Radiant Heating for Restaurant Terraces: Guaranteed Customer Comfort All Year Round

Increase your seating capacity and revenue even in cold weather

For a restaurant, a heated terrace is not a luxury; it is a profitability driver. Whether in the dead of winter, mid-season, or on cooler evenings, an efficient and discreet heating system helps maintain outdoor activity and optimizes available space. Electric radiant heaters provide the ideal solution combining performance, design, silence, and safety.

Why heat your terrace with radiant heating?

Unlike gas or fan heaters, radiant heaters deliver heat directly to customers and surfaces without loss in the ambient air:

• Instant warmth, even in ventilated areas
• No noise, no flame: preserves the atmosphere
• Compact size: wall or ceiling mounting
• Controlled energy consumption
• Compliant with public venue (ERP) and hospitality safety regulations

What type of heating for a restaurant terrace?

The choice depends on wind exposure, roof type (canvas, pergola, awning, canopy), and surface area:

• Open terrace: short-wave infrared heating (IR-A), powerful and targeted
• Semi-covered terrace: medium-wave infrared heating (IR-M), gentle and diffuse warmth
• Fully covered or enclosed terrace: long-wave infrared heating (IR-C) for prolonged comfort

Recommended surface area and power

Some useful guidelines for effective sizing:

• 4 to 6 seats: 1,500 to 2,400 W
• 8 to 12 seats: 2,800 to 3,600 W
• Large terraces: zoned installation with 2 to 4 units in line or crossed

Installation tips:

• Ideal height: between 2 m and 2.5 m
• Angled towards the seating area
• Wall-mounted, suspended, or integrated into the structure
• IP rating suited to exposure (IP55 or IP65)

Standards and hospitality safety compliance

Electric heaters meet requirements for public venues (ERP). They produce no flame, carbon monoxide, or air circulation. They can be securely mounted and comply with accessibility, clearance, and smoke extraction obligations.

Profitability and customer experience

Heating your terrace means:

• Extending the use period of your outdoor space
• Improving customer comfort and loyalty
• Increasing average spend and attendance in low season
• Maintaining service quality without major technical constraints

Also to discover

• Heating for rooftop or hotel terrace
• Heating for smoking areas

Would you like to equip your terrace with a reliable, stylish, and hospitality-compliant heater? Contact our specialists for a personalized quote based on your venue’s configuration.