Year-round entertaining: Your guide to outdoor heating

Whether it’s dinner on the deck with the family, or an evening with friends, the right heating solutions for your outdoor space mean entertaining doesn’t have to stop when the temperature drops. 

Recent years have seen a greater importance placed on outdoor spaces – largely driven by the elevated living experience of indoor-outdoor flow. Exterior furnishings now mirror the quality of interior selections, while patios and decks are designed as true extensions of the home. Outdoor heating plays a crucial role in this shift, transforming exterior areas into year-round living zones. 

Understanding outdoor heating options

High-efficiency infrared and radiant heating

Once largely reserved for hospitality and commercial use, electric radiant heaters have become Outdoor Concepts’ most popular solution for residential outdoor heating. 

“Sometimes people think that infrared heaters are a space heater, or that they heat air, but they only heat objects,” says James Higgins, General Manager at Outdoor Concepts. “The heat doesn’t blow away – it’s unaffected by wind, so they’re much more efficient.”

Providing direct, targeted warmth to seating and gathering areas, infrared outdoor heaters such as the Infratech range are energy-efficient. They only heat what you want to heat, and ensure no warmth is wasted in windy conditions or directed towards unused spaces. 

Ambient wood-burning fireplaces

While radiant heaters excel in efficiency, outdoor wood-burning fireplaces remain a popular choice. More than a heat source, they create atmosphere and a focal point for entertaining. 

“People love the ambience of a wood burning fire. You often wouldn’t use an outdoor fire as a sole source of heating – quite often, people supplement a wood burning fire with a radiant heater, depending on the space.”

Outdoor Concepts’ range includes fireplaces with enclosed sides, open firepits, and those that double as a place to cook when entertaining.

Choosing the right heater for your space

Every outdoor space is different, so there’s no one-size fits all approach. The layout, size and intended use of your space are important factors to consider to determine the best outdoor heating source.

Assess your outdoor area

“A good rule of thumb to decide on the best option for your space is to consider if you have a structure to mount off. Is your house is close to your outdoor area, or do you have a pergola frame or some type of structure to mount a heater off? For radiant heaters, effectiveness depends on proximity — ideally, you should be within three metres of the unit to feel consistent warmth.”

Equally important is the size of your space. The square metreage will determine the best size of infrared heater and the number needed to achieve even coverage.

When considering outdoor fireplace options, designs such as the Quaruba XL and Fennek 80 feature glass sides, preventing smoke, ash and fire sparks from disturbing the surrounding area. Their durable Corten steel construction is also a smart choice for longevity when exposed to the elements.

Performance, efficiency, and long-term support

“When it comes to selecting outdoor heating, for both residential and commercial, do your due diligence first. Don’t jump into anything straight away,” says James. “Just because something is cheap doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be effective.”

No different to heating inside the home, outdoor heating should be seen as a long-term investment, with performance and durability making a significant difference over time. Quality systems are designed to last decades, with replacement elements from Outdoor Concepts available when needed. 

“Customers have had heaters for 25 years. You can easily change out an element and away you go again. You don’t have to buy a new heater every season.

“Always talk to people that have the knowledge and the experience before choosing your outdoor heating solution to avoid costly mistakes such as undersized heaters or poor placement that reduces efficiency.” 

Products can be experienced in person at Outdoor Concepts’ Auckland and Queenstown showrooms, making it easy for homeowners and designers to choose confidently. Get in touch with the team today and explore the full range.