Which Heater Is Right for Your Space?
Outdoor heating performance depends on how accurately a system matches the physical characteristics of the space it serves. Infrared technology delivers instant radiant output with minimal loss to air movement, but the suitability of each heater still varies based on mounting height, clearance requirements, radiant density, and exposure to wind. Aura designs three specialized electric infrared collections: the Carbon Fiber Series, the Shadow Series, and the Décor Series. Each is engineered for different residential and commercial environments. Detailed information on the principles behind infrared heating is available in the company’s resource section: Infrared Heat.
All Aura heaters are electric and certified to North American electrical safety standards. Certification documentation can be found on the Aura Certification Page.
Overview of Aura Collections
The Carbon Fiber Series prioritizes streamlined installation, integrated controls, and strong radiant penetration. Models such as the CF1500, CF3000, and high-output CF4000/6000 operate with low glare and stable performance even in semi-exposed or windy areas. These heaters suit patios, pergolas, garages, and smaller commercial zones where compact mounting and low-clearance flexibility are required.
The Shadow Series delivers commercial-grade radiant intensity and durable performance for restaurants, open-air terraces, and cold-climate outdoor seating. The Shadow 1500, Shadow 2400, and Shadow 3200 maintain consistent radiant density in breezy environments where output stability is essential.
The Décor Series uses a low-glare tinted glass panel ideal for pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and architecturally driven residential spaces. The ADGLASS1500 and ADGLASS3000 integrate cleanly into structured layouts where visual continuity and controlled heat distribution matter.
Selecting an Aura Heater by Space Type
Matching the heater to the environment begins with understanding exposure conditions, mounting limitations, and radiant coverage needs.
Patio
Patios balance moderate exposure with the need for uniform radiant heat. Residential patios pair well with the Carbon Fiber Series, particularly the CF3000, which provides a precise heat footprint at common ceiling heights. In windy patios or commercial terraces, the Shadow Series maintains higher radiant density and resists performance loss caused by air movement. Additional patio-specific guidance is available on the Patio Heating page.
Pergola
Pergolas require targeted radiant distribution, low visual impact, and flexible mounting. The Décor Series addresses these demands through glass-panel emitters that minimize glare and preserve architectural lines. Compact pergolas align with the ADGLASS1500, while larger spans benefit from the ADGLASS3000. Semi-exposed pergolas may also integrate the Carbon Fiber Series for additional coverage. More design considerations can be found on the Pergola Heating page.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens require low-glare radiant heat and minimal visual intrusion. The Décor Series supports this design priority, providing a refined appearance above prep areas and dining counters. In layouts where seating extends beyond the kitchen shelter, a Carbon Fiber Series heater can supplement overall coverage. Details for outdoor kitchen installations appear on the Outdoor Kitchen Heating page.
Garage or Workshop
Garages need instant radiant output, safe ceiling-mounted operation, and predictable heat distribution across enclosed areas. The Carbon Fiber Series fits these requirements, with the CF3000 and CF4000/6000 offering the power levels typically needed for standard garage dimensions. Additional placement guidelines can be found on the Garage Heating page.
Restaurant Patios
Restaurants depend on consistent heating during extended operating hours, with minimal sensitivity to wind. The Shadow Series is the primary choice for these conditions. The Shadow 2400 and Shadow 3200 provide stable radiant coverage across multi-table layouts. Restaurant-focused information is available on the Restaurant Heating page.
Commercial Outdoor Spaces
Large outdoor environments such as hotel terraces and entertainment venues require scalable radiant density and dependable hardware. The Shadow Series delivers commercial-level performance, while the Carbon Fiber Series can support semi-enclosed or secondary seating areas. Businesses evaluating heaters for commercial layouts can reference the Commercial Gas Replacement page.
Gas Heater Replacement
Electric infrared heating provides a consistent alternative to propane or natural gas systems without combustion emissions, ventilation requirements, or fuel cycling. The CF4000/6000 series offers the heat output needed for typical gas-replacement scenarios, delivering strong radiant intensity suitable for patios and restaurants transitioning to electric systems. More details on conversion considerations appear on the commercial gas replacement overview.
Selecting an Aura Heater by Functional Requirements
Wind exposure, radiant density, mounting height, and clearance limits determine optimal heater selection. Breezy or fully exposed environments align with the Shadow Series, where reinforced elements maintain stable output. Spaces requiring recessed installation or minimal clearance favor the Carbon Fiber Series, which integrates easily into standard ceiling structures. Architecturally sensitive spaces benefit from the Décor Series, where the tinted glass panel reduces glare and maintains a clean visual profile.
Coverage demands determine wattage requirements. Broad restaurant patios and large terraces generally match the Shadow 3200 or CF4000/6000, while medium residential zones align with the CF3000 or ADGLASS3000, and compact lounge areas suit lower-wattage Carbon Fiber or Décor models.
Series-by-Series Performance Breakdown
Carbon Fiber Series
This collection uses carbon fiber infrared elements engineered for rapid activation and concentrated radiant penetration. Integrated controls and wireless remotes simplify installation without external hardware. Models including the CF1500, CF3000, and CF4000/6000 support patios, garages, pergolas, and semi-enclosed residential spaces. Their performance remains consistent in moderate wind, making them adaptable for mixed-use applications.
Shadow Series
The Shadow line is built for commercial environments requiring high radiant density and durable construction. The Shadow 2400 and Shadow 3200 maintain stable output in exposed restaurant patios and hospitality zones. These heaters withstand extended daily operation and complement industrial or contemporary commercial design styles.
Décor Series
The Décor Series pairs architectural aesthetics with controlled radiant heat output. Its low-glare glass-panel design integrates naturally into pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and modern residential layouts. The ADGLASS1500 and ADGLASS3000 provide balanced coverage where visual restraint is as important as output.
Budget and Long-Term Performance Considerations
Evaluating total cost involves installation complexity, operating expenses, and the heater’s duty cycle. The Carbon Fiber Series minimizes system complexity with integrated controls. The Shadow Series is suited to high-traffic commercial environments where durability and consistent output outweigh initial installation requirements. The Décor Series delivers architectural value for design-centered applications. Electric infrared systems across all Aura collections avoid fuel cycling, produce no combustion byproducts, and maintain consistent output regardless of ambient temperature fluctuations.
Choosing the Right Aura Series
The appropriate heater becomes clear once the operating conditions are defined. Residential patios, garages, and semi-enclosed outdoor areas align with the Carbon Fiber Series. Architectural structures such as pergolas and outdoor kitchens integrate best with the Décor Series. Restaurants and commercial outdoor environments depend on the performance stability of the Shadow Series, while gas-replacement scenarios benefit from the radiant density of the CF4000/6000.
Explore Aura Solutions
Technical specifications, application guidance, and additional installation resources are available throughout the Aura website. Explore heaters for patio, pergola, outdoor kitchen, garage, restaurant, and commercial gas-replacement environments.
