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Find the best patio heater for your home to keep you warm and toasty in the winter evenings. If you’re feeling the winter blues and miss the great outdoors, investing in the best patio heater will win you your garden back, even when the sun has gone down. For many of us, there’s no better feeling than sitting outdoors in the evenings with some friends and a bottle of wine, but as the evenings get colder, that becomes a lot trickier. People depend on their patio heater to warm their hands and keep their feet toasty while sat out enjoying the stars.
In our best patio heater guide we’ve included a range that will suit any home. Most patio heaters are electric, and to be honest, those are our favourites. They often use infrared technology to warm your hands and face directly, instead of just heating the air around you, and they also come in freestanding or tabletop designs. There are also the best gas patio heaters, which have the advantage of being completely plug-free. If your cosy space is right at the bottom of your garden, buying a gas patio heater will liberate you from your nearest plug socket to move your patio heater anywhere you need. Gas patio heaters also often look more commercial and chic, meaning they’re perfect for entertaining this winter.
Check out our roundup of the best fire pits
We’ve included a mix of the best patio heaters from online retailers in our guide, with ten top picks for freestanding, tabletop, and even wall-hanging patio heaters to suit any space. If you order a patio heater online right now we’re hoping that you’ll have it in time for the New Year, so you can enjoy some festive fireworks without freezing!
Any patio heater you buy will need to be stored when not in use, meaning a mighty model will only suit those with a chunk of space on the shed, or a dedicated patio heater space in the garden. If you’re short on space and able to install, we suggest buying a wall-hanging patio heater to sit discreetly on your patio wall and keep you warm with the touch of a button.
Speaking of buttons, you can find some of the best patio heaters with remote controls that will give you controls over your heater even from a distance. That’s ideal for those who want something to occupy a large space in the garden.
Gas patio heaters are the classic heater you’ll recognise from trips to pub gardens, and they’re ideal for large crowds because they have pyramid shapes that contain the gas fuel neatly away. You can adjust the heat level completely with gas patio heaters because they come with fully adjustable dials. These patio heaters also offer a warm glow that acts as a patio light, as well as a warming feature. That’s perfect for making the most of every part of the garden.
Electric patio heaters need to be plugged in, but they’re more energy-efficient than gas heaters. Gas heaters warm the air around them, whereas infrared electric models heat you up directly, which means there’s less energy lost in the whole process.
Best column patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: 79.4 x 47.2 x 32.2 cm
Reasons to buy:
• It’s tall enough to warm chilly hands and faces
• The base is sturdy and perfect for freestanding use
• It will heat all around the table
Reasons to avoid:
• The actual heating element isn’t the largest
The Swan Al Fresco SH16310N Column Patio Heater is our top choice of the best patio heaters. It’s got two temperature settings to choose from, either 1000W or 2000W, and the power cord is 1.8 metres for extending out into the garden.
This patio heater has a safety switch with a 360-degree tip-over, meaning it will automatically switch off when tilted to prevent any scorching or burning if it falls over. We also think it’s tall enough to warm the hands and face, while still being a freestanding option that won’t need to sit on a tabletop. The best of both worlds!
Best overhead patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: L20 x W7 x H71
Reasons to buy:
• Its overhead is discreet and effective
• A wide base
• A range of settings available
Reasons to avoid:
• Not the cheapest
Affordable and designed for a crowd, the Heatlab 2kW Outdoor Freestanding Electric Quartz Bulb Garden Patio Heaters is 71cm tall and offers adjustable three heat settings of up to 2000W. Lower settings include a 650 watt and 1350 watt setting.
The wide base means this patio heater is stable and perfect for placing on a patio. It’s also great for discreet use as the head can overlook your garden table while you drink or entertain. The set of two is great for entertaining.
Best gas patio heater
Energy type: Gas
Dimensions: H227 x W52cm
Reasons to buy:
• It’s wireless, meaning you can take it to the end of the garden
• Has that classic ‘pub garden’ look
• Shield at the top keeps it from losing heat
Reasons to avoid:
• Gas is never as efficient as electric
Gas patio heaters don’t require an electrical cord, so they’re perfect for taking far out into the garden. The Dellonda Propane Gas Pyramid Patio Heater is our top pick of the best gas patio heater as it’s got in-built storage space for your gas tank.
