3 great outdoor heating ideas for the winter

Even though we enjoy a sunny climate here in Sydney, with mild winters and warm summers, there are times when you might find yourself in need of some additional outdoor heating. Fortunately, there are a number of options available, which let you entertain outside all year round and are pretty stylish to boot.

Brazier

First up is the brazier. It’s a type of old-fashioned heater that burns solid fuel, usually charcoal. Made from tempered steel and painted or powder coated, braziers take the form of an upright standing or hanging metal bowl or box.

The primary job of a brazier is to provide heat, but their open nature means they also give off a nice glow and add to the overall ambiance.

However, braziers get hot, which means you need to be careful when using them with children around. Also, braziers aren’t particularly well suited for wooden decks because they have the potential to scorch them.

Patio heaters

Patio heaters first appeared in restaurants where they allowed diners to eat outside without feeling the cold evening air. Nowadays, they’ve become a common sight in backyards and on wooden decks.

These gas-fuelled patio heaters are usually tall enough to be kid-safe and, depending on the make and model, can warm an area of up to 5 meters around them.

However, it should be noted that strong winds can impact their performance and many even switch off when the wind becomes too much.

Chiminea

Chimineas, also known as Mexican fireplaces, were originally made from clay, although most modern varieties tend to be cast from iron. They are effectively outdoor fireplaces with chimneys and an opening in the front in which you place the fuel – usually wood, charcoal or heat beads.

Like braziers, chimineas get hot, so they must be used with caution around children. However, they are a great way to radiate heat, light and warmth in an outdoor area.

Just be aware that chimineas aren’t the most efficient of outdoor heaters as much of the heat goes up the chimney, but they are, nevertheless, an attractive source of heat.