Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater vs Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared
Both made our Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater if you want slim 4-inch-deep housing mounts flush against a wall or under an eave without bulk. Choose the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater if you'd rather have no propane tank, so it clears most apartment and condo restrictions. Overall we rank the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches list.
Winner overall: Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater
Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater vs Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 3 in Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches | #2 of 3 in Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Solaira | Dr. Infrared Heater |
| Key features | 1500W / 120V quartz infrared element; Covers roughly a 10 by 10 foot area; 15.5-inch slim housing | 120V / 1500W carbon infrared element; 3 heat settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W); IP55 weatherproof rating |
| Biggest strength | Slim 4-inch-deep housing mounts flush against a wall or under an eave without bulk | No propane tank, so it clears most apartment and condo restrictions |
| Main trade-off | Costs noticeably more than the propane options on this list | 1500W draws a real amount from a standard outlet, so check your circuit before running other appliances on the same line |
| Best for | small patios | small patios |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater if…
- Slim 4-inch-deep housing mounts flush against a wall or under an eave without bulk
- Commercial-grade build quality shows up in the quieter operation and even heat spread
- Quartz lamp warms up almost instantly, unlike heaters that need a few minutes to ramp up
Best for: small patios
Prefer the alternative? See the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater section.
#2 pick
Choose the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater if…
- No propane tank, so it clears most apartment and condo restrictions
- IP55 rating means it genuinely handles rain and humidity, not just light drizzle
- Mounting it on a wall frees up all floor space on a tight balcony
Best for: small patios
Prefer the alternative? See the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater section.
Pros and cons of each
Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater
Pros
- Slim 4-inch-deep housing mounts flush against a wall or under an eave without bulk
- Commercial-grade build quality shows up in the quieter operation and even heat spread
- Quartz lamp warms up almost instantly, unlike heaters that need a few minutes to ramp up
Cons
- Costs noticeably more than the propane options on this list
- Requires a dedicated 120V circuit and professional-leaning install for permanent mounting
- Overkill wattage for a two-person bistro table
Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater
Pros
- No propane tank, so it clears most apartment and condo restrictions
- IP55 rating means it genuinely handles rain and humidity, not just light drizzle
- Mounting it on a wall frees up all floor space on a tight balcony
Cons
- 1500W draws a real amount from a standard outlet, so check your circuit before running other appliances on the same line
- Electric heat has a smaller effective radius than an open-flame propane heater
- Needs an outdoor-rated outlet within cord reach if not hardwired
Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater vs Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater: common questions
Which is better, the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater or the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater?
Choose the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater if you want slim 4-inch-deep housing mounts flush against a wall or under an eave without bulk. Choose the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater if you'd rather have no propane tank, so it clears most apartment and condo restrictions. Overall we rank the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Patio Heaters for Covered Porches list.
What is the difference between the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater and the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater?
The Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater stands out because slim 4-inch-deep housing mounts flush against a wall or under an eave without bulk, while the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater stands out because no propane tank, so it clears most apartment and condo restrictions. The trade-offs differ too: the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater's main caveat is that costs noticeably more than the propane options on this list, and the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater's is that 1500W draws a real amount from a standard outlet, so check your circuit before running other appliances on the same line.
Is the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater worth it over the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater instead if costs noticeably more than the propane options on this list is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater instead of the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater?
The Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Patio Heater suits small patios, while the Solaira Cosy Infrared Heater is best for small patios.