Outdoor Heating Ideas - The Options Available for Keeping Your Outdoor Space Cosy

Spring is officially here which means longer brighter days, more time spent outside and (hopefully) more sunshine! Unfortunately for us here in the UK that doesn’t mean scorching temperatures, so if we want to make the most of the sunshine in the garden, some form of heating is a necessity. 

The good news is, there are so many outdoor heating options available to suit different people and their garden space. Below we’re discussing the different ranges available as well as key things you should consider before making a purchase. Read on to learn more!

The Different Types of Outdoor Heating Available

Below are some of the main types of outdoor heating that you should be aware of before making a decision on which type is the best option for you.

Electric outdoor heaters

Electric outdoor heaters are a super easy way to quickly heat up your outdoor space. Simply plug them in, flick a switch and you’re good to go. They also come in a wide range of different styles, from free standing through to wall mounted options. Freestanding electric heaters are a great option as they can be moved around your garden to suit you.

Things to consider:

  • We’d recommend looking for an outdoor heating solution that uses short wave lamps as these are designed to give heat that won’t be disrupted by wind.
  • Medium and long wave lamps just warm the air itself, which doesn’t allow you to direct the flow of heat.
  • The higher the kw of a heater, the more warmth you can expect it to give off.
  • Make sure you have an electrical outlet available to plug it into.
  • Certain types of electric heaters may make a noise.
  • Once plugged in, electric heaters need little to no maintenance. 

You can browse our range of eclectic outdoor heaters here.

Gas outdoor heaters

Gas outdoor heaters are another great option for warming your garden up when the sun goes down. As with electric heaters, they are available in a few different styles and can really add a nice feature to your garden space.

Things to consider:

  • Gas outdoor heaters can take a bit of time to heat up, so you won’t instantly feel the heat like you would with an electric heater. 
  • However, once they are warm you typically feel heat in a wider area, making them a great option for larger garden spaces or for placing around large garden furniture sets.
  • They are typically more expensive to run than electric outdoor heaters.
  • Our range of heaters are crafted from high-quality steel to ensure longevity and reliability.
  • Gas heaters produce a real flame which forms an attractive light source as well as providing warmth.
  • Gas canisters are required, the type you need will depend on the heater you purchase.

You can browse our range of gas outdoor heaters here.

Chimeneas

Chimeneas originated in Mexico and offer a traditional design that looks quirky in garden spaces. This form of outdoor heating is designed to use small decorative logs and superheated air to create fire. After building your fire inside the chimenea you can usually close the door and enjoy the heat for up to several hours.

Things to consider:

  • Chimeneas are easy to use. You just need some sticks and pieces of wood to start your fire.
  • They’re easy to maintain and the fire from them can last for several hours.
  • Chimeneas are flexible in that they can be easily moved to different areas of the garden to suit you.

Firepits and bowls

Firepits offer an impressive heat source for garden spaces. Designed to look like a free standing open fireplace, they make a stunning centrepiece to your garden once the sun goes down. You can even get your guests together to toast marshmallows over them if you fancied!

Things to consider:

  • The heat element from firepits comes from burning wood, so you’ll need to make sure the wood is untreated or painted as this could release dangerous chemicals.
  • As firepits use an open flame, you need to ensure that children aren’t left unsupervised around them.
  • Make sure that your firepit is placed on an even surface to prevent it from tipping over.

Browse our range of firepits and bowls here.

Closing thoughts

So there you have it, a round up of the different types of outdoor heating available. We hope this guide has helped make your decision a little easier. If you need any further advice or guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch or visit us at our showroom.