What is the difference between Thermacell radius and patio shield?

What is the difference between Thermacell radius and patio shield?

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Over the past few years Thermacell has become the go to brand for mosquito repellents. The Thermacell Patio Shield is now found in backyards and patios across America. However Thermacell now offers the Thermacell Radius which seems very similar to the original Patio Shield. While these products both do an excellent job repelling mosquitoes there are a few differences to understand before buying. Lets take a few minutes to dig into Thermacell Radius vs Patio Shield.



                      Thermacell RadiusThermacell Patio Shield
Active Ingredient Metofluthrin Allethrin
Fuel Rechargable battery Custom fuel cartridge  
Coverage 15 foot radius 15 foot radius
Size 3.1" x 1.9" x 3.3" (LxWxH) 3.4" x 3.4" x 6.5" (LxWxH)
Fuel Duration 6.5+ hours on a single charge, can operate while charging A single fuel cartridge can last up to 12 hours
Mosquito Repellent Duration 12 - 40 hours depending on size of the repellent cartridges 4 hours

  • Average custormer review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
  • The new Radius Gen 2.0 is effective during even the worst mosquito season and performs at any elevation; The Radius eliminates mess, scent, spray and DEET, plus its compact and easy to use
  • The Thermacell Radius conveniently keeps mosquitos away at the touch of a button; lasts 40 hours on one refill (40 hour refill sold separately). In addition it was the Popular Science 2018 BOWN Award Winner
  • The Radius comes with a built in Li-Ion rechargeable battery, one 12-hour refill repellent cartridge and a USB battery charger


Thermacell Radius vs Patio Shield Main Differences

The radius is an improvement from the Patio Shield in several areas. These are:

  • Size
  • Fuel Type
  • Fuel Duration
  • Repellent Duration

They are about even on coverage area and while they use different pest repellent chemicals both are proven to repel mosquitoes. Below is a bit more detail on the main differences

Thermacell Radius vs Patio Shield, Which Lasts Longer?

Thermacell traded fuel cartage's out for batteries in the radius. Since fuel cartridges can get pricey this was definitely a customer friendly move. Not only are batteries easier and cheaper but they usually last longer. Plus even if the batteries die you can run the Radius while its charging. In addition to battery power the Radius also uses a repellent mat that can last up to 40 hours. Clearly the Radius wins this round of Thermacell Radius vs Patio Shield

Thermacell Radius vs Patio Shield, Size

If you want an inconspicuous mosquito repelling device the Radius fits the bill. Being able to fit in the palm of your hand means you can place the Radius on most level surfaces out of sight and enjoy a mosquito free zone. In contrast the Patio Shield is more than twice as big and more noticeable. Once again point Radius as its effective and easy to keep out of sight.

Bottom Line

The new Thermacell Radius is worth trying out. It out performs the old Thermacell Patio Shield in almost every way. From ease of refueling to duration, the Thermacell Radius is a quality mosquito repelling product. One other comparison point I like to review is amazon customer reviews. As of August 2020 the Radius had nearly three times as many positive reviews as the Patio Shield.

For even more info on the Thermacell Radius watch this video from Thermacell

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Traditional mosquito repellents typically use DEET. While effective, the ingredient has plenty of drawbacks, including an unpleasant smell and the potential to cause skin irritations. In addition, sustained protection in larger spaces and environs can be difficult. Thermacell tries to remedy this with area repellants.

Its Thermacell Patio Shield series and Thermacell Radius, for instance, can create a zone of protection up to 15-feet in radius. Although their mechanism of action is the same, there are key differences between them, like the active ingredient used and their power type. To know which one you should get, we’ve compared the two below.

