Sunglo: The Complete Buyer's Guide
By Ash · Reviewed October 2026
The quick answer
Sunglo is the original infrared patio heater, built in Texas since 1975 . Catalog depth: 20 configurations.
Who is Sunglo?
Sunglo is the original infrared patio heater, built in Texas since 1975. The brand that pioneered the overhead-mount commercial infrared heater used across restaurants, resorts, and country clubs for decades before the portable aluminum-stand heaters arrived.
Mounted + hard-wired configurations: natural gas and propane, residential and commercial, with powder-coated finishes designed to last outdoors. 40,000 BTU of silent radiant heat. Dealer-only distribution — you won't find Sunglo at big-box retail.
At a glance
What Sunglo prioritizes
Original infrared design
Sunglo invented this category. 50+ years of continuous production — not a trend brand.
Permanent commercial-grade mount
Built for restaurant patios + hotel pool decks. Hard-wired, silent, radiant.
Texas-made
Welded + assembled in Dallas-Fort Worth. Steel + brass construction, not aluminum.
When Sunglo is the wrong choice
Sunglo is engineered for buyers who prioritize build quality and longevity over upfront price. If you're buying a first grill under $1,500, or a fire feature for a rental property, or any use case where you expect to upgrade within three years, the premium Sunglo commands over mass-market alternatives won't earn back. The brand is at its best when the ownership horizon is 10+ years, when the install is permanent, and when matched components (vent hood, refrigeration, side burners) are part of the plan.
More reading on Sunglo
Sunglo — the questions buyers actually ask
What's the difference between Sunglo and Sunpak?
Both are Texas-made infrared gas patio heaters with permanent-mount commercial-grade construction. Sunglo has been building since 1975; Sunpak since 1995. Sunglo runs higher BTU (40k vs Sunpak's 25-34k); Sunpak has broader residential-friendly configurations. For restaurant builds, both are solid.
Can I install Sunglo myself?
No. Sunglo heaters are hard-wired to gas supply + require licensed gas fitter + electrician for the 120V ignition circuit. Not a DIY install.
Is this the same brand as the Sunglo greenhouse feed company?
No — different company. Sunglo (patio heaters) is a Texas infrared heater manufacturer. The pig-feed Sunglo is unrelated.
More Sunglo on FirePits.com
Last reviewed by the FirePits.com editorial team on October 2026.
