Most people put their backyard to bed after Labor Day. The grill gets a cover, the patio chairs get stacked, and everyone moves indoors until spring. But some of the best nights outside happen when the air turns crisp. Think steaks on the grill with a jacket on, friends around a crackling fire, or holiday guests spilling out onto the patio.
With the right setup, your outdoor kitchen and patio can be a year-round space. Here's how to make it happen.
Start with heat
The biggest thing that drives people indoors isn't the dark or the season. It's the cold. Add a good heat source and a 45-degree evening becomes comfortable. There are a few ways to do it, and the right one depends on your space.
Propane patio heaters are the classic choice for open patios and decks. They put out a lot of heat, don't need an outlet, and can be moved wherever the party is. A pyramid propane heater doubles as a glowing centerpiece, while an adjustable hood gas heater spreads warmth over a wider circle around a seating area. For tighter spaces, a retractable gas heater folds away when you don't need it.
Tabletop heaters are perfect for keeping a smaller group warm at the dinner table. A tabletop patio heater sits right in the middle of the table, where the people are.
Pellet heaters give you real flame with a cleaner, more controlled burn than wood. A pellet-fueled patio heater is a great fit if you love the look of fire but want less smoke and mess.
Wood-burning chimineas bring the campfire feel home, with the crackle, the glow, and the smell of real wood smoke. The chimney draws smoke up and away from your guests, which makes them a cozier option than an open fire pit. Choose a cast iron chiminea for classic heavy-duty warmth or a steel chiminea for a lighter, more modern look.
Browse all of our options in the Patio Heaters collection.
A quick safety note: Gas and wood heaters are made for open-air spaces, never enclosed rooms or garages. Always keep the clearances listed in your heater's manual, and check local burn rules before lighting a wood fire.
Keep cooking when it's cold
Grilling in cooler weather is easier than most people think, and a few habits make a big difference.
- Give it extra preheat time. Cold air and wind pull heat away from the grill, so let it warm up a few extra minutes before the food goes on.
- Keep the lid closed. Every peek lets heat escape, which matters more in cold weather. A thermometer lets you check doneness without opening the lid.
- Block the wind. Position your grill so the wind isn't blowing across the burners, which saves fuel and keeps temperatures steady.
- Keep extra fuel on hand. Grills burn more propane in cold weather, so a spare tank saves you from running out mid-cook.
- Plan for less daylight. Good lighting over your cooking area makes a winter cookout much more enjoyable.
This is where a full outdoor kitchen island really shines. With a built-in sink, fridge, and prep space right next to the grill, you're not running back and forth to the house in the cold. Everything you need is steps away, so you can stay out with your guests. Many islands also include LED-lit controls, which help when it gets dark by 5:30.
See our outdoor kitchen islands, including the models in our Fall Sale, on sale through October 31.
Make it a place people want to stay
Heat and food get people outside, but comfort keeps them there. A few small touches go a long way:
- Soft lighting. String lights, lanterns, or the glow of a chiminea make a winter patio feel warm and inviting.
- Blankets and cushions. Keep a basket of throws nearby, and choose weather-resistant cushions you can bring in when it snows.
- Warm drinks. Hot cider, cocoa, or coffee brewed in your outdoor kitchen become part of the experience.
- Arrange seating around the heat. Group chairs around your heater or chiminea instead of spreading them out.
Your backyard, all year round
You invested in your backyard for the good times, so there's no reason to use it only four months a year. With the right heat source and an outdoor kitchen built for real cooking, fall and winter can become your favorite outdoor seasons.
Have questions about which heater or island fits your space? Contact us. We're happy to help you plan.