Here at the Strategist UK, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)
We’ve written about all kinds of home items before — including the best treadmills, the best office chairs, and the best bunk beds — and here, we’ve rounded up the best patio heaters and firepits as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.co.uk.
Best-rated patio heater overall
This model by Bu-Ko was the best-rated heater overall with 70 percent five-star reviews. Thirty-one customers were impressed with its heat output — one reviewer who owns an events company suggested it’s strong enough to provide heat for 30 people outside and said it has become the main talking point at parties. Other reviewers commented on how simple it was to adjust the intensity of the flame. It was rated 4.5 stars overall in value for money, and ten people said they would definitely recommend it to others. As it doesn’t come with a gas canister, reviewers recommended buying one in advance so you can use the heater as soon as it arrives. Customers loved the modern aesthetic of this heater; 13 said it looked amazing in their garden, especially at night. A few reviewers agreed it took a while to assemble, but the majority were extremely happy with the finished product — one customer said it was their best purchase of 2020.
Best-rated electric patio heater
Sixty-three percent of reviewers gave this model by Firefly five stars. It can be used indoors and outdoors, and ten reviewers commented on how easy it was to move around. The heater has 13 positive reviews (three stars or higher) from people who used it outside, including one who said it was so powerful it put their chiminea to shame, while another used it to help warm up his draughty conservatory during winter. Fifty-four reviewers commented on how intense the heat was — the heater has three settings, but even the lowest was considered decent. Additionally, the heater’s height (2.1 meters) is adjustable — one reviewer commented that keeping it tall meant their dog could enjoy it without getting hurt, while another lowered it when he and his partner sat outside in the evenings. One recurring downside: Customers said the extension lead is rather short.
Best-rated firepit overall
Averaging 4.8 stars with over 1,000 reviews (88 percent of which were five stars), this portable, log-friendly firepit from Solo Stove is the highest-rated option on this list. The firepit is 55 centimeters in height and weighs 13.5 kilograms. Customers were impressed with how lightweight and easy to transport it was; one reviewer said it’s become the highlight of his annual family camping trip, while others called it a superb addition to their garden. Fifteen reviewers said they would recommend buying this model especially because of how little smoke it produced. Three buyers said it was easy to light, and another five were delighted by its fantastic burn — which, one customer noted, managed to withstand 20-mph winds. Reviewers recommended purchasing this bonfire with the stand especially if you have a wooden patio deck as they found it effective at preventing any scorch marks from appearing after use. One customer said he bought this firepit for his family at the beginning of 2020 and referred to it as a godsend during lockdown.
Best-rated (less expensive) firepit
Eighty-eight percent of customers gave this option from the Home Hut store four stars and above. Thirteen reviewers said it was the perfect portable firepit; one man said he never goes camping without it, and other customers have taken it to festivals, picnics, and on family staycations. Reviewers praised this firepit’s clever folding mechanism, which they said make it easy to assemble and store (it comes with a waterproof bag for added protection). Eleven reviewers said it looked great; while some complained their firepit went rusty after a while, many said this can be prevented if it’s cleaned and stored properly after use. Overall, the majority of customers were extremely happy with the quality of this model, especially for the lower price point; one reviewer called it one of his best buys, and another said she loved it so much she has repeatedly bought it as a present for friends and family.
Best-rated stylish firepit
Sixty-seven percent of 1,613 reviewers gave this Dawoo firepit five stars. It comes with a fireguard and a grill function for cooking food as well as a surrounding 32-inch-wide tabletop to rest food or drinks on. Forty-three reviewers said they bought it because it looked good, and a further five wrote that it was a more stylish option than an electric or gas heater. One reviewer cautions that it can only take one layer of logs (in addition to a layer of kindling), which provides a fire that burns for no longer than two hours. Eleven customers wrote about how easy it was to clean — the pit section lifts out, allowing the ashes to be disposed of. Sixty reviewers said it was easy to assemble, including a man with a bad back who suggested a 5-year-old could have done it; another said they put it together in 15 minutes. One downside is the waterproof cover tore too easily; a few customers said they had to buy a separate one.
Best-rated miniature firepit
This tabletop firepit by Fuoco measures just 11 centimeters in height and has 64 percent five-star reviews. It uses an alcohol gel as a fuel, which is sold separately but made it appealing to customers who worried about fire safety. Three reviewers praised how strong the burn was despite its smaller size. One customer bought it for their church’s Easter celebrations and said the fire stayed burning even during high winds. Another chose it for a tabletop on their patio as they worried about a log firepit because of their wooden decking (it was also popular with customers who had asphalt or ‘roof gardens’ for the same reason). Generally, customers reported the fire as staying lit for up to three hours, and because it doesn’t burn wood or coal, it’s effortless to clean.
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.