As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, it can be tempting to shut the doors on outdoor entertaining, but you can still enjoy backyard barbecues and pizza nights with some outdoor heating. In fact, the best outdoor heaters in Australia can actually make you want to be outdoors when it’s cold by adding warmth and even a touch of style to your space.
It could even give you inspiration to update your whole outdoor setup, as Charlie and Adam did when they teamed up in the video here. Add some easy DIY seating, arbours, new garden beds along with outdoor heating and you can create the perfect space to while away cold winter nights.
Whether you’re trying to heat a patio, deck, balcony or an open space, here is our pick of the best outdoor heaters and heating options to make your outdoor area enjoyable at any time of year.
2025’s top outdoor heaters
- Best patio heater: Bromic Tungsten Smart Heat Portable LPG Heater, $1866, Appliances Online (here’s why)
- Best fire pit Atacama 80 Rust Fire Pit, $349.99, Temple & Webster (here’s why)
- Best chimenea: Bali Outdoors Chimenea, $810.75, Amazon (here’s why)
- Best strip heater: Devanti electric patio strip heater with remote, from $86.95 (usually $181.99), Myer (here’s why)
The best outdoor heaters and fire pits to shop in 2025
Patio heaters
Portable patio heaters are a good option to heat any area and can be moved to where they’re required giving you more flexibility. The tall heaters with large mushroom heads radiate heat down and out so can cover a wide area compared to their size. They run on either bottled gas or electricity. Small table top models are also available to heat an intimate gathering on a balcony or in a small courtyard.
01
Bromic Tungsten Smart Heat Portable LPG Heater
from $1866, Appliances Online
Best for: heating large outdoor areas
This stylish outdoor heater from Bromic is ideal for big backyards and outdoor entertaining areas, with a heating range of up to 20m2. It has a high-intensity ceramic burner and a tilting head for quick and effective heat distribution, with an anti-tilt structure for safety.
“What a fantastic purchase, we are able to enjoy our deck more frequently now that we have the Bromic portable heater. A tad heavy to manoeuvre but once we found it’s corner it is just a real value add to our entertaining space,” one customer shared in a 5-star review listed on Google.
Key features:
- 20m2 heating range
- LPG gas
- High intensity ceramic burner
- Innovative tilting head design to direct heat
- 1-year warranty
- Dimensions: 49cm (W) x 70cm (D) x 216cm (H)
02
Lenoxx free-standing patio heater
from $89.95, Amazon
Best for: indoor-outdoor warmth
This portable heater has an innovative quartz heating element designed to transfer warmth efficiently whether you use it outdoors or indoors. It also has an adjustable stand height between 170-210cm and a 45° adjustable head angle so you can set it up just right for your space.
It’s also a best seller for Outdoor Heaters on Amazon (#1 when we checked), with a 4.2-star average from over 131 global ratings.
“I am so glad I bought this model and not a gas heater. It is attractive, easy to use and really effective at keeping the area warm,” one Australian shared in a 5-star review. Another shared: “We purchased 2 of these for a party to provide some heat under a pergola, they were suitable, however they wouldn’t cover a large area, so only purchase to heat a small space.”
Key features:
- 2000 watt portable electric heater
- Quartz heating element
- 170cm-210cm adjustable height setting and adjustable head angle
- Three heat and power settings: Low = 650W, Medium = 1350W, High = 2000W
- Sturdy base
- Dimensions: 51cm (W) x 51cm (D) x 170-210cm (H)
03
Heatstrip Thermofilm portable LPG gas heater
from $719.98, Big W
Best for: sleek and solid design
Give your place a café feel with an outdoor patio heater like this Heatstrip gas heater boasting a robust design. Portable and easy to operate, it’s a handy addition to your outdoor space – plus 12.5 hours of run time will cost you just $25 (based on a typical gas bottle refill).
Key features:
- Concealed LPG bottle and connections
- Built-in wheels
- Quality stainless steel heater head with high-temperature paint coating
- Wind protection rating at 16km/hr
- Protective grille and reflector
- Dimensions: 65cm (W) x 67cm (D) x 211.8cm (H)
Available at:
- $719.98 from Woolworths Marketplace
- $719.98 from MyDeal
Firepits
You just can’t beat the atmosphere and romance of an open fire and with a firepit, it becomes a feature of your garden too. A built in firepit made out of bricks or stone is a great DIY project for your garden while a fire bowl or braziers are more portable and great for paved areas or courtyards. They also come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, adding a sculptural element to the fire.
04
Atacama 80 Rust Fire Pit
from $349.99, Temple & Webster
Best for: rustic vibes
Made with weather-resistant steel, the rustic finish on this fire pit will continue to develop over time to add character to your outdoor entertaining space. Its low profile and generously wide bowl also make it great for sitting around with friends, or even toasting marshmallows.
Customers also rate it highly, with a 4.9-star average from over 70 ratings on Temple & Webster.
