The Complete Guide to Buying Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

Why Outdoor Heating Changes Everything

Most outdoor spaces are genuinely comfortable for only a few months each season. As evenings cool, the garden furniture sits empty and the patio becomes a space you look at through the window rather than use.

Outdoor heating extends your usable season dramatically. A well-chosen patio heater or fire pit can make an outdoor seating area comfortable from early spring through late autumn — and on milder winter evenings too. The return on investment is measured in months of additional use from a space you already own.

Beyond practical warmth, fire creates atmosphere that no other outdoor feature can match. The flicker of flames, the crackle of burning wood, the gathering of people around a shared heat source — there is something fundamentally human about sitting around a fire that no amount of cushions, lighting, or landscaping can replicate.

This guide covers both patio heaters (designed primarily for efficient warmth) and fire pits (designed for warmth and atmosphere), helping you choose the right approach for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Patio Heaters vs Fire Pits: Which Do You Need?

The choice depends on what matters most to you.

Choose a patio heater if your primary goal is efficient, controllable warmth. Patio heaters deliver consistent heat at the push of a button or flip of a switch, with adjustable output and no mess. They are practical, predictable, and require minimal effort to operate.

Choose a fire pit if atmosphere matters as much as warmth. Fire pits create a focal point for gathering, conversation, and relaxation. Wood-burning models deliver the full sensory experience — flames, crackle, aroma — but require more effort and produce ash and smoke.

Many people choose both — a patio heater for practical warmth during routine outdoor dining, and a fire pit for weekend evenings, entertaining, and the simple pleasure of watching flames.

Safety: Essential Guidance for All Outdoor Heating

Outdoor heating involves fire, hot surfaces, and (in the case of gas and wood burning) combustion products. Safety is not an afterthought — it is a prerequisite for enjoyment. Every section below applies to both patio heaters and fire pits.

Placement and Clearance

Keep a minimum clearance of 1 metre (3 feet) between any heater or fire pit and combustible materials — furniture, curtains, parasols, pergola frames, fencing, overhanging branches, and stored items. This clearance applies in all directions, including above. Radiant heat rises; a heater or fire pit beneath a low roof, canopy, or parasol creates a fire risk even if horizontal clearance seems adequate.

Place all heating equipment on stable, level, non-combustible surfaces. Concrete, stone, and brick are ideal. Composite decking, wooden decks, and grass require a fire-resistant mat or pad beneath the unit — and even then, check the manufacturer's guidance, as some units are not suitable for use on combustible surfaces at all.

Never use a freestanding patio heater or open fire pit in an enclosed space. Even partially enclosed areas (conservatories, covered pergolas with limited airflow, gazebos with sides down) can trap combustion gases. Gas heaters and wood fires produce carbon monoxide, which is odourless, colourless, and lethal in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Children and Pets

Fire pits and patio heaters have extremely hot surfaces. Children and pets do not instinctively understand the danger. Burns from fire pits and outdoor heaters account for thousands of emergency room visits each season, with children disproportionately affected.

Establish a clear exclusion zone around any heating equipment. Supervise children at all times when outdoor heating is in use. Choose heaters with cool-touch exteriors and fire pits with spark screens and guards where children and pets are present. Never leave a fire pit or lit patio heater unattended.

Carbon Monoxide and Ventilation

Gas patio heaters (propane and natural gas) and wood-burning fire pits produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Outdoors, with natural ventilation, this is not normally a concern — the gas disperses safely into the atmosphere.

The risk arises when heating equipment is used in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces where carbon monoxide can accumulate. Never use gas heaters or wood-burning fire pits indoors, in tents, in garages, or in enclosed porches. Even outdoor spaces with restricted airflow (pergolas with solid roofs and walls, for example) require caution.

Electric patio heaters produce no combustion byproducts and are the only type safe for use in enclosed or semi-enclosed outdoor spaces.

Fire Safety Equipment

Keep a means of extinguishing fire readily accessible whenever outdoor heating is in use. A garden hose connected to a tap, a fire extinguisher rated for the fuel type you are using, or a bucket of sand are all appropriate. Know how to use your extinguishing equipment before you need it.

For wood-burning fire pits, use a spark screen — a mesh cover that sits over the fire, allowing heat and light through while catching sparks and embers that could land on nearby surfaces, clothing, or skin.

Fully extinguish all fires before leaving them unattended. For wood fires, spread the embers, spray gently with water using a wide spray pattern, stir the ash, and spray again. Do not dump a bucket of water onto hot embers — this creates a crust that traps heat underneath, leaving the fire smouldering beneath the surface.

Local Regulations

Many municipalities, housing developments, and apartment complexes have rules governing outdoor fires and heating. Some areas restrict wood-burning fires entirely; others require specific clearance distances from property boundaries; some apartment buildings and balconies permit only electric heaters.

