struggle to keep you warm in freezing Winter weather, or strong windy conditions. Make sure it's properly installed as each element requires a 240V supply to work correctly.

Another user applauds the quality of the heater itself, but criticizes the high prices charged by Bromic for compatible timer switches and control systems, so do your research if this is an important additional feature for you.

Should you buy the Bromic Smart-Heat patio heater?

It's clear from the price tag that the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater is a premium option. But it's an excellent choice if you can afford it, and want decent heating power without the environmental impact of a propane heater.

There are many cheaper options for wall-mounted electric heaters around the 1500W mark, but Bromic's basic 2000W model already packs more punch. As you move up through the range the Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater enters a different class altogether. Commonly used by cafes, restaurants and other businesses with outdoor seating areas, it's also a stylish choice for your home.

For an alternative way to keep warm in the garden, take a look at the best fire pits (opens in new tab).