When looking to buy anything these days, it can be both hard and time consuming to find the information you’re looking for before spending your hard earned money.

Hopefully that’s where this article helps, as we answer frequently asked questions around patio heaters.

Are patio heaters expensive to run?

Electric patio heaters certainly prove to be a popular choice due to accessibility and ease – just plug it into the closest outlet plug and its job done. But this introduces the problem of needing to be close to a power socket which isn’t great for flexibility.

Gas patio heaters can be a good alternative to the mobility issues experienced from electric patio heaters as your fuel supply is provided by propane tanks.

The downside with both gas and electric fuelled patio heaters is going to be the cost – especially with the energy prices skyrocketing more recently here in the UK.

Is fuel for chimineas and fire pits cheaper?

Chimineas and fire pits are probably the cheapest option when it comes to fuel. This is primarily because you can source firewood naturally, or maybe even break up pallet wood into good sized kindling.

The benefits of a chiminea over a fire pit is going to be additional heat retention and radiance, especially with cast iron chimineas. Metal is obviously a great conductor of heat and this gives it quite a substantial advantage. Add to the fact that a chiminea’s fuel source is enclosed (when compared to that of a fire pit), the fuel will last longer due to the restriction of oxygen.

Because of this cast iron chimineas prove to be the cost effective patio heater. If this is an important facor for you, then be sure to read our chiminea buying guide.

Are patio heaters safe?

If used incorrectly any heating device can cause injury, so ensure animals and small children are closely monitored around patio heaters and open flames.

Just the same as indoor fireplaces, you can buy fireguards for fire pits and chimineas. So if you do have any potential concerns be sure to checkout our article on patio heater accessories.

Are patio heaters waterproof?

No, patio heaters are not waterproof.

And if you don’t have a storage space to keep your patio heater frost-free and dry during the UK wet months, then you should definitely look at buying a patio heater cover to extend the life of your patio heater.

Are patio heaters environmentally friendly?

Now more than ever it’s important to be conscious of the environment and the impact we have on it, so it’s only right for this to be a consideration prior to buying a patio heater.

Wood fuelled patio heaters like chimineas or fire pits should really only use seasoned wood in order to limit the amount of smoke generated.

Both electric and gas fuelled patio heaters may seem like the more environmentally friendly choice, but it all depends on how the fuel was produced. Heat is expensive when it comes to energy consumption.

Are patio heaters banned in the UK?

At time of writing (November 2021) patio heaters are not banned in the UK, and there is no sign of that changing any time soon.

There is obviously a lot of change being introduced around UK homes with log burners, and it would make logical sense for this to impact the use of outdoor heaters, but currently this is not the case.

With this in mind, now might be the best time to check out our patio heater buying guide just to make sure you get one before change is introduced and there is a mass panic! I’m sure you can remember the toilet roll fiasco during the first Covid-19 lockdown…

How long do patio heaters last?

Patio heaters can certainly last quite a number of years if you take the time to look after them and maintain them between seasons. Lucky for you there’s an article on patio heater care and maintenance.

One of the most cost effective ways of extending the life of a patio heater can be something as small as investing in a patio heater cover, which can be priced anywhere from around £15 upwards.

Obviously the more you spend, the better the quality (in most cases). Check out our recommendations for patio heater covers.

How tall are patio heaters?

Patio heaters vary in sizes, and by type. Because of that, you can be sure to find the ideal sized patio heater for you and your garden.

Chimineas tend to be the most versatile in size, cost effective in fuel and heat generation, best for longevity, and can double up as a cooking appliance! So be sure to check out our chiminea buying guide.

What is the best patio heater to buy?

This question requires a little more context, because it very much depends on your personal use case.

Are you after cost efficiency? Do you need instant heat? Would you also like to double up the use case and cook from it? Would you like the heater to be stationary, or the ability to position it in various places in your garden?

The answer to all of these questions will probably be answered in our patio heater buying guide.

Electric patio heaters

Cast iron chimineas

Clay chimineas

Fire pits

Luckily for you we’ve spent the time researching and testing, so you don’t have to!

Cast Iron Chimineas

Considerations

Recommendations

Clay Chimineas

Considerations

Recommendations

Patio heaters

Common problems and solutions

Patio heater care and maintenance

Cast iron chiminea

Cast iron chiminea care and maintenance

Common problems and solutions

Clay chiminea

Clay chiminea care and maintenance

Common problems and solutions

Patio Heater Covers