Are you looking into buying a patio heater unit for the approaching colder months of the year? Can I interest you in a fixed unit?
Well, look no further because this comprehensive review will get you settled. Here I will be reviewing all 3 series of the Sunpak infrared outdoor heaters.
About The Company – General Information
Sunpak provides outdoor heaters for homeowners. You can order Sunpak gas heaters through the company itself directly, in some circumstances, but in general, it is preferred to do so with a contractor or installer directly. They claim not to be high-pressure salesmen and that they will never pressure their clients into buying something they know isn’t right for them. Their units are, in fact, no joke and safety is their primary concern. They advise against any “do it yourself” type projects and urge you to hire a licensed HVAC contractor to do the job of installing your unit.
Information About Sunpak Heating Units
Their heaters have been popular in the US and Canada for the past 30 years, which is to be expected since their units were perfectly made to provide warmth and comfort in the outdoors during those chilly autumn and winter days. These heaters can be used in a variety of outdoor environments, come rain or shine, as they have passed all of the basic rain and wind tests, but of course, they can only do so much, depending on how cold it is outside or how strong the winds are.
Safety Precautions & Use
That is why Sunpak advises reviewing any possible installation locations to see whether or not they will prove effective. It is also greatly advised the heaters be inspected thoroughly before every heating season due to possible wind or rain damage. It is of utmost importance where the heater itself is placed for the efficiency of heating. They work best when placed in areas where heat loss is the greatest. It is also worth noting the heaters should be cleared from all combustible environments, naturally.
Best Sunpak Outdoor Heaters Reviews
The S25, S34 Standard Series
Sunpak heaters from this series have been a household staple in North America for the past 30+ years. This series can be divided into 2 subcategories – based on their heating output. The Sunpak S25 model provides 25,000 BTUs of heat and the Sunpak s34 patio heater provides 34,000 BTUs. Each model operates at one, set temperature level. Both categories come in 2 colors, respectively.
General Info and Characteristics
The S25 provides a weaker heat output, therefore, it can be placed in patios that have a lower ceiling height. It puts out 25,000 BTUs of heat. The S34 provides a greater heat output so it can be placed higher up on the wall and its power is of 34,000 BTUs. Both are a single-stage control option. Both can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. The units come in two colors: black and stainless steel and you can choose an optional beveled face trim in the opposite color. Both units are CSA Design Certified.
Technical Specifications
The units’ gas source is either natural gas or propane and they start up via electronic ignition. These Sunpak patio heaters use a ceramic burner activated by the aforementioned electronic ignition system. They operate with 24 VAC control. Weight is 41 pounds. No heater should be installed below 7 feet of height, the optimal height being 8 ft 5 in. Mounting Kits are universal to all Sunpak models. They are made of aluminized steel and are certified US-made. They are operated via a simple wall switch and thermostats are not recommended since thermostats measure air temperature they won’t work outside because the heaters might never turn off.
What Is Included in the Purchase?
The Sunpak heater unit and Universal Mounting Kit.
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to install
- Long-lasting
- Very resistant to suboptimal weather conditions
- Covers small area
S34 TSH Two-Stage Series
These Sunpak heater models are great for a commercial environment because they provide 2 levels of heat between which you can change with a simple switch, which is included in the pack. You can switch from 25,000 to 34,000 BTUs. You can even control two or more heaters with the use of a control panel. Both of these also come in 2 colors, respectively.
General Info and Characteristics
They are great for commercial use because they don’t blow hot air, but rather utilize infrared radiant heat, which doesn’t lose energy passing through the air so it can warm people and objects quite directly, and as I mentioned in the paragraph above, you can switch from low to high as needed since they operate at a two-stage level. You can power them either with natural gas or propane. Ensure adequate height before mounting due to high heat output. They come in black or stainless-steel color with an optional beveled face trim. They are rain protected and CSA Design Certified.
Technical Specifications
They operate on natural gas or butane, using a ceramic burner activated by electronic ignition with flame rectification safety, at 24 VAC control. The heater weighs 41 pounds. No heater should be installed below 7 feet of height, the optimal height being 8 ft 5 in. Mounting Kits are universal to all Sunpak models. They are made of aluminized steel and are certified US-made. Again, a thermostat is not recommended for reasons stated in the above model.
What Is Included in the Purchase?
The Sunpak heater unit, remote control and Universal Mounting Kit.
- Two-level heat output & ability to switch
- Hand-held and wall-mounted controls
- Easy to assemble
- Looks good
- Pricier than its predecessor
Sunpak S34-TSR Series (Two-Stage Remote and Hard-wired)
The S34 TSR is a gas-powered infrared heater, just like the model mentioned above. It is a great outdoor heater and it is operated with a wireless remote. Just like the TSH, it can work in two settings, high and low (25k-34k BTUs). It comes in 2 colors and can be run on 2 types of gas.
General Info and Characteristics
This model makes it infinitely easy to use and adapt to any desire for warmth. Each heaters remote is pre-programmed exactly for that individual heater, so, if lost, you can buy additional remotes, but the unit will have to be calibrated for the new controls. If you happen to have multiple TSR units, each remote corresponds to its respective unit and you can easily check by looking at the number on the louvered end of the unit and that of its remote. Note that you have to protect the remote control from the elements, also keep out of reach of children, for safety precautions. The hard-wired model is operated via the use of a simple wall switch. There are 2 colors available, black and stainless steel.
Technical Specifications
They run on natural gas or butane. The burner is ceramic, it is activated by electronic ignition with flame rectification safety, at 7.5V DC control. The weight of the heater is 41 pounds. The remote controls use by batteries and they have an approximately 25 feet line of sight range. Batteries can be replaced when needed. The hard-wired TSH comes with its switch, but it doesn’t care what turns it on or off. A timer can be wired into the circuit for added control. No heater should be installed below 7 feet of height, the optimal height being 8 ft 5 in. Mounting Kits are universal to all Sunpak models. They are made of aluminized steel and are certified US-made.
What Is Included in the Purchase?
The Sunpak heater unit, remote control, and Universal Mounting Kit.
- Simple to use
- Quickly change settings
- Good quality heat output
- Long-lasting, well-made
- Additional remote controls need to be purchased
- Line-of-sight range only
- No universal remote for all devices
Other Versions Of Sunpak Heater Unit
Sunpak S34-B-TSH Hard Wired Permanent Patio Heater
This heater also comes without the remote, which means it is a hard-wired model. If you are more interested in that model, you will be glad to hear that it exists and other technical specifications are the same as the model above.
Spare parts for Sunpak Outdoor & Patio Heaters
The correct Sunpak model should be determined before ordering anything because many Sunpak heaters parts are model specific. The model is stated on the identification placard on the backside of the control door. I also advise you to consider universal spare parts, read the post that I wrote aand it is completely about universal spare parts.
Conclusion: What Is The Best Sunpak Outdoor & Patio Heater?
There is a good reason why these Sunpak gas patio heaters have been mass-bought all across the US and Canada since the early 1980s. I personally prefer the remote-controlled twin stage model. You get the most bang for your buck and the ability to control the heat settings remotely.
Still, I advise you to check out my article completely dedicated to best outdoor heaters. It is the motherboard for this topic. If gas isn’t your thing, I have also coverd more eco-friendly topic of outdoor electric heaters. But, if you want to keep the heaters by your side at all times, read my post about portable outdoor heaters.