For a covered bar or a sheltered counter, a fixed electric infrared heater is usually the simplest and safest choice, because it warms people directly and burns nothing. Gas patio heaters suit open patios without power, and fire pits or chimineas are about atmosphere as much as warmth. None of the burning options belong inside a shed bar.
The quick comparison
| Deciding factor | Electric infrared | Gas patio heater | Fire pit or chiminea |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it warms | Radiant heat aimed at people | Radiant heat around the head | Radiant heat from the fire |
| Fumes | None | Combustion gases | Smoke and combustion gases |
| Indoors or covered use | Possible if rated for it | Open air only | Open air only |
| Needs | Electrician-installed supply | Gas bottle, stored safely | Dry fuel, ash disposal |
| Neighbours | Quiet, no smoke | Quiet, no smoke | Smoke can cause complaints |
| Atmosphere | Plain glow | Flame in some designs | Real fire |
Who should choose electric infrared
- Covered or semi-enclosed bars where you want heat without fumes.
- Bars that already have, or will have, a proper supply. See power to a garden bar.
- People who want something wall-mounted, out of the way of children and guests.
Who should choose a gas patio heater
- Open patios with no power, used on a few evenings a year.
- Hosts who want to move heat to where people are standing.
Store and change cylinders in the open, follow the maker's instructions and keep the heater well clear of roofs, umbrellas and walls. Any fixed gas installation must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Who should choose a fire pit or chiminea
- Gardens with space for a safe clearance around the fire and no overhanging branches or roofs.
- People who want the fire as the centrepiece and will stay with it until it is out.
Burn only dry, untreated fuel, keep water or a sand bucket to hand and think about where the smoke goes. Smoke drifting into a neighbour's washing is one of the fastest routes to a falling out. See neighbours and noise.
The hidden work on each side
Electric
The real work is the supply: a qualified electrician, RCD protection and a heater rated for the spot it is going. Never run a heater from an extension lead trailed out of the house. Running costs depend on your tariff and how long it is on, so a timer or switch by the door helps.
Gas
Buying and swapping cylinders, storing them safely, checking hoses and regulators, and keeping the heater upright in wind. Tall heaters can blow over on lawns, so a firm, level patio matters. If the heater sits near a roofed bar, keep it well clear of the covering and never use it under a closed canopy.
Fire pit or chiminea
Sourcing dry fuel, clearing ash once it is fully cold, and keeping a safe distance from timber buildings, fences and decking. A fire left unattended is the risk most people underestimate. See garden bar fire safety.
Before buying anything, look up the heater's rated location and clearance distances in the maker's instructions, then check them against where you plan to put it.
Quick answers
Can I use a gas heater inside my bar shed?
No. Gas patio heaters are for open air only. Burning gas in an enclosed or partly enclosed space can build up carbon monoxide, which can kill. Use an electric heater rated for the space instead.
Is a chiminea safe under a pergola?
Keep fires well away from any roof or overhead timber. Follow the maker’s clearance distances and see garden bar fire safety.
Can I plug an electric patio heater into an extension lead?
It is not a good idea. Outdoor heaters draw a lot of power and need a proper outdoor supply with RCD protection fitted by a qualified electrician.
What else keeps a garden bar warm?
Insulation, draught-proofing, blankets and closing a hatch all help. See garden bar heating and insulating a garden bar.
Sources
Primary guidance checked 10 November 2026.