Latest news with #gardenFurniture
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Amazon slashes 45% off an easy-to-clean garden set with over 4000 reviews, and it's cheaper than The Range
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus how to compare prices to get the best deal when shopping ALFRESCO SAVINGS Amazon slashes 45% off an easy-to-clean garden set with over 4000 reviews, and it's cheaper than The Range IF you're looking to soak up the sun or enjoy a meal Alfresco this summer, Amazon has just the thing. And the easy clean garden set has been slashed in price, saving you a massive 45%. 1 The Amazon rattan sofa set has been slashed in price saving you 45% off the original price Credit: Brits are set to bask in scorching temperatures once again this week as the sun returns. The weather turnaround comes after a miserable weekend of heavy rain and thunderstorms. And with many planning to host garden parties and BBQs to make the most of the sun. You might be tempted to give your garden a bit of a spruce up, to make sure it looks its best. Amazon's rattan garden furniture set The bigzzia Rattan Garden Furniture Set is a 4 piece Patio Rattan furniture sofa. The easy-to-clean rattan set includes 2 Armchairs, 1 Double seat Sofa and 1 table. It also comes with 2 Armchair Cushions and 1 Double Seat Sofa Cushion and comes in black but there is also a grey version. The retailer describes it as: "The design of this rattan furniture is a perfect blend of country chic and modern minimalism, adding an elegant touch to your house." Originally priced at £179.99 the set has been slashed to only £99.75 giving you a massive 45% saving. With over 4000 reviews it has been given an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. Homebase is selling premium outdoor lanterns which don't require any plugs for under £30 - they're perfect for the summer nights One shopper said: "Absolutely love it. It came so speedy and compact. The set was so easy to put together even by myself. "It was for my daughters birthday party and I had so many compliments on it I am buying another one, my cousin was to impressed she brought one for her garden too." Another added: "It wasn't too difficult to install the instructions were very helpful, and the chair is very comfortable. "I can't fault it, and I would recommend it if anyone is looking to get one." How to compare prices to get the best deal JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal. There are plenty of comparison websites out there that'll check prices for you - so don't be left paying more than you have to. Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers. Here are some that we recommend: Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results. Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock. Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one. CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of. While a third added: "This is an amazing small size patio set. It's easy to put together and very comfortable. "It fits on my patio perfectly. All seats a good size for me (I'm a larger person)Delivered on time. Highly recommended." On the other hand The Range's 4 Piece Rattan Garden Furniture Set - Grey is priced at £121.99 in their summer sale giving you a 28% saving of the original price. More garden furniture bargains The Range has knocked £50 off a rattan sofa set that adds a touch of sophistication to your garden & lasts through winter. B&M has slashed the price of its New York Corner Set by £75, a saving of 21%. The sofa set, which was originally priced at £350, has now been reduced to £275. The black and grey sofa comes in a either a two seater (135 x 71 x H64cm) or three seater (206 x 71 x 64cm) size, making it perfect for hosting small family gatherings. Tesco shoppers are currently rushing to stores to buy stunning "reduced to clear" garden furniture that's up to 40% off. Shoppers can get their hands on the Outsunny Foldable Sun Lounger that comes with a side pocket and headrest for £23.19. Garden styling hacks You can add a "chic" touch to your outdoor area with this budget Home Bargains decor buy. The item has been described as a "stylish and eco-friendly" fixture which "combines warm white LED lighting with a chic planter". And another Home Bargains solar light levels up your garden for just £2.99. And Aldi's £44 middle aisle buy is perfect for garden parties this summer – and it's cheaper than the Lidl version. And another Aldi buy will give your garden privacy for just £19 this summer. A 79p item that's already in your cupboard can also help elevate your outdoor space.
