A RADtec patio heater makes the most sense when you want heat that also looks good: the gas Allure Series turns a visible flame into a design feature, while the electric Design, Torrid and Genesis Series mount on a wall or ceiling. This review covers the lineup we carry, which series fits which space, and when to skip RADtec. We have not lab tested these heaters; everything below comes from the manufacturer specs on our listings, with prices as currently listed.
The RADtec patio heater lineup at a glance
- Allure Series gas: Real Flame (96 in, propane or natural gas), Tower Flame (89 in, stainless or wicker), Ellipse Flame (78 in, clear or ruby glass) and a 93 in Pyramid (propane or natural gas).
- Design Series electric: 43, 47, 62, 72 and 82 in panels, 1500 to 3300 W.
- Torrid Series electric: 34, 50, 56 and 77 in, 4000 to 6000 W on 240V.
- Genesis Series electric: 25 in 1500W and 38 in 3000W.
- Small Bistro: a 24 in table with a 1500W heater built in.
RADtec Real Flame and the other Allure gas heaters
RADtec Real Flame
The Real Flame is the classic street lamp shape. The propane version lists 40,000 BTU, up to 100 sq ft of coverage in mild, still conditions, push button ignition and a 20 lb tank hidden in the base for more than half a day of heat. RADtec claims it uses one third less gas than conventional heaters; treat that as a manufacturer claim. Price depends on finish: the Real Flame antique bronze propane is $689, while stainless propane is $849.
The Real Flame stainless natural gas model ($849) connects to a gas line, uses piezo ignition and lists an anti tilt shut off switch. For running cost and conversion questions, see our propane vs natural gas patio heater guide.
RADtec Tower Flame
The Tower Flame puts a tall flame inside a glass tube. The Tower Flame stainless propane ($799) lists 41,000 BTU, up to 80 sq ft in mild climates and more than 12 hours of heat. Wicker versions are $648 (black and grey) and $799 (brown), but the brown listing gives different numbers (65 sq ft, about 10 hours), so check the manual for your exact model.
Ellipse Flame and 93 in Pyramid
The Ellipse Flame with clear glass ($949) and ruby glass version ($1,049) are the shortest gas models, finished in black, with direct spark ignition, up to 65 sq ft of coverage and about 10 hours per tank. The 93 in stainless Pyramid propane ($1,495) adds anti tilt shut off and lists 55 to 65 sq ft with about 10 hours from a 20 lb tank; it also comes in antique bronze and natural gas at the same price. Neither listing prints a BTU rating. Glass tube heaters are mostly about looks; if heat per dollar matters more, the Real Flame is the stronger gas pick.
RADtec electric heater series compared
RADtec Design Series
Design Series panels use carbon fiber elements and give infrared heat without an orange glow. Two are rated for indoor and exposed outdoor use at IPX5: the Design Series 47 in 1500W 110V ($749, about 30 sq ft outdoors) and the Design Series 72 in 3300W 220V ($979, about 70 sq ft outdoors). Both list three power levels, a 1 to 24 hour timer and wall or ceiling brackets.
The 62 in 2400W ($909) and 82 in 3200W ($1,039) are IP54, for indoor and covered outdoor use, and their listings mention a WiFi smart model for phone control. The two 43 in listings conflict: the 1500W version ($910) mentions a smart model, while the 1800W 220V version labeled Smart ($845) only describes a remote. Call us to confirm before ordering a 43 in.
RADtec Torrid
Torrid is the heavy duty line: IP67, anodized aluminum, golden tube elements, preheat under 5 minutes, and wall, ceiling or pole mounting. Every model is 240V and must be hardwired by a qualified technician. Listed semi enclosed coverage runs from 120 sq ft for the Torrid 34 in 4000W ($720) to 182 sq ft for the 50 in ($940) and 230 sq ft for the 56 in ($999). The Torrid 77 in 6000W ($1,050) lists 300 sq ft indoors, 160 sq ft fully exposed, a four level remote and a two year warranty.
Genesis Series and Small Bistro
Genesis is the budget entry: 25 in 1500W at $150 and 38 in 3000W 220V at $369, both IP65 with remote and brackets, covering about 30 and 60 sq ft outdoors. The Small Bistro 24 in table heater ($585) plugs into a standard outlet and lists IPX5, a cool to touch surface and heat within about a 3 ft radius.
Which RADtec series fits your space
- Open patio: Real Flame, or Torrid 77 if you can hardwire 240V.
- Covered patio or pergola: any Design Series panel or a Torrid.
- Restaurant patio: Torrid for heavy use, or a row of Tower Flame or Ellipse units for ambiance.
- Garage or sunroom: Design Series and Genesis listings state indoor ratings. Never run a gas heater indoors.
- Small table: Small Bistro or a Design 47 in.
For spacing and mounting height, use our patio heater heat radius guide. Still deciding on a heater at all? Read fire pit vs patio heater.
Comparison table
| Model | Fuel or power | Output | Coverage | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Flame bronze propane | Propane | 40,000 BTU | 100 sq ft | IPX5 | $689 |
| Real Flame stainless NG | Natural gas | Not listed | 100 sq ft | IPX5 | $849 |
| Tower Flame stainless | Propane | 41,000 BTU | 80 sq ft | IPX5 | $799 |
| Ellipse Flame clear | Propane | Not listed | 65 sq ft | IPX5 | $949 |
| Pyramid stainless propane | Propane | Not listed | 55 to 65 sq ft | IPX5 | $1,495 |
| Design Series 47 in | 110V | 1500 W | 30 sq ft outdoor | IPX5 | $749 |
| Design Series 72 in | 220V | 3300 W | 70 sq ft outdoor | IPX5 | $979 |
| Torrid 34 in | 240V hardwired | 4000 W | 120 sq ft semi enclosed | IP67 | $720 |
| Torrid 77 in | 240V hardwired | 6000 W | 160 sq ft exposed | IP67 | $1,050 |
| Small Bistro | 110V plug in | 1500 W | 3 ft radius | IPX5 | $585 |
Pros and cons
Pros: a wide range in one brand, from a $150 plug in heater to 6000W hardwired units and decorative gas towers; a water rating on every listing; tanks hidden in the base; glow free Design panels.
Cons: glass tube models cover less area and several print no BTU rating; specs vary between color variants; listings print no clearances to combustibles, so follow the owner’s manual; larger electric models need 220V or 240V wiring.
Who should skip RADtec
If you need to heat a large open patio on a tight budget, a glass tube model is the wrong tool. If you rent or cannot add a 240V circuit, skip the Torrid and 220V Design models. The 220V and 240V models need a dedicated circuit sized by your electrician, and natural gas models need a line run by a licensed installer. A licensed pro and your local code have the final word.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RADtec Real Flame propane or natural gas?
Both, each in stainless or antique bronze, from $689 to $849 depending on the variant.
Can a RADtec electric heater be used indoors?
The Design Series and Genesis listings state indoor use, and the Torrid 77 lists indoor coverage. Gas Allure heaters are outdoor only.
How much heat does the RADtec Tower Flame put out?
The stainless propane listing gives 41,000 BTU and up to 80 sq ft in mild climates.
Does the RADtec Design Series have smart controls?
Several listings mention a WiFi smart model, but the 43 in listings conflict, so call us first.
Do RADtec Torrid heaters plug in?
No. Every Torrid runs on 240V and must be hardwired by a qualified technician.
See every model on our RADtec brand page, or compare brands in the patio heater buying guide. Questions? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Shipping is free freight on orders of $999 or more, and our return and refund policy is worth a read before you order.
