If you love outdoor dining, it doesn’t have to end when summer goes.  A real fire can add warmth, intimacy and a glow to your entertaining.  Your guests will never want to leave!

There are now many kinds of outdoor wood heater to choose from, including one of the first methods of decorative outdoor heating, the ever-popular chiminea. 

What is a chiminea?

A chiminea is a free-standing open fireplace that has a bulbous base and a vertical vent, or chimney, for smoke.  These were originally used by Mexican tribesmen for warmth and a method of heating for their families. 

The first chimineas exported for worldwide use were made of clay and designed for use in hot countries.  Many people were not aware that their new chiminea needed curing before use.  It’s recommended that you should make five small fires in the bottom of the chiminea pot, one after the other, allowing each to cool completely before setting the next one.  People who didn’t do this found that their chimineas had problems with thermal shock – which is cracking, due to a rapid change in temperature.  As a result of this, chimineas fell from favour for a while.  But now they are back in some beautiful cast iron, antiqued metal and aluminium designs.  These are understandably more expensive than the clay versions but wear a lot better.

Other forms of patio wood heaters.

Fire pits are becoming very popular.  These are freestanding decorative ‘baskets’ in which small logs (or charcoal) can be burned as an open fire.

Many of these come with an optional grill so that they can be used for cooking as well as heating.  If you buy one of these, check for an inner fire cage which will make cleaning a lot easier.  If you have children or animals, it’s a good idea to buy one with a safety lid, usually of metal mesh.

If you’re worried about an open fire on your patio, take a look at the beautiful freestanding models which fully enclose the fire.  You can choose from styles ranging from ultra modern stainless steel to bygone era elegance in antiqued metal. 

Outdoor fireplaces are just that – full fireplaces built in your outdoor space.  They are the most expensive form of all the outdoor heating options but as they are such beautiful permanent features, they would add value to your house.

Safety Tips for Outdoor fires

• Be very careful where you place portable fire pits.  They should be at least ten feet away from the house, fences or trees.
• Don’t forget that decking is combustible.  Some places have banned the use of firepits on decking that serves apartment buildings or duplexes.  Check with your local regulations before you buy.
• Invest in a fire extinguisher and keep it easily accessible – or have a bucket of water and a shovel close by.
• Don’t let children or animals near the fire.  The enclosed models can become very hot externally.
• Don’t ever leave the fire unattended.
• Ensure that the embers have burned out completely before retiring for the night.
• Never position outdoor heaters or fires beneath overhanging tree branches.
• Keep any extra wood well away from the fire.