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The best outdoor winter heating options for a cosy night 'in'

Outdoor entertaining season has just been extended. - by Charlie Albone
  • 06 Jun 2022

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.

What type of outdoor heater is right for you?

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. 

outdoor-heater
Getty

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.

outdoor-firepit
Getty

How to heat up your outdoor area

Heat your pergola

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.

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 tabletop models are also available to heat an intimate gathering on a balcony or in a small courtyard.

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.

Chimineas

The pot-bellied chiminea 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 chiminea. As the fire burns, it heats the whole chiminea itself, which radiates heat to the surrounding area. They’re available in either clay or cast iron.

The best outdoor heating products to shop in Australia

1. Gasmate gas cylinder patio heater, $149, Kogan

gasmate-outdoor-gas-heater

Shop now at Kogan

Give your place a café feel with an outdoor patio heater. This cylindical gas heater is portable and easy to operate, making it a handy addition to your outdoor space.

2. Heatstrip classic radiant electric heater, $529, Temple & Webster

heatstrip-temple-and-webster

Shop now 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. 

3. Devanti electric patio strip heater with remote, $129.95, Myer

devanti-electric-radiant-heater

Shop now at Myer

Providing sun-like warmth, this Devanti electric strip heater features infared heating technology meaning there won't be unplesant odours or fumes. Plus, it comes with a handy remote control so enjoying your nights outdoor is more inviting than ever.

4. Cast iron fire pit, $229, Catch.com.au

fire pit

Shop now at Catch.com.au

Take the classic campfire and bring it home to your place with this sturdy cast iron fire pit. Rather than just a sideshow, you can make a fire pit a feature of your outdoor area.

5. Wildtrak outdoor wrought iron chiminea, $289 (usually $379), Temple & Webster

wildtrak-black-wrought-iron-chiminea

Shop now at Temple & Webster

In a sleek matte black, this wrought iron chiminea is an outdoor heating solution that'll fit seamlessly in any modern home.

6. Gasmate outdoor heater, $199, Catch.com.au

gasmate-outdoor-heater

Shop now at Catch.com.au

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 a peace of mind. How good?

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.  

You may also like

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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Charlie Albone
Charlie Albone
Charlie has worked internationally and in Australia for the past 17 years, designing and building gardens that are timeless, inspiring and enjoyable to spend time in. In 2015 and 2016, he was awarded two Silver gilt medals for his own gardens at the world’s most prestigious flower show The Chelsea Flower Show.

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