Firefly 2.1kW Adjustable Patio Heater

Another Firefly patio heater today. This time in the form of a weatherproof infrared floor standing heater. With prices from just £104.99 *check latest price*. Is it worth it? Let’s find out.

Firefly – 2.1kW Weatherproof Floor Standing Electric Patio Heater

This stylish and adjustable patio heater from Firefly has an average rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 based on 19 customer reviews. We’ve taken a look at some of the complaints this heater has received and common complaints are the lack of heat output and reliability of the heater. Let’s take a look at the specs and see if these complaints are warranted!

Heating Area

This heater claims a maximum heating area of 9sqm of heat coverage with a maximum distance of 2m – for a 2.1kW heater, this is below what you would expect from an efficient heater. A lot of heaters in this price bracket will offer between 10-20sqm of heat coverage.

Although it’s adequate for a small gathering, owners have complained that even when sitting directly underneath the heater it doesn’t offer enough heat!

Bulb Life & Heating Type

As standard with halogen bulbs, you should expect up to 5,000 hours of life from the element. Heating type is infrared via a mixed halogen/quartz/carbon element.

Power Settings & Specifics

Three adjustable power settings – 900W / 1200W / 2100W. Usually, we’d rave about having multiple power settings, but if users are having trouble keeping warm on max power, we don’t see the need for a lower power setting.

It comes with a 3-metre long power cable.

Running at 220-240v, 50/60Hz.

Aesthetics

These heaters are aesthetically pleasing, built from an aluminium alloy frame and a brushed stainless steel pole. All of which keeps this heater safe during adverse weather.

Features & Extras

We were happy to see a timer function on this heater. If you’re a set and forget person (or occasionally doze off whenever you’re warm like me) then you can set the timer for up to an hour!

It is height adjustable from 170cm to 210cm.

Weatherproof Rating

A reasonable weatherproof rating from this heater. With an IP rating of IP44.

Solid rating 4 – protection from items larger than 1mm (wires screws etc).

Liquid rating 4 – water splashing from any direction will not damage the heater in any way. Do not run the heater in the rain as it’s weatherproof but not waterproof!

Suitable For

Home users, both indoors or outdoors.

Running Costs

Based on a purchase cost of £104.99 *check latest price* we’ve calculated that the running cost of this heater before electricity is £0.02 per hour.

We must, of course, include the cost of electricity, so based on the average price of electricity at 14.7p per kWh in the U.K.

Our heater running costs are as follows:

Full Power (2100W) – 2.1kW x 1 hour = 2.1kWh x 14.7p = 30.87p (per hour)
Full Power (1200W) – 1.2kW x 1 hour = 1.2kWh x 14.7p = 17.64p (per hour)
Full Power (900W) – 0.9kW x 1 hour = 0.9kWh x 14.7p = 13.23p (per hour)

Assuming we were to use this heater for 2 hours per day.

Full Power (2100W) – our monthly heating bill would be: £18.522
Full Power (1200W) – our monthly heating bill would be: £10.584
Full Power (900W) – our monthly heating bill would be: £7.938

Heater Specification

• Cost at time of review (7th September 2017): £104.99 – Check Latest Price
  
• Type of heater: Electric, Infrared, Halogen
  
• Suitable for: Home
  
• Comes with: 3m Power Cable, Timer
  
• Height: 170-210cm
  
• Diameter: 59cm
• Weight: 10kg
  
• Power settings: 900W / 1200W / 2100W
  
• Cost to run (per hour): 13.23p / 17.64p / 30.87p
  
• Additional: IP44 Rated
  

PatioMate’s Thoughts

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this heater, there are some conflicting reviews which leads us to believe that there are better ones available on the market!

It’s visually pleasing, but the heating area coverage is something to bear in mind.