Winter normally means we retract to the indoors and hibernate until the warmer weather returns. However, this doesn’t have to be the case! There is now a variety of patio heating options on the market today. Here are our five favourite patio heaters to help keep yourself and your guests warm through the cold winter months.
1. Outdoor Gas Heaters
One of the most cost-effective ways to keep warm under your patio is with an outdoor gas heater. Their highly portable nature will allow you to easily move them around your patio and outdoor space. Outdoor gas heaters come in a variety of designs and heights to suit your individual needs and with a price range to suit all budgets.
The size and height of your patio or pergola should dictate what would best suit your needs with the outdoor gas heaters. Some gas heaters are great for 20m² spaces with other larger style gas heaters providing better coverage.
Keep in mind to choose an appropriate heater for your patio design. A flat patio does not usually have the same height as say a gable patio and therefore it may not be an easy task to move a full-height outdoor gas heater, hence a smaller more compact unit may be best suited to a flat patio.
These gas heaters are fantastic at keeping your patio or pergola area warm during the cooler months. The flexibility to be moved around if required and ease of use makes them a great choice for your backyard.
2. Fire Pits
For those that prefer the warmth of an open fire, our next option may best suit your needs.
Fire pits and chimenea's ability to create a warm atmosphere to gather around has made it an instant hit with many Australian homeowners.
There is a huge range of styles, sizes and materials so there's bound to be one that will suit your home's colour palette and design.
However, not all patios or pergolas will be able to accommodate a permanent fire pit, but there are plenty of portable styles available on the market.
When choosing a spot for your fire pit keep in mind that smoke can build up under your patio and it will need to be placed in a location to allow smoke to move away.
3. Electric Patio Heaters
If you want style and space, an electric patio heater, or HEATSTRIP®, is the perfect choice for you. These slim heaters offer a sleek design and are easy to install.
There are various models which provide different outputs. Depending on your patio design and size, you may need to have a few for an even spread of warmth throughout your outdoor space.
Electric patio heaters are on average more expensive than portable gas heaters, but their subtle and discreet design makes them an excellent choice.
They do cost more than say your portable gas heaters, but their subtle yet modern design makes them an excellent choice for those who have limited space.
4. Pizza Ovens & Braais
The next source of patio heating not only provides warmth, but the added benefit of cooking meals.
Pizza ovens have always been a popular selection for backyards and alfresco kitchens. There are many designs, styles and sizes available so there's bound to be one that will suit your space.
Another option that will keep your patio warm in winter and provide the option for cooking is the braai. Braais are South African BBQ's that come in both built-in and freestanding designs.
"Braais are not new by any means, but here in Perth they are becoming a very popular way of cooking and heating under a patio or outdoor venue. With so many homeowners creating their own outdoor destination, the braai offers the comort of an open firepalce and a foodies paradise." - Barbaco WA, Perth BBQ experts
Both the braai and pizza oven can release a large amount of heat so thought has to be given to the location and size of these units. When placing one of these under a patio, keep in mind that a flue is essential to keep the smoke away from the underside of the patio and your guests.
To summarise, both the braai and pizza oven will provide you with two excellent patio heating options and the ability to cook food in your backyard. This is entertainment plus - the warmth of the fire and the smell of beautiful food will have you and your guests enjoying those cooler winter nights in comfort.
5. Patio Blinds
With our fifth option, we have the ability to keep the warmth in the patio area rather than it being lost to the outdoors.
Patio blinds are an excellent investment for your patio area, especially as they will serve you more than just helping keep the warmth you have created inside your patio area.
With blinds down in the winter, the cold air is kept at bay and as such a heat source may not be required at all. With patio blinds, you have the option to get the last rays of sun before the cool night air descends, or if it's too warm then you can simply open up the patio area to allow some of the built-up heat to dissipate. With the ability to control some of the weather conditions throughout the year, patio blinds are by far the most versatile heating option that will suit all requirements.
Patio blinds have come a long way from the clear plastic, ropes and zips that would change colour or become brittle over time. They come in a variety of materials, styles and options and is not limited to the actual blind material itself. Blinds are now ultra-modern, stylish, and simple to use, making any patio area look complete.
It can be the most expensive heating option at first, however, patio blinds requires minimal upkeep and no power consumption which makes it an affordable solution in the long run.
If combine patio blinds with one of the other patio heating options, your patio area can be made into a comfortable space all year round and not just a summer getaway.
Contact the Patio Experts
If you're looking to replacing your old patio or looking to install a new patio, our friendly staff at Great Aussie Patios are happy to meet with you and discuss designs and ways to make your patio the ultimate outdoor destination.
If you would like a free quote call us on (08) 9493 7115 or email us at sales@greataussiepatios.com.au!