Check your local fire regulations before purchasing. A beautiful fire pit that you are not permitted to use is an expensive garden ornament. This is particularly important for wood-burning models and for anyone living in flats, terraced housing, or properties with shared outdoor spaces.

Patio Heaters

Patio heaters are designed for efficient, controllable warmth. They prioritise practical heating over atmosphere.

Gas Patio Heaters (Propane and Natural Gas)

Gas heaters are the most popular type for larger outdoor spaces. They produce substantial heat, operate independently of electrical supply, and are available in a wide range of formats.

Propane (LPG) heaters use refillable or replaceable propane cylinders, typically housed in the base of the unit. They are portable — you can move them wherever warmth is needed. The trade-off is that cylinders run out and must be replaced or refilled. A standard cylinder provides roughly 8–12 hours of continuous use on a full-size standing heater, though this varies significantly with the heat setting.

Natural gas heaters connect directly to your home's gas supply via a permanent pipe. They provide continuous, uninterrupted heat with no cylinders to replace — simply turn them on and they run until you turn them off. The trade-off is that they are fixed in position (the gas pipe determines their location) and installation requires a qualified gas engineer. The ongoing fuel cost is typically lower than propane.

Heat output for gas patio heaters is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) or kilowatts. A typical full-size standing patio heater produces 30,000–46,000 BTU, heating a circle of roughly 3–5 metres (10–16 feet) in radius. Tabletop models produce 10,000–11,000 BTU for a smaller, more intimate area.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric heaters plug into a standard household socket and convert electrical energy directly into heat — typically infrared radiant heat. They are the simplest, safest, and cleanest type of outdoor heater.

Strengths: No combustion, no emissions, no cylinders, no gas connections. Safe for use in semi-enclosed spaces (covered patios, porches). Instant heat at the touch of a switch. Very low maintenance. Adjustable output. Often available with remote control.

Limitations: Require access to a power socket (which itself should be RCD/GFCI-protected and professionally installed for outdoor use). Generally lower maximum heat output than large gas heaters — electric models typically heat a smaller area. Running costs depend on local electricity rates and can be higher per hour than gas for equivalent heat output.

Best for: Covered patios, balconies, semi-enclosed spaces, and any situation where gas combustion is impractical or prohibited. Ideal for apartments and properties without gas supply.

Infrared vs Convective Heating

Infrared (radiant) heaters emit invisible infrared energy that heats objects and people directly, rather than heating the air. This means you feel warm the instant the heater is on, even if the surrounding air is cold. Wind has relatively little effect on radiant heat because it is not trying to warm the air.

Convective heaters warm the air, which then circulates around you. These are more affected by wind (which blows the warm air away) and take longer to create a comfortable environment.

For outdoor use, infrared is almost always the better choice. It delivers warmth immediately, works effectively in breezy conditions, and wastes less energy heating air that simply blows away. Most quality electric patio heaters and many gas models use infrared technology.

Patio Heater Formats

Freestanding (mushroom/pyramid): The classic tall patio heater with a reflector at the top that distributes heat in a circle. Gas-powered (propane or natural gas). Heats a large area. Portable (with wheels). The most common format for open patios and garden seating areas.

Tabletop: A compact heater designed to sit on a table, providing warmth for a small dining or conversation group. Available in gas and electric. Lower heat output than freestanding models.

Wall-mounted: Fixed to an exterior wall, directing heat outward and downward. Typically electric infrared. Excellent for covered patios, outdoor dining areas, and spaces where floor area is limited. Require professional installation if hardwired; some plug-in models are available.

Hanging / ceiling-mounted: Suspended from a ceiling or pergola structure, directing heat downward. Electric infrared. Ideal for covered outdoor spaces where wall and floor mounting is impractical.

Freestanding electric: Column or pedestal-style electric infrared heaters. Portable, plug-in, and effective for smaller spaces.

Fire Pits

Fire pits combine warmth with the primal appeal of open flame. They are as much about atmosphere as they are about heating.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

The traditional choice. A metal bowl, ring, or enclosed structure in which you build and maintain a real wood fire.

The experience: Crackling flames, the aroma of burning wood, the ritual of building and tending a fire. Nothing else replicates this. A wood fire is the centrepiece of an evening, drawing people together naturally.

The reality: Wood fires produce smoke (which follows you regardless of where you sit), sparks and embers (which require a spark screen), and ash (which needs regular cleaning). They require a supply of dry, seasoned firewood (hardwoods like oak, ash, and birch burn longest and cleanest; avoid softwoods like pine, which smoke heavily and produce excessive sparks). They take time to light, time to build to a useful heat, and time to fully extinguish.

