LPG Patio Heater Hire: Why We Redesigned Our Range

Expo Hire has learned a great deal about patio heater hire. The event hire market offers many types of patio heater. We quickly understood that providing the correct heater is vital for keeping you happy. Our experience led us to design our own specifications. Here are the lessons we learned.

Designing Better Patio Heaters

Most patio heaters share similar designs. Event hire companies typically offer mushroom and pyramid styles, much like our previous range. We did not invent a new design, but we identified specific problems with existing products that needed solving.

Easier Ignition

A significant issue we encountered early on was that some customers found starting patio heaters difficult. Safety with LPG equipment is paramount, but the equipment must also be accessible to all users. When we sourced new patio heaters, we needed a more reliable solution.

Our new patio heaters all include piezoelectric ignition. This system uses a button that activates a spring-loaded hammer. When you press the button, the hammer strikes a PZT crystal, generating a high-voltage spark that ignites the LPG. You do not need matches or naked flames, making the heater safer and much easier for those less familiar with this type of equipment.

Improved Transportability

Another considerable problem involved transport. Patio heaters are tall. Many had large aluminium heads that required hats to be removed before loading, adding time to every delivery and collection. We also found that the glass tubes in pyramid patio heaters were fragile during transit, necessitating dismantling before movement.

When specifying our new range, we addressed both these issues. Our patio heaters are slightly shorter than previous models, allowing them to be loaded into our vans fully assembled. We also specified stronger glass for pyramid heater tubes, so they can be transported without risk of breakage.

Ensuring Safety and Compatibility

All our patio heaters undergo regular checks and are certified by a Gas Safe engineer. Certificates are available to you upon request, once equipment is allocated to your order. Our warehouse staff also check all LPG equipment before it leaves the premises.

We supply all LPG patio heaters with a 1.2-metre hose, a regulator, and a standard bayonet connector. We can also provide LPG bottles and spanners, ensuring you have everything needed to get started. If you plan to use your own gas bottles, confirm they are the correct size and type and have the appropriate connector. We have delivered patio heaters to customers who discovered their gas bottle was incompatible.

Our drivers are not permitted to connect LPG equipment. We have worked hard to make our heaters as easy to use as possible, but some responsibility rests with you, the hirer, to use the equipment you have hired. If you are not comfortable connecting the gas bottle, please ask for assistance from a qualified individual before use.

Practical Advice for Hiring

When you hire a patio heater from Expo Hire, you receive a complete package. Each heater comes with:

• One 1.2-metre LPG hose.
• One regulator.
• One standard bayonet connector.

We recommend hiring a 13kg LPG bottle for most events. A 13kg bottle typically provides around 10-12 hours of continuous heat on a medium setting, depending on ambient temperature and wind conditions. This is usually sufficient for a full evening's event.

You will also need a spanner to tighten the connection between the regulator and the gas bottle. We can supply this with your hire. Ensure you have adequate ventilation when operating the heater. Do not place the heater too close to flammable materials. Maintain a minimum clearance of 1 metre from the heater's top and sides to any overhead or surrounding objects.

For larger events or extended hire periods, consider hiring multiple heaters. This ensures consistent warmth across your entire outdoor space. Our team can advise on the optimal number of heaters based on the size of your venue and the expected number of guests.

By understanding these practical considerations, you can ensure your outdoor event remains comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of the weather.