PC
“The best value infrared panel heater for covered porch and enclosed patio use — the dual quartz element is meaningfully better than single-element alternatives”
Is the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 worth it?
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 ($120-$180) is recommended with a 8/10 consensus score across 10 expert reviews. Experts highlight dual quartz infrared tubes — broader, more even heat distribution and fan-assisted distribution — effective in enclosed patios and covered porches. PCMag says: "The best value infrared panel heater for covered porch and enclosed patio use — ..." Best for: Covered porch heating, Enclosed patio spaces, Budget DIY buyers.
Recommended10 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$120-$180
Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Patio Heaters
SHE ScoreAverage
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
5.7/10
10 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth1.7/10
Setup Ease5.5/10
Reliability6.7/10
Value Rating8.5/10
Future-Proofing6/10
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 earns a SHE Score of 5.7/10, driven by strong value (8.5/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (1.7/10). Based on 10 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8/10 across 10 sources
Updated 1 week ago“The best value infrared panel heater for covered porch and enclosed patio use — the dual quartz element is meaningfully better than single-element alternatives”
Key Features
- ✓ Dual quartz infrared tubes
- ✓ Fan-assisted heat distribution
- ✓ Alexa compatible Wi-Fi models
- ✓ Wall or ceiling mount
- ✓ 1,500W output
Best For
Covered porch heatingEnclosed patio spacesBudget DIY buyers
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 vs. the alternatives
How the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 stacks up against other Outdoor options on price, expert consensus, and our proprietary SHE Score.
| Product | Price | Consensus | SHE Score | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-238This page | $120-$180 | 8/10 | 5.7/10 | Amazon Alexa | Recommended |
| Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat | $1,050-$1,200 | 9.1/10 | 6.6/10 | Google Home, Amazon Alexa | Must Buy |
| AZ Patio Heaters Electric Wall Mount | $140-$200 | 7.9/10 | 6/10 | Google Home, Amazon Alexa | Recommended |
| Permasteel Infrared Patio Heater | $200-$320 | 7.6/10 | 5.3/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 ($120-$180) earns a 8/10 expert consensus and a 5.7/10 SHE Score across 10 sources, versus the Husqvarna Automower 430X at $1,949-$2,049 (8.7/10 consensus). It works with Amazon Alexa.
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Dual quartz infrared tubes — broader, more even heat distribution
- ✓ Fan-assisted distribution — effective in enclosed patios and covered porches
- ✓ Alexa compatible via built-in Wi-Fi module on Wi-Fi models
- ✓ Lowest-cost smart infrared panel heater in this guide
- ✓ Wall and ceiling mount options for flexible positioning
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Wi-Fi module only on select model variants — verify before purchasing
- ✗ Rated for covered outdoor use only, not true outdoor rain exposure
- ✗ 1,500W limits coverage to ~200 sq ft covered space
- ✗ Google Home support inconsistent across model variants
Tap any pick to check its live July 4th price on Amazon.
Mammotion LUBA mini AWD 800H Robot Lawn Mower
$1,399.00Must BuyView on Amazon
Traeger Ironwood 885
$1,189Must BuyView on Amazon
ECOVACS Goat O1000 RTK Robot Lawn Mower
$699.00Must BuyView on Amazon
Anker EverFrost 50 Powered Cooler (53L)
$599.99Must BuyView on Amazon
Emporia Pro EV Charger
$599Must BuyView on Amazon
Somfy Sonesse Ultra
$200-$260Must BuyView on Amazon
What The Experts Say
CO
“Reliable and efficient electric space heater for outdoor enclosures at an accessible price point”
Ready to buy the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238?
Check Price on Amazon$120-$180 · 10 expert sources · 8/10 consensus
Featured in these buying guides
See how the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 ranks against the full field in our Outdoor buying guides.
Shop similar on Amazon
Comparable Outdoor picks you can buy today — each link goes straight to its current Amazon listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 worth it?
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 earns a 8/10 consensus score across 10 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $120-$180, it is best for Covered porch heating. PCMag notes: "The best value infrared panel heater for covered porch and enclosed patio use — the dual quartz element is meaningfully better tha..."
How much does the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 cost?
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 is priced at $120-$180. With a 8/10 score from 10 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Outdoor products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 best for?
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 is best for Covered porch heating, Enclosed patio spaces, Budget DIY buyers. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8/10 consensus across 10 sources.
How does the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 compare to other Outdoor options?
Among the Outdoor products we have aggregated, the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 ranks above average with a 8/10 score. Consumer Reports adds: "Reliable and efficient electric space heater for outdoor enclosures at an accessible price point"
What smart home systems does the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 work with?
The Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 works with Amazon Alexa. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238?
If the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 ($120-$180, 8/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Outdoor are AZ Patio Heaters Electric Wall Mount, Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238?
The main strengths of the Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 are dual quartz infrared tubes — broader, more even heat distribution and fan-assisted distribution — effective in enclosed patios and covered porches. The most-cited downside is wi-fi module only on select model variants — verify before purchasing. Overall, 10 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 10 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 10 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.