There’s a reason outdoor living has become such a big focus for UK homes in recent years leading to the boom in use of outdoor fireplaces.
People want to use their gardens for longer. They want spaces that feel inviting in the evening, comfortable in spring and autumn, and usable even when there’s still a chill in the air.
If you’ve been looking at our RB73 outdoor fireplace, you’ve probably already noticed they’re a little different from your average patio heater.
They’re beautifully designed, built to last, and bring something much more atmospheric to a garden or terrace than a standard gas or electric heater ever can.
But are they worth it? And how do you know if one is right for your space?
Here’s everything you need to know before you buy an RB73 outdoor heater.
What is an RB73 Outdoor Fireplace?
A Dutch brand, RB73 outdoor fireplaces are a premium, distinctive range of outdoor wood burners that stand out thanks to their contemporary CorTen steel design.
But they’re designed to do more than just give off heat.
For many of our customers, an RB73 outdoor fireplace is a heat source, a focal point and a lifestyle choice all in one.
Unlike open fire pits or more temporary outdoor heaters, RB73 fireplaces are designed to feel like a permanent and considered part of your outdoor space. They bring together:
- Practical warmth
- Real flame atmosphere
- Durable year-round performance
- Modern outdoor design
Whether you’re creating a relaxed patio setup or a more complete outdoor entertaining area, an RB73 helps make the space feel warmer, more inviting and more usable.
Why Are RB73 Outdoor Fireplaces So Popular?
A lot of outdoor heating options can do the job, but not all do it beautifully.
Rather than feeling like a temporary seasonal item you get out of the shed, RB73 outdoor fireplaces are designed to feel like an architectural statement piece in your garden.
Not only do they add warmth, but they also completely change the feel of a space. A real fire naturally creates a focal point and encourages people to gather around it, whether that’s for relaxed evenings outside, outdoor dining, or entertaining with friends and family.
They’re particularly popular because they:
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Help you use your garden for longer
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Extend evenings outdoors in comfort
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Add warmth and ambience in equal measure
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Feel more premium than standard patio heaters
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Look like part of the garden, rather than an afterthought
For customers who care about design as much as practicality, that’s a big part of the appeal.
RB73 vs a Traditional Fire Pit: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest reasons customers choose an RB73 outdoor fireplace over a traditional fire pit is that it offers a much more controlled and enjoyable experience.
Traditional fire pits can look great in theory, but in practice, they often come with a few frustrations:
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Smoke blowing into seating areas
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Sparks
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Logs constantly needing repositioning
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Less controlled heat
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More mess and ash afterwards
RB73 fireplaces use a closed wood burner design, which means the fire is more contained and easier to enjoy.
That gives you:
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A cleaner, more controlled flame
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Less smoke than an open fire pit
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Fewer sparks
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A more comfortable seating experience
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Less time managing the fire and more time enjoying it
So if you love the idea of a real outdoor fire but want something more refined, practical and low-fuss, RB73 is a brilliant alternative.
Built for Outdoor Living, Whatever the Weather
One of the standout features of the RB73 range is that it’s built for year-round outdoor use.
Each RB73 outdoor fireplace is handmade in Holland from durable CorTen steel, a weathering steel designed to perform exceptionally well outdoors.
Over time, the steel develops its own protective rust-coloured finish. This is all part of the design and actually helps protect the material from further corrosion, making it even more weather-resistant over time.
That means your RB73 is designed to stay outside and handle the realities of the UK climate, including:
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Rain
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Damp air
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Changing temperatures
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Year-round exposure
In practical terms, that means:
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No covers
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No dragging it in and out of storage
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No unnecessary fuss
If you’re looking for outdoor heating that feels like a permanent part of your garden rather than a seasonal extra, RB73 is a very strong option.
CorTen steel is one of the reasons RB73 fireplaces are so distinctive. As the surface naturally weathers, it develops a rich, rust-like finish that gives each fireplace its recognisable character and modern-industrial look.
But it’s not just about appearance.
CorTen steel is also valued because it offers:
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Excellent durability
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Weather resistance
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Low maintenance
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A finish that looks better with age
Which RB73 Outdoor Fireplace Is Right for You?
The good news is there isn’t just one style of RB73.
Whether you’re working with a smaller patio or want a larger statement piece for entertaining, there’s an RB73 model to suit your space.
When choosing the right model, think about:
The size of your outdoor space
A more compact RB73 can work beautifully in smaller gardens, patios or courtyard spaces, while larger models are ideal for bigger seating areas or entertaining zones.
How you want to use it
If your fireplace will mainly be for quiet evenings outdoors, you may prefer something more understated. If you entertain regularly, a larger model can become a real centrepiece.
The visual impact you want
Optional glass panels are available on selected models, giving you a clear view of the fire from multiple angles and making your RB73 just as much a design feature as it is a practical heat source.
That makes them particularly appealing if you want your outdoor heating to feel polished, premium and intentional.
How to Get the Best from Your RB73 Outdoor Fireplace
To get the best performance from your outdoor fireplace, fuel matters. For a cleaner, more efficient burn, we’d always recommend using kiln-dried logs with a moisture content below 20%.
This helps give you:
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Better heat output
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Easier lighting
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Less smoke
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A cleaner burn
To complete your setup, we also stock a range of RB73 accessories, including practical extras such as:
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Log stores
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Protective floor plates
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Matching accessories for a cleaner finish
Pairing your RB73 with the right accessories and fuel helps you get the most from your fireplace from day one.
Why Buy an RB73 from Calido?
At Calido, we keep a wide range of RB73 outdoor fireplaces in stock for fast UK delivery, so you’re not left waiting weeks to get your outdoor space ready.
And if you’d prefer to see one in person before you buy, you’re always welcome to visit our Stirling showroom.
Explore our range of RB73 outdoor fireplaces online, pair yours with our kiln-dried logs, and browse our RB73 accessories to complete your setup.
FAQs
Are RB73 outdoor fireplaces safe to use on a patio?
RB73 outdoor fireplaces are designed as enclosed outdoor wood burners, making them a more controlled option than an open fire pit. Always follow manufacturer guidance and use suitable floor protection where needed.
Do RB73 outdoor fireplaces need a cover?
No. RB73 fireplaces are made from durable CorTen steel and are designed to stay outdoors year-round.
Do RB73 fireplaces create a lot of smoke?
Compared to a traditional open fire pit, the enclosed design helps create a cleaner, more controlled burn with less smoke.
What fuel should I use in an RB73 outdoor fireplace?
For best performance, use dry, high-quality kiln-dried logs with a moisture content below 20%.
Can I view RB73 fireplaces before buying?
Yes, you can browse the range online or visit the Calido Stirling showroom to view selected models in person.