The controls are available directly underneath the heater, and it has a wide and secure base perfect for entertaining.
Best tabletop patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: L23 x W23 x H41cm
Reasons to buy:
• Lightweight tabletop design
• We love the look
• Oscillating design
Reasons to avoid:
• Tops out at 70oW
If you want a patio heater to sit on your tabletop while you enjoy an evening meal, look no further than the reasonably priced and lightweight Martello Infrared Table Top Patio Heater. It has two heat lamps, each with 350 watts of power. You can operate the heater on one lamp or two, depending on which level of heat you need.
At 41cm tall, it’s perfect for placing on the top of a table and even taking out and about on trips. The oscillation is perfect for those who like to entertain, but you don’t have to have it on oscillation mode if you’re sat out on your own. It’s not capable of heating a crowd, but it will be the little injection of warmth you need to sit out in the evening.
Best rotating patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: D27 x H82 cm
Reasons to buy:
• There’s enough heat for everyone
• Will oscillate or focus on you
• Perfect for corners
Reasons to avoid:
• Rotation is limited to 60 degrees
The IPX4 Streamline Rotating Patio Heater makes sure everyone stays warm thanks to its rotation. The base spins 60 degrees, which means it’s perfect to place in a corner when hosting. There are two heat settings to choose from, and you can select this with the simple and accessible dial on top of the heater.
This heater is 82cm tall, so it’s best suited to warming your legs and feet. While it oscillates, you can also set this function off and enjoy the heat all to yourself.
Best tabletop patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: 68.2 x 35.7 x 29.6 cm
Reasons to buy:
• It’s lightweight and easy to store
• Energy-efficient
Reasons to avoid:
• Not the most powerful patio heater out there
Weighing just 8.79 kg, the Swan Al Fresco SH16330N Portable Patio Heater is a top choice for portability. You can place it under tables or on top of them, and the in-built handle makes transportation convenient.
The Swan Al Fresco SH16330N Portable Patio Heater has 1200W of power and comes with an aluminium reflector to make the most of the efficient carbon fibre heating element.
Best infrared patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: W19 x D12.7 x H100.5 cm
Reasons to buy:
• Five heat settings
• Remote control
Reasons to avoid:
• Not the largest option out there
The Opranic 2KW Electric Patio Heater has an aluminium body and knitted carbon flament. The infrared function means it’s super efficient, only heating objects nearby and not the air itself.
This heater has 2000W of power and comes with a textile cover to keep it safe when not in use. There’s also a safety function that automatically shuts the heater off when tipped. Opranic also claim that the IP34 certified heater has at least 10,000 hours of battery life.
Best hanging patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: W58.5cm x D58.5 x H35H
Reasons to buy:
• So discreet you’ll not even see it
• Very easy to store
Reasons to avoid:
• You’ll need something to hook it up to
For gazebos, pergolas or covered balconies, choose the ALUK 2000W Patio Heater. It’s infrared, meaning you’ll feel the heat directly when sitting underneath it. There’s also a remote control for easy operation and an aluminium frame to keep pergolas and balconies safe.
Given its small frame, the 2200W power is pretty impressive.
Best wall mounted patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: 79 x 21 x 16.5 cm
Reasons to buy:
• It can be a permanent feature in your garden
• Will sit on the wall all year round
Reasons to avoid:
• You will need to mount it
The Swan Al Fresco SH16340N Wall Mounted Patio Heater can be mounted either vertically or horizontally on your patio wall for year-round use. It’s waterproof and designed for any weather conditions, and the 1.8 metre power lead means it can be placed a good distance from your living space.
There’s a remote control included, as well as an on/off button on the side of the heater itself, and there’s a total of 1800W of power.
