Karen Silas
Fire pits and gas or electric heaters are the top ways to heat your outdoor space. Here are the best outdoor heaters for your patio or garden that look chic, too.
It's that time of year again, when we spend more time outdoors during the summer season, even after the sun sets and the temperature starts to drop. And with social distancing measures in place, we’re spending much more time in our gardens and patios than usual – so it may be time to think about heating up your outdoor space. If you're wondering what are the best patio or garden heaters, the top three options are fire pits, outdoor gas towers and electric heaters.
RELATED: The best outdoor pizza ovens for your home or garden
There are certainly plenty of functional-looking models on the market, but if you’re looking for something that’s not just effective, but will also add a chic touch to the decor of your patio or garden, here are the best heaters that look and work great.
With so many aspects to consider when deciding which to buy, there are some things to keep in mind – so here's our guide to types of garden and patio heaters along with our list of favourites.
MORE: A peek at the most beautiful celebrity gardens for inspiration
Electric outdoor heaters
Electric outdoor heaters are low-fuss and eco-friendly, consuming less energy. You also don't have to worry about fuel so there's no additional cost there, and they are super simple – just plug in and your outdoor space is ready to go! They come in hanging designs as well as tabletop electric heaters and floor-lamp styles.
This sleek 2000W stainless steel infrared heater comes with a remote control
Firefly hanging heater, £79.99, Primrose
This 50cm tall lantern can be picked up by the handle and moved anywhere you need some glow and warmth
KETTLER Universal Electric Lantern Patio Heater, £99, John Lewis
BUY NOW
A 2100W tabletop heater in a trendy copper finish
La Hacienda Copper Series Tabletop Heater Modern, £199, Dunelm
This indoor-outdoor heater has transport wheels so it's easy to move
Firefly freestanding halogen heater, £189.99, Primrose
Gas heaters
Gas heaters, particularly the tower style, are popular at outdoor pubs and restaurants for example because they heat up large spaces evenly. They come in some very cool designs and have a clean-burning cosy flame effect, not unlike a fire pit. For gas heaters one thing to keep in mind is the expense and effort to buy fuel to power it.
Runs on either propane or LPG gas, and if you order now and it comes with a free weather cover
Athena Plus Gas Patio Heater £349.99 £249.99, Gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk
A best-selling tower gas heater for your outdoor space complete with Bluetooth speaker to play your favourite music
BU-KO Outdoor Patio Gas Heater with bluetooth speaker, £274, Amazon
This stylish gas garden heater is designed to ionise the air to kill germs and viruses, and has a three-metre heat radius
Planika Lighthouse Heater, more colours available, £738, Amazon
Fire pits
Fire pits are fantastic if you want to create a rustic ambiance and make for a fabulous focal point as a gathering place. If you're worried about smoke a fire pit doesn't have to use wood – you can look for fire pit-style designs built for gas or propane as well.
A fire pit featuring a tile motif and circular design
Centurion Garden & Patio Heater Fire Pit, £184.95, Amazon
BUY NOW
An eye-catching sphere design for a unique spin on the fire pit
Cast iron fire bowl, £239, Not on the High Street
BUY NOW
Give your outdoor space a Game of Thrones vibe with this spectacular crown fire pit
Hand Forged Crown Fire Pit by Bexsimon Ltd, £1300, Not on the High Street
BUY NOW
This article contains affiliate links, which means HELLO! may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. More information.