Outdoor Living

Bioethanol stoves and fires offer real flames without the need for a chimney or flue, but how much heat do they produce, how long does the fuel last and what do you need to know about using one safely? We answer the most common bioethanol fire questions in this practical guide.

Disposable BBQs have long been the grab-and-go choice for summer. Heading to the campsite, spending a day at the beach or planning a picnic? Pick one up, light it, cook your burgers and you're sorted.

But convenient doesn't always mean best.

A well-designed outdoor space is an extension of your home, offering the perfect place to relax, entertain and enjoy the warmer months. But even the most beautifully furnished gardens can quickly become cluttered with cushions, blankets, BBQ accessories, gardening tools and children's toys. That's where a garden storage box comes into its own.

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.