Best portable patio heater
Energy type: Electric
Dimensions: H65 x W20cm
Reasons to buy:
• Cheap to run and long bulb life
• Two metre cable
Reasons to avoid:
• 800W isn’t the most powerful
Costing just 12p to run per hour, the Herschel Havana Portable Electric Patio Heater cuts down on costs thanks to its 800W of power. It may not warm you up as much as a more powerful patio heater, but it’s a smaller option that offers 10,000 hours of bulb life.
The cable length is 2 metres, making it perfectly portable for taking out into the garden or placing on the patio. It also gives off a nice warm glow.
Patio heaters are available in both gas and electric models. Gas patio heaters are great because they don’t require a lead to be plugged in, so you can take them to the bottom of the garden and enjoy all evening long.
See also: The best BBQs
Electric patio heaters typically come cheaper and with more direct heat, especially when they use infrared heat. This heats surrounding objects directly, instead of the air around the heater itself.
In our guide to the best patio heaters we’ve included small and large options. Some can be placed on top of or underneath tabletops, making them easy to carry around and great for smaller gatherings. There are also wall-mounted and hanging patio heaters available, which can be hooked up to gazebos and pergolas for prolonging evening drinks.
The best patio heaters can last in excess of 10,000 hours. Most patio heaters indicate the lifespan of the heater bulb when buying, as well as the running cost per hour.
If you opt for a gas patio heater the lifespan could be endless, because you’re always able to replace the gas tank and when the old one runs out. This is best suited for those who like to entertain, which is why you’ll often see gas patio heaters in pub gardens.
The post Best patio heater 2021: for winter warming in your garden appeared first on Ideal Home.
Get your festive decorating scheme off to a sparkling start with Christmas candle ideas to light up every room. Candlelight is an instant mood changer, creating a soft and cosy glow that makes any space feel warm and welcoming.
Create instant atmosphere in a hallway or living room by dimming the overhead lights and lighting up a lantern or collection of candle votives to illuminate the space. Layering the lighting in several places is easier on the eye than one harsh overhead light and helps to create a cosy and relaxed ambience.
Decorating a dining table with candles has become part of tradition and is an easy way Christmas table decoration idea, making it look extra festive. A candle centrepiece will create height and give the table a focal point, just make sure that candles aren’t too tall so that guests can still see each other properly across the table.
Whether it’s Christmas candle ideas for the hallway, ways to illuminate a mantelpiece or console table in the living room or easy dining table centrepiece ideas, our festive selection will have your home aglow in no time.
Image credit: Future PLC
Create a warm and welcoming winter hallway to greet guests as they come in from the cold. A console table or wall shelf makes the perfect spot for a wintry display that will set the scene for further festivities inside.
Style up your table with a collection of lanterns, jars and candle votives arranged in a cluster on the surface. Choose frosted glass, tin and copper finishes that will shimmer in the glow.
Finish off by adding winter foliage and greenery to fill in the gaps, off-cuts of spruce from a Christmas tree are ideal. Work in other natural touches here and there, such as pine cones, nuts and sprigs of holly and berries.
Image credit: Maisons du Monde
No Christmas table is complete without candles to create ambience and take the table from daytime into night, so including them in your dining set-up is a must.
Classic red, white and green is always a festive winner, so use these colours as the basis of your scheme, starting with a cheery scarlet cloth for the backdrop. Create a Christmas table centrepiece idea with an extra-long garland of greenery running the length of the table, adding bright red apples, berries or pomegranates here and there to decorate.
Finish off with tall red dinner candles to tie your colour theme together and add height to the arrangement, placing one at every setting.
Image credit: H&M
Candle rings are this season’s must have buy and they’re one of the easiest ways of creating a Christmas centrepiece. Designs vary from smart brushed brass and metallics, to simple ceramic candle rings in white or black matt.
Choose extra-tall dinner candles to create an elegant display. Keep to all-white candles or bold berry red for a more festive look, trimming the bottoms with a sharp knife so that they sit securely in the holder. Simply stylish on their own, or dress up by trailing berries and greenery around the circular base for a fancier look.
