Best Infrared Heater for Garden Studios: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Timber Building Specialist
Turning a garden studio or summerhouse into a usable year-round space is a common goal for many homeowners. However, heating these timber structures can be a battle. Standard convection heaters often struggle to combat the chill in a standalone building, wasting energy heating air that quickly escapes through vents or thinner walls.
As a joiner working in York, I often see customers frustrated by damp and cold in their garden offices. The solution I frequently recommend is infrared heating. Unlike radiators that heat the air, infrared heats the fabric of the building and the people inside directly, much like the sun warms your face on a cold day. This is particularly beneficial for timber buildings as it helps keep the internal joinery dry.
In this review, I've selected three infrared heaters that suit different needs: a compact budget option for close work, a powerful freestanding unit for larger spaces, and a smart wall-mounted solution that saves precious floor space.
Live in York?
Need a bespoke garden studio or summerhouse?
Get a free quote from our local team.
Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Efficiency Claims"
"Manufacturers claim infrared is 100% efficient and costs pennies to run."
Whilst the transfer of electricity to heat is efficient, running costs depend entirely on your insulation. In a single-skinned wooden summerhouse, heat loss is rapid regardless of the heater type.
The Spec: "Instant Heat"
"Marketing suggests the entire room heats up immediately."
You will feel warm instantly if you sit in the 'beam', but the ambient room temperature takes time to rise. Position the heater where you sit, not in a corner.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Warmlite WL42016 Infrared Desk Heater, 550W
Warmlite
If you are working from a garden office and just need to keep your hands and upper body warm whilst typing, this compact unit is ideal. It uses very little power compared to a full-sized heater, making it a pragmatic choice for intermittent use.
The Good
- Extremely low running costs (around 19p/hour)
- Compact footprint, perfect for a joiner's workbench or office desk
- Stylish aesthetic with leather handle
The Bad
- Will not heat an entire room
- Short power cable may require an extension lead
Installer Tip:
Don't place this directly against a timber wall or cladding. Although low wattage, any heat source needs air gap circulation to prevent warping of the timber behind it.
Priced at £19.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonSenelux Electric Infrared Patio Heater 2000W with Tripod
Senelux
This is a serious piece of kit for larger garden rooms or workshops. The tripod stand allows you to position the heat exactly where it's needed—whether that's over a workbench or near a seating area—without having to drill into your timber cladding.
The Good
- High 2000W output suitable for larger studios (up to 20m²)
- Freestanding tripod means no installation damage to walls
- Remote control allows adjustment without leaving your chair
The Bad
- Requires floor space for the tripod legs
- Higher initial investment
Installer Tip:
In a timber studio, the portability is a huge bonus. You can move it away from glazing to prevent heat loss through the glass, or direct it at a damp corner to help dry out the timber fabric.
Priced at £149.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDevola Electric Infrared Patio Heater Wall Mounted 1200W with WiFi
Devola
Space is often at a premium in garden studios. This Devola unit mounts high on the wall, keeping your floor clear for furniture or tools. The WiFi integration is the real problem-solver here, allowing you to pre-heat the studio from your house before venturing out.
The Good
- Wall-mounting saves valuable floor space in small summerhouses
- WiFi control lets you pre-heat the room from the main house
- Open window detection saves energy if you leave the door ajar
The Bad
- Requires drilling into the wall (ensure you hit a stud/noggins)
- Needs a nearby power source at height
Installer Tip:
When fixing this to a timber frame wall, do not just screw into the cladding. You must locate the vertical studs or install a horizontal noggin behind the cladding to take the weight. Timber expands and contracts, so a secure fixing into structural wood is essential.
Priced at £74.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Is infrared heating safe for timber garden studios?
Will an infrared heater tackle the damp in my York summerhouse?
How much electricity do these heaters use?
Do I need an electrician to install these?
Need Professional Garden Studios & Summerhouses?
Our team at DR Joinery specialises in Garden Studios & Summerhouses across York.
Get a free quote for professional installation.
View Our Garden Studios & Summerhouses Service