A Review of Superior Radiant Infrared Tube Heaters

Superior Radiant Tube Heater

We're often asked "what sets Superior Radiant apart from other brands of infrared tube heaters?"  That's a great question since all tube heater manufacturers are equal in their intent, that is - to heat building space using the infra-red heating principle.

Those who specify infra-red tube heating systems (ie., mechanical engineers) are particularly concerned that the brand they choose as the basis of their specification will stand the test of time and provide reliable, hassle-free performance for years to come.  Simply put, they want to avoid potential complaints, costly callbacks and the responsibility of remedying a problem inherent in an inferior product they themselves recommended. To aid in your search for the best tube heater on the market, we offer the following:

Five Criteria for Choosing a Brand of Infra-Red Tube Heater

                          1) Reflector Design
                          2) Heat Uniformity
                          3) Serviceability
                          4) Construction Quality
                          5) Representation

Almost all tube heaters utilize a 4" dia. steel tube emitter.  A burner on one end forces hot gases downstream through the tubes (between 10' and 70' in length - depending on burner size), emitting infra-red "radiant" energy around its' circumference.  An optical reflector suspended over the top of the tubes is used to force the infra-red energy downward.  This energy is then absorbed by floors and objects below, which heat up to warm the surrounding air.

Superior Radiant offers the only 10-sided reflector among all manufacturers.  Its multi-faceted configuration reflects virtually 100% of the infra-red energy out and away from the emitter tubing, putting the heat where it is needed - the people zone.  Infra-red energy "bounce-back" onto the tube is virtually eliminated and convective heat loss is minimized.  Translation:  more heat to the floor means less heat wasted at the ceiling - which means greater fuel savings and enhanced creature comfort.

By contrast, the poorest reflector consists of a flat top with two angled sides and may have a radiant effectiveness of only 50%.  The Superior Radiant reflector is also the "deep dish" style, which means that the emitter tubes are recessed up inside, with 0% exposed below the sides of the reflector.  Compare some other brands which may have up to 30% or more the tubing exposed below the bottom sides of the reflector, resulting in a high amount of energy loss into thin air that could have otherwise been reflected to the floors as usable heat energy.

An added benefit of Superior's 100% efficient reflector design is that it helps eliminate the "hot spot" effect.  That's where back radiation of infrared energy onto the combustion tube can create excessive heat pile-up within the first several feet of the burner (where the flame is located and is at its hottest).  A poorly designed reflector can cause the combustion tube to overheat and cause thermal breakdown of the tubing.  The remedy - expensive tube replacement in as short as 5 years, usually at the owners' expense.  Superior Radiant tube heaters eliminate that problem.

2) Heat Uniformity

The ideal tube heater would generate uniform heat temperatures along the entire length of the heater.  Of course, simple fluid flow physics states that heat must dissipate as it travels away from the burner.  However, Superior Radiant utilizes a patented "jet stream" burner, which shoots hot gases farther downstream and distributes heat more uniformly.  By contrast, poor burner designs have a "lazy flame", whereby too much flame impinges on the top of the combustion tube, usually in the first 4 feet from the burner, resulting in an uncomfortable hot spot and adding to the aforementioned thermal breakdown of the tubing.

3) Serviceability

Ease of servicing is a primary concern with installers and building owners.  Superior Radiant burner controls are easy to access through a simple drop down service cover, exposing the controls from three sides.  Since the blower fan feeds air into a compartment separated from the pressure sensing controls, the service technician can make diagnostics while the blower fan is running.  In addition, with controls isolated from the air stream, dust, moisture and other contaminants are less likely to corrode or adversely affect the operation of the heater over time. Superior Radiant tube heaters tend to withstand dusty and corrosive environments better than other brands.

4) Construction Quality

There is no substitute for actually seeing a product up close and "kicking the tires".  This especially holds true for the variety of infrared tube heaters on the market today. The quality of Superior tube heaters is evidenced by a regard for design detail and an upgrade of materials wherever justifiable. Early on, Superior Radiant engineers designed and tooled components by analyzing the weaknesses and strengths of other brands in the industry.  Primary components of an infrared tube heater consist of the burner/control box, emitter tubes, reflectors, couplings and hangers.  Let's compare:


   a) Superior's burner/control box is made of heavy-duty powder coated galvanized steel.  It uses the most industry-proven name-brand controls.  The innovative box design and layout of controls provides easy access for service.

   b) 16 gauge steel tubing is the standard in the infrared industry.  We suggest heat-treated aluminized.  The aluminizing process alone provides corrosion resistance, but its silver color is a poor absorber of heat.  Therefore, Superior heat-treats the tubes to create a nice gray/black color on the inside and outside of the tubes.  This process dramatically increases emissivity (the ability of the tube to emit heat outward) while maintaining corrosion resistance.  Some brands may choose to use non-heat-treated aluminized or even hot-rolled steel, which is subject to rust.  The heat-treated tubes of Superior provide the best of everything.  (Note that in extremely corrosive atmospheres, Superior Radiant offers stainless steel and a special protective coating called "silkote" to enhance life and performance).

