Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (2023)

We've tested eight pop-up gazebos from Argos, Amazon, The Range and Vonhaus, ranging in price from £35 to £160, include gazebos with sides, so we can tell you which are the most durable, waterproof, and easiest to put up.

We thought we'd test these just in time for the Queen's Jubilee, so if you're having a garden or street party, your celebrations won't be spoiled by your gazebo making an unplanned exit mid-way through.

Of the eight gazebos we tested, five of them didn’t survive even light winds. Of the three still standing, only one survived the next day of a modest breeze (27mph gusts). You can find out which one that was by reading on.

Pricing and availability last checked 10 October 2022.

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Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (1)

The best pop-up gazebos from our test

The one gazebo that survived our test has been named a Which? Best Buy as it's our top recommendation if you're looking for a waterproof and durable gazebo that will last, and don't mind paying a bit more to get that.

But if you're after a cheap gazebo that will withstand light wind, and you don't mind taking it down when it gets a bit windy, we've found a decent option for around £30 less than our top pick. It's pretty easy to put up and take down and will keep the rain off.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the pop-up gazebo test results below. If you're not yet a member, you'll see an alphabetically ordered list of the pop-up gazebos we tested.

Join Which? now to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Argos Home 2.7m x 2.7m Garden Gazebo - Green

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (2)

Only available atArgos: £35.

Dimensions: 2.7m x 2.7m

Colour options: Green

Gazebo with sides: No

Guy ropes: No

This is the cheapest gazebo we tested, and unlike many of the others that come assembled, it must be built by connecting all of the poles together out of the box. How long did it take our researchers to build this Argos gazebo, and did it stay up once the winds got up?

Log in or Join Which? to find out how this cheap gazebo compares to the pricier options we tested.

Argos Home 3m x 3m Garden Gazebo - Green

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (3)
(Video) 5 Best Pop up Gazebos with Sides in 2022 (Buying Guide)

Only available atArgos: £130.

Dimensions: 3m x 3m

Colour options: Green

Gazebo with sides: No

Guy ropes: Yes

This Argos gazebo isn't cheap, but our researchers did find it quite easy to put up, it took a little more than five minutes. But what did we make of its build quality, and how did it handle wind, and rain over our testing week?

Log in or Join Which? to find out if it's worth investing in this Argos gazebo.

Easy Gazebos Pop-up Gazebo

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (4)

Only available atEasy Gazebos: £159.95 (out of stock)

Dimensions: 3m x 3m

Colour options: Red, Green, Blue, Beige

Gazebo with sides: No

Guy ropes: Yes

It's one of the most expensive gazebos we tested, but it did impress us during our build quality assessment, and it comes with nice extras, such as guy ropes, and a smart carry bag.

But only one of the pop-up gazebos we tested survived unscathed during light and medium winds. Log in or Join Which? to find out if it was this one.

Master Canopy Durable Pop-up Gazebo

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (5)

Only available atAmazon: £149.99.

Dimensions: 3m x 3m

(Video) Top 5 Best Pop Up Gazebos Review 2022

Colour options: Grey, black, navy blue, blue, sky blue, beige, white, green, red

Gazebo with sides: Yes, it has one side wall

Guy ropes: Yes

Available in a vast array of colours and with the addition of weighted bags as well as guy ropes, we had high hopes for this one when it came to standing up to the wind.

It has a tough and durable cover, which didn't rip, unlike some of the others in our test, but is this pop-up gazebo worth the hefty investment?

Log in or Join Which? to find out.

Sanheng Pop-up Gazebo

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (6)

Only available atAmazon: £64.99

Dimensions: 3m x 3m

Colour options: Grey, blue, green, white

Gazebo with sides: Yes, it has four side walls

Guy ropes: Yes

It's incredibly popular on Amazon, a cheap gazebo, and it comes with guy ropes and weighted bags which should keep it stable. Sanheng also claims that the material of the canopy is durable and tear proof.

We put all of these claims to the test in our weeklong garden gazebo test.Log in or Join Which? to find out if this cheap gazebo gets our seal of approval.

The Range Garden Heavy Duty Gazebo Marquee

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (7)

Only available atThe Range: £39.99.

