Outdoor Fire Pits & Patio Heaters
Outdoor heating for real-world patios
Outdoor heating does more than take the edge off a chilly evening. It helps turn patios, covered lounges and open-air entertaining spaces into places people actually want to use once the sun goes down.
Some setups are built around steady, directional warmth. Others make the fire itself part of the experience. This page is here to help you sort out which type of outdoor heat makes the most sense for your space, your layout and the way you actually spend time outside.
Find the right type of outdoor heat
Patio heaters
Best for dining areas, lounge setups and covered patios where you want steady warmth without making a flame the center of attention. They’re often the most practical option when comfort matters more than campfire vibes.
Fire pits
Best for casual gathering spaces where people naturally circle up around the flame. They create atmosphere fast, though they also ask for more breathing room and a little respect from wind, smoke and nearby surfaces.
Fire pit tables
Best for entertaining spaces where you want warmth and a usable surface in one piece. They feel more polished than a standard fire pit and usually fit better in seating groups built for drinks, conversation and long evenings.
Fireplace inserts
Best for built-in outdoor living areas where the fire feature is part of the architecture, not just an accessory. They take more planning up front, but the finished result feels permanent, intentional and a little bit smug in the best way.
What affects outdoor warmth
Heat output numbers are useful, but they don’t tell the whole story outside. Wind, exposure, seating distance, overhead coverage and how enclosed the space feels can all change how warm a setup actually feels in use.
That’s also why heating type matters. Open-flame products create ambiance and a strong focal point, but they naturally lose a fair amount of heat to the surrounding air. Patio heaters, especially radiant models, are often better at warming people and surfaces directly. If you want a closer look at that difference, our guide to radiant vs convection heat gets into the weeds so this page doesn’t have to.
Pro tips: key things to decide before you buy
- Start with how you use the space - Quick weeknight dinners, long lounge sessions and larger gatherings usually call for different kinds of heat.
- Map seating before you choose output - A heater or fire feature only works if the people you want warm are actually sitting in the useful heat zone.
- Be honest about wind and exposure - A protected patio can hold warmth surprisingly well. An open deck will humble even a strong setup.
- Think about permanence early - Freestanding heaters are easier to move or replace, while built-in fireplaces and inserts ask for more commitment from day one.
- Check clearances and local requirements - This is especially important for covered spaces, built-ins and anything involving gas or open flame. Fire features are fun. Explaining one to your contractor twice is less fun.
Frequently Asked Questions – Outdoor heating
How much heat output do I really need outside?
As a rough starting point, many outdoor spaces land somewhere around 20 to 30 BTUs per square foot in milder conditions, then need more as wind exposure and open-air conditions increase. Electric heaters are usually rated in watts rather than BTUs, and 1 watt equals about 3.41 BTUs.
That said, outdoor comfort is not as neat as a spreadsheet. Wind, ceiling height, enclosure and seating distance can change everything, which is why several well-placed heat sources often feel better than one oversized blast furnace in the corner.
Can I use outdoor heating under a covered patio or pergola?
Sometimes, but only with products rated for that kind of installation and only when the required clearances are met. Covered spaces can hold warmth more effectively, but they also raise the stakes for ventilation, mounting position and overall safety.
Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and your local code requirements before installing anything under a roof, pergola or ceiling structure. This is not the category for creative interpretation.
Should I choose a patio heater or an open-flame fire feature?
Choose a patio heater when your main goal is steady, controllable warmth across a seating or dining area. Choose an open-flame option like a fire pit, fire pit table or fireplace insert when you want the fire itself to shape the mood of the space.
In simple terms, patio heaters are usually the practical choice and open flames are usually the emotional one. On larger patios, the best answer is sometimes both.