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The best patio heaters to warm up chillier summer nights, chosen and tested by experts
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Even the best British summer days can turn chilly. A good patio heater helps you stay outside for longer as the temperatures drop. High street and online homeware retailers like Robert Dyas, Dunelm and Wayfair all sell a wide range of patio heaters, from electric to wall-mounted and freestanding models. Choosing the right one can be tricky. Some heaters are heavy and hard to move around, while others may not match your garden furniture. There are functional questions too: how quickly does it heat up? Does the casing get dangerously hot? Can it be stored easily? And how much warmth does it emit? To clear things up for you, we've tested a selection of models from leading garden brands. We also answer some frequently asked questions at the end of the page, with the help of Heat Outdoors expert, Stephen Levy. But if you're short on time, here are our top five: The best patio heaters: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best patio heater Outdoor heating specialist Levy says: 'Prioritise the quality of build, the level of waterproofing and the wattage.' Safety switches and remote controls are also useful. But: 'While weight is usually a sign of quality, you still want a heater that won't be too heavy to lug around yourself.' Consider where you want to place your heater; do you want one for the table, or one to warm your legs and feet from the ground. Aesthetics play a role too, but don't sacrifice functionality in the name of style. How we test patio heaters With Stephen's advice in mind, I tested every patio heater on this list at home in different weather conditions. I rated how easy each one was to set up, how sturdy it felt once assembled and how convenient it was to move around the patio. During testing, I used a thermometer to record the temperature at the base of the heater. For tabletop models, I added a second thermometer at windowsill height, 60cm above. I recorded readings at five, ten and thirty minute intervals, and I considered how wide the heater's radius was while sitting and standing at various distances. Safety was a significant factor, too. I assessed how easy it was to use the controls and adjust temperatures, and checked whether any parts became hot to touch. Once switched off, I noted how long the heating element took to cool down. If you're keen to add more decor to your patio, we also have guides to the best fire pits, the best charcoal BBQs, the best hanging egg chairs and the best garden parasols. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best patio heaters for 2025 1. Best Buy Patio Heater: Swan Portable Patio Heater The Swan heater packs a punch for its diminutive 60cm height. I felt the heat kick in immediately upon turning on its single switch. The temperature rose by an impressive fourteen degrees in just 30 minutes, the largest heat output of all the models featured. The carbon fibre heating element is housed in an attractive column, creating a 360-degree radius of warmth. A wide and weighty base plate in stainless steel allays any fears about this heater tipping over – it doesn't rock at all, even when pushed. Should you need to move the heater around, the chunky built-in handle is easy to grip and feels sturdy in hand. While the central column cools down immediately after use, the aluminium alloy struts on either side remained hot to touch for up to 10 minutes afterwards, so some care is needed. With a singular heat setting and no noise to speak of, this is a great option for a steady output of heat on colder evenings: I found it particularly useful as a floor-level heater for keeping people's feet warm. Key specifications: 2. Best Value Patio Heater: Gtech HeatWave Electric Patio Heater This Gtech mountable patio heater, from the increasingly popular British appliance brand, only has one 2,000W setting. It would have been nice to have a lower, less energy-hungry option as it costs approximately 50p per hour at a typical electricity tariff of 26p/kWh. However, the Gtech Heatwave heats up in one second, claiming to warm up to six metres of space with its infrared technology. On test, I found this accurate, heating my entire patio impressively quickly. It's also pretty easy to install if you're willing and able to drill into outer brickwork. (You might find our guide to the best cordless drills useful here.) However, the cable length is just shy of two metres – about six feet – making proximity to a plug socket a necessary consideration. Once installed, it emits a gentle orange glow with little glare, reminiscent of a pub garden – with none of the rowdiness. The heater's compact size also makes it easy to store during the winter, although its IP65 rating means it's both dust proof and resistant to rainfall. With the lowest RRP on our list, it's a good value heater with only minor drawbacks. Key specifications: 3. Best Electric Patio Heater: Kettler Kalos Universal Electric Lantern Patio Heater This square-shaped Kettler patio heater is a reliable option that will pair well with your elegant rattan garden furniture thanks to its outer lattice pattern. This casts a lovely golden shadow on the patio. Plus, it can be left