When the evening turns cold, the heater is what keeps the guests out on the deck. Two types are the most common: the gas heater, often called a mushroom heater, and the electric heater that warms with radiant heat. Both work, but they suit different situations. Here is the difference.
Comparison
| Electric heater | Gas heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Standard socket | Gas bottle (propane) |
| Heat | Radiant heat that warms people and objects directly, felt straight away | More heat over a larger area, often 10–14 kW against 2 kW |
| In a tent or under a canopy | Yes, with plenty of space from the fabric and walls | Only outdoors where air moves freely |
| Hassle | Plug it in and choose the heat | You need a gas bottle, a regulator and to change the bottle |
| Electricity | Needs a socket on its own circuit | Needs no electricity |
| Wind and weather | Radiant heat reaches through a breeze | Wind reduces the heat and can blow out the flame |
When does an electric heater suit?
- On the deck or balcony by the house. There is a socket nearby, and the heater warms the people sitting at the table or standing at the bar.
- In a party tent or under a canopy. No flame and no combustion, so it can stand inside as long as there is enough space from the fabric.
- When you want no hassle. No gas to fetch, connect or change.
- Where there are children around. No open flame and no gas bottle to watch.
When does a gas heater suit?
- Where there is no electricity. For example in a large garden far from the house.
- In a large open area. A gas heater gives more heat, so it covers a bigger group outdoors.
Gas heaters should always be used outdoors where air moves freely, never in an enclosed space or a tent. Gas heaters and open flames are not allowed in our tents.
How many heaters do you need?
The rule of thumb is one electric heater per 20 m²: one in a 4×5 m tent and two in a 5×8 m tent. On the deck, place the heaters where people gather. More in the article How many patio heaters do you need?
Patio heaters for hire
Our patio heaters are 2000 W electric heaters on a stand with three heat settings and IPX4 weather protection, so they handle spray and damp. Hire is ISK 4,990 per day, and delivery and collection are free in the capital area for orders over ISK 10,000. Put each heater on its own circuit, because two heaters on the same circuit can trip the fuse.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a gas heater from you?
No. We only hire out electric heaters, because they can be used in a tent and under a canopy and need no gas.
How much does it cost to hire a patio heater?
ISK 4,990 per day. Delivery and collection are free in the capital area for orders over ISK 10,000.
Can a gas heater be used in a party tent?
No. Gas heaters should only be used outdoors where air moves freely. Gas heaters and open flames are not allowed in our tents.
How much power does the electric heater use?
2000 W. Put each heater on its own circuit so the fuse does not trip.