HEAT Outdoor Living

Knowing how to light a BBQ properly is the first step in creating a great outdoor cooking experience. Whether you’re using a charcoal, gas, or a more specialist grill type, getting the setup right will help your food cook evenly, improve flavour, and, most importantly, keep you safe.

There’s something undeniably appealing about cooking outdoors. The smell of food on the grill, the ease of entertaining, and the simple pleasure of being in your garden all come together to create a completely different experience from cooking indoors.

Outdoor kitchens take that idea a step further. Instead of relying on a single BBQ tucked into the corner, you can create a dedicated space that brings together cooking, dining, and relaxing in one seamless setup. And with the growing range of modular systems and outdoor cooking appliances now available in the UK, it’s never been easier to build a space that suits your garden and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning a full garden transformation or just exploring ideas, this guide will walk you through how to create an outdoor kitchen you’ll actually use.

Think about how many people you’ll typically cook for, how often you’ll use the BBQ, and
what type of food you’ll cook when weighing up features. Traditional gas BBQs range from
small two-burner models to large six-burner setups (or more), while planchas, built-in grills,
portable stoves, and hybrid dual-fuel options offer different cooking styles.
Location is also important. If you need portability, LPG models using propane or butane
bottles are ideal, whereas natural gas BBQs connect to the mains and require professional
installation.

Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen or going al fresco, a pizza oven can take your mealtimes to the next level. There are plenty of benefits to cooking with a pizza oven, but the main one is being able to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza in a matter of minutes.

Not sure where to start? Pizza oven cooking is probably easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking with a pizza oven, with simple steps for how to use a wood-fired, gas, and electric pizza oven. Already confident with the basics? We’ve also got handy pizza oven tips to help you make the most of your appliance.

Learn how to clean and protect garden furniture made from wood, metal, and rattan, plus tips to prevent weather damage with this guide from StovesAreUs.

As the bank holiday weekend approaches, there’s no better time to transform your garden into an al fresco haven for entertaining. Whether you’re planning a laid-back BBQ, a cosy evening around the fire pit, or a glamorous outdoor cocktail party, a little preparation goes a long way.

Your garden is more than just a space for plants — it’s a sanctuary. Whether you're firing up the BBQ for friends or seeking a peaceful spot to unwind, thoughtful garden design can make all the difference. By drawing on the ancient principles of Feng Shui and Vastu, you can create an outdoor living space that feels balanced, energised, and perfectly suited to both socialising and solitude.

Looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for cosy evenings in your garden? If so, a Solo Stove is the ideal choice for enhancing your outdoor space or adding that extra touch of warmth when the evening air starts to cool. Renowned for their sleek, smoke-free design and exceptional performance, Solo Stoves bring both comfort and unique ambience to your alfresco moments. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Solo Stoves and their must-have accessories—plus why they’ve become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts across the UK.

There is a lot to consider when hunting for a new gas barbecue or griddle.  Our best gas BBQ guide will walk you through the pros and cons of the different types of gas BBQ and what to look out for. We update this guide regularly to include the best new models that we and our customers love.

Once you’ve read our guide, you’ll have a better idea of which gas barbecue is best for your garden or patio space. We’ll discuss essential considerations like how many people you’ll be feeding, whether any storage space is required and what type of special features you’ll need. All the gas BBQs we’re recommending in this article are well constructed and sturdy and they’ll provide you with a controlled and consistent cook that will help you to enjoy the British summer. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining large social gatherings, we’ve put forward a range of our best gas BBQs to help you find the right model.

Ninja outdoor ovens are versatile, convenient and stylish looking. They’re an excellent option for those looking to cook outside without the hassle of managing a live fire. Consumers who love Ninja say they are easy to use, well-made and can cook a variety of foods in many ways. From grilling and roasting to baking and smoking, if you’re considering adding a barbecue to your outdoor space then a Ninja oven simply has to be considered. In this edit, we’ll review Ninja outdoor ovens including all the features, and price range and compare each BBQ model to help you choose the outdoor oven that is perfectly suited for your needs.

A new year comes with a fresh wave of garden furniture trends that are ready to transform your outdoor space for 2025. Garden trends this year are heavily influenced by sustainability, functionality, and creating spaces that promote well-being and relaxation. In this edit, we’ll focus on the next big influencers of garden furniture and the major trends that you should consider if you’re looking to add a new garden set to your outdoor space.

