Patio Heater vs Fire Pit vs Chimenea: UK Guide
Written by Matt W on 25th Sep 2026.
An electric patio heater gives the quickest, cheapest targeted warmth for a small seating area. A gas patio heater suits flexible entertaining without smoke or ash. Choose a fire pit for shared heat, flame and optional cooking. A chimenea gives more directional warmth and better spark control. The right choice depends on your seating, shelter, neighbours and preferred evening.
Key takeaways
- ✓ Electric infrared heat is immediate and costs about 52p hourly for a 2kW heater.
- ✓ Gas patio heaters offer adjustable heat without smoke, ash or preparation.
- ✓ Open fire pits warm a group and create atmosphere, but wind can carry sparks.
- ✓ Chimeneas direct warmth forwards and contain the fire better than an open bowl.
- ✓ The widest heat circle is not always the most useful heat for your seats.
Shop the Enders Elegance ECO 8kW Patio Heater | £159
A note from our shop
We currently stock patio heaters and fire pits, but no chimeneas. We still include chimeneas because they remain a sensible comparison. Product details and prices below come from our current catalogue records.
Patio heater, fire pit or chimenea: the quick answer
Choose an electric infrared heater when you want focused warmth with minimal fuss. It suits a covered seating zone with safe power access.
Choose a gas patio heater when flexibility matters more than the lowest running cost. It starts quickly and needs no fixed electrical point.
Choose a fire pit when the flame is part of the evening. A broad bowl works well around several chairs.
Choose a chimenea when you want a real fire with warmth directed through one opening. Its body also helps contain sparks.
| Choice | Heat style | Control | Wind | Smoke | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric patio heater | Immediate, targeted | Excellent | No flame, but secure the unit | None at point of use | Small covered seating areas |
| Gas patio heater | Radiant heat around the burner | Very good | Avoid strong winds | No wood smoke | Flexible patios and entertaining |
| Fire pit | Broad heat around the bowl | Moderate | Poor in gusts | Varies by fuel | Groups, atmosphere and cooking |
| Chimenea | Directional heat from the opening | Moderate | More contained than an open bowl | Wood smoke | Smaller patios with fixed seating |
Which gives the strongest useful heat?
Advertised kilowatts only tell part of the story. Direction, distance and wind decide how much warmth reaches you.
Electric infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly. They do not spend as much energy heating passing air.
Gas patio heaters provide fast radiant heat around their burner. Tall mushroom models spread warmth around a dining or standing area.
Fire pits radiate from the flame, embers and hot bowl. Low chairs placed around the fire usually feel the greatest benefit.
Chimeneas store heat in their body and direct flame warmth through the opening. Seats behind them receive much less warmth.
What does each option cost to run?
The table gives simple full-power examples, not promises. Your tariff, cylinder price, flame setting and weather will change the result.
| Example | Input used | Illustrative hourly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electric infrared heater | 2kW at 26.11p per kWh | About 52p |
| Enders Elegance gas heater | 8kW, 13kg propane refill at £55 | About £2.60 |
| Santorini gas heater | 11kW, same refill assumption | About £3.60 |
| Tahiti II gas heater | 13kW, same refill assumption | About £4.25 |
| Wood fire pit or chimenea | Log size, moisture and local price vary | Too variable for one honest figure |
The electricity example uses Ofgem's average capped unit rate for July to September 2026. The gas examples use a standard LPG energy value. They assume full output throughout.
A lower gas setting stretches the cylinder. Electric heat can still be cheaper when it warms only occupied seats.
Patio heaters: clean, immediate and controllable
Patio heaters suit evenings where guests arrive, move around and leave at different times. There is no fire to build first.
Electric models need suitable outdoor power and careful cable routing. Gas models need a secure cylinder and safe outdoor ventilation.
Tall heaters also need a level base. Never use them in strong wind or beneath a low combustible roof.
A compact heater for dining areas
The Enders Elegance ECO delivers up to 8kW from a 76cm reflector. Its 218cm height suits open-air dining layouts.
It includes the hose and regulator. The gas cylinder is not included.
A retractable heater for easier storage
Shop the Lifestyle Santorini Retractable Patio Heater | £659
The Santorini provides up to 11kW and retracts from 184cm to 126cm. That shorter stored height helps in a shed or garage.
A flame-failure device and tilt switch add sensible protection. They do not replace careful placement and supervision.
A visible flame for evening atmosphere
Shop the Lifestyle Tahiti II Black Pyramid Flame Heater | £385
The Tahiti II combines a visible central flame with up to 13kW output. Its footprint is 53cm square.
