Temperature
The highest temperature (and shortest wave length) can be achieved with a quartz lamp. (up to 4000˚F) On the other side, if your material can be heated with longer waves, why not consider a gas catalytic heater (up to 800˚F)? Ceramic, panels, quartz tubes, metal sheath heaters can achieve temperatures in the 1300 - 1600˚F range.
Response time
If your application requires achieving the process temperature within fractions of a second, then quartz lamps would be appropriate. If you have seconds, then quartz tubes could be an option. If you have more time (for example in an oven), flat panels, and ceramic could be a choice.
Environment
Is the application paint drying or computer chips manufacturing? Can anything be falling on the heater face? Is it dusty? Are you designing a new system or work with an existing one? These factors could determine the emitter's surface.
Control
A well designed IR application uses a PID. Are you going to use contact temperature measurement (TC, RTD) or would a non-contact measuring method (IR / Pyrometer) be beneficial? If you're using quartz lamps or heating air, you should also consider a SCR to switch power.
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