Stay warm in your garden on those cold evenings

What could be better than staying outside as late as you want to regardless of the weather, and as our British weather is notoriously unreliable we need to be prepared for a sunny day to turn into a chilli evening! So pull up your favourite Rattan furniture and prepare to combat the chilly evenings.

After enjoying a beautiful warm day/evening of alfresco dining there is nothing worse than having to go indoors because it has turned cold. A patio heater could be the answer, and let you enjoy extending your outdoor experience well into the night. Outdoor heating is a great way to get everyone together outside.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric patio heaters are ideal if you want to heat your garden quickly and with minimal fuss.They are easy to turn on and off and heat is instant, reaching the desired temperature quickly. They come in different shapes and sizes and, depending on the model can either be placed on the floor, or on a raised surface such as a table or bench or even mounted on a wall.

Electric heaters are usually radiant heaters which heat objects directly, as opposed to convection heaters which circulate warm air to heat up the surrounding area. Radiant heaters are generally better for large gardens as you can decide which area you would like to be heated directly. For a modern well-designed patio heater that is ideal for use for evening entertaining or long nights spent on the patio an electric halogen ceiling hanging patio heater is a further choice. The infrared heating makes it silent, safe and efficient and it heats as soon as it is switched on.

The halogen heating element inside this infrared patio heater lasts for up to 5,000 hours, meaning you will be able to enjoy a drink in the garden all year round. It is an eco-friendly option costing under a third of a gas patio heater. It is possible to extend the use of your garden parasol by adding an electric parasol infrared heater. This heater is mounted within a parasol and you won’t even see it unless sitting directly under the umbrella. It warms up within minutes and provides a wide range of heat thanks to the three lamps that each faces in a different direction.

For a modern eco-friendly heater, there is a choice of a Globe garden patio table top bio-ethanol burner. It is a very versatile and eco-friendly device and is small and light so can be moved to wherever you might wish to heat, although this does mean the range of heating is compromised. Unlike gas, electric or wood-burning heaters, this patio heater runs on bio-ethanol, a fuel produced from food waste. This gives the heater impressive eco-credentials - the fuel burns clean with no scent or smoke. As an added bonus this heater can also be used indoors. The fuel is not supplied with the heater but has to be purchased separately.

Gas Patio Heaters

Gas patio heaters are a further option, although they can be expensive to run compared to an electric heater. Gas heaters can take a while to heat up, however, they do provide a very wide-ranging heat making them a good option for bigger areas, and can be cheaper to buy. For a stunning gas patio heater, the Garden Glow square frame gas patio heater is sure to make a statement in any outdoor space and is considered to be one of the best patio heaters available. While some will feel it is too big (over two metres tall) others will think the pyramid-shaped structure stunning.

As a gas-powered heater, it may not be the cheapest to run, but it creates an excellent heat and warms up in no time at all and the temperature can be adjusted up to 13kw which is sure to heat up any garden or patio. A classically designed gas heater is a Landmann heater, which has an impressive 11kw of output which means it can heat even the most extensive patio very well. The temperature is adjustable so that you can choose between a light simmer or hot toasting. In addition at the head is an aluminium reflector which ensures even heat distribution.

Garden Chimnea

Find space for a Chimnea in your garden and it will be the centrepiece for your summer entertaining.Tall and slender creating some serious heat, chimineas have become an essential garden accessory. Traditionally chimineas are made out of clay, but modern ones are usually produced from steel or cast iron.

A little tip: If you do purchase a clay Chimnea, don't be too rough with it as it can shatter until it has been hardened by extra heat. Clay chimineas will need extra treatment and attention, but clay radiates heat for hours making a perfect patio centrepiece. They can be more delicate in general, but have a design and look that many prefer, so choose wisely. Many chimineas include a grill to enable you to cook on.

This generally is directly above the fire, but it isn't something you can replace a BBQ with as the cooking options are limited. There are many styles and varieties to choose from, from rustic to modern, stylish and elegant. An extra-large steel chiminea could be your choice, stylish and practical made from a high power coated steel and covered in a layer of temperature resistant paint It has a handy log store to keep you well-stocked for the evening, and the chiminea is waterproof so can withstand the rain.

Fire Pits

A Fire Pit is a great way of creating that campfire feel at home while warming the space immediately around you, although it is unlikely to heat a large space it gives a more natural source of heat. A fire pit needs a solid base to stand on, foldable legs and removable grates also make storage and cleaning easier. They are usually made from steel, clay, or cast iron and many also come with a cooking grill ideal for that alfresco dining. They are fuelled by either charcoal or wood and can be used as an incinerator when tidying up at the end of an evening. Many fire pits also have a protective lid, particularly useful when there are young children around. Fire Pits are available in many styles and are usually produced in cast iron, steel, clay, stone and ceramic. Some are gas-fuelled, some have barbecues, some are very decorative, some square-shaped.

A versatile cast iron bowl is a minimalist and stylish in design and makes an attractive addition to your outdoor space. Stone effect fire pits are constructed from magnesia and steel, and their contemporary style is most suited to a traditional style garden. They are low to the ground and the wood fire provides a good heat distribution. The La Hacienda Wildfire steel fire bowl is a good example of style and practicality. Made from strong steel it can withstand serious heat but has a handy lid for increased safety. What is extra special is that it doubles up as a barbecue by simply placing the grill inside. While fire pits can lead to smoky fires and can also make your hair and clothes smell of smoke, ‘killing two birds’ with one stone is always a good idea. Fire pits that are fuelled by propane or gas are a greener choice and better for air quality.

These fire pits have the appearance of concrete but are usually made of a composite which makes them resistant to extreme heat and cold, so they can remain outdoors throughout the winter. A gas canister is situated to the side of the firepit.

To add a luxurious touch to your garden maybe choose a fire globe. With a sturdy construction, these are built to last and the intricate sculptural design creates a striking centrepiece and makes the perfect place to relax. Burning real firewood can contribute to air pollution and in some communities, this is controlled. However, it is still possible to have fire pits, chimineas, and wood-burning stoves, but use “firelogs” or “heatblox logs”. These logs are made from a huge range of raw materials, although the common denominator will be the fact that it will always be made from biomass. These logs burn much cleaner than real firewood and produce a significant amount of heat per pound and is a good use for waste sawdust from wood mills.

They are known to burn for approximately three hours in any type of open fireplace and is an eco-friendly way to enjoy the heat in your garden without worrying about environmental harm. Whether you go for an easy to use gas or electric patio heater, or a more rustic approach with a chiminea or fire pit you can have a great time in your garden and stay lovely and warm too. Gather, entertain, relax and enjoy spending time outdoors.