21-01-2026

Don’t let winter hold you back from fun outdoor activities. There are heaters made for open spaces that help you stay warm while you enjoy your fun activities or work on a DIY project. If you’re not sure about what type of heaters to use, keep reading this blog. We recommend the best heaters for your outdoor areas and include the criteria you need to know before choosing the right one.  

What Heaters are Suitable for Outdoor Spaces? 

Outdoor heaters are more special than other electric heating units. They are designed to produce heat output more efficiently, regardless of the atmosphere’s temperature and weather conditions. These heaters are also more weather-resistant and mobile for convenience. Here are the types of heating units that can be used for outdoor areas. 

Electric Infrared Heaters 

Infrared heaters are the best option for patios and gardens because of the way they work. This electric outdoor heater heats people and objects directly and instantly, instead of warming up the air like traditional heaters in your room.  

Smokeless outdoor infrared heaters also work well in windy conditions with an IP44 rating. That’s why they are a common choice for patios, terraces, open-air seating areas, and gardens. Infrared heaters are available for hire in different sizes, from small 2.4kW to industrial 17kW units.  

Rhino TQ3 Infrared Heater Details

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Infrared heaters are also used in DIY projects and construction work to speed up drying processes of paintwork or plaster. The reliable Rhino infrared heaters also come with comfortable handles and wheels for portability.  

Propane Forced Air Gas Outdoor Heaters 

Propane forced-air gas outdoor heaters give you high heat output for large outdoor areas. They blow hot air into the atmosphere in large amounts. If you are looking for a heating solution in a commercial setup or large outdoor settings, this is a go-to option. 

As in its name, they use propane gas as fuel and push heated air outward to warm up the surrounding area. As a result, they are noisier than infrared and radiant heaters and, more importantly, require a well-ventilated, open-air area.

Master BLP53 propane-air Forced Heater

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Diesel Heaters 

For more industrial use, diesel heaters are the best option for outdoor areas, construction sites, and commercial events. This type of heaters uses diesel as fuel to produce great heat to warm up a large area. However, they will produce fumes and noise when in use.  

Therefore, we recommend using it only in well-ventilated areas and away from crowded places. With diesel heaters, you also need to pay attention to fuel storage and regular refuelling.  

Master BV170DV Space Heater

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Electric Radiant Heaters 

Like infrared heaters, radiant heating units focus heat in a specific direction. This type of heating unit is suitable for external use because they don’t depend on the airflow in the atmosphere to spread warmth. They are effective in open or semi-open spaces, such as covered outdoor areas, patios, and balconies.  

Radiant heaters operate silently and instantly, suitable for domestic use, such as outdoor terrace heaters. However, compared to diesel and propane heaters, the heat produced is more limited with lower wattage output.  

Hire Outdoor Radiant Heaters

Factors to Consider before Hiring Outdoor Heaters

When choosing a heater for your outdoor areas like balconies, patios, and gardens, there are different things to take into consideration. 

Heat Output 

Different types of heaters offer a different range of output, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). This number shows how powerful your heaters are and how much energy you will consume while using them.  

Select a heater that meets your specific heat output requirements. If you have a small balcony or garden, a small to medium infrared heater like Elite EH110MK3 heater will do the job. For bigger projects like home improvement, check out the Master BLP53 53kW propane gas outdoor heater to stay warm and safe despite cold weather. 

Running Cost 

Running cost varies depending on the heater type and usage time. In general, electric heaters like infrared and radiant heaters are cheaper for short periods. With stronger heaters like propane and diesel units, you need to cover the fuel costs of gas and diesel. Calculate the heating cost in advance and plan to stay within the budget. 

Safety Features 

Many heaters come with safety features such as tip-over protection or overheat protection. Select the heaters with the most suitable features for your needs. For example, look for stable bases and a secure position if you have children and pets in the area. Choose models with wheels to help you move them around and set up the position easily.  

Weather Resistance 

For patios and gardens, look for heaters that can handle UK weather conditions. For example, they should be able to handle wind and light rain with an IP Rating above 44. Never use indoor heaters, such as fan heaters, for open spaces because they are not weather-proof, causing more risks and energy waste.  

Safety When Using Heaters for Outdoor Patio and Garden 

Heaters are common equipment, yet they hide a lot of dangerous risks to people and objects. Always look out for fire risks coming from high temperatures. To prevent a fire from happening, you should: 

  • Keep furniture and wooden objects far away from the unit. 
  • Dispose of garden waste and dry leaves in the right place.  
  • Store gas and diesel fuel safely in a designated area. 
  • Place heaters on solid, even ground. 
  • Switch off the heater when not in use. 

If you choose a fuel-based heater which will produce fumes, ensure that the area is well-ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide risk. These heaters should never be used in an enclosed space. 

After and before use, always check for damage like faulty cables, dust, and leaking problems to get them fixed. Read more safety guidelines on using electric heaters from our blog.  

Hire Outdoor Heaters from Speedy 

Outdoor heaters are necessary for the cold season, but they can be too expensive for an investment. With Speedy, you can hire any heating unit with flexibility and high-quality service to save more money. We maintain and service our products, so they stay reliable and effective for your usage.  

Heating Solutions from Speedy Hire

Check out all heaters for your patio and gardens from Speedy and choose the best one for you! Get it delivered within 4 hours or collect from more than 100 depots on the same day.  

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