Navigation

  • Thermacell Patio Shield vs Radius Comparison Chart
  • Catalog and Technology
  • Design
  • Performance and Battery Life
  • Refill Mats
  • Verdict
  • FAQs

Thermacell Patio Shield vs Radius Comparison Chart

Model Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent, Gen 2.0
  Amazon product Amazon product
Price Amazon product Amazon product
Type Area repellant Area repellant
Active Ingredient D-cis/trans allethrin Metofluthrin
Protection Radius 15 ft. 15 ft.
Power Fuel cartridge Rechargeable battery
Battery Life n/a 6.5 hours
Fuel Duration 12 hours n/a
Refill Mat Duration 4 hours to 12 hours, depending on mat 12 to 40 hours, depending on mat
Scent-Free Yes Yes
DEET-Free Yes Yes
TSA Compliant No Yes
Dimensions 3.4 x 3.4 x 6.5 in. 3.1 x 1.9 x 3.3 in.
Weight 0.6 lb 0.4 lb
Warranty One year Two years

Catalog and Technology

The Thermacell Patio Shield is a fuel-powered repellent that uses allethrin. Meanwhile, the Thermacell Radius is battery-powered and employs metofluthrin.

What is the difference between Thermacell radius and patio shield?
Here’s a look at how the Thermacell Patio Shield (left) and Radius (right) work.

Thermacell has a broad catalog of mosquito repellents. The Patio Shield series itself includes seven models. If you want a premium look, you can opt for the Metal Edition. For those who want protection as well as lighting, there’s the Thermacell Patio Shield Torch and Lantern. The latter features a lantern design with a handle for improved portability. Most users, however, will probably be happy with the standard Patio Shield.

Meanwhile, the Radius is one of two battery-powered area repellents from the brand — the other being the E55. If you’d like to see how they compare, you can check out our Thermacell E55 vs Radius review. Meanwhile, the Patio Shield uses fuel cartridges. While the power source is different, the tech behind these devices is largely the same.

On both devices, you simply insert a mat that contains the repellent ingredient. Using either battery or fuel, the Thermacell Patio Shield and Radius will generate heat to activate the ingredient. It’s then emitted across a large zone of protection as a spatial repellent.

The Patio Shield uses the active ingredient allethrin, which requires butane heat to vaporize, hence the fuel cartridge. The Radius, on the other hand, employs metofluthrin, which evaporates more readily. Both ingredients are synthetic versions of a compound found in the chrysanthemum flower. Studies have shown allethrin and metofluthrin are effective at repelling mosquitoes.

Design

The Thermacell Radius is a sleeker and more compact device than the Patio Shield.

What is the difference between Thermacell radius and patio shield?
What’s in the box? Here are the items you get when you buy a Thermacell Patio Shield or Radius.

What’s great about Thermacell products is that they don’t look like repellents. From afar, it’s easy to mistake the Patio Shield as an oversized tumbler. The Radius, on the other hand, looks more like a special container. Next to each other, the Patio Shield towers over the Radius, partly because the repellent’s body has to accommodate the fuel cartridge. If you get the Radius, you’ll benefit from a sleeker and more compact repellent.

There are also a couple of differences in their hardware and operating components. For instance, the Thermacell Patio Shield is open at the base. This is where you thread the fuel cartridge into the repellent. Repellent mats, on the other hand, are inserted into the top. To start the device, you rotate the base to On. A view window on top of the device should show a yellow or blue glow to indicate the repellent is working.

With the Thermacell Radius, starting the repellent is a lot more user-friendly. You simply open the device and insert the heat-activated repellent refill. Once you put the lid back on, you can start the Radius via a power button. A ring light surrounds the button to show the status of the device. Nearer the base, you’ll find a battery indicator, too.

Now, homeowners can get the Patio Shield in seven different colors. As mentioned in the Catalog section, there’s also a brushed metal edition. In contrast, the Radius is only available in two colors — black and blue.

Performance and Battery Life

Thermacell’s Radius may have a shorter runtime on battery than the Patio Shield does on fuel, but the former can still be used while charging.

What is the difference between Thermacell radius and patio shield?
The 15-feet protection zone offered by the Thermacell repellants works in any outdoor setting.

Despite their difference in size, both the Patio Shield and Radius deliver the same zone of protection. Thermacell claims these repellents offer 15-feet coverage. Because they operate wirelessly, you can also bring and use the devices in any indoor or outdoor setting. It’s important to note that, unlike the Radius, the Patio Shield isn’t TSA-compliant, so you cannot bring it with you on flights.

