For a covered restaurant patio or big outdoor room with 240 V wiring. Cheaper per watt than premium brands, but less weatherproof and with a short warranty.
Amazon $799The Dr Infrared Heater DR-245 is the better patio heater overall, rated 3.3 to 3.3. The Dr Infrared Heater DR-245 leads on safety. The Heat Storm Compact Tradesman 6000 wins on value. The Heat Storm Compact Tradesman 6000 costs $167.70 less ($631.30 vs $799).
For a big covered patio or shop with a 240 V circuit where smart controls matter. Lots of heat for the money, with thin published specs.
Amazon $631.30Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dr Infrared Heater DR-245 for safety (mounted, so it can't tip, safety listed vs mounted, so it can't tip).
- Choose the Heat Storm Compact Tradesman 6000 for value ($32.46 per 1,000 BTU/h ($631.30, 19,450 BTU/h) vs $52.04 per 1,000 BTU/h ($799, 15,350 BTU/h)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every electric patio heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dr Infrared Heater DR-245 | Heat Storm Compact Tradesman 6000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 35% | 21 $52.04 per 1,000 BTU/h ($799, 15,350 BTU/h) | 43 $32.46 per 1,000 BTU/h ($631.30, 19,450 BTU/h) |
| Heat output 25% | 100 4,500 W | 100 5,700 W |
| Safety 20% | 100 mounted, so it can't tip, safety listed | 50 mounted, so it can't tip |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-245 | Heat Storm Compact Tradesman 6000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Power | 4,500 W | 5,700 W |
| Remote | Yes | Yes |
| Safety and build | ||
| Style | Wall | Wall |
| Safety listed | Yes | - |
| Ingress rating | IPX2 | - |
| Weight | 13.6 lb | 11.7 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
