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

This guide explains how to select the right heating equipment for your next event. We cover the main heater types, safety requirements, and calculation methods to keep your guests comfortable.

Choosing the right heater type

Not all heaters work in every environment. Selecting the correct model prevents wasted fuel and poor performance.

• Gas mushroom heaters: Designed for open outdoor areas. These provide a radius of warmth for standing guests.
• Electric infrared heaters: Best for covered structures like gazebos or semi-open marquees. These provide immediate heat to surfaces rather than warming the air.
• Jet heaters: Powerful units for large enclosed marquees. These move high volumes of warm air quickly.

View our full range of heater hire for events options here.

Calculating heating requirements

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

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

Fuel and bottle management

Heaters require consistent fuel supplies to function throughout the event duration.

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

We supply LPG gas cylinders with our hire units. Order extra bottles if your event runs for longer than one day.

Safety and placement

Safety is the priority when operating heating equipment near people or structures.

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

Delivery information

We deliver event equipment across England and Wales. We do not currently service Scotland or Northern Ireland. Browse our outdoor event hire catalogue to find supplementary equipment for your site.