Dimensions: 2.7m x 2.7m

Colour options: White, blue, green

Gazebo with sides: No

Guy ropes: Yes

(Video) Top 5 Best Pop Up Gazebo 2022

This cheap gazebo took our team of researchers almost fifteen minutes to assemble, because you must slot all of the poles together yourself. But we could forgive that if this cheap gazebo survived the week of wind and rain our testing put it through.

But did it?Log in or Join Which? to find out.

Vonhaus Pop-up Gazebo

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (8)

Cheapest price: £99.99 at Vonhaus, also available at Amazon.

Dimensions: 3m x 3m

Colour options: Grey

Gazebo with sides: No

Guy ropes: Yes

You get a carry bag with wheels with this garden gazebo which is a nice feature, but the material of the cover and sides was noticeably cheaper feeling than some of the more expensive gazebos we tested.

Only one gazebo from our test was left standing by the end of a week outside in wind and rain - was it this one? Log in or Join Which? to find out.

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (9)

Vonhaus Slate Grey Pop-up Gazebo Set

Cheapest price: £139.99 at Amazon, Vonhaus.

Dimensions: 3m x 3m

Colour options: Grey

Gazebo with sides: Yes, it has four sides

Guy ropes: Yes

It took our researchers almost 20 minutes to completely assemble this gazebo with sides, the longest time to assemble of any in our test.

But did that extra time putting it up pay dividends in our durability assessments? Log in or Join Which? to find out.

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Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (10)
(Video) Gorilla Gazebo - Review and solution to it blowing away!

How we tested pop-up gazebos

As well as being a doddle to put up and take down, a good gazebo should be able to handle a bit of wind and rain too.

We hired a field on a farm near Dorking, Surrey, for a week to put these eight gazebos through their paces.

In their wisdom, The Gods of Product Testing also provided us with some ideal weather conditions for testing, including light to moderate winds, rain, and even a bit of snow.

Best pop-up gazebos - Which? (11)

Wind resistance

Nearly all of the gazebos we purchased came with a warning, "don't use in high winds". We've seen enough YouTube videos of gazebos and trampolines rolling through windswept streets to know that not everyone pays heed to these warnings, but at the same time we didn't want to set the gazebos up to fail by pitching them in very high winds.

So we waited for a reasonable window of weather and found one where we knew that wind gusts wouldn't exceed 15mph for 36 hours (a moderate breeze according to the Beaufort scale), and then over the following 36 hours the wind wouldn't exceed 27mph gusts (a strong breeze according to the Beaufort scale).

To our surprise and dismay, five out of eight gazebos were destroyed in the first 36 hours, with only one of the remaining three left standing by the end of testing.

So while manufacturers might warn against pitching their gazebo in high winds, we'd suggest caution in even a gentle breeze.

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Rain resistance

Poor gazebos can get saturated roofs that will eventually sag and leave pooled water on top. During our testing week it rained heavily, and even snowed, so we rated each one on how well it stood up to these elements.

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Build quality

Each gazebo was rated for build quality. There's a noticeable difference between the strength and quality of the fabric of each gazebo, as well as the robustness of the poles that make up the frame.

Ease of use

We timed how long it took to put up and take down each gazebo. As well as rating each one for how easy it is to adjust the height and tighten the fabric roof.

FAQs

What is the best gazebo to buy UK? ›

The best gazebos
  1. SUNMER 3x3m Pop-Up Gazebo with 4 Sides. ...
  2. VonHaus Pop Up Gazebo 3x3m. ...
  3. Maisons Du Monde Sail Shade Gazebo 3m x 3m. ...
  4. Argos Home 3m x 3m Pop Up Garden Gazebo with Side Panels. ...
  5. Blooma Betty White Rectangular Gazebo 6m x 3m. ...
  6. Argos Home 4m Hexagonal Garden Gazebo with Side Panels. ...
  7. Outsunny 2.5m Double-Tier BBQ Gazebo.
4 Mar 2022

What is the best material for a pop up gazebo? ›

Nylon Material:

Because it is incredibly hard-wearing and prevents metal-on-metal friction. Nylon has a natural oil surface which means it's the perfect material for pop-up gazebos which are constantly sliding up and down.