Image credit: Next
Set the mood for cosy Christmas suppers and entertaining after dark with a candlelit table. A Christmas flower arrangement idea with fresh flowers and festive foliage will look super-pretty and create a delicate aroma that will scent the room.
Use a small bowl or dish, filling it with florists foam and then adding three tall, slim dinner candles. Then add your florals, opting for softly-coloured hydrangeas, winter roses or snowberries, and then filling in any gaps with sprigs of eucalyptus and fir.
With any arrangement that includes candles and foliage, always make sure that your candles are at least 15-20cm above the greenery so that there’s no danger of it catching light.
Image credit: Future PLC/Sussie Bell
Create a glittering candle centrepiece that will give your Christmas dining room decor the ‘wow’ factor after dark. Gather together a selection of candle lanterns, candlesticks and votives in assorted heights and sizes. You’ll need quite a few to add impact, so borrow them from other rooms if you can and replace after Christmas.
Keep to a similar colour theme for best effect. Mercury glass candle holders like these will add extra sparkle, but an all-white display or another single colour will work equally well. Then simply cluster your candles together in a group, using a linen runner as a base, and starting with the largest then staggering the heights and sizes as you work along.
Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore
Create a show-stopping display for a mantle with a sparkling line-up of candles. A simple idea, but with high-impact, a symmetrical arrangement like this makes an eye-catching display that turns the fireplace into a focal point.
Red walls are the perfect backdrop for any Christmassy display, with white a great contrast colour. Get the look using tall white dinner candles in simple red glass holders, running them the length of the mantle for full effect. Add a rows of wreaths on the wall above to echo the symmetry.
Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson
Recycle a collection of clear glass bottles to make elegant candle holders. Use to decorate a mantle lined up in a row, or cluster a few together as a table centrepiece. Dark grey walls make the perfect backdrop to show off a festive display like this.
Start by filling your bottles with water to just below the neck and then carefully push a sprig of foliage, such as fir, ivy or eucalyptus into each bottle so it sits upright. Add tall green dinner candles to finish off.
Using a mantel mirror as a backdrop will reflect candlelight and add extra sparkle to any display. For a simple, rustic arrangement, fill a bowl with a selection of glittery baubles, festive pinecones and nuts. Arrange on a mantle with a couple of tall glass candlesticks positioned so that they are reflected in the glass. Add shimmering paper-wrapped parcels here and there and a string of fairy lights to create double the twinkle.
Image credit: Hobbycraft
Create a winter village scene to decorate a sideboard or mantle. Mini house-shaped tea light holders are plentiful on the high street right now and grouped together in a vista they’ll look magical when they’re lit up after dark. Little ones will love them too.
Group as many as you can together on your surface. Buy a few bottle brush trees and dot them here and there in the gaps and add a scattering of fake snow for a truly magical effect For an easier alternative to real candles, try battery-operated tea lights, they’ll last for longer and you won’t have to worry about leaving them unattended.
Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore
Use a regular window box planter to make a simple Christmas decor idea for a table centrepiece. A longline tub in galvanised metal or rustic terracotta is ideal for a long, rectangular dinner table or you could opt for a circular planter to create a similar display for a round table.
Fill the planter with florists foam and then position your candles in a row, gently pushing them into the foam to keep secure. Sturdy pillar candles are ideal for a rustic display like this or you could use slim dinner candles and fill up the space with a few more. Finish off with a layer of moss to cover the foam and add a string of lights on the table top to give the display extra sparkle.
Image credit: Future PLC/Maja Smend
Try an easy place setting idea that looks super-special. Gather a collection of mini candle votives, together with an assortment of china. Choose a festive pattern or vintage floral pieces, don’t worry if you don’t have a matching collection, using mismatched pieces adds to the charm of a setting like this.
Place a candle votive on a small side plate, with one at every setting. Wrap the votive with satin ribbon, tying it in a bow and adding a berry sprig and a few sparkly baubles. Pop a nightlight inside and light just before guests arrive.
Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Brown
Instead of spending a fortune on a ready-made table centrepiece, make your own using foliage foraged from outdoors. A tabletop arrangement like this one can be used for festive dinner parties but also placed on a sideboard or console table to add a decorative sparkle in a hallway or living room.