outside all year round thanks to the IP55 rating, meaning it's resistant to dust, rain and moisture – although you wouldn't want to aim a high-pressure hose at it. The slim halogen heating element doesn't skimp on heat, jumping five degrees in as many minutes during testing. After half an hour, I felt satisfyingly warm and appreciated the unobtrusive light emanating from the heater. A simple on and off switch at the base makes operating the heater easy, and the medium and large models also feature a discreet touchscreen switch beside the top handle for additional control that beeps when pressed. Said handle is also sturdy enough to easily manoeuvre the heater's 4.3kg weight around your patio – at least, as far as the 1.8 metre cable allows. Be aware that all the heaters on our list adhere to this cable length because it's the legal maximum. As manufacturers don't recommend using an extension, make sure you have a nearby outdoor power source. Key specifications 4. Best Column Patio Heater: La Hacienda Electric Standing Patio Heater Just a few screws attach this cylindrical La Hacienda electric heater to its circular base plate, then it's ready to use. With a heat range of approximately 1.5 inches and a maximum of 1,200 Watts, it's not the hottest of the heaters. But the infrared technology provides a good level of uniform heat in all directions, along with a gentle orange glow. Operation is completely silent and, despite my initial caution, neither the brushed black metal nor plastic elements retain any heat whatsoever. I particularly appreciated the red LED that shines behind the single control switch at the base of the unit: it's easy to see with a quick glance whether or not the heater is on or off. With an IP rating of 55, it's able to withstand any temperate weather, though I found the compact shape and 3.4kg weight made it easy to store when not in use. That said, I wasn't overly confident in the plastic handle, which feels quite flimsy and doesn't leave much room for grip. The heater's lifespan of approximately 5,000 hours is less than we'd like ideally, but the low price makes it a good value option nonetheless. Key specifications 5. Best Table Top Patio Heater: Kettler Terrace Table Top Heater A lamp-style tabletop heater is a subtle way to provide warmth to your garden and this Kettler electric heater is no different. It has a double frost halogen heating element hidden by a matte gunmetal grey lampshade. Moreover, it doesn't make a sound while emitting a decent whack of heat in a downward trajectory: I recorded a nine degree increase in 30 minutes. It's controlled by two switches just below the lampshade – one is an on and off switch, and the second is for standby, beeping loudly when touched. Unfortunately, the lack of any indicator makes the three provided heat levels a little tricky to discern. Though, the remote control is a handy touch when you're too comfortable to move. Some assembly is required here: affixing the shade, threading the power cable and securing it beneath the base. The latter seemed a little light for adequately supporting the heater's 10kg weight, and the large size – 94cm high with a 50cm diameter shade – may be difficult to store. Luckily, the IP45 rating protects against jets of water. Bringing it inside during heavy rain would be a good idea. While designed to sit on your table, this heater could just as easily operate as a floor-level lamp to warm chilly feet. It also fits in beautifully with the rest of Kettler's outdoor range, which is known for its durability. Key specifications 6. Best Standing Patio Heater: Marl Floor Standing Outdoor Heater This slim standing heater from Dunelm is probably the most inconspicuous of all the heaters on our list, especially when you consider its 200cm height. It's surprisingly lightweight at 8.4kg too, though the wide base is sufficiently solid to stop the heater from swaying. The central pole is divided into four sections that join together easily enough with a series of screws. But this requires a screwdriver, which the instruction manual fails to mention. The heater is operated by the pull of a drawstring switch. I'm not its biggest fan; made of thin cord it makes a somewhat irritating 'ding' noise when it knocks against the metal column in a breeze. But, it elicits a satisfying click as either one or both of the circular halogen heating elements radiates heat downwards and outward. Radius wise, you'll feel a nice temperature increase up to an area of 20 sq metres. The only indication of the two heat settings is found by looking up at the element itself (one glowing ring is the lower setting, two glowing rings is the higher), which can cause some trial and error upon first use. I particularly appreciated the pair of brackets that clip around the central pole. While intended to hold the 1.6m power cable in place, this also allows use of its full length while accessing a plug socket. Key specifications Patio heater FAQs How many square feet does a patio heater cover? 'About eight square metres, assuming a high quality two kilowatt shortwave heater,' Levy says. 