Who makes good quality gazebos? ›

The best pop-up gazebos I included are listed below:

MasterCanopy 3m x 3m Pop-Up Gazebo – BEST PICK. Airwave 2.5m x 2.5m Waterproof Pop-Up Gazebo – BEST SMALL WATERPROOF PICK. Casaria Lorca Canopy Gazebo. Airwave 3m x 6m Waterproof Gazebo – BEST LARGE PICK.

Are pop up gazebos worth it? ›

Because pop-up gazebos are portable and easy to set up, they're great for taking to the beach. They'll provide shade when you need to get out of the sun and are a great play place in the sand for kids. are sturdy and water proof and will withstand the test of time. You'll enjoy your pop-up gazebo for years to come.

Which is better galvanized steel or aluminum gazebo? ›

In contrast to garden gazebos made of steel, aluminium garden gazebos are generally better suitable for longer operating times. Hence, your aluminum garden gazebo protects you from sun and rain throughout all seasons.

Is Aldi gazebo good? ›

"Great product, value for money, very easy to assemble and looks great when put together." "Really good quality and looks a lot more expensive that what I paid." "I was very happy with my gazebo, excellent quality and worth every penny.

How long do pop up gazebos last? ›

A sturdy pop up gazebo canopy should last at least 5 years. Waterproofing your gazebo canopy, will for sure make the canopy last longer.

Are wood or metal gazebos better? ›

A metal gazebo is more durable and versatile than a wooden gazebo. It's also easier to assemble and requires less maintenance. This trendy structure is the perfect detached garage, giving you extra shade and shelter wherever you need it.

What is the best color for a pop up canopy? ›

White is the coolest canopy in color because it's a great reflector of the sun. So, if you're concerned about the heat during the summer, design a canopy that's primarily white but with your logo and any other artwork on the valences.

Is steel roof better than aluminum on gazebo? ›

An Aluminum Patio cover's durability is much better than a steel patio cover, because aluminum will last longer without need of maintenance and will never rust while steel on the other hand will rust.

Is a gazebo better with sides on or off in wind? ›

No, a marquee is far more wind resistant with the sides on rather than off. For some reason there are many people who believe that leaving the sides off a marquee 'lets the wind pass through'.

Are Coleman gazebos good? ›

The Coleman Lighted Instant Gazebo is the way to go for a great quality gazebo that also includes lights. This all in one lighted gazebo is awesome if you're looking for something to take camping with you and don't yet have a good set of lights.

How long do soft top gazebos last? ›

Without treatment, the canopy will last about 2 to 3 years. Canopies made with low grade fabrics will last about 6 months to a year. Exposure to UV rays, rain, wind, and snow make the fabric brittle.

Can you leave a pop up gazebo up all summer? ›

Can you leave a pop-up gazebo up? If you live in a place where the weather is basically normal, then you can leave it outside for at least a year. But if there is a rainstorm, it is best to take off the top and sidewalls leaving only the frame outside.

What is better than a gazebo? ›

Structurally, pergolas are much less cluttered and much more elegant in comparison to gazebos. They may have a full or retractable roof if the purpose of a pergola is primarily for shade, but many pergolas offer only partial shade with intermittent beams laid spaciously across the top.

What is the strongest pop up canopy? ›

1. Best High-Quality Canopy Tent—MASTERCANOPY Premium Pop Up Canopy. The white MASTERCANOPY pop-up canopy is made with polyester fabric that is resistant to water and has 99% UV protection making it ideal for outdoor events. It is supported by a powder-coated structure that provides a sturdy and rust-resistant frame.

What lasts longer aluminum or galvanized steel? ›

Galvanized steel is much stronger than aluminum. Steel is more popular for projects that need more strength and durability. This strength isn't ideal for all consumers and tasks as it's a heavier much denser quality than aluminum. So, you can forge aluminum to become just as strong as galvanized steel.

Can you leave a metal gazebo up all year? ›

You can leave gazebos with a hard roof up year-round. This includes vinyl, metal, and composite wood gazebos. Gazebos with pressure-treated wood that can withstand the elements can be left up year-round as well.

