Gas or Electric: Which Patio Heater Should You Hire for Your Outdoor Event?

Outdoor events in England and Wales can run into trouble the moment the temperature drops. Whether you are planning a garden party in May or a corporate reception in October, heating is something most event planners wish they had considered earlier.

This guide covers the two main options available to hire: gas pyramid heaters and electric free-standing heaters. Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your venue, your power supply, and how long your guests will be outside.

Gas Pyramid Heaters

Our Pyramid Patio Heater runs on propane gas and produces a broad cone of heat that warms a wide area around it. The flame is visible through the glass panels, which adds a visual element that guests tend to gather around. These heaters work well in open-air settings: gardens, marquee exteriors, and covered terraces where there is some airflow but no extreme wind.

Each unit requires its own gas cylinder, which needs to be factored into your site plan. Most venues have no objection to gas heaters on patios or hard-standing areas, but it is worth confirming with the venue before you book.

Gas pyramid heaters require no cable runs, which makes them flexible to position. You can move them between setup and the live event with minimal effort, and reposition them during the event if guests cluster in unexpected areas.

Electric Patio Heaters

Our Electric Patio Heater suits venues where an open flame is not permitted or where managing gas cylinders is not practical. Hotels, conference centres, and heritage properties often fall into this category.

Electric heaters produce infrared heat, which warms people and surfaces rather than the air itself. This makes them more efficient in breezy conditions than convection-based heaters. They plug into a standard 13A or 16A supply, so the main consideration is cable routing and how close your power source is to the area you want to heat.

Which Should You Hire?

Ask yourself two questions before you book. Does the venue allow gas appliances in the area you are using? Is there a reliable power supply within reach?

If gas is allowed and power is awkward to route, the Pyramid Patio Heater is the more straightforward option. If the venue restricts open flames or the area is covered and well-enclosed, the Electric Patio Heater is the better fit.

For larger outdoor events, many planners hire a mix of both. A few pyramid heaters provide the ambient warmth and visual appeal, while electric units cover the areas closest to the building where gas is not practical.

Hire Period and Coverage

Standard hire is 3 days, covering delivery, your event, and collection. We deliver across England and Wales. If you are planning an event in Scotland, Expo Hire cannot cover the hire, but our sister site Expo Direct sells outdoor heating outright and ships nationally.

For large events needing multiple heaters, contact us to discuss quantities, delivery logistics, and whether gas or electric better suits your site.