When the season changes, you’re eager to bring the entertaining outdoors. Sometimes, the temperature is just a little too chilly to make it comfortable for all your guests, but that was before you discovered the warming power of an outdoor fire pit or patio heater.
Warm up your porch or patio with easy-to-use styles that keep the party going after the mercury drops. We’ve rounded up all the helpful tips you need to know in our buying guide.
What Is the Difference Between Fire Pits & Heaters?
If you’re adding a heat source to your porch or patio, you may wonder what differentiates a fire pit from a patio heater. Both styles transform your evening entertaining settings on a chilly night, but let’s review both options.
Fire Pits
Fire pits are characterized by their open flame and campfire feel. Fire pits burn wood or have its flames controlled by a propane tank. Fire pits are typically placed in a central gathering area to encourage friends and family to gather around. Ranging in a wide variety of designs, the primary role of a fire pit is to create an ambiance.
Patio Heaters
Patio heaters are designed to keep outdoor dinner guests nice and toasty. The patio heaters you’ve seen at your favorite restaurants can be brought tableside to your own home. Heaters are either powered electrically or with a propane tank and come in freestanding, mounted, hanging, or tabletop styles.
What To Consider Before You Buy
A heating element is a sizable investment. You’ll want to be sure you’ve done the due diligence before you lock in the purchase. Here are a few considerations to explore during your search.
Do You Have Enough Space?
Since you’ll be dealing with a powerful heat source, ensure you create enough outdoor space to keep everyone comfortable and safe. Take careful measurements of your exterior spaces, leaving plenty of clearance between furniture, guests, and — of course — the heat.
What Kind of Entertainment Do You Envision?
If you throw large dinner parties, a patio heater is an impressive addition to your patio-scape. If you plan on offering more of a conversational experience, a fire pit is a great way to get more use out of your lounge furniture.
Do You Have a Specific Style in Mind?
When it comes to customizing the look and feel of your alfresco experience, fire pits come in a large range of styles that fall in line with your existing decor. Patio heaters are more limited in design aesthetic options and are more for function than style.
How To Choose a Fire Pit
1.
Select Your Preferred Style
In addition to material (e.g. stone, copper, or steel), there are options for controlling your inviting inferno.
- Wood Burning Fire Pit: Gives the authentic campfire experience. Continue to add logs throughout your evening.
- Gas Burning Fire Pit: Easiest to control with an on/off switch. Requires a connection to propane or natural gas.
- Gel Fuel Fire Pit. An alternative to wood and gas. Burns clean without excess smoke or smell but are often more decorative than warming.
- Smokeless Fire Pit: An innovative solution that provides the setting of a cozy fire without any of the harmful smoke. No more shifting your seat when the wind blows.
2.
Pick Your Placement
Since you’re dealing with an open flame that emits the occasional ember, free-standing fire pits should be placed at least 10 feet away from exterior walls or siding to prevent a fire hazard. Keep clear of any overhanging trees or shrubbery that could be at risk.
3.
Lay Down a Base
You should always have a solid, inflammable platform — such as concrete or brick — to place your outdoor fire pit over. Avoid direct placement on grassy areas.
4.
Determine How Much Power You Need
Depending on how big your gatherings get, do a little research on how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) will be required to keep everyone cozy.
How To Choose a Patio Heater?
Choose Your Style
Select from a range of functional designs to keep dinner parties delighted after the sun goes down.
Choose a Power Source
Patio heaters can be fueled with propane or electricity. Be sure to take note of how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) or Watts are required for your selected style.
Standing heater
Its upright positioning can be placed in a corner or next to the table to warm every guest.
Tabletop
Placed in the center of your tablespace, this pared-down version of the standing style emits a radiant warmth on a smaller scale.
Hanging heater
Keeps everyone around the table warm and the footprint clear. Requires a sturdy outdoor structure as an anchor.
Mounted heater
Fastened securely to an outdoor structure. Adjustable design allows you to direct the heat in any direction.
Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long
Outdoor fire pits and heaters let you enjoy the outdoors all year long. Choose the right option for your dream outdoor space. Search through dozens of options from your favorite retailers and bring home your preferred piece toda