Stop Letting Your Outdoor Tables Go to Waste This Winter
Let’s be honest: outdoor seating in the winter is usually a ghost town. Most restaurants try to use standard space heaters, but those just try to warm the air. In an open-air patio, the wind just carries that warmth away before it ever reaches your guests. It’s a losing battle. That’s why we use shortwave infrared. Instead of fighting the wind, these heaters beam energy directly onto your guests and their furniture. It feels like standing in a patch of sunlight on a crisp day. The heat is instant. You can actually keep those tables open even when there’s a nasty chill in the air.
The “Rain or Shine” Gear
When we’re picking units for a patio, we look for an IP44 rating. Now, that sounds like boring tech-speak, but all it really means is that the heater can handle a bit of a beating. It’s protected against splashes and small debris. You can tuck these under your awnings or eaves without stressing out every time a light rain or a flurry of snow hits. They just keep working. Under the hood, we use quartz tubes with gold or carbon coatings. This is key because it pushes the heat straight down. You want the warmth on the customers’ shoulders, not wasting energy heating up your ceiling.
More Comfort, More Sales
It’s simple: if a guest is shivering, they’re looking for the exit. When people feel cozy, they linger. They order that second glass of wine or a dessert they weren’t planning on. By stabilizing the temperature right at the table, you’re not just making people happy—you’re actually increasing your average check. The best part? They don’t take up much room. We can wire them into your overhead circuits or just pop them on a few freestanding poles.
A Couple of Things to Watch Out For
I won’t sugarcoat it—these things pull a lot of power. You can’t just plug four of these into a cheap power strip and hope for the best. You’ll trip your breaker in about five seconds. You’ve got to make sure your electrical panel can actually handle the load before you flip the switch. Also, be careful with where you hang them. Shortwave heat is intense. If you mount them too low, your guests will feel a “sting” on their skin, which is the opposite of cozy. Get the height right, and you’ll get a nice, even glow that keeps everyone happy.