   c) Superior's reflectors are constructed of 24 gauge aluminum sheet metal (aluminum having the best properties for reflectivity).  The number of bends helps to make the reflector more rigid and less susceptible to warping through the heat-up and cool-down cycles.  For added strength and rigidity, Superior provides two reflector support brackets for each 10' reflector section, helping maintain visual integrity.

   e) Superior uses 12" long heavy-duty double band couplings for connecting the 10' tube sections. They cannot be over-tightened, yet they can be easily removed if the system ever needs to be re-located, unlike the couplings on some brands.  Superior couplings are often used for field repairs when couplings from other brands fail.

   f) The entire Superior tube heater is supported by heavy-duty chrome plated hangars, which are generally spaced 10 feet apart and suspended from the ceiling with chain.  These rugged hangers are designed to carry the weight of the entire system and can be turned to point reflectors on a 45 degree angle if needed.

    The burner, emitter tubes, reflectors, hangers and couplings are the main components of an infra-red tube heater.  Superior's strengths are found in all its parts, not just one or two.  While other brands may have some good points, we contend that they fall short of meeting all of the criteria specifiers and building owners want.

 5) Local representation

Regardless of the infrared brand you choose, make sure you buy from a qualified distributor who has the expertise to assist you during and after installation.  A reputable distributor will stock heaters, parts and accessories and will stand by the manufacturer’s product warranty period.  You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be taken care of long after the sale.


Scott Workman is president of Infra-Red Products Supply, Inc. with over 25 years in the infrared heating industry.  To learn more about Superior Radiant gas infrared tube heaters, garage heaters, warehouse heaters, workshop heaters and energy saving heating systems, please visit Infra-Red Products Supply, Inc.

A Review of the EvenGlo GA201 Outdoor Patio Heater

With the patio heating season just starting, freestanding "post-style" upright portable propane heaters will again be flooding retailers all across the nation. The most common question we get from consumers is "why are some patio heaters so much cheaper than others"?

The answer to that question is in the question itself - "cheaper" being the key word. Yes, the heaters sold in the big box home centers and retailers are cheaper (less expensive to buy) because they are cheaper (cheaply made).

It matters little whether they’re made in North America or overseas. Patio heater prices are determined largely by the quality and features offered. It’s true that, as market demand has increased, patio heater prices have dropped over time. What was once a specialty item sold through specialty fireplace and patio furniture shops, has become readily available through retail outlets everywhere, including online stores. A heater that once sold for $650 or more is now as low as $199. But over the course of time, what has happened to product integrity? What about the quality of materials, technology, reliability and performance and warranty?

We’ve observed that post-style patio heaters are now lower in quality than in years past. And that’s not a good trend.

I recently attended the HPB Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah (held March 3-5, 2011). This national show is primarily where manufacturers of hearth, barbeque and other outdoor products from around the world gather to introduce new appliances and shore up distribution channels with distributors and dealers. While the show was smaller this year compared to previous ones, I saw at least a dozen booths with freestanding outdoor post-style patio heaters. Most of the heaters I reviewed had prices ranging from $179.00 up to $299.00.

A few of the heaters were of very low quality (ie. 4 piece top reflectors, flimsy posts, and low grade, low gauge steel). But what struck me most was that the technology (or lack thereof) was basically the same as years gone by - "drum style" burner heads and a very cheap piezo ignitor. Nothing new and innovative. The only real variations were color and the size of the mushroom reflector above the heater head.

Of all the brands we compared, only one patio heater manufacturer offered something unique and different – the EvenGlo patio heater by IR Energy, Inc. To view their heater from 80 yards away was to look at just another post-style patio heater. But getting a closer look, there were some obvious differences. Big differences. Huge improvements to both heater head design and construction quality.

In 2007, IR Energy, Inc. engineers decided to improve upon the "old technology" patio heater by coming up with something much better. By doing so, they knew that this heater would be like no other. It would also cost more because it would offer a lot more in terms of construction quality, technology, longevity, warranty, etc. The EvenGlo model GA201 is the result. Let’s compare:

Burner Head. Cheaper brands use a "drum style" burner, which distributes heat outward to the people zone, all while wasting up to 50% of heat energy to the open air without reaching the target area. By stark contrast, EvenGlo uses a multi-faceted burner head that maximizes useable heat output by shooting a torch style infrared flame into a collector, which then bounces heat energy both downward to a "bottom feeder" and upward to a large mushroom dispenser. In fact, the patented EvenGlo reflector reflects up to 58% more useable heat energy to the people zone! This burner head is unmatched by any competitive product.

Controls. Cheap brands use inexpensive push button piezo ignitors. Simply put, they are unreliable and frustrating to use. EvenGlo GA201 uses a heavy duty chrome control knob (below). The spark ignitor generates its power from a self generating battery spark, similar to ignitors found on high end residential gas BBQ's and stoves. It ignites easily on every try. As all too many patio heater owners know, igniting their heater can be the biggest hassle of all.