“Stood the test of time!!!! Excellent quality,” one person shared in a 5-star review. Another happy customer said it was “solid and sturdy. Drainage hole in centre is great.”
Key features:
- Made with heavy-duty 3.5mm thick steel
- Deep and wide 80cm fire bowl is ideal for longer wood burning and entertaining
- Makes for a stylish water feature or bird bath, or fill with ice & add your drinks when you’re next entertaining
- Includes 1 x fire bowl, base with 17cm high legs (total height is 21cm)
Chimenea outdoor heaters
The pot-bellied chimenea gives you the charm of an open fire and the warmth of a radiant heater in one unit. They work by creating an intense flame fuelled by the natural draught caused by air exiting the chimenea. As the fire burns, it heats the whole chi itself, which radiates heat to the surrounding area. They’re available in either clay or cast iron.
05
Bali Outdoors Chimenea
from $810.75, Amazon
Best for: elegant outdoor heating
In a sleek matte black, this wrought iron chimenea is an outdoor heating solution that’ll fit seamlessly in any outdoor area. The round wire mesh screening design means everyone can enjoy watching wood burn from a distance.
“Loving this outdoor fire pit. Size is perfect for my location. Was very easy to put together with easy to follow instructions. Perfect size for a small fire at the end of the day,” one Canadian customer shared in a 5-star review on Amazon, where it has a 4.6-star average from over 2380 ratings.
Key features:
- Round wire mesh screening
- Sliding door and ash tray enables users to add fuel or remove ash with ease
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Easy to assemble and clean
Strip heaters
Turn your pergola into a gorgeous entertaining space this winter and use electric strip heaters to keep the space warm and cosy. These slim and stylish bars are fixed to the underside of the roof and provide gentle warmth at the flick of a switch. The heaters are also surprisingly efficient, costing less than a dollar an hour to run. Adding clear bistro blinds around the outside of your pergola will enclose the space, keeping in the warmth and the winter chill at bay.
06
Devanti electric patio strip heater with remote
from $86.95 (usually $181.99), Myer
Best for: overhead heating
Providing sun-like warmth, this Devanti electric strip heater features infrared heating technology meaning there won’t be unpleasant odours or fumes. Plus, it comes with a handy remote control so enjoying your nights outdoor is more inviting than ever. Energy-efficient and cost-effective, it’s a great pick for the environmentally-minded.
“Easy to install & very effective in heating outdoor patio,” one customer shared on Myer, where it has a 4.3-star average rating.
Key features:
- Rapid heat-up
- Three heat settings
- LED control panel
- 24-hour timer
- Adjustable auto-off
- Carbon fibre heating elements
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Adjustable swivel brackets
- Remote control included
07
Heatstrip Elegance Radiant Electric Heater
from $679, Temple & Webster
Best for: overhead heating
Perfect for an overhead structure like a pergola or balcony, these sleek and stylish heaters add a sophisticated touch to your outdoor areas without dominating a space like other heating options.
“Amazing!!!! It gets super hot. We bought 2 for our deck,” one customer shared in a 5-star review on Temple & Webster, where it has a 4.8-star average from over 17 customer ratings. Another simply said: “I’m loving our BBQ patio in winter!”
Key features:
- Corrosion-resistant to handle outdoor environments
- DIY installation of 1800W and 2400W models (3600W model must be hardwired)
- Ideal mounting height (including flush mount) 2.2m – 2.5m
- 2-year residential warranty
How to heat a small outdoor area
If you want to heat a relatively small area, the most suitable heater would be either an outdoor gas heater or heat strips.
Outdoor gas heaters range from those suited to tabletops to freestanding column and area heaters and are easy to move around. Alternatively, you may wish to invest in electric heat strips which are affordable and discrete.
You may also wish to consider clear bistro blinds to seal in the heat, which still allows you to view your garden.
How to heat a large outdoor area
Nothing says ‘cosy’ more than a fireplace. When it comes to open areas, you have two great options to choose between; chimeneas and fire pits. Both provide a focal point for your guests and will keep you toasty throughout the cooler months.
Wood heaters can be a great option too, being both efficient and environmentally friendly. These heaters look great and provide good radiant heat with low emissions.
How to stay safe using outdoor heaters
As with any type of heater, safety to both property and people is of prime concern. Keep firepits and patio heaters away from anything flammable and make sure they are on stable ground. If using gas heaters in an enclosed space, there must be some source of ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide.
But before you rush out and purchase an outdoor heater, you need to consider what kind of area you are aiming to heat. Is it a vast outdoor kitchen that will be a hub for entertaining year-round? Or a small patio or balcony?
Looking to save money on your backyard makeover? Check out our coupon codes for MyDeal, Catch and more.
Related articles:
- 10 best outdoor firepits for backyard entertaining in the Australian winter
- 9 of the best portable energy-efficient heaters for colder months in Australia
- The best oil heaters to brace yourself for the cooler nights ahead
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