7 best outdoor heaters to buy in Australia 2023
Fans of the popular outdoor must-have item say the fire pit is super convenient, easy to set up and can keep a fire burning for ages.
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Who doesn’t love a bit of alfresco dining or drinks in the backyard on a summer’s evening? Enjoying the fresh air on those balmy nights is a joy, but when the weather cools down, we head back inside to stay warm until spring.
But it doesn’t have to be this way with plenty of outdoor heating options that let you make the most of your patio or deck all year round and with prices starting below $80, it won’t put a huge dent in your budget.
From strip heaters to freestanding and infra-red models, there are lots of options to choose from at every price point. Here is a roundup of our top picks to help make the decision a little easier (including this two-in-one flat pack fire pit and BBQ).
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BEST OUTDOOR HEATERS
- Best portable outdoor heater
- Best outdoor fire pit
- Best freestanding outdoor heater
- Best outdoor strip heater
- Best value outdoor heaters
BEST PORTABLE OUTDOOR HEATER
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Is there anything that’s cosier and re-energising than a nice fire pit? This option from BCF is not only lightweight and portable, but it’s also designed to push maximum airflow so your fires can burn brighter with supposedly up to 80 per cent less smoke.
Reviewers agree the fire pit is super easy to set up and pack up, with many also impressed by how much well it burns and how much firewood it can hold.
“The pop-up fire pit is my favourite camping purchase. Super simple set up and pack away, holds a heap of weight so you can get a great fire going, (and has) fantastic airflow so those embers stay glowing,” praised a reviewer.
“This is a camping essential!”
BEST OUTDOOR FIRE PIT
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Doubling as a fire pit and BBQ, this Darche outdoor essential lets you make the most out of the heat. Most reviewers agree “the quality is top notch” and say it’s easy to clean, assemble and pack away. Many also love the dual purpose functionality and use the product to toast marshmallows, and even cook a rotisserie, as well as enjoy an open fire.
“Perfect for those trips away and as an open fire pit at home,” a happy shopper posted.
“A lightweight and compact fire pit,” another wrote.
“The fact that we can also cook on it is a bonus. Throws out enough heat for warmth without having to use a heap of wood. We use it for free camping with our caravan. So far it has been great.”
BEST FREESTANDING OUTDOOR HEATER
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Made by one of the top outdoor heater brands, this Heatstrip unit is ideal for spot heating. Rather than warming up an entire space, this model is great for when you want to direct heat towards a certain area, such as towards the outdoor dining table or the entertainment area where guests usually sit. The electric infra-red outdoor heater come with four heat settings, a 24-hour timer and an LED display.
BEST OUTDOOR STRIP HEATER
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Ideal for heating small to medium-sized spaces, this Gasmate Heater has the added benefit of left to right oscillation so everyone gets to share in the warmth. It has an IP65 waterproof rating, and is easy to install and fully adjustable. The design is sleek and slimline for a stylish look that won’t take up too much space, and there’s a handy remote control too.
BEST VALUE OUTDOOR HEATERS
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
This Lenoxx heater is freestanding, so you don’t need to worry about installing it on your wall or ceiling – simply plug it in, adjust the height of the stand and angle of the head, pull the chain to turn it on, and away you go. The infra-red heater additionally has an IPX4 water-resistant resting to protect it from splashes, plus a sturdy base and tip-over switch for safety.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
This Grillz two-in-one fire pit and BBQ option is another multifunctional unit that’s great to use year-round, especially if you’re only looking for something small. It features a stainless steel build with a height adjustable grill rack, and contains an ashtray to collect any burnt bits. There‘s also a charcoal bed to store lumps of charcoal or charcoal beads and keep the space tidy.
“Well worth the money. Such a neat quality product. Easy to assemble and so portable!” a happy reviewer posted, rating it five stars.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Radiant heaters like this one from Goldair are ideal for both indoors and outdoors because they heat up fairly quickly and easily portable thanks to the integrated carry handles and castor wheels. You can expect three heat settings, an adjustable thermostat and the usual safety tilt switch.
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN OUTDOOR HEATER?
There are plenty of factors to take into consideration when choosing the perfect outdoor heater, but here’s where we’d start:
• Size – Consider the size of the space you’re trying to heat to determine the size of the heater you need. Do you need a space-saving wall-mounted unit, or a high-powered freestanding one?
• Type of heater – Some outdoor heaters operate using gas, others use electric, and then there’s fire pits that require wood or charcoal. They each have their benefits: Gas generally provides a greater heat output; electric is easy to install and ideal for small spaces; and fire pits create a cosier ambience, thanks to the combined warmth and light they provide.
• Budget – If you’ve got a limited budget, your options may be slightly more limited, but there are still some excellent cheap heaters that will get the job done. If you can afford to splurge on a more expensive pick, you’re likely to get a more durable unit with more powerful performance.
• Safety features – If there’s young kids about, you may want to consider the heater with the greatest safety offerings. Wall or ceiling mounted heaters are great as they’re well out of reach of little hands.
• Portability – Do you want a heater that you can move about to follow the action, or ones you can permanently install in one spot? Free-standing heaters are easier to move about, and smaller, portable designs can even travel with you on outdoor winter adventures and holidays.
CAN YOU LEAVE ELECTRIC PATIO HEATERS OUTSIDE?
The definitive answer to this question depends on which model you buy. Some have high waterproof ratings; while others are merely water resistant, so they won’t withstand a downpour. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as directed in the manual, or just play it safe and ensure your heater is kept out of the rain under a roof or with a rain cover to protect it.
WHICH IS BETTER: GAS OR ELECTRIC OUTDOOR HEATER?
A large part of the decision of which type of heater you buy comes down to personal preference. That said, there are definitely pros and cons for both types to take into consideration.
Gas heaters generally provide a greater and quicker heat output due to the combustion of natural gas, so they’re well suited to particularly cold or spacious locations. However, it’s important to note that they usually require professional installation for safety and warranty purposes.
Electric heaters are easy to install (just plug them in and go), and depending on the model, can be energy efficient to minimise the effects on your utilities bills. They don’t heat up as quickly as gas heaters though, and often don’t have heat outputs as strong as gas.
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