OUTDOOR HEATING IDEAS

WOOD

Wood is a very popular choice for creating atmosphere. It requires more maintenance – as you have to source the wood then continually tend to the fire to keep it going and clean out ashes afterwards. However fire pits and chimineas are a favourite, ultimately people love the nostalgia and ambiance of sitting by a real fire.

BENEFITS l Provides great atmosphere. l Affordable to purchase or build.

KEEP IN MIND l Requires more

A fire pit or chiminea may sometimes be trickier to ignite than your other heating options, especially on a windy day. Also, you’ll have less control over the level of heat than you would with something you can easily turn down or put on a specific temperature setting. For many, the look and feel of a wood fire makes the trade-offs worth it.

maintenance than other options. l Trickier to ignite and maintain at desired heating level. l Wood may be awkward to source and transport and expensive.

Warm enough to ditch the blanket and enjoy a cosy evening outdoors

ELECTRIC

With its timeless design, the Heatsail Patio Heater Floor Lamp adds an air of elegance. Made from stainless steel and the hood from aluminium it can be left outside year-round, radiates heat up to 5m, and has a handy remote to control settings. Using less energy than typical outdoor heaters and with zero emissions, enjoy the outdoors for longer without guilt! Also available as a pendant light. Heatsail Dome Freestanding Electric Patio Heater Floor Lamp in Black (also available in white), cuckooland.com

Outdoor heaters are typically a very convenient option. With the exception of hanging and wall-mounted models, electric outdoor heaters don’t require any installation and merely need to be plugged in. The main inconvenience you may experience is having to keep your heater close to an outlet and of course you will need to get an outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

Electricity costs more than gas and wood for ongoing use, but electric heaters are easy to use and maintain, and they’re the only type of outdoor heater that it’s safe to use in an enclosed or covered space.

BENEFITS l Convenient to use – just plug it in. l Safe to use in covered or enclosed spaces. l Easy to use and maintain – controllable heat and light. KEEP IN MIND l Cost more to use in the long run. l Can only be used close to an outlet. l May prove to be slow to heat up.

Create a stunning focal point with a beautiful sculptural firepit. Hemi Fire Bowl 660mm; 914mm, solusdecor.co.uk

NATURAL GAS

Outdoor heaters require professional installation to be connected to your gas supply. Therefore they can cost quite a bit more upfront than other types of outdoor heaters – both for the heater itself and the installation costs. However, they’re the cheapest option to use once you have them installed and they’re incredibly easy to maintain.

BENEFITS l Cheap to use. l Easy to maintain.

KEEP IN MIND l Expensive to buy and install. l Can’t use in a covered or enclosed space. l May be difficult to move due to natural gas line. l Natural gas is a fossil fuel but produces less carbon emissions than coal or wood.

This traditional gas stainless steel heater has up to 11kw output and adjustable settings in a classic design. It’s also retractable for easy storage. Hook it up straight out of the box. Lifestyle LFS822 Santorini 11kw gas patio heater, heatersuk.com

PROPANE

These heaters are pretty easy to pop on your patio. They don’t usually require professional installation, so it’s just a matter of putting them together, attaching the gas tank, and turning them on

Unfortunately, they cost more than natural gas outdoor heaters in the long run and you should plan on replacing the gas tank every so often if you go with this option, but the start-up convenience appeals to many users. Also when the propane tank does run out, it’s incredibly straightforward to replace with a new one.

BENEFITS l Heats up fast. l No installation required. l Easily portable and can be moved to where you need the heat the most.

KEEP IN MIND l Propane costs more than natural gas. l Gas tanks will need to be replaced periodically. l It shouldn’t be used in a covered or enclosed space. A ceiling-hung bioethanol fireplace with wow factor. It is fuelled by a high-grade liquid bioethanol which is eco-friendly. Each 2.5ltr refill will burn up to six hours. Cocoon Aeris Hanging Fireplace in polished steel, gomodern.co.uk

BIOFUEL

Bioethanol, a type of biofuel, is created by fermenting sugars and starches in plants. It can also be produced from potatoes, corn or rice. It’s available as a liquid in 2ltr bottles. There is no initial set-up cost to install fuel to biofuel heaters but it is the most expensive fuel type. Ethanol burns with no off-gas or particulates so is a more environmentally friendly choice than other fuels. BENEFITS l No installation required. l Can therefore be more easily portable and can be moved to where you need the heat the most. NEVER MOVE WHEN LIT.

KEEP IN MIND l Biofuel is a more expensive fuel option. l You will need to ensure you have stock of the bottled liquid stored.

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