The trend is another example of how the virus, which has left some 3.6 billion people stuck at home under lockdowns, is upending daily life in ways unthinkable until recently as governments impose social-distancing curbs to stem its spread.

Available in 13 colours, there's no doubting the simple lines of this heater give it an understated beauty, perfect for larger parties and impressing your guests. Though it does look a little like a museum memorial light.

It produces far lower levels of carbon than traditional fuels, plus there are no fumes or smoke, so you can enjoy a campfire atmosphere without coughing and spluttering. The heater itself consists of tubular stainless steel ‘sticks' all secured around a 2.5-litre burner. You might need money to burn to pay for it but, hey, can you really put a price on saving the planet?

After Singapore ordered the closure of many entertainment venues last week following a steady rise in infections, popular nightclub "Zouk" threw a "cloud-clubbing" party, streaming live performances by six DJs via an app.

I filled the fire pit with kindling and it was a little startling when flames came licking through the dome-shaped spark guard. The warmth from the fire is lovely but it's not so easy to distribute heat if you're sitting around a patio table, especially as it's only about knee-high.

But I'm a bit wary as it doesn't have a protective cover, so when the flames lick up towards the sky, you have to make sure the sparks don't leap onto your furniture (or guests). It's also a bit difficult to move around when lit. It's a bit too much of a gimmick.

Chimeneas were once a middle-class staple — freestanding terracotta hearths with a bulbous body topped with a thick chimney. They originate from Mexico and you can feel the influence here, thanks to the heater's earthy yellow Mayan and Aztec designs.

There's also a jazzy, 16-colour LED light which is remote- controlled, meaning you can set it to gentle mood lighting or even strobes and multi-coloured flashes — depending on the nature of your outdoor gathering. The heater gives off 1.5kW heat, which makes things perfectly toasty. Frankly, it's a bit, er, ugly. But the party vibes probably make up for it.

The base is made from sintered stone, which fools you into believing this might be granite or marble. But, in fact, it's weather-proof, scratch-proof and stain-proof — and, Drei-Achsen-Bearbeitungszentrum KAFO CV – 14B mit HEIDENHAIN iTNC620 System: Die ideale Wahl für Präzisionsbearbeitung as a result, increasingly popular for kitchen worktops as an alternative to granite. Although the heater weighs a whopping 11st, it's set on four rollers with a sturdy brake, so it can easily be moved around.

From eco-friendly ‘green fuel' burners to super-portable table-top warmers, a £2,500 space-age model and another that plays music and sets mood lighting, here are the best patio heaters to make al fresco entertaining so cosy you'd almost think you were in the Caribbean . . .

There's something magical about a real wood fire — which may be why fire pits have become such a huge trend. This large metal bowl in a cheery shade of Jaffa orange is certainly a budget option, and B&Q also sells wood and kindling, so there's no need to channel your inner lumberjack.

For teeny city terraces or even balconies, this table-top, electric-powered heater is surprisingly chic and really packs a punch. The contemporary design looks a bit like a lampshade, but it's idiot-proof. Just plug it in and pull the cord when you need to warm up — it gives out 1.5kW of heat.