Garden heater and barbeque combos

In general terms, most situations that necessitate a garden heater will also include some kind of entertaining which, in turn, usually includes food. This means that combining a patio heater with a barbeque seems like a very good and practical idea.

Combo options

Some patio heaters like infrared lamps do not produce direct heat and have no possibilities when it comes to food preparation. Equally, most tower gas heaters (propane or butane) are omni functional and cannot be used to prepare or heat food.

However there are some good heater-barbeque-combo options in the form of fire pits and chimeneas. (You can get more information about each of these options at our Fire Pit page and our Chimenea page.)

Chimeneas

A chimenea is literally an outdoor stove built in an age old style that saw its primary use as a bread oven. Naturally this kind of heater can be bought as (or modified into) a multi functional heater-come-barbeque.

The open stove area works for food preparation and heating whilst the (clay or cast iron) body of the chimenea stores and then radiates and convects heat to the surrounding area.

Chimeneas are attractive to look at, but are heavy to move and the terra cotta versions may require protection from sub zero temperatures.

Fire Pits

A fire pit can take many forms starting with a hole in the ground and extending to a complete patio area with seating and different level cooking zones for barbequing.

Fire pits can be complete DIY projects, or take advantage of modern ready-to-assemble kits. It is even possible to select from a number of highly stylish pre-made designer fire pits constructed from iron, stone, or a combination of materials. These fire pits can come with high price tags and run off pre-plumbed natural gas (or gas bottles). This kind of fire pit is ideal as a statement piece in the grounds of a hotel or large house.

Fire pits are the most variable of all garden heater options and they can be a simple or extravagant as your space and budget will allow.