Start with a bowl filled with florists’ foam, pushing stems of foliage into the foam all around the edges and letting them trail over for a lush effect. Position a simple metal candle ring on top of the foam, pushing it in to secure, add candles and then cover the top with a layer of moss dotted with pine cones and berries.
Image credit: Laura Ashley
While candles are a lovely visual mood setter, a gorgeous aroma can lift the senses too. At Christmas time, layer festive fragrances so that they’ll waft throughout the house. Team the best scented candles with room diffusers, essential oils and pot-pourri in scents that will complement each other. Try spicy cinnamon and clove, sandalwood and orange or eucalyptus and cedar.
Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott
Combine candles with winter flowers and foliage for an easy mantle or window sill arrangement. Opt for a winter white and natural green colour theme for a simple but effective display.
Place pillar candles at regularly spaced intervals along the length of your ledge. Fill a few mirrored votives with water and arrange them in-between the candles. Float your flower heads on top and then add a few strands of variegated ivy along the display, weaving it in and out of the candles and votives. Finish off by adding bunches of berries and and fruits at intervals.
Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Give candle displays extra sparkle by arranging them on a mirrored tray. You’ll double the effect as the flickering candlelight will be reflected, so it’s the perfect mini display for a gloomy corner.
Using a tray also makes it easier for you to lift and move the arrangement around, should you need a quick table topper in the dining room or hallway. Follow a quick trick that stylists use for a mini display like this and always use an odd number of items, rather than even. Odd numbers like three, five or seven are more visually appealing to the eye and help avoid too much symmetry.
Store candles in a cool place as cold candles burn slower so will last longer. Trim candle wicks before using, if the wick gets too tall the flame will also grow too tall and could leave black burn marks on candle holders.
Stop used candles from smoking by wiping away any dust and trimming the wick to 0.5cm before lighting them. If the dust is ingrained, blast with a hairdryer on a cool setting for about 10 seconds, rinse the top of the candle in lukewarm water and dry.
Keep candle holders free of wax by very carefully pushing the edges of the candles inwards as they melt.
One of the most important things to consider whenever you’re using candles is safety. Only place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces in well-ventilated rooms and out of draughts and away from open windows. Make sure to place them away from anything that could catch fire and out of reach of children and pets.
Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Use a snuffer, as blowing them out can send sparks and hot wax flying. Extinguish a candle if it smokes or the flame is too high or flickers repeatedly because the candle isn’t burning properly and safely.
The post Christmas candle ideas – 15 ways to light up your home in style appeared first on Ideal Home.
If we ask you to think of a Christmas plant it’s more than likely a poinsettia that will spring to mind – no surprise, since this most festive of florals has become a firm favourite at this time of year. This colourful flower is famous for sprinkling a little Christmas joy into our homes and making a perfect Christmas table decoration idea.
If you’re wondering how best to keep your plant alive though, our poinsettia care tips provide an expert guide on how to care for your Christmas plant. Plant experts share advice to help expand a poinsettias lifespan – keeping this festive favourite healthy for longer.
Known as the Mexican Flame Tree or Christmas Star, the poinsettia is synonymous with the festive season, with its brightly coloured, star-shaped leaves flowering in December and January. Its popularity is on the rise, too, according to floral experts Direct2Florist, who revealed that poinsettias are the Christmas flower that has seen the biggest increase in interest on Pinterest this year.
‘It’s not a surprise to see poinsettia trending so much, but the enormous 985% interest on Pinterest shows just how popular this red-petalled plant is at Christmas,’ says Direct2Florist’s Wendy Rea. ‘Apart from the vibrant colours and star shape, one of the reasons poinsettia feels so festive is that it pairs beautifully with gold and green, so it’s very easy to work them into any theme. An indispensable part of the season.’
Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Wreford
As beautiful as they are, however, keeping your plant looking its best right up to the big day can be tricky. Don’t fear, as we’ve got some advice to help you keep these stunning plants looking tip-top right through the seasonal period.
