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Bromic vs Infratech vs Schwank: Best Patio Heater Brand Comparison 2026
TL;DR — Bromic wins on design and gas options ($500–$5,700, electric + gas). Infratech wins on durability and recessed mounting (electric only, lifetime warranty on emitters). Schwank wins on raw heat output for restaurants (gas SupremeSchwank up to 50,000 BTU). Most upscale residential: Bromic Platinum. Most commercial: Schwank gas. Most discreet/recessed install: Infratech.
Three brands dominate the premium patio heater category in 2026: Bromic, Infratech, and Schwank. All three deliver premium build quality, all three sit in the $500–$6,000 range, and all three are specified by serious commercial operators. The right choice depends on three things: where you're mounting, what fuel you have available, and what your design priorities are.
The Comparison Table
| Feature | Bromic | Infratech | Schwank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Australia | USA | Germany / USA |
| Fuel Types | Electric + Gas (NG/LP) | Electric only | Electric + Gas (NG/LP) |
| Top Output (Electric) | 6,000W (Tungsten) | 6,000W (CD Series) | 6,000W (ElectricSchwank Dual) |
| Top Output (Gas) | ~50,000 BTU (Platinum 500) | N/A | 50,000 BTU (SupremeSchwank) |
| Mounting Options | Wall, ceiling, portable | Wall, ceiling, recessed flush-mount | Wall, ceiling, freestanding |
| Emitter Warranty | 2 years (extended available) | 3 years (lifetime on standard heaters) | 2 years |
| Standout Strength | Slim modern design + gas options | Recessed flush-mount; emitter longevity | Restaurant-grade gas output |
| Price Range | $500–$5,700 | $700–$3,000 | $800–$3,500 |
Bromic — The Design + Gas Pick
Bromic is the design-forward choice and the only one of the three with a strong gas lineup. The Platinum Smart-Heat slim profile is the most architectural-looking heater on the market, the Eclipse portable is the only design-statement portable, and the Platinum Marine 316 stainless is the spec for poolside and coastal installations. Where Bromic wins: upscale residential covered patios, hospitality venues that want design polish, anyone who needs gas heat output. Browse the Bromic lineup →
Infratech — The Durability + Discrete Mount Pick
Infratech is the U.S.-built electric specialist. Their CD Series and W Series electric heaters are designed for recessed flush-mount installation — the heater disappears into a soffit or pergola beam, leaving only a clean grille visible. Standard heaters carry lifetime warranty on emitters. Where Infratech wins: clients who want the heater hidden, architects specifying outdoor heating into custom builds, owners prioritizing emitter longevity over design statement.
Schwank — The Restaurant Pick
Schwank is the gas-output specialist. The SupremeSchwank gas heater hits 50,000 BTU per unit — the highest output in the premium category — and the BistroSchwank is the spec for restaurants and hospitality venues that need maximum heat across open-air dining. Where Schwank wins: restaurant patios, hotel terraces, large open commercial spaces. Browse Schwank →
Which Should You Buy?
- Choose Bromic if: design polish matters · upscale residential covered patio · need gas option · poolside or coastal installation · want a design-statement portable. Browse Bromic →
- Choose Infratech if: want the heater hidden / recessed · prioritize emitter longevity · electric-only application · architect-specified custom build.
- Choose Schwank if: restaurant or hospitality · large open patio · need maximum gas BTU output. Browse Schwank →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bromic better than Infratech?
Depends on the use case. Bromic wins on design polish and gas options. Infratech wins on emitter warranty (lifetime on standard heaters) and recessed flush-mount installation. For upscale residential covered patios with design priority, Bromic. For architect-specified hidden installations, Infratech.
What is the best commercial patio heater?
For most restaurants and hospitality venues: Schwank SupremeSchwank gas (50,000 BTU per unit, restaurant-grade durability) or Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Gas 500 series. For enclosed terraces with electric infrastructure: Bromic Platinum Electric 4500W or Schwank ElectricSchwank Dual 6000W.
Which brand has the best warranty?
Infratech leads with lifetime warranty on emitters for standard heaters (3 years on commercial). Bromic offers 2 years standard with extended coverage available. Schwank offers 2 years standard. For long-term peace of mind, Infratech edges the category.
Can I mix brands in one outdoor space?
Technically yes, but design and aesthetic consistency suffer. If you have a covered residential patio with one set of heaters and a separate open commercial-style area, mixing Bromic Platinum (covered) and Schwank gas (open) can make sense. For a single space, pick one brand.
Fireplace Choice has been an authorized Fire Magic, Blaze, AOG, and Bromic dealer for 12+ years. Pricing in this article reflects MAP pricing as of 2026; check product pages for current pricing and availability.
- Tags: 2026, bromic, buying guide, comparison, infratech, patio heater, schwank
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