'That's roughly equivalent to a garden table and the garden chairs around it.' The kilowatts refer to the electricity a heater uses, rather than the heat it emits: more kilowatts do not necessarily mean more warmth, especially if the heater has a poorly-made reflector or cheap bulbs. To heat a bigger space, it's usually better to get more than one heater. What is the difference between infrared and halogen heaters? Halogen is used in the most intense bulbs, emitting shortwave infrared. Shortwave will warm you even in a breeze, whereas mediumwave and longwave infrared bulbs are only effective in sheltered spaces as they can be blown away in a draught. The ceramic elements used in indoor portable electric heaters emit longwave infrared, which heats the air in a rising column. Carbon fibre filaments used in low-glow patio heaters (such as table-top heaters) emit mediumwave infrared. Finally, Tungsten filaments, housed in quartz bulbs containing halogen gas, glow brightly and emit shortwave infrared which doesn't actually heat the air. It heats you. 'Shortwave is the type emitted by the sun,' Levy says. 'It travels through the vacuum of space and heats the earth when it hits it. That's why shortwave infrared from a halogen patio heater (or tungsten and quartz heaters – they're all names for the same thing) heats your skin when it hits it, whether it's windy or not. You'll notice that if someone stands in front of you, casting a shadow, the warmth instantly disappears.' In a nutshell, the intense bulbs (sometimes called halogen, but not always) emit shortwave radiation and will work in a breeze. Other types of heater feel cosier and less intense but don't work in windy or open areas. Are all patio heaters waterproof? Not necessarily. Look at the IP rating – which stands for Ingress Protection – to find out. It is an international standard of measurement of an item's resistance and comes as two digits, for example IP34 or IP65. The first digit refers to dust proofing, the second relates to waterproofing. If the second digit is three or below, it's not suitable for use outside. If the last digit is four, it's shower-proof. If it's five, it's rain-proof. If it's six, it can resist a blast from a hose and if it's seven it can be briefly submerged, although we don't recommend doing this with your patio heater. What is the highest BTU for a patio heater? This is a misguided question. British thermal units are a standard measurement of heat energy and outdoor heaters can produce anything from 10,000 to a scorching 80,000 BTUs. Most are somewhere around 40,000. But, according to Levy, all that is completely irrelevant if the heat is blown away by the wind. How effective are gas patio heaters? Fine in an enclosed space, but otherwise most heat is wasted and gas is an expensive option.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Dunelm garden furniture is reduced to clear with 50% off and will give your space Santorini vibes
DUNELM shoppers can get hold of a gorgeous furniture set that's 50% off in the clearance sale. The Santorini 2 Seater Bistro Set is just £59.50 in the sale, down from an original price of £119. 1 It was previously reduced to £83.30 in June but it's now gone into the clearance section - meaning you can get it for a bargain price if you're quick. Remember, once something is in clearance then once it's gone, it's gone. Dunelm says the set will give your space Greek island vibes with its contrasting rattan and steel look. It comes in two colours, Natural and Jade Mist, but only the Natural version is in clearance. The Jade Mist version is still a little more expensive at £83.30. The set comes with two chairs and a coffee table. It's made from weather resistant and sturdy rattan and steel. The description on the Dunelm website says: "The Santorini Bistro Set brings a pop of vibrancy to your garden with its bold, contrasting colours and stylish rattan design. "This 2-seater set, complete with a coffee table, is crafted from weather-resistant materials and supported by a sturdy powder-coated steel frame, making it both functional and visually striking." It comes flat packed which means it should be easy to transport home but you'll need to assemble it yourself. I gave my bathroom a boujee but budget makeover - I used Dunelm bargains & cheap buys from Amazon made a huge difference Reviewers on the Dunelm website have raved about the set, with one saying it was "ideal" for their garden and "easy to put up". Another said: "Saw the set in store & tried it, have had it iny fave list, saw it had gone into a sale, bought it with no regrets! (sic) "Can't wait to use it in my new flat garden, will be running with Santorini inspo!" A third added: "Love it, super simple to put together, about 15 mins in total. "Really cute looking, got it on sale and for the price I'm really happy, chairs are comfier then I expected." Where else can you get discounted garden furniture? Several retailers have offers on garden furniture currently - just as another heatwave could be approaching. The Met Office has said a third heatwave could hit the UK by mid next week. Savvy shoppers have shared that Tesco has dropped the prices of some of its garden furniture. One of the supermarket's most popular outdoor tables, the Madrid Bistro Table, is currently just £16. That's £9 off its original price of £25. The table has been a staple of Tesco's garden furniture range for years and is even a shopping expert's favourite. Meanwhile the set of two Rattan Stacking Garden chairs are now available for £61.31, reduced from £82. The offer is only available until July 15. The Outsunny Foldable Sun Lounger, which comes with a side pocket and headrest, is just £23.19. That's down from £28.99.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Shropshire businesses thriving as heatwave looms
