Charlie and Adam are teaming up to create a rustic garden retreat that’s perfect for this time of year. With some easy DIY seating, arbours, new garden beds and even some outdoor heating, it’s the perfect space to while away cold winter nights. Plus, they’re sharing plenty of ideas for adding a fire pit or outdoor heating to your garden, too.
WATCH: Outdoor winter heating options
But before you rush out and purchase an outdoor heater, you need to consider what kind of area you are aiming to heat. Ask yourself what is the space used for, is it an outdoor kitchen that will be a hub for entertaining year-round, or is it a small balcony?
Whether you’re trying to heat a patio, deck, balcony or an open space, there’s a right heater for each. Read on for best outdoor heating options to ready your alfresco space for winter entertaining.
The best outdoor heaters and fire pits to shop in 2024
Patio heaters
Portable patio heaters are a good option to heat any area and can be moved to where they’re required giving you more flexibility. The tall heaters with large mushroom heads radiate heat down and out so can cover a wide area compared to their size. They run on either bottled gas or electricity. Small table top models are also available to heat an intimate gathering on a balcony or in a small courtyard.
Heatstrip Thermofilm portable LPG gas heater, $899 at The BBQ Store
Give your place a café feel with an outdoor patio heater like this Heatstrip gas heater boasting a robust design. Portable and easy to operate, it’s a handy addition to your outdoor space – plus 12.5 hours of run time will cost you just $25 (based on a typical gas bottle refill).
Key features:
- Concealed LPG bottle and connections
- Built-in wheels
- Quality stainless steel heater head with high-temperature paint coating
- Wind protection rating at 16km/hr
- Protective grille and reflector
Gasmate area heater, $199 at MyDeal
Extend the season of outdoor entertaining into the cooler months with this Gasmate outdoor heater. It also features a safety tip-over switch that stops supply of gas should it be accidentally knocked over for peace of mind.
Key features:
- Adjustable heat output
- Rotary direct ignition
- Safety tip-over switch (stops gas supply when unit is accidentally knocked over)
- Oxygen depletion system (switches off the heater when oxygen at a low level)
- Flame failure system (shuts off the gas if the flame goes out)
Chimenea
The pot-bellied chimenea gives you the charm of an open fire and the warmth of a radiant heater in one unit. They work by creating an intense flame fuelled by the natural draught caused by air exiting the chimenea. As the fire burns, it heats the whole chi itself, which radiates heat to the surrounding area. They’re available in either clay or cast iron.
Bali Outdoors Chimenea outdoor fireplace wooden firepit, $1306.11 at Amazon
In a sleek matte black, this wrought iron chimenea is an outdoor heating solution that’ll fit seamlessly in any modern home. Perfect for cosying up nearby.
Key features:
- Round wire mesh screening
- Sliding door and ash tray enables users to add fuel or remove ash with ease
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Easy to assemble and clean
Firepits
You just can’t beat the atmosphere and romance of an open fire and with a firepit, it becomes a feature of your garden too. A built in firepit made out of bricks or stone is a great DIY project for your garden while a fire bowl or braziers are more portable and great for paved areas or courtyards. They also come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, adding a sculptural element to the fire.
Until Eva Solo fireglobe fire pit, $1200 at Hardtofind
Take the classic campfire and bring it home. Rather than just a sideshow, you can make a fire pit a focal point of your outdoor space such as this sculpture-like design.
Key features:
- Enamelled stainless steel
- Integrated grid aiding ventilation
- Shape providing windshield
- Two-year warranty
Strip heaters
Turn your pergola into a gorgeous entertaining space this winter and use electric strip heaters to keep the space warm and cosy. These slim and stylish bars are fixed to the underside of the roof and provide gentle warmth at the flick of a switch. The heaters are also surprisingly efficient, costing less than a dollar an hour to run. Adding clear bistro blinds around the outside of your pergola will enclose the space, keeping in the warmth and the winter chill at bay.
Devanti electric patio strip heater with remote, $95.95 (usually $119.95) at Myer
Providing sun-like warmth, this Devanti electric strip heater features infrared heating technology meaning there won’t be unpleasant odours or fumes. Plus, it comes with a handy remote control so enjoying your nights outdoor is more inviting than ever. Energy-efficient and cost-effective, it’s a great pick for the environmentally-minded.
Key features:
- Rapid heat-up
- Three heat settings
- LED control panel
- 24-hour timer
- Adjustable auto-off
- Carbon fibre heating elements
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Adjustable swivel brackets
- Remote control included
Heatstrip Elegance radiant electric heater, $779 at Temple & Webster
Perfect for an overhead structure like a pergola or balcony, these sleek and stylish heaters add a sophisticated touch to your outdoor areas without dominating a space like other heating options.
Key features:
- Corrosion-resistant to handle outdoor environments
- DIY installation of 1800W and 2400W models (3600W model must be hardwired)
- Ideal mounting height (including flush mount) 2.2m – 2.5m
- One-year commercial and two-year residential warranty
How to heat a small outdoor area
If you want to heat a relatively small area, the most suitable heater would be either an outdoor gas heater or heat strips.
Outdoor gas heaters range from those suited to tabletops to freestanding column and area heaters and are easy to move around. Alternatively, you may wish to invest in electric heat strips which are affordable and discrete.
You may also wish to consider clear bistro blinds to seal in the heat, which still allows you to view your garden.
How to heat a large outdoor area
Nothing says ‘cosy’ more than a fireplace. When it comes to open areas, you have two great options to choose between; chimeneas and fire pits. Both provide a focal point for your guests and will keep you toasty throughout the cooler months.
Wood heaters can be a great option too, being both efficient and environmentally friendly. These heaters look great and provide good radiant heat with low emissions.
How to stay safe using outdoor heaters
As with any type of heater, safety to both property and people is of prime concern. Keep firepits and patio heaters away from anything flammable and make sure they are on stable ground. If using gas heaters in an enclosed space, there must be some source of ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Looking to save money on your backyard makeover? Check out our coupon codes for MyDeal, Catch and more.
Related articles:
- 10 best outdoor firepits for backyard entertaining in the Australian winter
- 9 of the best portable energy-efficient heaters for colder months in Australia
- The best oil heaters to brace yourself for the cooler nights ahead
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