It’s important to buy your poinsettia from a reputable store or garden centre, where the poinsettias will be cared for correctly. Be wary of outside shops or stalls as lower temperatures will reduce the shelf life of the plant. Inspect it carefully before buying; poinsettia are tender plants and will not last if they stand in the cold for any length of time.
Check the compost before you buy, making sure it’s neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and look at the leaves and flowers – dense foliage and yellow-green budding flowers in-between the coloured bracts are a sure sign of quality.
Transport it home quickly and keep it in a bright, warm spot. Your poinsettia will be happy at a temperature of around 20° C. It can be close to a radiator, but not in direct sunlight or near draughts – so keep away from open doors, windows and fireplaces.
Lastly, be careful not to overwater it by leaving a pool of water in the bottom of the pot it’s sitting in. Water only when the compost is starting to change colour and become lighter.
If your poinsettia is looking a little worse for wear, there are a few things you can try to help bring it flourish again. Remove any dead leaves from the pot, and continue to remove any leaves that fall off. If the stems of the plant have started to rot, cut them back far enough so that you can remove the dead parts.
Image credit: Polly Wreford
You could also try changing its position. Place the poinsettia near a bright, south-facing window – as they are tropical plants they benefit from plenty of light.
Monitor how much you are watering your poinsettia, too, as it should be moist rather than soggy. How much water you will need will depend on the temperature and humidity level. When in doubt, skip the water.
Fertilise the poinsettia once a month after you’ve pruned it. As a rule of thumb, a poinsettia will require 1 or 2 tablespoons of fertiliser.
Lastly, cover your poinsettia plant every night or move it to a dark cupboard overnight. For it to bloom again, a poinsettia requires 14 hours of complete darkness every night. Continue to cover your plant until the buds start to appear again.
Image credit: The Big Poinsettia, £35, Bloom & Wild
‘Arguably one of the most famous Euphorbias, Poinsettias are easily identified by their large, red, star-shaped bracts, often mistaken for its flowers. The flowers are actually the tiny yellow berry-like structures at the centre of each leaf bract, which are called cyathia.
‘The poinsettia is a very easy plant to care for, but will want high light, so a spot in a well-lit room would work,’ says Keira Kay, plant expert at Bloom & Wild. ‘It’ll need watering every 7-10 days, but be sure to check the soil has partially dried ahead of watering again. You can do this either using your finger to feel the soil or by picking the plant up – if it feels light, it’s dry.’
‘Excessive moisture and poor drainage can cause root and stem rot, which can kill the plant,’ Keira continues. ‘To avoid this, make sure you only add more water when the surface of the soil has almost (but not completely) dried out. And it’s best to bottom water this plant, by placing it in a bowl or tray of tepid water for 10-15 mins, so that you can ensure the plant only takes up what it needs. This is a plant that will thrive in more humid conditions, so be sure to mist regularly to further the flowering cycle.’
Image credit: Polly Wreford
If you plan on keeping the plant beyond the festive period, it’ll want feeding monthly with potassium-rich plant food to encourage new flowers. ‘Prune back in the early spring and keep it at a slightly lower temperature (around 13-15 degrees),’ says Keira at Bloom & Wild. ‘Reduce the light it gets to 10-12 hrs per day to mimic the wintery shorter days.’
‘You’ll want to re-pot it in May and pop it in a cool location (around 18 degrees) for continued growth.’
Will you be displaying some striking poinsettias in your home this Christmas?
‘Leaf drop occurs as a result of overly warm or dry growing conditions,’ says Kiera. ‘To fix this, prune back any spent leaves and move it to a slightly cooler location, make sure it has enough water and mist it using a spray bottle to replicate humidity.
The poinsettia plant’s brightly coloured leaves contain a sap that is irritating to the tissues of the mouth and oesophagus, so if the leaves are ingested by your pet they can cause nausea and vomiting. However, it would take a large amount of the plant’s material to actually cause significant poisoning.
The post Poinsettia care tips – how to care for this festive favourite appeared first on Ideal Home.