Businesses have said the hot weather is attracting more customers - with shops selling garden furniture and barbecue food benefitting in are set to soar close to 30 degrees this week in Shropshire, with the Met Office poised to declare the first heatwave of nights will also be much warmer from Thursday, with many areas seeing temperatures in the high Furley, who works at Lakeside Plant Centre in Telford, said it has been a "phenomenal" year for patio furniture. "For the first time ever, we've got two [shipping] containers of patio furniture in our twenty years of being here," he added."Parasols are a big thing too," Mr Turley continued, noting that the weather is "such a great barometer" for the garden industry."The more sun we get, the more people shop, and it helps keep the industry buoyant." Next door, at Greenfields Farm Shop, the coolers are on full blast to keep the cheese and meat cold."Sales have gone up in potato salads, coleslaws, and quiches," manager Laura Griffin sausages, and kebabs are also flying off the shelves in the hot weather, with staff expecting sales to increase "even more so" over the Griffin added that new housing developments nearby mean this has been her busiest year yet. Meanwhile in Wellington, bowls players Richard Suggett and Mark Doodson were making the most of the as the bowling greens do not offer much shade, they said they are taking extra steps to stay cool."It's best to keep water on the side," Mr Suggett said, pointing to his "tank full of water"."You've got to keep yourself hydrated, otherwise you start getting dizzy." Bowls is "very, very popular" at this time of year, said Mr Doodsman."Shropshire is a bit of a stronghold in the bowls community," he added, noting that their "dedicated grounds team" spend a lot of the summer tending to the grass and making sure the sprinklers are running. Opposite the bowling green, Bowring Park Cafe does a booming trade in cold drinks and ice creams."This weather is absolutely gorgeous, the park's busy, people are coming to walk their dogs, bringing their kids," said owner Donna added that frappuccinos, milkshakes, and iced coffees are particularly popular. Ms Miles noted that when the weather is hotter than 30 degrees, business does quieten down a those days, "it gets really busy in the morning, but then no-one is out in the afternoon," she said."People want to make the most of it and sit outside - we've got a lovely park here in Wellington." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
‘We love it' Brits are raving about a rattan garden sofa that's on sale for huge £370 cheaper – but there are 2 catches
SUMMER is right around the corner which means millions of Brits are racing to get their gardens ready for the sunny season. And if you're yet to find a fabulous rattan sofa on the cheap, you've come to the right place - as thrifty shoppers have found the ultimate bargain. 2 According to money-smart Facebook users, the home goods store Studio currently has a mega sale going on - and you can pick up a gorgeous garden sofa with an epic discount. Originally setting you back an eye-watering £499.99, the Bali Rattan Corner Sofa Set is now going for just £129.99, saving you a fortune. The sofa, which comes in black, has an L shape that gives you the option to spread out and relax in the summer weather. The set also comes with an ottoman that can be used as extra seating if you have any unexpected guests - it really doesn't get much better than this. Studio's version comes in hundreds of pounds cheaper than similar sets at B&Q and The Range, which retail for up to £500. Meanwhile, Aldi's brand new sofa is currently going for £199.99. With such an epic price, it comes as no wonder that Brits have been raving about this gorgeous sofa and the quality on the popular Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group. Someone else was also singing praises, writing: ''I got around 8 years out of mine. Fantastic value for the money.'' ''I got one delivered last Tuesday & we love it!'' a third chimed in. The £14.50 Wickes buy people are swearing by to get rid of weeds on their driveway for GOOD However, whilst the cut-price sofa is sure to be a hit amongst your guests this summer, there seem to be two catches - a hefty £49.99 delivery fee, as well as unclear instructions how to assemble it. Many horrified shoppers noted that it took them ages to finally be able to enjoy the sofa, with one woman allegedly spending three hours with her pal. ''I bought this and it took me and my friend 3 hours to build,'' the Facebook user warned. Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% Another was just as baffled, writing: ''How on earth did you put this together, the instructions are ridiculous.'' ''I bought this last year for £99 had to get someone to put it together was so confusing,'' a third customer wrote. Whatever you're buying, it's always a good idea to shop around to find the best deal. You can compare prices on websites like Google shopping, which is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
