Looking to stay warm while having socially-distanced drinks with your friends on the patio?
The GTech HeatWave is your best option!
I found myself sitting outside much more often this year due to the pandemic.
However, in the cold winter days, it’s hard to do so without proper heating. And as we all know, having guests indoors is one of the worst ideas.
That’s where the GTech Heat Wave comes in extra handy. In this review, I’ll explain in detail how this awesome little heater can help you gather all your friends on the patio and still stay warm and comfy.
What I’ll Cover…
- Best features
- What’s in the box?
- Technical specifications
- Pros & Cons
- Customer reviews
OK, let’s get started…
The new GTech HeatWave patio heater utilizes 2 kW of power to provide instant heat up to 6 metres away.
It’s very easy to mount and operate, and it will turn any spot on your patio into a comfortable retreat during the cold days of winter or the crisp spring lighter evenings.
Key Features
Let’s start by looking at the key features at a glance:
KEY FEATURES
- Compact and only 1.5kg
- Efficient, effective, infrared technology
- Easy to Install, just plug and play
- Weatherproof, IP65 rated
- Costs just 30p per hour to run
Compact
The main issue I’ve had with patio heaters over the years was that they were taking up too much space.
But the new HeatWave from G Tech has much reduced dimensions of 507mm x 105mm and can be mounted where traditional bulky heaters don’t fit.
And when you’re not using it during the warm summer days, simply take it down and put it into a drawer. Yes, it’s that small – no more cramming heaters covered in plastic sheets into the shed.
Infrared Technology
Thanks to the infrared technology, the heat generated from the Gtech HeatWave is not lost to atmospheric conditions or wind, as is often the case with traditional gas heaters.
Instead, the infrared rays heat any object they come into contact with, similar to the feeling of sunshine on your skin.
They also create an evenly heated atmosphere and deliver warmth within seconds of turning on.
Note: The rays will not create any kind of sunburn effect and nor do they contain harmful UV rays. But they are hot so you have to be careful not to burn yourself!
Easy to Install
The Gtech HeatWave comes readily assembled out of the box, and all you need to do is install it using the provided fixings.
Set up can be done in a matter of minutes by screwing two wall brackets into any solid surface.
If you plan on using the patio heater under a covered area like a garden parasol, make sure to leave at least 40cm of space between the two to avoid any accidents.
Note: The power cable is not that long, just 1.8metres which seems a bit short in my opinion. Some have commented that they extended the cable or used an extension lead.
Weatherproof
British weather can be quite unpredictable, but the HeatWave can handle whatever the weather throws at it.
The Heat Wave patio heater is IP65 rated, which means that neither dust nor water can penetrate it under normal circumstances. Obviously don’t submerge it though…
What’s more, the heat generated won’t be lost even in the harshest wind conditions, so there’s no stopping you from enjoying the comfortable heat no matter the climate.
Low Cost
According to Gtech, the cost of running the HeatWave is approximately 30p per hour. That’s based on an average UK electricity tariff of 14.40p/kWh.
The reason behind this efficiency is again the infrared technology.
Unlike traditional gas or electric heaters, infrared heaters convert almost 100% of the electricity into usable heat, all while using a lower wattage in the first place.
What’s in the Box?
- Main unit
- 2 unit brackets
- 2 wall brackets
- 2 screws and wall plugs
- 2 wingnuts, bolts, and washers
- 4 bracket fixing screws
Technical Specifications
- Voltage (V): 220-240V AC
- Power (W): 2000W
- Frequency (Hz): 50/60Hz
- Weight (kg): 1.5kg
- Cable length: 1.8m
Here are the highlights…
Quality
- Infrared technology
- 6m heating radius
Usability
- Fully weatherproof (IP65)
- Easy to install
Trustworthiness
- Trusted brand
- 2-year warranty
Performance
- 2 kW power
- Low operation cost (30p per hour)
What are People Saying…?
Although the HeatWave is still relatively new, it has over 50 positive reviews on Gtech’s website.
People mostly appreciate the instant heat it generates and that it took only a few minutes to install and enjoy the warmth.
This is the perfect heater for a socially distant meeting in the garden. It gives instant warmth, a lovely sunny glow, and a feeling of having sunshine on your face. I would recommend it to everyone. – Janet B.
What’s the Downside…?
A common issue many customers seem to have is the short cord length of 1.8m. In some cases, that wasn’t enough to even reach the ground and some people had to use extension cords on the wall.
A great product with amazing heat, but the wire is a bit short so I had to do a little bit of electrical work. Otherwise, everything seems perfect. – Jerry K.
Advantages
- Efficient operation
- Instant heat
- Easy to set up
- Compact
Disadvantages
- Short power cord (1.8m)
- Not easily portable
Is it Suitable for You..?
If you have a secluded patio area you wish to use outside the few warm summer months, the Gtech HeatWave will enable you to do just that.
By using infrared technology, it will deliver instant heat as soon as you turn it on, allowing you to enjoy outdoor drinks with your friends in comfort.
And if storage is a concern for you, the HeatWave is incredibly compact and can be stored inside a drawer when not in use.
This is one thing that is mentioned on the instructions; Not to store it outside permanently. So you need to detach it after each use.
The bottom line…
The HeatWave patio heater from Gtech delivers incredibly comfortable warmth in a matter of seconds by utilizing infrared technology. It mimics the feel of sunshine on your skin and ensures even heat distribution.
It’s the perfect accessory to a socially-distanced evening outside as it also provides a warm 2450K glow and is totally silent.
The only downside is the length of the cord and the cost, as it is not the cheapest out there. But more often than not, you get what you pay for.
Verdict
- Power
- Noise
- Usability
- Coverage
- Assembly
- Heats up to 6m away
- Only 30p per hour to run
- Instant heat
- IP65 waterproof rated
- Short power cord (1.8m)
The HeatWave is very easy to install and use straight out of the box, and delivers pleasant warmth in a matter of seconds.
Approx. price: £149.99