In terms of runtime, the Thermacell Patio Shield’s fuel cartridge is rated to last 12 hours. The battery-powered Radius, on the other hand, can only operate for up to 6.5 hours. Charge time also takes 5 hours. However, you can still use the Radius while Charging, which makes its potential runtime much longer than the Patio Shield.

Refill Mats

Thermacell’s Radius has longer-lasting refill mats than the Thermacell Patio Shield.

What is the difference between Thermacell radius and patio shield?
On the left, Thermacell fuel cartridge refills for the Patio Shield; on the right, refill mats for the Radius.

At the heart of Thermacell’s repellants are its refills. For the Patio Shield, you can get the fuel cartridge refills and the mats. As mentioned in the performance, fuel cartridges typically last 12 hours. You can also get them in 4-packs and 12-packs.

The refill mats, on the other hand, can last anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours. The original variant of a Patio Shield refill, for instance, lasts up to 4 hours and usually comes in packs of 3, 12, 30, or 75 mats. If you want longer-lasting protection, you can get the more expensive Max Life refill that lasts 12 hours per mat.

Out of the box, the Thermacell Radius includes a 12-hour refill. Once you’ve used it up, you do have options for longer-lasting mats. For instance, there’s a 36-hour repellent refill sold individually. The other option — a pack of 3 refills — lasts 40 hours each.

Verdict

The Thermacell Radius is a more cost-effective purchase but there may be some instances where the Patio Shield is more convenient.

Amazon product

A look at the specs and features shows the Thermacell Patio Shield is quite comparable with the Thermacell Radius when it comes to the protection zone. However, the battery-powered repellent has some advantages. The Radius, for instance, is more compact than its fuel-powered counterpart. Even if it has a shorter runtime, it can still operate while being charged. Plus, you don’t have to stock up on fuel cartridges.

That being said, there are instances where the Patio Shield might be more convenient. If you’re camping, for instance, where there’s no nearby power outlet, the Patio Shield can be a lifesaver. Even at backyard parties, it’s probably less of a hassle if you’re not worrying about having to recharge a repellant. Of course, there are simple solutions like extension cords. But it’s worth thinking about these instances when deciding which Thermacell insect repellent you should get.

FAQs

📌 What’s the difference between the Thermacell Patio Shield and Radius?

The Thermacell Patio Shield is an area repellent powered by fuel cartridges. It also uses refill mats with allethrin as the active ingredient. Meanwhile, the Thermacell Radius is a battery-powered repellent. Instead of allethrin, the Radius uses mats with the active ingredient metofluthrin.

📌 Is the Thermacell Patio Shield worth it?

Based on our Thermacell Patio Shield review, the device is worth it. If you want to protect a large area from mosquitoes, the repellent works reliably. Its fuel cartridge can also last up to 12 hours.

📌 How long is the warranty on the Thermacell Radius?

The Thermacell Radius carries a two-year warranty, which can be extended to three with registration.

📌 Is the Thermacell Radius safe to use?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of metofluthrin in repellent devices. If used as directed, the Thermacell Radius is safe to use. The refill mats of the device are also scent-free and DEET-free.

Which Thermacell is best for patio?

Best Overall: Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller Rechargeable. The Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller gets our Best Overall pick for these reasons and more. The handheld device creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes and provides 6.5 hours of repellency off a single charge.

Is Thermacell radius discontinued?

ThermaCELL Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent has been discontinued by ThermaCELL and is no longer available.

Can Thermacell patio shield be used indoors?

Only for outdoor use as an insect repellent. Do not use indoors, in tents or in any enclosed area. Do not insert anything other than ThermaCELL® mats into the appliance. Cover or remove all exposed food.

Does Thermacell patio Sheild work?

They concluded that the Thermacell Patio Shield is an effective way to help keep mosquitoes at bay while outdoors. The product is not exactly inexpensive.