Abstract: A radiant burner comprises a burner housing containing a plurality of heat transfer elements which are heated by the hot combustion product gases produced by the burner. The burner housing is arranged to direct the combustible air-gas mixture into contact with the heat transfer elements to preheat the combustible air-gas mixture before passing through the burner plate to be burned. Means are provided for directing the hot combustion product gases into contact with the heat transfer elements whereby the heat is transmitted from the combustion air-gas mixture through the heat transfer elements to preheat the combustible air-gas mixture in the burner housing.