At 223cm tall, it needs generous overhead clearance. It also includes a tilt switch and flame-failure device.
You can browse our current outdoor heater range for other sizes and styles.
Fire pits: shared warmth, flame and optional cooking
A fire pit turns heating into part of the gathering. People can sit around it rather than facing one opening.
Solid fuel brings preparation, smoke and ash. Gas fire pits give adjustable flames without logs or embers.
For cleaner wood burning, use dry fuel and allow a good air gap. Our fire pit lighting guide explains the practical method.
A wood or charcoal bowl for cooking
Shop the 60cm Kadai BBQ Fire Pit Bowl Set | £110
The 60cm Kadai weighs 16kg and includes a cooking grill. It can burn wood or charcoal.
Choose charcoal for steadier cooking heat. Read our fire pit cooking guide before the first barbecue.
A compact gas fire pit for conversation areas
Shop the Happy Cocoon 61cm Round Grey Fire Pit | £305
This 61cm gas bowl includes lava rocks, ceramic logs, regulator, hose and cover. The cylinder must stand beside the fire pit.
Electronic ignition makes it simple to start. The flame remains adjustable as the evening changes.
A larger gas bowl for a broad patio
Shop the Happy Cocoon 91cm Round Bowl Grey Fire Pit | £549
The 91cm version gives a larger visual centre for wider seating plans. It stands 46cm high.
Its package includes lava rocks, logs, regulator, hose and cover. Again, never hide the gas cylinder beneath the bowl.
You can see the fire pits available for UK delivery before choosing a fuel type.
Chimeneas: directional heat with a contained fire
A chimenea encloses most of the fire and sends smoke through its chimney. Its opening directs heat towards nearby seats.
That layout suits a smaller group facing one direction. It works less well for chairs placed all around the unit.
Clay can hold warmth pleasantly but needs protection from frost and sudden temperature changes. Metal versions heat quickly and can become very hot.
Chimeneas still produce smoke and sparks. Use dry fuel, follow the maker's instructions and keep clear space around the unit.
How wind changes the decision
Wind strips warmed air away and makes every outdoor heater feel weaker. It also changes the safety risk.
An electric infrared heater has no exposed flame. However, freestanding models still need secure placement.
Gas heaters should be switched off when gusts threaten stability or disturb the flame. Their safety switches are backups, not permission.
A chimenea contains embers better than an open bowl. Neither solid-fuel option belongs in strong wind.
Shelter helps, but never trade ventilation for warmth. Position seating and screening before choosing the heater.
Our garden zoning guide offers practical ways to arrange separate seating areas.
Pick by use case
| Your priority | Start with | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest worked hourly cost | 2kW electric infrared heater | Targets occupied seats and offers simple control |
| Flexible family entertaining | Gas patio heater | Quick start, adjustable heat and no ash |
| Atmosphere around several chairs | Wood fire pit | Broad flame view and shared radiant heat |
| Cooking outdoors | Fire pit with a suitable grill | Wood or charcoal supports proper cooking |
| Small group facing one direction | Chimenea | Opening directs heat towards the seats |
| Close neighbours | Electric or gas | Avoids wood smoke and drifting ash |
Safety checks before you buy
- Read the product manual. Clearance distances and permitted locations vary by model.
- Use every heater outdoors. Never burn gas, wood or charcoal inside a home, shed or enclosed gazebo.
- Choose a level base. Keep freestanding heaters away from busy paths and play areas.
- Plan fuel storage. Store cylinders upright and keep dry logs away from the flame.
- Check the wind. Postpone any real fire when sparks or flames cannot be controlled.
- Let everything cool. Never move, cover or clean a hot heater.
Frequently asked questions
Which gives the most immediate heat?
An electric infrared heater provides the quickest targeted warmth. Gas is also fast, but it must warm the surrounding zone.
Are electric patio heaters cheaper to run?
Usually, when comparing 2kW electric heat with full-power propane. Your tariff, heater setting and occupied area determine the real cost.
Do chimeneas give off enough heat?
Yes, but most warmth is felt in front of the opening. Arrange a small seating group within that useful heat zone.
Can fire pits be used in windy weather?
Avoid open fires when wind can carry sparks. Gusts also make smoke direction unpredictable and reduce useful warmth.
Can I use a heater under a gazebo?
Only use one where its manual expressly permits it. Maintain the required overhead clearance and ventilation around every heater.
Which option works for cooking?
A suitable solid-fuel fire pit is the most flexible option. Use a proper grill and cook over controlled embers.
Which produces the least smoke?
Electric heaters produce no combustion smoke where they are used. Gas models also avoid wood smoke, ash and sparks.