Blog: The Best Ways to Heat Outdoor Events

Whether it is a private garden party or an outdoor festival, safety, visitor satisfaction and cost are vital for any events organiser.

Unlike indoor events, outdoor events are at the mercy of the elements; falling temperatures and unexpected gusts of wind can worsen visitor satisfaction.

This makes choosing the correct heating solution a vital decision, that should not be made in haste!

Safety Concerns Around Heating Outdoor Events

Safety being the top concern of any event makes the decision of what kind of heating solution to install, all the more important.

Some, often old-fashioned, heating systems can emit harmful noxious gases, which are extremely bad for people’s health. Coupling this danger with an enclosed space such as a marquee, only heightens the danger of using such systems.

In these enclosed, often busy spaces, some systems can become very hot, very quickly, posing a risk to people within the vicinity.

Safe Outdoor Heating Solutions

The catastrophe of the wrong heating solution for an outdoor event, cannot be understated. Choosing correctly for your event, will give you peace of mind, ensure guest safety and satisfactiion.

The best heating solution is one that is able to operate effectively at a safe distance from people, whilst still providing warm and clean air to keep guest comfortable.

How do I choose an outdoor heater for my event?

There is a vast amount of choice when it comes to heating solutions for outdoor events. To find the correct heater for you, you will need to consider:

- The type of space you want to heat (completely outdoors / partly covered / completely enclosed)

- The size of your space

- How well-ventilated it is

- How busy it will get

- Your budget

- Which fuel is most cost-effective and convenient for you

We can give you the best advice when selecting a heater for your outdoor event.

The Choice of Outdoor Heaters

The market is full of outdoor heating solution for every sized space and budget:

Indirect Oil-Fired Heaters - These heaters produce 100% clean, fume-free warm air, so they are ideal for heating enclosed spaces like marquees and tents during parties, festivals and events.

They are designed to be wheeled into position outside the area to be heated. The warm air is vented inside using flexible ducting, while exhaust fumes are expelled outside via a flue.

They come in a range of sizes, and most models are easily portable. Marquee packages with ducting, thermostats, and other accessories make great heaters for outdoor weddings and other occasions.

Direct Oil-Fired Heaters - These heaters provide fast and cost-effective heating for outdoor and well-ventilated spaces.

They provide large amounts of warm air, though they do not expel exhaust fumes via a flue, so they are only suited to outdoor / well-ventilated spaces. They must not be used in enclosed, pooly-ventilated spaces.

LPG Space Heaters - LPG heaters are fuelled using bottled gas (propane or butane). They are also direct fired heaters, so they can only be used in open, outdoor or well-ventilated spaces. They must not be used in enclosed indoor spaces.

They can come in a wide range of sizes and they are relatively cheap to run. They provide large volumes of warm air and they are quite compact in size.

Gas Patio Heaters - Patio heaters are attractive, stylish and effective outdoor heaters. A wide range of gas patio heaters is available – from traditional ‘mushroom’ shaped patio heaters, to bullet patio heaters, real flame heaters, pyramid patio heaters and more. They are ideal for use at garden parties and outdoor events in bars, pubs, hotels, restaurants and more.

Please note that, as they are gas-fuelled, they must only be used in outdoor / well-ventilated spaces.

Infrared Patio Heaters - Infrared heaters provide a discreet, efficient, effective and modern outdoor heating solution. They heat surfaces, objects and people directly in front of them, rather than the air around them.

There are free-standing, wall mounted and ceiling mounted versions available. They are ideal for domestic, commercial and industrial use – they can be used in outdoor or indoor spaces during parties and events.

Heating Your Event

Don’t let cold evenings stop the party. Using an effective space heater to improve guest comfort at your event.

Take a look at our range of heaters on our website and order online. For any more information and advice, contact our team via online live chat or telephone.