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Patio Heater Buying Guide

Ensure warmth and comfort at your outdoor events and commercial spaces. This guide compares pyramid vs mushroom patio heaters, covering heat output, fuel, placement, and key considerations for buying commercial LPG heaters.

When planning for outdoor events or enhancing commercial spaces, selecting the right heating solution is essential for guest comfort and operational efficiency. Expo Direct offers two primary types of robust commercial patio heaters, each designed for specific environments and aesthetic preferences.

Heater types on Expo Direct

Pyramid Patio Heaters

A distinctive tall column heater featuring a captivating visible flame within a glass tube. These heaters provide directional heat and a strong visual presence, ideal for upscale terrace settings, marquees, and prestige events. The EventPro® version boasts an extra-thick neck for enhanced stability, proven at events like the British Grand Prix.

Mushroom Patio Heaters

Featuring a circular diffuser head, these heaters distribute warmth over a wider standing area from a lower profile. They offer more even coverage in high-density outdoor spaces where practical warmth spread is prioritised over striking visual aesthetics. Ideal for bustling event areas and trade stands.

Making an informed decision on your patio heater investment is crucial for event success and venue ambiance. Compare these key factors to ensure you choose the best fit for your commercial requirements from Expo Direct's EventPro® range.

What to compare before buying

Heat Output & Coverage

Both EventPro® heaters operate at 13kW, effectively warming approximately 4–6 square metres of standing area in typical outdoor ambient temperatures. A practical guideline is one heater per 8–10 guests for enclosed or part-enclosed spaces.

Fuel Type & Efficiency

Our heaters exclusively use standard LPG propane via a 13kg cylinder (not included with purchase). At full output, consumption is roughly 0.9kg/hour, meaning a 13kg cylinder provides approximately 14 hours of continuous operation.

Reliable Ignition

All EventPro® heaters are equipped with electric piezo ignition, offering superior reliability compared to standard spark lighters. This ensures consistent starting even in challenging cold or damp outdoor conditions, essential for busy events.

Visual Style & Ambience

Pyramid heaters, standing at around 220cm, contribute significantly to the aesthetic of terrace, marquee, and prestige settings with their visible flame. Mushroom heaters, with their lower profile, are better suited for high-density standing areas where functional warmth is paramount.

Robust Stability

Both heater types feature a weighted base for enhanced stability. For high footfall environments, always position heaters safely away from main circulation routes and ensure the gas cylinder connection is securely fitted before use.

Safety Clearances & Regulations

Maintain a minimum 0.5m clearance from any fabric, canopy, or overhead obstruction. These heaters are designed exclusively for outdoor use and must not be operated inside fully enclosed structures. Always adhere to standard LPG safety regulations.

Common questions

How many heaters do I need for an outdoor event?

A good starting point is one heater per 8–10 guests in enclosed or part-enclosed spaces. For fully open outdoor areas, consider ambient temperature and wind, which can significantly affect coverage. While 13kW heaters can run at reduced output, deploying more units offers greater flexibility to adjust warmth on the night.

What gas cylinder do EventPro® heaters use?

Our EventPro® heaters require a standard 13kg LPG propane cylinder fitted with a UK regulator (cylinders are not included). Expect approximately 14 hours of run time from a 13kg cylinder at full output, with consumption around 0.9kg/hour.

Can I use these heaters under a gazebo?

Yes, under a commercial gazebo with open sides, provided you maintain a minimum 0.5m clearance from the canopy and ensure adequate ventilation through open sides. They must not be used in fully enclosed structures. For canopy options, please refer to our dedicated gazebo guide.

What is the primary difference between pyramid and mushroom heaters?

Both EventPro® models deliver 13kW of heat on LPG. Pyramid heaters are taller with a visible flame column and offer more directional output, making them suited for elegant terrace or prestige settings. Mushroom heaters feature a circular diffuser for wider heat spread at a lower height, making them ideal for denser standing areas where practical warmth is key.

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