How long do aluminum gazebos last? ›

Like wood and vinyl gazebos, aluminum and steel constructions are extremely durable and will last at least 10-12 years without showing age.

What Colour gazebo is best? ›

Gazebos can be a beautiful finishing touch for period homes or in gardens with classic design elements like a symmetrical layout, box hedges and rose bushes. A neutral palette is a safe strategy, so colours like Classic Cream and Paperbark are good all-rounders.

What is the easiest gazebo to put up? ›

The easiest gazebo to put up will be a pop-up one. Some will simply open out with no assembly required — they do need to be weighed down to save from blowing away in windier conditions, though. You can also get metal framed ones that fold out but they're heavier and will need two or three people to set up.

Is the B&M gazebo waterproof? ›

Water resistance: Water resistant - not waterproof.

How much wind can a pop up gazebo withstand? ›

A good strength gazebo will only stand against wind up to 60m/h, so take it down if wind speed is more than that. But if the weather is light to moderate, you should always consider some accessories for gazebo; e.g: sand bags/weights, pegs and guy ropes to help secure your gazebo.

Can a hardtop gazebo stay up all year? ›

Yes, a hardtop gazebo can be left all year round. You do need to take into consideration your local climate, the materials your gazebo is made of, and its structural strength. If you live in an area that is subject to heavy snowfall then some lighter polycarbonate roofs or thinner metal roof gazebos might be damaged.

Should I get a hard or soft top gazebo? ›

It is very clear that hardtop gazebos are better than the soft top ones. They offer a whole lot of benefits to the users including durability, protection, and safety. Therefore, if you want to incorporate a structure in your yard, a hardtop gazebo would be the best for you.

Can pop up gazebo go on concrete? ›

Yes you can secure a pop up gazebo to concrete as a semi permanent solution but its not recommended to keep the gazebo up right permanently.

Are Hardtop gazebos worth it? ›

Yes, as long as your gazebo is durable and securely fixed in place, you can keep using it all year, enjoying your yard in all weathers. This makes hardtop models particularly well-suited to year-round use, as their solid canopies are far more durable than those on soft-top gazebos.

Can you use a pop up gazebo in winter? ›

Can you use a pop up gazebo in cold weather? In short, yes, you can! But it's not a good idea to leave a pop up gazebo out for long periods of time during colder and harsher weather as it can lead to damage.

What is the best shape for a gazebo? ›

Gazebos traditionally have an octagonal (8-sided) shape, so if you have a more traditionally styled and landscaped home, you may wish to go with this shape. On the other hand, if you have a modern house, you may wish to go with the more modern, angular look that can be found with a square or rectangular gazebo.

What size gazebo is best? ›

A popular standard size for a gazebo is 3m x 3m which is versatile enough to cater for small to medium sized gatherings and events. It's also square in shape, which is often the most convenient for a typical garden or allocated space for commercial use.

Which gazebo is best for winter? ›

A hardtop gazebo is the best option for the winter snow. It provides shelter, protects you from the snowfall while also allows you to relish the weather with your favorite hot drink.

What is the best pop-up canopy for wind and rain? ›

Our top pick is the ABCCANOPY Patio Pop-Up Canopy Tent. It has plenty of size and color options, all with fabric that protects against harmful UV rays, rain, and wind. It also includes heavy-weather accessories, such as sandbags, stakes, and guide ropes, so you never need to worry about your canopy blowing away.

Is a black canopy hotter than a white canopy? ›

If you're wanting to stay cooler under the shade of your patio cover for example, dark colors are the worst choice. If you're wanting to stay protected as much as possible from the sun's UV rays, lighter colors can be riskier so opt for something dark like black or brown.

What color tents attract bugs? ›

Bugs: A brightly colored tent will always attract all sorts of bugs, and they can be very annoying. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, will only be interested in dark colors.

What is the biggest problem with metal roofs? ›

Noisiness. Metal roofs may be more noisy during a heavy rain or hailstorm than other products depending on the type of decking used during installation (spaced or solid). Adding more attic insulation can sometimes solve this problem, but that may increase costs. Expansion, contraction and fasteners.

