We've researched the latest outdoor space heaters, sifting through thousands of specs, features and user reviews to find the best patio heaters around. Here's everything you need to know about the Sundate Electric Heater.
The Sundate Electric Heater is an affordable, compact electric heater that's ideal for heating small outdoor and indoor spaces on a budget. It can be adjusted between three different power modes – 500W, 1000W and 1500W. The most powerful, 1500W setting produces the equivalent of 5,115 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.
Unlike many patio heaters, the Sundate Electric Heater is only designed to heat the space immediately in front of the unit, so if you need to provide warmth for a large patio area you may need to purchase multiple units. Despite this, it makes our list of the best patio heaters, along with others like the Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater and the Fire Sense Commercial Patio Heater.
Sundate Electric Heater review: Price
At $139.99, the Sundate Electric Heater is one of the cheaper options in its class. Sundate states that the heating tube has a lifespan of 5,500-6,000 hours, which should equate to years of warmth throughout the colder seasons, even with regular use.
However, the cost soon adds up if you need to purchase two or more units to provide adequate coverage. If you need two or three Sundate Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heaters, for instance, you might consider a more energy-efficient option such as the Ener-G+ Infrared Tabletop Electric Patio Heater, which Ener-G+ claims can heat up to 100 square feet with the same 1500W of power.
Sundate Electric Heater review: Features
Heat source: Electric
Heat output: 1500W (5,115 BTU)
Voltage: 110-120V
Heating range: 15 feet in front of heater
Lifespan of tube: 5,500-6,000 hours
Length of power cord: 70 inches
Size: 27 x 5.3 x 5.3 inches
Weight: 6.2 pounds
Warranty: 1 year
Constructed from high-density plastic and high-tensile aluminum, the Sundate Electric Heater uses a carbon-fiber infrared heating tube to produce instant heat to three different power settings: 500W, 1000W and 1500W.
The heater comes with a remote control for ease of operation while seated (requires 2x AAA batteries, not included), and features an LED display and 24-hour timer. Its aluminum reflector technology helps replicate the effect of the sun, without the risk of UV rays or any fumes or odors.
With the supplied mounting brackets, the angle of the Sundate Electric Heater can be adjusted by 90 degrees – tilting 45 degrees in each direction.
Sundate Electric Heater review: User Reviews
Amazon customers give the Sundate Wall-Mounted Electric Patio Heater 4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews, praising the heater's ease of use, quietness and effectiveness at close proximity. Several people suggest that when used outside, a single heater is ideal for one person sitting directly underneath.
However several reviews criticised a lack of robustness in the packaging, after loose components were found inside and in some cases damaged in transit.
Should you buy the Sundate Electric Heater?
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Best space heaters
Best patio heaters
Patio heater reviews
Fire Sense Commercial
Fire Sense Table Top
Ener-G+ Infrared Table Top
If you need to heat a small, relatively sheltered outside space, or an indoor area, the Sundate Electric Heater is an easy, budget-friendly way to do so. However, if you have a larger patio, or a group of more than two people, you will need multiple heaters, which makes this a less affordable option. In that case, we recommend more powerful alternatives – see our suggestions below.
Alternatives to the Sundate Electric Heater
Not convinced that the Sundate Electric Heater is right for you? You’ll find plenty more options in our best patio heater guide, and our best space heater guide, where we've selected a range of models that excel in different situations, for all budgets. However, if you're in a hurry, here are our three top alternatives to the Sundate Electric Heater.
Hiland Parasol Electric Patio Heater Review
For a similar price as the Sundate wall heater, the Hiland HLI-1P provides an alternative option: it has the same power output (1500W) and a comparable heating range of 15 feet, but can be fixed discreetly inside a patio umbrella or parasol to keep you warm while sitting underneath.
Ener-G+ Infrared Tabletop Electric Patio Heater
If you're heating a larger area and would otherwise need to invest in multiple units, for a similar price as two Sundate wall heaters this chic, modern offering from Ener-G+ doubles as a patio table. Its 1500W output will ensure your friends and family stay warm while sitting around it.
Bromic Smart-Heat Electric Patio Heater Review
If you have a much larger budget and want a more powerful, stylish and precision-engineered electric patio heater to match, these impressive wall-mounted tungsten models from Bromic start at 2000W (around $550). The most powerful 6000W model (almost $800) can warm up to 144 square feet.