When choosing a patio heater, the heater itself is only half the story. The control system you select will determine how convenient, reliable, and efficient your setup is. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of Canadians choose the right controls — from simple remotes to advanced smart panels.
This guide explains each type of patio heater control, with pros and cons, best-use cases, and product recommendations.
1. Remote Controls
Does the heater come with a remote?
It’s one of the most common questions we hear. The answer: yes — some heaters, such as the Helyos, include a remote.
Why choose a remote?
- Cost-effective
- No special installation required
Why not choose a remote?
- Electronics inside the heater are more prone to failure
- Limited control options compared to panels or dimmers
Best for: Small projects with a single heater or budget-conscious installations.
Recommended product:
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2. Simple Switches
The most basic option: an ON/OFF switch for heaters up to 4kW.
Pros: Reliable, inexpensive.
Cons: No dimming capability.
Recommended products:
3. Duplex Switches
A step up from simple switches. With dual-element heaters, duplex switches provide 0% / 50% / 100% output (OFF / low / high).
Best for: Budget-friendly projects with two-element heaters up to 6kW (3kW per element).
Recommended products:
Recommended bundles:
- Infratech Duplex Bundle
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4. Regulators
Not true dimmers, but a budget way to add some adjustability. Regulators provide power-cycling functionality for single-element heaters up to 3kW.
Best for: Single-heater projects with limited budgets.
Recommended product:
Bundle example:
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5. Dimmers — The Key to Comfort
The best infrared heating systems include full dimming control. At Signature Radiant, we recommend dimmers for ultimate comfort.
a) 4kW Dimmers
Manual dimmer for heaters up to 4kW.
Recommendation: GRAD-4kW Dimmer
b) Smart Dimmers
Flexible control directly on the box, with optional add-ons for more functionality.
Recommendations: SMaRT16, SMaRT34
Bundle:
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Package: 2 x 4kW Solaira XL Slim H2 4000W with control panel |
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c) Wi-Fi Dimmers
Control your heater from a smartphone app.
Recommendations: Affinity 1CH, Affinity 2CH
The Affinity is more than a dimmer — it offers Wi-Fi control, app integration, and optional expansion for BMS. Supports 1 or 2 heaters up to 6kW each.
Bundle:
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6. Control Panels
For complete flexibility, control panels are the gold standard.
Features:
- Zoning
- Wi-Fi control
- Integration with home automation
- Manual dimming
- Timers & protection
Best for: Larger projects with 2+ heaters.
Recommendations:
Bundle: Infratech 4 x SL 4kW Bundle
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7. Custom Commercial Control Panels
For large-scale or specialized projects, Signature Radiant designs custom panels with advanced options.
Contact us at info@signatureradiant.ca to discuss your project.
Patio Heater Control Comparison Table
|
Control Type |
Best For |
Max Power |
Pros |
Cons |
Example |
|
Remote |
Small projects, 1 heater |
3kW |
Low cost, no install |
Limited options |
Helyos |
|
Simple Switch |
Basic control |
4kW |
Reliable, Low cost |
No dimming |
Infratech ON/OFF |
|
Duplex Switch |
Dual-element heaters |
6kW |
OFF/Low/High setting, Low cost |
Only 3 settings |
Infratech Duplex |
|
Regulator |
Budget projects |
3kW |
Semi-adjustable |
Not true dimmer |
Infratech Regulator |
|
Dimmer |
Comfort-focused |
4–12kW |
Full control, flexible |
Higher cost |
GRAD-4kW, Affinity |
|
Panel |
Multi-heater installs |
Up to 48kW |
Zoning, Wi-Fi, smart, additional protection |
Higher cost |
Infratech Panel |
|
Custom Panel |
Large commercial projects |
Unlimited |
Tailored solution |
Quote required |
Signature Radiant |
Conclusion
Choosing the right patio heater control is just as important as choosing the heater itself. From simple remotes to full control panels, each option fits different needs, budgets, and project sizes.
Not sure which control is best for your project?
Contact our experts or explore our patio heater Bundles collection to get started.