What are the disadvantages of a metal roof? ›

The 4 disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof
  • It's harder to repair a standing seam metal roof. ...
  • Oil canning is a possibility in a standing seam metal roof. ...
  • The noise factor of a standing seam metal roof. ...
  • A standing seam metal roof is expensive.
26 Nov 2021

How do you keep a pop up gazebo from blowing away? ›

In addition to using tent stakes, try attaching sandbags or weights to the legs of your canopy. Canopy sandbags can be filled with a material like sand or pebbles and provide additional weight to help your canopy resist the wind.

What is the difference between a gazebo and a pop up gazebo? ›

In contrast to the flexible easy up, easy down design of a pop up, a traditional metal garden gazebo is designed as a semi permanent structure.

Should you anchor down a gazebo? ›

Gazebos need to be properly secured to the ground in order to avoid accidents. There are basically three ways in which you can anchor a gazebo to pavers: drilling them directly into the pavers, driving concrete footers between pavers, or using weights.

Is the Coleman Event 14 waterproof? ›

Staff tip: Whilst this shelter has waterproof properties, it should not be relied upon during periods of heavy rain.

Who owns Amish country gazebos? ›

The Beiler brothers – Chet, Leon, Mel, and Tom – are the family at the heart of Amish Country Gazebos. They grew up on a one hundred-acre Amish family farm in Lancaster County, where they learned the values that guide the company today.

What is the best material for a gazebo? ›

METALS. This is an extremely durable material that is used for gazebo construction. Aluminum and steel are the two most popular metals used. Aluminum is an advantageous material because it's lightweight, affordable, and can be painted.

How do you keep a gazebo warm in the winter? ›

Buy or hire heaters and place them at appropriate places inside your tent and near the entry. This will feed the warm air inside. A heater at the entrance of pop up gazebo will greet guests with a gush of warm air, instantly making them feel at home, all cosy and comfortable.

How do you make a pop up gazebo look nice? ›

Table of contents
  1. Inject light into your gazebo.
  2. Add colour to your gazebo.
  3. Add furniture and furnishings.
  4. Accessorise your gazebo.
  5. Add a pop-up bar to your gazebo.
  6. Turn your gazebo into a party area.
  7. Add a hot tub to your gazebo.
26 Mar 2022

What is the most sturdy pop up canopy? ›

1. Best High-Quality Canopy Tent—MASTERCANOPY Premium Pop Up Canopy. The white MASTERCANOPY pop-up canopy is made with polyester fabric that is resistant to water and has 99% UV protection making it ideal for outdoor events. It is supported by a powder-coated structure that provides a sturdy and rust-resistant frame.

What is the best pop up canopy for wind and rain? ›

Our top pick is the ABCCANOPY Patio Pop-Up Canopy Tent. It has plenty of size and color options, all with fabric that protects against harmful UV rays, rain, and wind. It also includes heavy-weather accessories, such as sandbags, stakes, and guide ropes, so you never need to worry about your canopy blowing away.

Which is better slant leg or straight leg canopy? ›

Slant leg canopies are often less expensive and provide a sleek look, but they are not as stable as canopies with a straight leg frame. Straight leg frames will be more stable and are going to provide the most coverage without taking up more space.

Are Gorilla tents worth the money? ›

Gorilla grow tents are top-of-the-line when it comes to indoor growing spaces. The high quality materials used make this a sturdy, long-lasting tent that may be more expensive than other grow tent brands, but delivers a fantastic performance and durability that we believe make the investment well worth it!

Are Gorilla tents the best? ›

Overall, Gorilla Grow Tents are currently rated among the very best. Of course, you will pay for all these features, and these tents are not cheap. Yet for those that are interested in making an investment in one of these tents, this is the best choice when it comes to grow tents.

What color pop up canopy is best? ›

White is the coolest canopy in color because it's a great reflector of the sun. So, if you're concerned about the heat during the summer, design a canopy that's primarily white but with your logo and any other artwork on the valences.

How much wind can a pop up canopy handle? ›

How Much Wind Can a Pop-Up Canopy Take? Although the amount of wind a pop-up canopy can take varies by brand and model, generally speaking most pop-up canopies can withstand up to 30 MPH wind (assuming they are assembled and anchored correctly).

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