Best for: People who enjoy the full fire experience and are willing to invest the effort. Large open gardens with adequate clearance from structures and boundaries.

Smokeless Fire Pits

A modern evolution of the wood-burning fire pit that uses double-wall construction and secondary combustion to dramatically reduce smoke output.

How they work: Air enters through vents at the base and is heated as it rises between the inner and outer walls. This pre-heated air is reintroduced at the top of the fire through small holes, where it mixes with the rising smoke and ignites it. The result is a hotter, more efficient burn with significantly less visible smoke.

The honest assessment: Smokeless fire pits are not truly zero-smoke — during the initial lighting phase and when adding fresh fuel, some smoke is produced. Once the fire is established and burning well, smoke is reduced to a fraction of what a traditional open fire pit produces. The improvement is substantial and genuine, but "smokeless" is an aspiration rather than an absolute.

Best for: Anyone who loves the wood fire experience but dislikes the smoke — particularly useful in smaller gardens, urban areas, and situations where neighbours are close.

Gas Fire Pits and Fire Tables

Gas fire pits use propane or natural gas to produce a controlled, adjustable flame. Fire tables integrate the burner into a table surface, combining a fire feature with functional furniture.

Strengths: Push-button ignition, adjustable flame height, no smoke, no ash, no firewood to store. Clean and convenient. Fire tables provide usable surface area for drinks and plates around the flames. Gas fire pits are often filled with decorative fire glass, lava rock, or ceramic logs for visual effect.

Limitations: The flame is attractive but lacks the crackle, aroma, and unpredictability of a real wood fire. Some people find gas flames less satisfying — they are controlled and consistent rather than wild and organic. Propane models require cylinder management; natural gas models require professional installation.

Best for: People who want flame and warmth without the effort and mess of wood burning. Excellent for regular entertaining where convenience matters.

Chimineas

A chiminea is a freestanding fireplace with a bulbous body and a vertical chimney. The enclosed design directs smoke upward through the chimney (rather than into your face) and contains the fire more effectively than an open pit.

Materials: Traditional chimineas are made from clay or terracotta; modern versions use cast iron, steel, or aluminium. Clay chimineas are attractive but fragile — they crack if exposed to rapid temperature changes (such as rain on a hot surface) and must be protected from frost. Metal chimineas are more durable and weather-resistant.

Strengths: Excellent heat direction (the opening faces the seating area, projecting warmth forward). Better smoke management than open fire pits. The enclosed fire is safer around children and pets. Attractive focal point.

Limitations: Limited fire size (you cannot build a large bonfire inside a chiminea). Clay models require careful handling, seasoning before first use, and protection from weather. Viewing the fire is limited to the front opening.

Best for: Smaller gardens, patio spaces, and situations where a contained, directed fire is preferable to an open pit.

Bioethanol and Gel Fire Pits

Bioethanol and gel fuel fire pits produce a clean, smokeless flame from liquid or gel fuel canisters. They are designed primarily for visual ambiance rather than serious heating.

Strengths: Smokeless, ashless, and virtually odourless. No chimney or ventilation required (though good air circulation is still recommended). Extremely portable. Available in sleek, contemporary designs — from tabletop features to freestanding floor models. Safe for use on balconies and in semi-enclosed spaces where wood or gas fires are prohibited.

Limitations: Low heat output — bioethanol and gel fires produce a fraction of the warmth of wood or gas. They are atmosphere features, not heaters. Fuel is an ongoing cost and must be stored safely (ethanol is flammable). Burn time per fuel canister varies from two to six hours.

Best for: Decorative ambience in urban spaces, balconies, and smaller patios where a real fire is either impractical or prohibited.

Fuel Comparison: Making the Right Choice

Materials and Durability

Outdoor heating equipment endures extreme conditions — high internal temperatures during use and rain, frost, and UV exposure when idle.

Steel: The most common material for fire pits and patio heater bodies. Durable and heat-resistant. Untreated steel will rust over time; powder-coated or stainless steel resists corrosion. Corten (weathering) steel develops a protective rust patina deliberately and is popular for its distinctive aged appearance.

Stainless steel: Highly resistant to rust and corrosion. More expensive than standard steel but lasts significantly longer. The preferred material for premium patio heaters and fire pit components.

Cast iron: Extremely durable and retains heat well. Very heavy, which provides stability but limits portability. Requires seasoning (oiling) to prevent rust.

Cast aluminium: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and durable. Common for fire tables and gas fire pit housings. Does not retain heat as well as steel or iron.

Clay / terracotta (chimineas): Attractive and traditional but fragile. Cracks from thermal shock (rapid temperature changes) and frost damage. Must be stored under cover or brought indoors during winter.

Stone / concrete: Used for permanent, built-in fire pits. Extremely durable but heavy and immovable.

