Outdoor Lighting & Heating

Outdoor Heating Ideas: Heater Solutions

outdoor heating

No matter your preference, size of your garden or budget – our outdoor heating ideas include something to suit all needs and garden sizes. From lazy summer evenings to cosy winter days, knowing how to heat an outdoor space will allow you to enjoy your garden year-round. 

Outdoor electric heaters

An easy and budget friendly way to heat your garden is with an electric patio heater –  simply plug it in, flick a switch and enjoy instant warmth. 

You can choose from several types of outdoor electric heater ranging from floor, tabletop freestanding models and wall-mounted electric heater units. Some can even be used in your garage or workshop. 

An outdoor heating lamp is also one of the best outdoor heating options for small spaces, such as balconies or courtyards, which may not be suitable for firepits. 

What to consider when choosing an electric heater

  • Outdoor heaters typically use clear halogen, ruby red halogen, quartz, or gold bulbs as their heating elements. Depending on the heating element used in your lamp, they work by either warming the surrounding air or heating people and objects directly with infrared technology. 
  • The higher the kw of a heater, the more warmth it will generate. 
  • It’s important to choose the right heating lamp for your space. If you don’t have enough room for a freestanding patio heater, tabletop and wall-mounted models are a great option. 
  • You’ll need to have an electrical outlet to plug your garden heat lamp into.
  • Some models of outdoor heaters may make noise, although it isn’t usually very loud.

Top tip: Create a cosy seating area around your heater with the help of our guide to weatherproof garden furniture. 

Firepits and fire baskets

If your aim is to impress, an outdoor firepit or fire basket is the perfect outdoor heating solution. Designed to look like a freestanding open fireplace, usually made from steel or cast iron, they make a stunning focal point in any space after the sun goes down. 

The heat element comes from burning wood, which you’ll need to make sure is untreated and unpainted for a clean burn. 

Outdoor firepits and baskets can serve several purposes:

  • They generate heat just as a traditional open fire would. 
  • They can be used as an incinerator. 
  • Some models can be used as a traditional charcoal BBQ if you put a cooking grill over the flame. 

Top tip: If you’re considering using your firepit to burn garden waste, check out our guide to using a garden incinerator. 

Chimeneas

So, what is a chimenea? Chimeneas are a classic outdoor heater that originated in Mexico and are usually made from clay, cast iron or steel. 

Most chimeneas follow the traditional design of a round lower body topped by a vertical smokestack, and although modern styles are available, they all work in the same way. 

Chimeneas are available in two distinct styles: 

  • Clay chimeneas come in a variety of traditional designs and bright colours and make stunning centrepieces, especially when surrounded by garden furniture. 
  • Steel chimeneas are super versatile and great for cooking, as they allow you to use charcoal. Available in a range of sizes and styles, this type of chimenea gives a more contemporary look and is great way to elevate your outdoor space. 

Top tip: For advice on how to start a firepit or chimenea, take a look at this guide. 

How to look after your outdoor heater

Whichever of our heating solutions you choose, you’ll need to maintain it to ensure it continues to serve you well throughout the years. Here are some top tips for keeping your outdoor electric heater or firepit in the best condition: 

  • Electric: Replace bulbs on your outdoor heating lamp when necessary. Store safely away or use a protective cover when not in use for extended periods. 
  • Open flame: Once cooled after use, wipe down with an oily rag to safeguard against rust. Firepits, bowls, baskets, and chimeneas will stand up against the occasional summer shower but will need protection from harsher conditions. As it’s not so easy to store them away like smaller electric heaters, it’s a clever idea to buy a suitable cover to keep them protected. 

Important safety considerations

Including outdoor heating solutions in your garden set up is a great stylish and practical addition. However, there are a few simple rules you’ll need to follow to stay safe.

Electric

  • Keep the electrical cable that connects your garden heat lamp to the power outlet tucked safely away to avoid accidentally tripping over it. 
  • If you choose a floor or tabletop heater, make sure children are supervised and watch out for little hands getting close to the hot elements. 
  • Any maintenance should be carried out by a professional electrician. 

Open flame

  • Whichever outdoor heating solution you decide to buy, make sure they’re used only on a level surface. 
  • Don’t use too much wood or create a fire that’s too large.
  • All open flames should only be used outside, and children and animals kept a safe distance from the fire.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby in case you need to extinguish the fire.

Top tips:

  • If you choose a clay chiminea, you’ll need to cure it before initial usage. 
  • Curing entails lighting a few small fires in the chiminea, this coats its interior with soot and seals the pores in the clay. 
  • This is an essential process that protects the chiminea against moisture damage and cracking.

Top tip: Explore our range of outdoor shelters and garden buildings to create the ultimate space for year-round entertaining. 

And there we have it, our favourite outdoor heating ideas. Now you can stay warm outside regardless of whether the sun is shining! Whether you opt for an outdoor electric heater or a firepit, share your new garden space with us @Homebase_UK. 



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Homebase

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