[Georgebulldog]

Wasn't sure where to post this but looking at getting a patio heater so we can enjoy BBQ's in the summer as found it too cold to sit out in the evening last year & don't want another summer like that BUT has anyone got one? Anything I should be looking at? & how much do they cost to run? I mean how long will a bottle last? Looked at one today that let out 38.5 Mi/h (think that was the term used) & was comparing to one that was 40, also a powder coated to stainless steel?
Thanks in advance

[Joolzr]

They have quite a big environmental impact:

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Your-impact-on-climate-change/The-UK-s-opinion-on-climate-change-the-Green-Barometer/Green-barometer-two

In fact, B and Q stopped selling them because of this.

This is just for info. We all make our own decisions on these things. I have also read that some eco ones are coming out.

[Georgebulldog]

Completly forgot about that, thanks, now I have to really think about it
Good on B&Q for doing that :nice1

[Paul]

What about a fire pit or chimnea - especially if you have a ready supply of wood for the house?

Can't beat sitting round a roaring fire!

[mylesdw]

Ditto what Paul said; we bought a cast iron pot-bellied stove thing from Mitre-10 a year or two ago. It stands on legs on the patio and cost a little over $100. If you light it up with dry wood scraps it is putting out good heat within 10 mins and is very warm once it really gets going; it is great to sit around in the evening, much better than a gas heater.

[Georgebulldog]

Didn't even think of that, we do have a chiminea which we bought with us although quite little & as yet the stand hasn't been found, get the feeling it may have been left in the garage in the UK
May just give this a go, but what can I burn on it bearing in mind we live closeish to other houses?

[bobo]

Note some areas have a total ban on outside burning all year round

for example
http://www.ecan.govt.nz/Our+Environment/Air/OutdoorBurning/

[Wooly_Cow]

Just be careful about zoning. In summer many areas of New Zealand have a fire ban and this extends to chimneas and fire pits which are not considered bar-b-ques.

If you are in a zone where you can have a fire then you will almost certainly need a fire permit. These cost about $25 a year in Wellington (but rural or coastal areas are free) and you can get them from the council.

[Georgebulldog]

Thanks for the info found this http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/emergencymgmt/fire/firepermits.html

Which means would need a permit, may explain lack of coal bbq's out here?

All I wanna do is stay warm in the evenings :wah

[Ngeru]

Even if you were allowed them, I would still be very wary around having open fires too near to decks and wooden houses, especially in the dry weather. I guess it's not such a worry if you have a patio or paved area.

[Georgebulldog]

Even if you were allowed them, I would still be very wary around having open fires too near to decks and wooden houses, especially in the dry weather. I guess it's not such a worry if you have a patio or paved area.

Yes was my worry although got both areas you have to state where it will be to get youyr permit
Plus I have kids who although wont be up when it's on will want to play with the ash the next day
I'm afraid I'm leaning more for the patio heater & doing something extra for the envioroment to make up for it:)