Covers: A weatherproof cover is one of the best investments you can make for any outdoor heating equipment. UV, rain, and frost degrade every material over time. A cover extends the life of the equipment significantly.

Sizing: Matching Heat to Space

Small patio or balcony (under 10 m² / 100 sq ft): A tabletop gas heater, compact electric infrared heater, small fire pit, or bioethanol feature. Avoid large freestanding heaters — they overpower the space and create safety clearance problems.

Medium patio or deck (10–25 m² / 100–250 sq ft): A full-size freestanding gas heater, wall-mounted electric infrared, or medium fire pit. One heater typically suffices for a single seating group.

Large garden or entertaining area (above 25 m² / 250 sq ft): Consider multiple heaters positioned to cover different zones, or a large fire pit as a central focal point supplemented by a patio heater near the dining area.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Buying Based on Appearance Alone

A fire table that looks stunning in a catalogue but produces only decorative-level warmth from a bioethanol burner will not keep you comfortable on a cool evening. Check the heat output before committing.

Placing a Heater Under a Low Canopy

Radiant heat rises. A patio heater or fire pit beneath a parasol, low pergola, or fabric canopy is a fire hazard. Check overhead clearance before positioning any heating equipment.

Using Gas Heaters in Enclosed Spaces

Carbon monoxide is invisible and lethal. Gas heaters and wood fires must be used in well-ventilated outdoor spaces only. If your space is enclosed or semi-enclosed, choose electric.

Forgetting About Fuel Supply

A propane patio heater that runs out mid-evening is frustrating. Keep a spare cylinder. For fire pits, ensure you have enough dry, seasoned firewood before starting the fire.

Ignoring Local Fire Regulations

Check before you buy. Smoke control areas, apartment building rules, and local authority regulations may restrict what you can use and where.

Not Buying a Cover

Outdoor heating equipment left exposed to weather deteriorates rapidly. A fitted cover is an inexpensive way to protect a significant investment.

Choosing Wood Without Understanding the Commitment

A wood fire requires effort — sourcing, storing, lighting, tending, and cleaning up. If you want heat without effort, choose gas or electric. If you love the ritual, choose wood — but do so with eyes open.

Comparison Table

Pre-Purchase Checklist

• What is your primary goal — efficient warmth, atmospheric fire, or both?
• How large is the area you need to heat? This determines the output (BTU/kW) required.
• Is the space open, covered, or semi-enclosed? Gas and wood are for open/well-ventilated spaces only; electric works anywhere.
• Do you have access to a gas supply (for natural gas models) or a suitable outdoor electrical socket (for electric models)?
• Have you checked local fire regulations, building rules, and lease restrictions?
• What surface will the heater or fire pit sit on? Combustible surfaces (wood decking, composite, grass) require a fire-resistant mat or pad.
• Is overhead clearance adequate — at least 1 metre (3 feet) above the highest point of the equipment, with no canopy, parasol, or branches?
• Are children or pets regularly present? Consider enclosed designs, spark screens, and cool-touch surfaces.
• For wood-burning models: do you have a reliable source of dry, seasoned hardwood and somewhere to store it?
• For propane models: do you have a safe, ventilated storage location for spare cylinders?
• Have you budgeted for a weatherproof cover?
• Do you have fire safety equipment (hose, extinguisher, or sand) accessible from the heating location?

Why Buying Through Amazon Makes Sense

Amazon's outdoor heating selection covers everything from compact tabletop models to premium fire tables and professional-grade infrared heating systems. Product listings include fuel type, heat output (BTU or watts), coverage area, dimensions, and materials for meaningful comparison.

Customer feedback is particularly valuable for outdoor heating, where real-world performance — how warm the heater actually keeps you on a cold evening, how stable it is in wind, how long a propane cylinder lasts, how much smoke a "smokeless" pit actually produces — reveals far more than specifications. Look for reviews from users who describe their climate, space, and usage pattern over a full season.

The accessory ecosystem — covers, spark screens, heat-resistant mats, fire glass, propane adaptors, and replacement parts — is well represented alongside the primary equipment.

Amazon Marketplace Protections

When you purchase through Amazon, several consumer protections apply. Products sold directly by Amazon are covered by standard consumer rights legislation, including the right to return items within a specified period.

For products sold by third-party sellers on the Amazon Marketplace, the A-to-Z Guarantee provides additional protection. If an item does not arrive, arrives damaged, or is materially different from what was described, Amazon will investigate and, where appropriate, issue a refund.

Amazon Renewed products — professionally inspected and restored items — come with their own guarantee, providing confidence when purchasing pre-owned equipment at reduced prices.

Manufacturer warranties apply in addition to Amazon's protections, covering manufacturing defects and premature component failure under normal domestic use.