Heater Hire for Events: Types, Quantities and What to Order

Booking the correct heater hire for events keeps your guests comfortable during cold weather. This guide covers the main equipment types, safety requirements, and calculation methods for your venue.

Choosing your heater hire for events

Selecting the correct model prevents wasted fuel and poor performance. Different environments require specific heating methods.

\n
• Gas mushroom heaters: These units suit open outdoor areas. They provide a radius of warmth for standing guests.
\n
• Electric infrared heaters: These models fit covered structures like gazebo hire setups or semi-open marquees. They provide immediate heat to surfaces rather than warming the air.
\n
• Jet heaters: Powerful units warm large enclosed marquees. They move high volumes of warm air at speed.
\n

Calculating heating requirements

Estimating heat output involves checking the square footage of your space and the level of insulation.

\n
• Outdoor spaces: Allow one gas mushroom heater per 5 to 7 square metres.
\n
• Marquees: Calculate based on BTU (British Thermal Unit) requirements. A standard rule dictates 100 BTU per square foot of floor space, adjusted for winter temperatures.
\n

Fuel and bottle management

Heaters need consistent fuel supplies to function throughout the duration of your booking.

\n
• Gas mushroom heaters: One 11kg propane cylinder typically lasts 8 to 12 hours depending on the setting.
\n
• Jet heaters: These consume significant amounts of fuel. Always check the fuel consumption rate on the product data sheet before ordering.
\n

We supply LPG gas cylinders alongside our patio heater hire units. Order extra bottles for multi-day schedules.

Safety and placement

Operating heating equipment near people or structures demands strict safety protocols. Every order includes a free Minor Damage Waiver to cover accidental scratches.

\n
• Ventilation: Never operate gas or fuel-burning heaters inside fully enclosed spaces without professional-grade ventilation. Carbon monoxide risk remains high.
\n
• Clearance: Keep heaters at least 1 metre away from any fabric, including marquee walls or tablecloths.
\n
• Stability: Only place mushroom heaters on level, stable ground to prevent tipping.
\n

Delivery and ordering

We deliver commercial-grade equipment from our regional depots, with transport costs starting from £40 ex-VAT based on road distance. You can browse our outdoor event hire catalogue to find supplementary items for your site. We require no security deposit to secure your booking. Prices and live stock levels display directly on the site. Add your required heater hire for events to your basket and confirm your dates online.

How many heaters to order

A single commercial patio heater covers a circle of approximately 4 to 6 metres in calm conditions. For a covered outdoor area, space heaters every 4 metres. For an open-air area exposed to wind, reduce spacing to 3 metres and add windbreaks where possible. Wind reduces effective heat output by 30 to 50% in exposed conditions.

Electric vs gas heaters

Electric infrared heaters are better for enclosed outdoor areas — marquees, covered terraces, and pergolas. They do not consume oxygen, which matters in enclosed spaces. Gas heaters are better for open-air settings where the heat dissipates quickly and the highest output matters. Gas heaters require LPG cylinders, which Expo Hire can supply alongside the heaters.

Positioning

Place heaters at standing head height for maximum efficiency in reception areas. Overhead mounting in marquee structures requires proper bracket fixings — confirm with your marquee company before booking overhead heaters. Ground-level heaters suit seating areas where guests remain stationary for longer periods.