When delving into patio heaters, you'll quickly encounter three terms: short wave, medium wave, and long wave.
But what exactly is the difference?
Which wave provides the most heat?
And which is best for outdoors, a canopy, or indoors?

In this blog, we'll explain it simply and clearly.

☀️ What does "infrared wave" actually mean?

Every patio heater uses infrared radiation, but not all infrared is the same.
There are three main categories:

• IR-A: Short wave

• IR-B: Medium wave

• IR-C: Long wave

Each wave feels different, looks different, and works better in certain situations.
That's why it's so important to choose the right type.

🔥 1. SHORT WAVE (IR-A) – Maximum, direct heat

This is the most powerful form of infrared.
Short wave doesn't heat the air, but directly heats the body and objects, even in the wind.

✔ Advantages:

• Instant warmth within 1 second

• Works perfectly outdoors (wind has little effect)

• Very high heat intensity

• Ideal for hospitality & open patios

✔ Characteristics:

• Emits visible warm light (orange/red)

• Often with a golden tube or halogen lamp

✔ Ideal for?

• Hospitality

• Open patios

• Windy gardens

• Large outdoor areas

🌤️ 2. MEDIUM WAVE (IR-B) – Comfortable, gentle heat

Medium wave is slightly less intense, but much more comfortable.
The heat feels gentler and the lamp emits much less light.

✔ Advantages:

• Comfortable warmth

• Low light (low glare)

• Fast heating (2–4 seconds)

• Ideal for sheltered patios and canopies

✔ Characteristics:

• Carbon tube / Golden carbon fiber

• Less bright than short wave

• Heats the body directly, but less "intensely"

✔ Ideal for?

• Canopies

• Conservatories

• Verandas

• Luxury garden rooms

• Situations where ambiance is important

🌡️ 3. LONG WAVE (IR-C) – Indoor heating without light

Long wave is the gentlest and slowest form of infrared.
It mainly heats the air, not so much your body.

✔ Advantages:

• 100% dark (no light)

• Perfect for indoor spaces

• Quiet and even

✔ Characteristics:

• Ceramic panels

• No visible glow

• Less suitable for outdoors due to heat loss from wind

✔ Ideal for?

• Office

• Bedroom

• Shed

• Workshop

• Bathroom

🔥 Which wave should you choose?

That depends entirely on where you will be using the heater.

Outdoors (open and windy) → Short wave (IR-A)

• Maximum warmth

• Restaurant feel

• Windproof

Canopy / veranda / garden room → Medium wave (IR-B)

• Comfortable

• Low light

• Nice ambiance

Indoor spaces → Long wave (IR-C)

• Dark

• Quiet

• Economical

⭐ Summary in one table

🎯 Conclusion

There is no "best" infrared wave—there is only a wave that best suits your situation:

• Do you want the warmest heater that even works in the wind? → Short wave

• Do you want atmospheric, gentler warmth under your canopy? → Medium wave

• Do you want calm warmth indoors without light? → Long wave