Heater Weight. The cheapest patio heaters weigh as little as 40 lbs. The EvenGlo GA201 weighs 120 lbs!. That’s without the LP tank. Which one do you think is made better? If you said the 40 lb. heater, you’d be dead wrong. The GA201 weighs more because it is built with heavier gauge steel. Standard is 304 Stainless, the highest grade available. Cheaper units use 430 stainless, which is lighter weight and will corrode over time.

Top reflector. Cheap patio heaters have small reflectors made of aluminum or 430 stainless steel. The EvenGlo GA201 uses a much larger top reflector made of polished 390 stainless steel – the highest grade stainless availalble! It’s size, orientation, rigidity and material quality guarantees maximum performance. The GA201 reflector is also supported by three rigid supports that maintain the shape and integrity of the reflector, even with a foot of snow resting on top.

How Zone Heating Can Save You A Ton of Money!

Making ends meet during these tough economic times can be … well … tough!  For me, nothing is more annoying than watching my monthly utilities spike upward during even the worst economic times.  Then, adding insult to injury, it seems government just can’t be happy without dipping even further into my bank account to fund some sort of new legislation, resulting in higher taxes.

To help offset the constant siphoning of my hard-earned money, I have no reservations about clipping out a coupon to save a dollar on cottage cheese or driving an extra block or two to save a few cents per gallon of gasoline.  When I eat out, I refuse to have a Coke with my burger.  I drink water instead.  It’s free (and it’s much healthier).

It makes me feel good that I’m saving a little here and there to defray my overall monthly expenses.  But in the end, those measures only help a little.  It’s the big monthly  “siphons” of my hard-earned money that really get me riled.

Ask yourself, “what are my biggest monthly expenses and what can I do about them?”

I mentioned utilities.  Next to a house payment, your monthly gas and electrical bills can be among your biggest constant monthly expenses. They come to us rain or shine.  Monthly.  You either pay them or you’re cut off.  But rest assured. They. Will. Come. Every month.

Let me share something I learned several years ago regarding my gas and electric bill.  I live in a cold climate in a remodeled 2000 square foot rambler with a full basement.  I have two furnaces to heat 5 bedrooms, an office, two living rooms and one family-kitchen great room.  During our first 6 years, after the remodeling, we controlled both furnaces thermostatically to keep the whole house warm and cozy.

Then, about three years ago, it occurred to me that I spend 90% of my time on those cold winter nights in just one large room in the house.  I said to myself “duh!  Why don’t you just heat the room you’re in? Why heat the unused or unoccupied rooms when I spend most of my time with the family in just one room, especially during the hours of 5:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.?”

Think about it.  Conceptually, most central furnace systems are designed to heat every room simultaneously, with no regard for room occupancy during the heating cycle.  Then how is it possible to heat only one room at a time?  The answer is – drum roll please … GET A ROOM HEATER!  That’s right, turn your furnace down or off and use a room heater to only heat the room you’re in.

Sounds too simple, right?  Yet true.  All you need is an electric room heater, vent free gas heater, wall heater or direct vent fireplace.  I call them zone heaters.  By operating a zone heater or fireplace solely, you’ll be surprised how well you can heat fairly large living rooms and even connected spaces.  No more heat wasted through ductwork into unoccupied areas.  In my case, I’m able to heat my entire upstairs living space just by operating my 25,000 BTU direct vent fireplace.  I run it for long stretches on the coldest days, and for shorter periods on milder days.

In my basement, I use a liquid filled thermostatically controlled electric heater.  I bought it at Home Depot for under $50.00. You’ll find them on store shelves in early Fall.  Also available are 99.9% efficient vent free gas heaters and direct vent wall heaters from various online web sites.

How can a zone heater or fireplace in one room provide enough heat to warm adjacent room spaces?

The first law of thermal dynamics is that heat seeks cold.  In other words, the heat source (heater) continually attacks cold spots in the home until those areas become warm or until the thermostat is satisfied.  In most cases, it only takes about 10,000 BTU’s to heat 500 square feet of living space, depending on ceiling height and how well the space is insulated.

Now here’s the best news of all.  Zone heating this way can reduce your over-all heating bill by as much as 50% or more!  Do the simple math.  I did.  Our monthly fuel bill went from well over $200.00 to about $60.00 per month.  And that’s just on gas.  We were also able to slash our electric bill by not running the furnaces.  We estimate we’re saving $140.00 per month in heating costs.  Over any given winter, that’s at least $700 saved by not running the furnaces continually like we did in years past.

That’s money saved.  That’s money in the bank!

Scott Workman owns and operates Infra-Red Products Supply, Inc. of Draper, Utah. Want to learn more about zone heaters, room heaters, garage heaters, patio heaters, vent free heaters, direct vent fireplaces, gas heaters, electric garage heaters, radiant tube heaters, infrared heaters and more?  Email us at getheat@msn.com or visit HeatersUnlimited