There is nothing quite like a real fire.  ‘Mushroom’ heaters provide warmth but if you also want the delicious glow and inviting ambience of a real fire to enhance your outdoor entertaining, patio fireplaces are the way to go.  Outdoor heating has become a booming business and designers have risen to the challenge of providing something for everyone.

Most outdoor fireplaces are portable which means that you can take them with you if you move house.  Or you may decide to have one permanently built into your patio.  These are more costly and generally much larger, but would add to the value of your home.

What kinds of patio fireplaces are there?

There are designs to suit every taste and budget.  Most models give a 360 degree view of the fire.  They can be anything from brick built to resembling black-leaded wood burners or Chinese pagodas. 

Others are simple square built low walls to enclose the fire.  These come in many attractive finishes including tiles, bricks, copper, pebbles and steel.

Fuel for the fire…

You can buy patio fireplaces that burn solid fuel such as wood or charcoal.  If you want an easy life, get one that is fuelled by natural gas (hooked up from your home supply) or propane tanks.  They light at the press of a switch, there is no clean-up to do, no smoke and no need to worry that the fire hasn’t been put out properly.

What features should I look for?

Many of these features now come as standard but it is worth taking a moment to check that your chosen fireplace has them.

• Spark arrester
• Rain cap for chimney
• Ash catcher in base for easy cleaning
• Fine wire mesh doors to stop small pieces of burning wood or charcoal falling out
• A large door for easy loading of logs and charcoal
• Cooking Grill (one of variable height is useful)
• Tongs