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Large gas patio heater with flickering flames in an outdoor living setting.
Adding some welcome warmth through outdoor heating to your open-air entertaining area is always a great idea. View Fiammetta's tips for choosing your heater.

Try an gas outdoor heater

Gas patio heaters are ideal for warming up an outdoor space. They're designed to warm what's directly within the vicinity by using radiant heat that specifically travels through the air to where it's needed most. While these heaters come in a range of sizes, most work most effectively if positioned in the centre of your entertaining area.

Look for easy start or push button ignition and think about the aesthetics when choosing your outdoor gas heater. Will it match your decor? Is it the right height for the area? There are important clearance distances for these products, so be sure to follow these.

Another factor to consider is the weather. If you live in a region where winters are bitterly cold, you might need more than one heater to provide enough warmth in your outdoor entertaining area.

The Fiammetta outdoor gas patio heater outside a dark grey house.

Size, portability and safety count

Select the right size heater for the job. For example, the Fiammetta outdoor gas patio heater has the capability of warming an area up to 17 square metres, so it's ideal for an outdoor entertaining space. If you're dining under the stars, you can't go past a tabletop gas heater, which will throw heat for up to 6 square metres.

These heaters operate on bottled gas and are very energy efficient. A gas bottle should last for at least 89 hours of use on a high setting. Check out our article on how to tell if your gas bottle is empty if you're looking for more information. 

Most gas heaters are designed for easy portability. Wheels make the larger freestanding models mobile for simple positioning.

Safety is also important. Most gas heaters have built-in features such as a tilt shut-off switch, so if the appliance falls over the heater automatically turns off. Only use these appliances in an outdoor space. See our guide on how to safely set up your outdoor heater.

Outdoor firepits and fireplaces

Outdoor firepits and fireplaces are other popular heating options. Both are appealing because they help create the perfect ambience that brings people together.

When selecting a firepit, think about design, shape and size, all dependent on your backyard or outdoor space area. Select a firepit that's made from materials that'll match your decor or the style you want to achieve.

Do you want a permanent fixture, or a bowl that can be easily moved to where it works best for your outdoor event? Do you want it built-in or movable? These are both important questions to think about when deciding on your firepit or fireplace.

Three different types of fire pit type heaters.

Location is important

Firepits and fireplaces need to be positioned on a flat, level surface and on non-combustible surface such as concrete pavers. Be sure to locate your firepit and fireplace away from the house or other fixtures that might burn and consider wind direction.

Firepits and fireplaces are ideal places for people to congregate, so position yours where it's accessible. For example, near an outdoor kitchen.

You'll need plenty of fuel such as wood, so think about a place to store this too. Wood needs to be stacked out of the weather so it's dry and burns well.

If you're looking at an outdoor fireplace, be sure its size is proportionate to the location. A well-designed flue will help let the smoke out, so that the fire burns well.

Always use a screen if supplied, or consider buying one, to help prevent sparks. And always watch children and pets around outdoor heaters and fires.

Get your outdoor heater

Check out the full range of Fiammetta outdoor heaters available at your local Bunnings store.

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.