Outdoor heating: 7 best ways to warm your garden all year round

We've brought together the best garden heating options to help you make the most of your outside space this spring

Spring is in full bloom and our gardens are firmly back in business. However, temperatures are still far from tropical, especially when the evening draws in. But with the right heating setup, you can enjoy cosy outdoor living even when the mercury drops.  

READ MORE: Alfresco style ideas for outdoor entertaining

From traditional solid fuel options to modern gas and electric appliances, we've rounded up the best ways to warm your patio and keep your alfresco living space in action all year round.

Firepit

Image: Stratford Garden Centre

Typically made from steel, clay or cast iron, a firepit will instantly bring a cosy campfire feel to your back garden. Fuelled by charcoal or wood, there's an array of designs out there, from models with grills for a good old-fashioned cook-out to covered styles that can double up as incinerators.

What's more, they work just as well in a pocket-sized outdoor area as they do in a large garden, with compact designs available to accommodate smaller spaces too.

In terms of price, you can expect to pay £50 upwards for a good-quality model. At £156, this stylish option from Trading Depot includes handy storage space for logs in the base. Marshmallows at the ready...

Chiminea

Image: Garden Trading

This traditional outdoor heater functions in much the same way as a potbelly stove, with a wide bottom attached to a narrow vertical chimney that blows the smoke out.

Best of all, the covered design will help keep a fire alight even when it's raining so it's a great all-weather option – just make sure it has plenty of ventilation.

Usually made from clay or terracotta, chimineas are available in copper, cast iron, steel or cast aluminium. Aromatic woods like cedar and hickory are traditional fuel options, but modern chimineas work with wood chips or charcoal, too.

A small chiminea will warm around a metre of space around it, making it ideal for small gardens or patios, while larger models like this streamlined option from Garden Trading (£280) can heat about two metres of surrounding space. Expect to pay £200 and above, depending on the design and size you go for.

Outdoor fireplace

Image: Dunelm

A cosy fireplace isn't just for the living room – if you’re looking to establish more of a focal point in your garden, an outdoor fireplace can provide a striking feature.

Available as freestanding steel models or constructed units built with brick or stone, there's plenty of scope to get creative, just be sure to select a well-ventilated spot.

There’s a range of options to consider, including solid fuel designs that burn wood or charcoal, or those powered by natural gas. As a minimum, expect to budget £150 for this type of outdoor heater, and up to £500 for a larger or premium model.

Dimensions for outdoor fireplaces can range significantly too – this black iron model from Dunelm (£415), which comes complete with a grill, is the perfect pick for a snug courtyard.

Gas patio heater

Image: Kratki

Gas-powered appliances kick out plenty of heat across a wide-ranging area, making them well-suited for entertaining alfresco in bigger gardens.

A great way to make your summer terrace or patio a year-round spot, they come in a plethora of designs, from firepit or stove-style appliances to tower-shaped models that can multitask as outdoor lamps too.

Burners powered by LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), like this contemporary pyramid-shaped design by Kratki (£700), are the most common in terms of fuel, though it's worth noting that they're not the most eco-friendly option on the market. Depending on the size and design of your heater, expect to pay between £120 and £900.

Infrared heater

Image: Cuckooland

The best thing about investing in an infrared appliance is that you can turn it on and off as and when heat is required, minimising your energy usage. 

Many models feature trigger sensors too, meaning they'll switch off automatically when you’re not outside basking in their warmth.

There are plenty of options in terms of design, from freestanding lamp-style heaters to wall-mounted bars and ceiling-hung pendants for covered patios.

Simple infrared heaters can be incredibly affordable. However, if you’re planning to make more of a style statement, luxury models like this elegant domed floor lamp design from Cuckooland (£3,495) can cost considerably more.

Wall-mounted heater

Image: Dunelm

If you're working with a small outdoor area, there's no need to take up valuable square footage in your garden with a bulky heater. 

You can pick up a wall-mounted electric or infrared heater for under £100 – they're the ideal solution for warming a courtyard nook or keeping a petite bistro set cosy after nightfall.

This nifty infrared model from Dunelm is a steal at £50 and offers three heat settings and 200 watts of power.

Tabletop heater

Image: Dunelm

If you prefer your outdoor heaters to be somewhat more inconspicuous, there's a whole host of attractive tabletop designs on the market. 

This contemporary Halogen-powered model from Garden Furniture World (£99.50) resembles a stylish indoor lamp, with its taupe slatted shade and sleek aluminium profile.

Halogen patio heaters are typically a more energy-efficient way to warm your garden and are relatively cheap to power. However, because they use radiant, shortwave energy, they're often not as effective at heating up larger spaces. 

This particular design provides 1500 watts of power and will cost you just 27p per hour to run. 

READ MORE: 50 gorgeous garden lighting ideas

Featured image: Lights4fun