If you’ve splashed out on a brand new piece of luxury outdoor furniture then don’t spoil its good looks by not taking precautions to properly protect it over the winter months. Sheds are a great option, but not everyone has the space for one so a dedicated outdoor storage box for the cushions or a furniture cover might be a better option. In this edit, we’ll discuss the types of outdoor storage available and how you should look to protect your garden furniture to keep it looking brand new for next summer.

If you’re looking for some of the best pizza ovens in the market then look no further, here at StovesAreUs we’ve put together our top picks that will have your mouth watering for that perfect slice of artisan pizza. Pizza ovens come in a variety of styles and you can choose which fuel source best suits your needs. Wood and pellets spill a wonderful smoky flavour onto your toppings and dough, while gas fired and electric pizza ovens reach and maintain the ideal temperature without compromising too much on flavour. Our ranges include top brands like Ooni, Gozney, Cozze, & Delivita so keep reading if you’re interested in our top rated pizza ovens.

Creating a functional and attractive outdoor living space with a weatherproof structure can enhance your garden area, it carves out a relaxing shaded spot that could also be used to entertain al fresco. By adding a piece of luxury garden furniture you can make the most of your garden or patio with a stylish aluminium pergola or gazebo. In this edit, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between pergolas, pergodas, pagodas and even gazebos. There doesn’t seem to be a clear distinction on how companies market these outdoor buildings so we’re here to untangle the confusion.

Blackstone. Blackstone has recently seen a record number of sales in the UK and is fast becoming one of the most sought-after flat top grills in the market. These heavy duty griddles are a great way to enjoy the benefits of healthy grilled food without the risk of sacrificing half of your cook between the grill grates of a conventional barbecue. Blackstone specialises in superior griddles that provide value and versatility so keep reading to learn more about Blackstone barbecues and what you should know before buying one.

When it comes to finding the perfect fire pit, there is a lot to consider! You should look for something that will look visually attractive in your garden but you should prioritise functionally and think about how you plan to use it. For example, if you’re envisioning summer evenings on the beach in the glow of the firelight, a lightweight and portable option will be the best choice for you. For foodies who plan on doing outdoor cooking with their fire pit, models with handy outdoor features such as BBQ racks are a must. Size is another key factor when it comes to choosing a fire pit. Larger fire pits tend to give off more heat, but smaller ones can be a handy option when it comes to moving it around the garden. It’s best to choose a model which complements the dimensions of your outdoor space without overwhelming it.

With brand new Grillstream hybrid barbecues and outdoor kitchens now available we couldn’t resist updating this edit. Here we’ll explain why Grillstream has become one of the most sought-after brands in the barbecue market; their industry-leading hybrid technology makes it easy to see why they are so popular! The story of Grillstream began in 2009 following the acceptance of the patents relating to the invention of a unique open-bar grill system. By preventing fat and oil from dripping down into the barbecue but allowing for direct heat, the open bar grill system makes their barbecues virtually flare-free, clean and healthy to grill upon. The brand has gone from strength to strength and has received various awards along the way, Grillstream has also made appearances on shows like the Dragons Den, BBC News & outdoor living magazines such as The BBQ Mag.

Scrolling online through the endless options for furniture for your patio, decking area or even conservatory can be hard work and time-consuming. In this edit, we’ll help steer you in the right direction so you can find the right piece of Kettler furniture for your outdoor living area. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of the different furniture materials that include wood, rope & metal and we’ll cover the types of furniture sets available that will best suit your outdoor area. So whether you’re looking for a cosy corner sofa, intimate bistro set or grand dining piece we’ll guide you to the best piece of Kettler outdoor furniture you can buy.

With the arrival of warmer weather on the horizon and longer days that fill us with joy, the garden becomes an extension of our home where we love to entertain both day and night. To create the ultimate outdoor getaway, it’s important to include some cosy features to recreate the comfort of your indoor living space, outdoors. From warming fires and outdoor heaters to effective lighting, in this edit, we’ll share our top suggestions to create a dreamy garden set-up this season.

There is nothing more important than keeping your garden a safe place for your family, so in this edit, we’ll give you insights on where is best to place your al fresco patio heater. To keep you toasty and to help you make the most of your outside space in the evening we’ll also discuss the different types of outdoor heaters and the benefits they’ll bring to your outside area. From electric infrared heaters to gas patio heaters and solid fuel options, we’ll put forward great outdoor heaters that do more than simply warm up the air around them.