"Can I put a fireplace in my sunroom?" and "What's the best heater for a covered porch?" sound like the same question. They aren't. The answer depends on one thing: is the space an indoor room or an outdoor room? Get that wrong and you can end up with equipment that isn't listed for where you put it.
This guide sorts the space first, then shows what fits each one.
Step 1: Indoor room or outdoor room?
| Your space | Treat it as | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed sunroom or four-season room with windows, doors and heat or insulation | Indoor | It's a closed room inside your home's envelope |
| Screened porch | Outdoor | Screens let weather and air through |
| Covered porch, open sides | Outdoor | A roof doesn't make it indoors |
| Three-season room you close up in winter | Ask first | It depends on how it's built and sealed |
Indoor fireplaces are listed for indoor rooms. Outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters are listed for outdoor spaces. Check the listing in the manual for any unit you're considering. It tells you where the unit is approved to go.
Step 2a: For an enclosed sunroom (indoor)
A sunroom usually has exterior walls on several sides, which can make some options easier than in a regular interior room.
- Electric fireplace. No vent and no gas line, so it's often the simplest. Our guides on electric fireplace installation and whether electric fireplaces really heat a room cover what to expect.
- Direct-vent gas fireplace. A sunroom's exterior wall can give the vent a short path outside. See Which Napoleon model fits your wall and our direct-vent buying guide.
- Vent-free gas fireplace. Possible in some homes, but local code and the manual's room-size requirements decide it. Read Are vent-free gas fireplaces safe? before you plan around one.
Step 2b: For a screened or covered porch (outdoor)
Here you're choosing between outdoor-rated heat sources: patio heaters for warmth, or an outdoor fireplace for the look plus some heat.
Electric patio heater: Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat
The Bromic Platinum Electric has no flame and no combustion. From Bromic's specifications for the 3400W model:
- Heat area: 108 sq ft
- Minimum mounting height: 72" on a wall, 96" on a ceiling
- Weather rating: IP54
- Power: 220–240V at 14.2A, hardwired by a licensed electrician
- Controls: sold separately (on/off, dimmer or wall switch)
The Platinum Electric line runs $1,527 to $2,936 at AHS, depending on wattage and finish.
Gas patio heater: Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat
The Bromic Tungsten Gas puts out more heat per unit. From Bromic's specifications for the Tungsten 500:
- Output: 43,000 BTU
- Heat area: 215 sq ft
- Minimum clearance from the floor: 96"
- Weather rating: IPX4, rated for winds up to 8 mph
- Needs: a licensed gas fitter, plus a standard 110V outlet for ignition and controls
Tungsten Gas runs $1,828 to $2,087 at AHS. Before putting any gas heater in a screened or partly enclosed porch, check the ventilation requirements in Bromic's installation manual.
Outdoor gas fireplace
If you want a flame you can sit around, the Outdoor Lifestyles Lanai 48 ($4,639) is an outdoor-rated gas fireplace. Ceiling and side clearances are in the manufacturer's manual; confirm your porch height before you buy. More in our outdoor gas fireplace buying guide.
Quick comparison for porches
| Bromic Platinum Electric (3400W) | Bromic Tungsten Gas (500) | Outdoor gas fireplace | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Warmth | Warmth | Ambiance + some heat |
| Fuel | 220–240V electric | Natural gas or propane | Gas |
| Heat area (manufacturer) | 108 sq ft | 215 sq ft | See manual |
| Minimum mounting | 72" wall / 96" ceiling | 96" from floor | See manual |
| Who installs | Licensed electrician | Licensed gas fitter | Licensed gas professional |
| Price at AHS | $1,527–$2,936 (line) | $1,828–$2,087 | $4,639 (Lanai 48) |
How many heaters does a porch need?
Start with the heat area. A 200 sq ft seating area is about two Platinum Electric 3400W heaters, or roughly one Tungsten 500. Wind, open sides and ceiling height change the real answer. Our Bromic patio heater buying guide walks through sizing by seating zone, and gas vs. electric patio heaters covers running costs.
Five questions before you buy
- Is the space truly enclosed and conditioned (indoor), or open to air through screens or sides (outdoor)?
- How high is the ceiling? That decides which heaters can mount there.
- Is there 220–240V power nearby, or a gas line?
- How many square feet do you actually sit in?
- Who will install it? AHS supplies the equipment; a licensed electrician or gas professional installs it.
Get a match for your space
Send us the room or porch dimensions, ceiling height, what power or gas is there, and a photo. We'll tell you what fits and every part it needs. Call or text (814) 440-4817, or use Get my recommendation.
