Outdoor Heating

Outdoor heating turns a terrace or garden from somewhere you pass through into somewhere you sit. The range here covers three approaches: bioethanol garden fires that give a real flame and a focal point, wall-mounted electric heat bars that deliver directed infrared warmth, and gas patio heaters for larger, more open spaces.

Which suits you depends on what you want from it. A fire pit or garden fireplace is about atmosphere as much as heat; a heat bar is about warming a specific seating area efficiently, without taking up any ground space. All are built for outdoor conditions and designed with as much care as anything indoors.

 

FAQs

Which type of outdoor heater suits my space?

It depends on how the space is used. Wall-mounted electric heat bars warm the people and surfaces directly beneath them, so they work well over a fixed seating area, a pergola or a covered terrace, and they take up no floor space. Freestanding gas patio heaters spread warmth more widely from a central point, which suits open patios and larger gatherings where people move around. Bioethanol fires are chosen mainly for atmosphere — a real flame to gather around rather than a primary heat source.

How much heating power do I need?

As a general guide, allow around 1 kW for every 3–4 square metres of outdoor space you want to warm. Our Heatbar range runs from 1 kW for a compact seating area, through 1.8 kW for a medium terrace, to 2.4 kW for larger or more exposed spaces. The Muztag gas heaters produce 7.3 kW each, suited to open patios. Exposed, windy or uncovered areas need more power than sheltered ones.

Do electric patio heaters cost much to run?

Running cost is straightforward to work out: multiply the heater's output in kilowatts by your electricity rate. A 1.8 kW Heatbar running for two hours uses 3.6 kWh. Because infrared warms people and surfaces directly rather than heating the air, you only need it on while you're actually outside — which is what makes it practical outdoors, where warmed air would simply drift away.

Can I leave an outdoor heater outside all year?

Electric heat bars are designed for outdoor use and can generally remain mounted year-round, though a sheltered position will extend their life. Freestanding gas heaters benefit from being covered when not in use — a protective cover shields the finish and the burner assembly from rain and frost. We stock covers for the Muztag range.

Can infrared heaters cause sunburn or tanning?

No. Infrared heaters emit heat, not ultraviolet light, so they cannot tan skin or cause sunburn. They do get hot in use, so the units themselves should not be touched while running or immediately after switching off.

Are the gas patio heaters safe to leave unattended?

The Muztag gas heaters include a tilt sensor that shuts off the gas supply automatically if the unit is knocked or tips over — replacements are available separately. As with any live-flame appliance, they shouldn't be left burning unattended, and the gas should be turned off at the cylinder when you've finished.