May 8, 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Garden Heaters

When chilly evenings crash your garden party, garden heaters save the day—gas, electric, or wood-fired wonders keep you toasty. From pub-style gas towers to crackling fire pits, there’s a heater for every space. Explore our Outdoor heating and firepits collection to find your match and stay out longer.

Understanding the Spectrum of Garden Heating Solutions

Let’s face it—British summers don’t always guarantee balmy evenings. That’s where garden heaters step in, letting you stretch those alfresco catch-ups late into the night.

Whether you’re after instant plug-and-go warmth, the rustic crackle of a fire, or a stylish centrepiece, there’s a heater for every space and vibe.

In simple terms, outdoor heaters split into three camps: electric, gas, and wood-burning. Oh, and we’ll throw in a curveball (bioethanol) for good measure.

Let’s break them down so you can pick the one that fits your garden life best.

Electric Garden Heaters

If you like your warmth with zero faff, electric heaters are the winners. Plug them in, switch them on, and enjoy instant comfort—no fuel stacking or gas bottles in sight.

They’re clean, quiet, and perfect for smaller patios, covered spaces, or urban balconies where sparks and smoke aren’t ideal.

Infrared Electric Heaters

Imagine standing under a warm spotlight—that’s the magic of infrared. These heaters warm people and objects directly, not the air around them.

If you’ve ever sat under one on a breezy pub terrace and wondered why you weren’t freezing, this is why. They’re great for breezy gardens where traditional heaters would waste heat into the wind.

Energy-efficient and sleek, infrared heaters are a solid choice for fast, focused warmth.

Convection Electric Heaters

Convection heaters work a bit like radiators. They warm the air in the space around them, gently spreading heat across your patio or pergola.

They shine in semi-sheltered areas, like glass-roof extensions or pergolas with screens. They take a touch longer to heat up compared to infrared but feel more like a cosy blanket once they get going.

Think: relaxed evening natter, not quick coffee in the cold.

Halogen Electric Heaters

These are the sprinters of the electric world. Switch them on and—zap—you’ve got heat instantly.

Halogen heaters use glowing lamps to radiate warmth in seconds, which is brilliant for quick garden pop-outs or when the temperature suddenly drops mid-dinner.

They’re lightweight, often wall-mounted or hanging, and bring a sleek, modern look to any garden setup.

Gas Garden Heaters

When you’re throwing a garden party or hosting dinner for ten, you’ll want something with serious heat-punch. That’s where gas heaters come in.

They’re known for warming large spaces quickly and giving off that satisfying blast of heat you can feel across a wide area.

Propane Patio Heaters

If you’ve ever sipped a pint under a giant mushroom-shaped heater at a pub garden—you’ve met one of these.

Powered by propane bottles, these freestanding heaters are powerful, portable, and brilliant for covering bigger seating areas.

They do need a little planning (you’ll want a couple of gas bottles handy), but they’re reliable crowd-pleasers when you’ve got mates round and the temperature dips.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

These are for the planners among us. Natural gas heaters connect directly to your home’s gas supply, meaning no running out mid-party and no lugging bottles around.

They’re cost-effective in the long run and fantastic if you want a permanent outdoor setup. Picture a slick outdoor kitchen or built-in patio zone.

Just bear in mind—they aren’t portable once installed, so choose your spot wisely.

Wood-Burning Garden Heaters

If your idea of a perfect evening is crackling logs, toasted marshmallows, and chatting under the stars, wood-burning heaters are right up your alley.

They’re atmospheric, tactile, and give that nostalgic ‘campfire’ feeling nothing else quite matches.

Chimeneas

These freestanding fireplaces are as charming as they come. Usually made from clay or cast iron, chimeneas funnel smoke upwards while pumping heat out the front.

Perfect for smaller patios or garden corners, they offer rustic charm and a gentle glow that draws people in.

Just make sure you store them properly in wet weather—nobody likes a cracked chimenea.

Wood-Fired Patio Heaters

We’re talking fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and even pizza ovens that double as heaters. These are the life and soul of garden gatherings.

They throw out loads of heat and become a natural social hub (especially if you throw in a bag of marshmallows).

They do take a little effort—stacking wood, lighting the fire, keeping an eye on it—but the atmosphere? Worth every spark.

Other Fuel Options

Fancy something a little different? Bioethanol heaters bring sleek design and real flames without the smoke or hassle of logs.

Bioethanol Heaters

These burn a clean, alcohol-based fuel that gives you flickering flames but none of the soot, smoke, or ash.

They’re brilliant for smaller spaces, balconies, or gardens where you want a touch of style without much maintenance.

While they don’t pump out quite as much heat as gas or wood, they score full marks for aesthetic appeal. Think modern garden lounge vibes.

With so many outdoor heater styles, there’s truly something for every garden—and every garden party. Whether you’re after roaring flames or silent switch-on warmth, our Outdoor heating and firepits collection has you covered.

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