Stay warm and toasty with the latest outdoor woodburners

An outdoor stove is more costly than your average firepit or chiminea, but the advantages are huge. Much safer than an open fire if you have young children or pets to consider, they contain the flames and fuel within the firebox, secure behind a clear glass door, preventing any ash spills and flying sparks while still allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of the dancing flames and to bask in the blissful heat. 

The enclosed firebox also means that the heat is more easily controlled, and the fuel burns more efficiently, resulting in brighter flames, lower emissions and lower fuel costs. The heat lasts longer too, as it continues to radiate from the metal structure long after the fire has gone out. And extended flues, equipped with rain hoods and spark catchers, guide smoke up and away from guests and neighbours. And need we point out how stylish they are?!

Much of the price variation is directly linked to construction quality so it’s crucial to know exactly what you're paying for. It’s worth saying that indoor stoves aren’t suitable for outside use – the materials can’t cope with the elements and rapidly changing temperatures – so always look for a model specifically made for outdoor use.  

The best materials are cast iron and steel as they’re hardwearing, weather-resistant and low-maintenance. Popular finishes for the latter include stainless steel, powder-coated (usually black) and Corten steel, each having their own style characteristics. Different gauges (thicknesses) of steel impact on the overall weight and often indicate the longevity of the product – both 3mm and 4mm steel are commonly used for high-end products, with sections joined and sealed with welded seams. 

The larger the base of the firebox, the more heat is typically produced, but it’s worth recognising that they also require more fuel too. Some high-end outdoor stoves feature firebricks or vermiculite liners insulating the fire chamber, aiding efficient fuel combustion, so reducing smoke, conserving fuel and encouraging a longer steady burn – so this is a worthwhile extra. 

Consider where you’ll position the stove as that may dictate how much glazing is desirable. Look at the airflow system too – most stoves have a simple sliding lever that regulates the airflow through a vent, which allows you to control the heat. It also helps to keep the glass clear and soot free. If you’re worried about scrupulously clean glass – or at risk of burning unseasoned wood, which creates more soot – go for a product with glass panels that can slide out to make cleaning a cinch. Detachable chimneys and removable ash pans are other handy features, both making cleaning and general upkeep easier.

It’s best to check with the retailer or manufacturer where you can safely position a woodburner before fitting. But as a rule, it mustn’t stand near anything potentially flammable, so directly on decking, under a gazebo or right next to a fence or trellis.  

With careful planning and professional installation, you can, in some instances, work around these features – concrete back plates and heat shields can be used to deflect the heat from combustible surfaces while ceramic tiles or stone flags can be used underneath the burner to protect timber decking. And there are stoves on the market specifically designed to be safe for use on decking. If you want to fit a stove in a gazebo or near a neighbouring property, then you may need a longer flue or chimney fitted, so do discuss in detail with the retailer.

Although often referred to as woodburners, most outdoor stoves can burn charcoal and most other fuels. First check whether you are in a designated smoke control area, as this limits which type of fuel can be used, and ensure your chosen stove meets any regulations. Gas- or propane-fuelled stoves are fast becoming popular, often with ceramic logs and the gas canister concealed within the unit so they look like the real deal. Offering flames at the flick of a switch, easy to control, clean to use and needing less upkeep, they are hugely convenient but don’t have the natural appeal of a wood-fired stove.