Why Choose Us

Why Homeowners & Builders Choose Patio Heat Direct

Premium outdoor heating brands. Real-world product expertise. Direct access to experienced guidance, built for serious outdoor living projects.

Patio Heat Direct was founded in 2020 to bring commercial-grade patio heating solutions directly to homeowners, builders, designers, and hospitality projects across North America.

The store is operated by ship2user, founded in 2004, an established ecommerce company with over two decades of experience shipping specialized products throughout the USA and Canada.

But what truly sets us apart isn’t just distribution, it’s hands-on expertise.

 

1. We Specialize in Premium Patio Heating, Not General Hardware

We focus specifically on high-performance infrared and gas patio heaters from industry leaders like:

• IR Energy / Superior Radiant
• Schwank

We don’t sell thousands of unrelated SKUs.

We focus on heating, and we know it extremely well.

 

2. Authorized Dealer for Industry-Leading Brands

IR Energy / Superior Radiant

IR Energy (manufactured by Superior Radiant Products) has decades of engineering experience in commercial and industrial infrared heating. These are not decorative patio warmers, they are high-output, commercial-grade heating systems built for:

• Restaurants & hospitality spaces
• Large residential patios
• Covered outdoor structures
• Commercial & industrial applications

Their heaters are built with premium components, engineered reflectors, and durable construction designed for performance in real climates, including harsh Canadian winters.

Models like the EvenGLO, E-Wave, and Habanero reflect a lineage of proven radiant heating technology refined over years of industrial use.

Schwank

Schwank is a global heating manufacturer with a long history of innovation in infrared and gas-fired heating systems. With roots going back nearly a century, Schwank is known worldwide for:

• German-engineered quality
• Advanced radiant technology
• Energy efficiency leadership
• Long-term reliability

Schwank heaters are widely used in commercial and high-end residential projects where performance and durability matter more than price tags.

When you purchase from Patio Heat Direct, you’re buying from brands with deep manufacturing history, not private-label imports.

 

3. Real-World Testing, In My Own Home

This isn’t a drop-ship storefront run by someone who’s never touched the product.

We’ve personally installed and tested most heaters you see herein. We’ve documented my experience in detail here:

• Dave’s Reviews: IR Energy Heaters – EvenGLO, E-Wave & The Habanero
• Dave’s Backyard Reno – Pool Restoration, Timber Frame Cabana Bar & Luxury Patio Heaters

We know:

• How they mount
• How they perform in wind
• What clearance considerations matter
• What output is realistic for different patio sizes
• What customers misunderstand before purchasing

That hands-on experience directly benefits you.

 

4. Direct Access to Experienced Guidance

When you contact Patio Heat Direct, you’re often speaking directly with the store owner.

We personally help customers:

• Size heaters correctly
• Choose between models
• Decide on mounting height and placement
• Compare electric vs gas
• Understand BTU output vs radiant coverage
• Avoid costly sizing mistakes

You’re not routed through a generic call center.

Whether you’re:

• A homeowner designing your dream backyard
• A builder working on a custom home
• A restaurant owner planning outdoor seating
• A designer specifying for a client

You get experienced, practical guidance.

 

5. Built for Real Projects, Not Just Product Pages

Outdoor heating requires real planning:

• Mounting heights
• Wind exposure
• Covered vs open-air space
• Gas line access
• Electrical capacity
• Clearance to combustibles
• Aesthetic integration

We approach heating the way it’s actually installed and used, not just as a spec sheet.

 

6. North American Shipping Expertise

Through ship2user (est. 2004), we have extensive experience shipping specialty products across:

• Canada
• The United States
• Cross-border commercial deliveries

We understand freight, packaging, lead times, and logistics, especially for large-format heating units.

 

7. Honest Recommendations Over Pushy Sales

Sometimes the right answer is:

• A smaller heater
• Fewer units or More units
• A different mounting position
• Or even a different product entirely

Our goal isn’t to oversell, it’s the right solution to ensure your space is heated correctly the first time.

 

8. Focused, Specialist Store, Not a Marketplace

We are not:

• A big-box marketplace
• A price-race discounter
• A reseller of thousands of unrelated home goods

We are a specialist patio heating store built around performance products and informed recommendations.

 

9. Proven Since 2020, Backed by a Company Founded in 2004

Patio Heat Direct was launched in 2020 to bring high-performance patio heating solutions online in a focused, expertise-driven way.

It operates under ship2user, founded in 2004, a long-standing ecommerce company with deep experience in specialty product distribution.

 

10. Designed for Long-Term Outdoor Living

We believe outdoor spaces should be:

• Comfortable beyond summer
• Functional in shoulder seasons
• Usable in real climates
• Built properly the first time

The right heater transforms a patio from seasonal to year-round.

And we take that responsibility seriously.

 

Let’s Build It Right

If you’re investing in your outdoor space, you deserve real guidance, not guesswork.

Whether you’re heating:

• A small residential patio
• A luxury backyard cabana
• A restaurant terrace
• Or a commercial outdoor project

We’re here to help you choose the right system with confidence.

 

11. Competitive & Fair Pricing, Without Cutting Corners

We offer competitive, market-aligned pricing on all premium heating systems we carry. Because we are an authorized dealer working and shipping directly with manufacturers, our pricing reflects real value, not inflated markups followed by artificial “discounts.” For larger residential builds, commercial projects, or multi-unit purchases, we’re happy to discuss volume pricing where appropriate. Our focus isn’t on race-to-the-bottom pricing, it’s on delivering the right system, at a fair price, backed by proper support and long-term reliability.

 

12. Aftermarket Replacement Parts & Long-Term Support

Outdoor heating systems are long-term investments, and we support them that way. We provide access to genuine manufacturer replacement parts for the brands we carry, helping you maintain performance and extend the life of your heater. Whether you need emitters, reflectors, ignition components, controls, or other service parts, we can help identify the correct components and ensure compatibility. Our goal isn’t just to sell a heater — it’s to support it properly for years after installation.

 

13. Manufacturer Warranty Protection & Ongoing Support

Every heater we sell is backed by full manufacturer warranty coverage, because we are an authorized dealer for the brands we represent. That means your purchase is protected with legitimate warranty registration, proper documentation, and direct access to factory-supported service if ever required. Should a warranty issue arise, we help guide you through the process — from identifying the correct component to coordinating with the manufacturer when necessary. You’re not left dealing with an anonymous marketplace seller or unsupported import product. You’re backed by established brands, real coverage, and direct support.