Patio heaters come in three main types: LPG mushroom, pyramid and electric infrared. Each suits different outdoor conditions and event formats. Output, coverage radius, gas safety and quantity calculations differ between them. This guide covers every decision point.
Patio heaters come in three main types: LPG mushroom, pyramid and electric infrared. Each suits different outdoor conditions and event formats. Output, coverage radius, gas safety and quantity calculations differ between them. This guide covers every decision point.
Organising an outdoor event demands dependable temperature control. Before choosing patio heater hire, evaluate your venue layout, guest numbers, and power availability. Expo Hire supplies commercial-grade heating equipment directly to your site, with delivery starting from £40 ex-VAT calculated by road distance.
LPG mushroom heaters produce 11kW of heat, equivalent to approximately 37,500 BTU. The dome reflector directs heat downward and outward, covering a radius of around 4 metres in calm conditions. For an open outdoor space with no windbreak, the mushroom heater serves as the most capable heat source for both standing and seated guest areas. You can arrange these units around your chair hire setups to maintain a pleasant temperature for seated attendees.
A standard 13kg gas cylinder powers a mushroom unit for approximately five hours at full output. For a four-hour evening reception, one cylinder per heater covers the duration. For events running longer, or in cold conditions demanding maximum thermostat settings throughout, order one spare cylinder per heater.
Pyramid heaters produce the same 11kW output as mushroom models but distribute warmth through a narrower vertical column rather than a wide dome. The glass-tube burner runs the full height of the unit, radiating heat outward at multiple levels. This makes pyramid heaters highly capable in semi-enclosed spaces, covered walkways, and areas with low overhead clearance where a mushroom dome would push heat into a ceiling.
The visual profile of a pyramid heater suits formal outdoor settings closely. For a black-tie garden dinner or a rooftop reception, the slimmer form fits the aesthetic while delivering identical output. You can pair these with gazebo hire to create comfortable, sheltered zones for your guests.
Electric infrared heaters output 2 to 3kW, falling below gas units in raw power. They run on a standard 13A socket, removing the gas cylinder management requirement entirely. For venues prohibiting LPG on-site, or for indoor-outdoor spaces where gas proves impractical, electric infrared heaters cover small zones at close range.
Infrared technology warms surfaces and people rather than heating the air. On a covered terrace with some air movement, this uses less energy than gas for the same comfort level. In open outdoor conditions with wind, gas units outperform electric alternatives. The output remains higher and the heat does not depend on a power supply.
Open outdoor areas in mild conditions require one mushroom or pyramid heater per 10 to 15 guests. Below 5°C or with wind chill, increase this ratio to one heater per 8 to 10 guests.
For marquees with closed sides, reduce the count by 20 to 30 percent. The enclosed space retains heat better than an open area, and the same number of heaters will overheat the environment.
All hired units carry current gas certification. Keep cylinders upright at all times. A horizontal cylinder risks liquid gas entering the regulator and causing erratic output. Maintain 600mm clearance above and around the heater head. Do not position mushroom or pyramid heaters directly under a low canvas roof, as the heat damages the fabric. Position heaters at least 1 metre from the canvas edge of a marquee or awning.
Store cylinders for multi-day events in a ventilated outdoor area, not inside a tent or marquee. A designated gas storage point away from the main event space, marked clearly, represents the correct arrangement.
Browse the patio heater hire range for LPG mushroom, pyramid and electric infrared options, and the outdoor furniture hire range for complete outdoor event setups.
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