Summer is around the corner, and it’s time to spruce up your outdoor space. Instead of heading inside the moment the sun sets or the mosquitos come out, make the most of those summer nights with warmth and fire. Whether you’re hoping to relax on the deck during the warm months or are looking for a new way to stay cozy on the balcony year-round, there’s a different option for everyone. In fact, there are lots of options, and exploring your choices can seem overwhelming. But is a patio heater, a fire pit or fire table right for you? We’ll dive into the pros and cons of each below.
Patio Heaters
If you want to spend time outdoors year-round, are hoping to avoid open flame but still want to feel warm, then patio heaters are your outdoor space’s perfect option. You’ve likely seen at least one of these before at an outdoor restaurant or bar in the chillier months. One of the most popular patio heaters is the standing model. These can easily be arranged around a set of lounge furniture or near an outdoor dining table, mostly because they’re portable. A canister of liquid propane gas often hides from view in the bottom of the heater, while hidden heat and a reflector at the top warm up the space surrounding it. Portability and popularity, along with the absence of smoke make these a great choice for outdoor heating.
Next, there are wall and ceiling heaters. These are mounted on the wall or ceiling, making them a great pick for smaller spaces or for those who want their patio heaters to remain unseen. If your style is extremely minimalist and you’re hoping to save space, opt for these instead. For standing, wall and ceiling heaters, you have multiple options for fuel, including liquid propane, natural gas and electricity.
Some of The Cons
Heaters are definitely different from fire tables and fire pits in that they are not the focal point of a space. While a fire table is the focal point of the patio furniture set surrounding it, the same space with a coffee table instead and a heater to the side suddenly has a completely different mood. Whether that’s truly a bad thing depends on your style. Something else to consider is cost. Many models are very reasonable in price, especially when compared to popular fire pits. Others cost thousands of dollars. Consider all of these factors when exploring your options
Fire Tables
Maybe you’ve ruled out a patio heater, and know that you want flame in the equation of your outdoor relaxation space. Time to consider the question: fire pit or fire table?
Fire tables are a fusion of an outdoor coffee table and a fire pit. And they’re incredibly easy to use and easy to love: you turn on the flame with simple controls and leave the fire off during the daytime for a stylish piece of furniture that’s still the center of attention. They’re perfect for anyone who loves having friends over, cooking outdoors or making s’mores. Plus, the “table” element is great for holding things like drinks and foods (though they’re close to the flame, so things may get warm). Some have protective glass or a shield that keeps fire and extreme heat at bay for added safety, too.
Some of The Cons
They’re expensive. Since fire tables are so multifunctional and often look amazingly stylish, it’s incredibly rare to find one under a thousand dollars. These fire features double as furniture and are a permanent, non-portable element of your patio: that makes them valuable in both form and function. Take the cost of fuel into account as well. Another con is that they tend to be large, so you’ll need a bit of space. And once it’s in its spot, moving it won’t be as easy as moving a firepit or a standing patio heater. Keep these in mind when weighing your options between a patio heater, fire pit or fire table.
Fire Pits
It’s the original way that man made fire: with kindling and logs in a designated space. These days, fire pits are much more refined. Some of our favorites from Solo Stove are even designed to keep smoke to a minimum. Fire pits can be built into the ground, movable or even small enough to be considered portable. While most fire pits are a great place to make a traditional fire with logs, some can use different fuels like charcoal or even liquid propane or natural gas. But for the large part, they use wood. They’re everyone’s classic summer hangout spot.
Some of the cons:
With open flame, it’s hard to ensure safety—especially if you have very young kids around. Excessive smoke is another aspect that many users have a hard time stomaching (especially on windy nights), another reason that Solo Stove fire pits are so popular.
Which One Wins?
That depends on what you prioritize! In the battle of patio heaters, fire pits or fire tables, consider your wants and needs. If you want an option that’s relatively movable and adjustable, a standing patio heater or adjustable fire pit is your best bet. But if you want something that’s more of a design statement that still lets you feel the flame, a fire table is your multifunctional solution. Hoping for something invisible that takes up little space? A wall or ceiling heater is a great option. And if you want to go classic, choose a fire pit and get out the marshmallows. Always keep your budget and safety in mind, too.
- If it’s all about keeping your heat source out of view, a patio heater is your best option
- Hoping for heat and style? Choose a fire table.
- For classic, budget-friendly fire, go for a fire pit.
If you still have questions or are unsure which is the right pick for you, we’re here to help. Call Abt experts at 847-954-4100 for personalized advice.
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