Hosting an outdoor event or managing an outdoor space for your business can be tricky, especially when the weather isn’t on your side.
And as temperatures drop, you obviously would want to keep your guests comfortable without having to move everything indoors. This is where renting outdoor heaters comes into play. But how much does it actually cost to rent outdoor heaters?
On average, the cost of renting outdoor heaters typically ranges from $50 to $200 per day, depending on the type of heater, the size of your space, and the duration of the rental.
In this following blog, we’ll break down the rental costs for various types of outdoor heaters, the factors influencing pricing, and helpful tips to make the process easier.
Read on to find out!
Types of Outdoor Heaters Available for Rent
When renting outdoor heaters, it’s important to choose the right type for your space and needs. Here are the most common types you’ll come across:
Patio Heaters: These are the popular stand-up units you often see at restaurants with outdoor seating. They’re great for smaller gatherings and can heat areas up to 10-15 feet.
Tower Heaters: Also known as mushroom heaters, these are ideal for larger areas or events where you want to spread the heat more evenly.
Propane Heaters: These powerful heaters can generate a significant amount of warmth, making them perfect for wide-open spaces. However, they require propane tanks, which adds an extra cost.
Electric Heaters: If you’re hosting an event in a more enclosed space (like a tent), electric heaters are a good choice. They’re typically less expensive to operate but may require a power source close by.
Radiant Heaters: These are ideal for spot heating or warming smaller zones. If you only need to keep a few people warm, this could be your go-to option.
Factors That Affect Outdoor Heater Rental Costs
The price to rent outdoor heaters isn’t set in stone; there are several variables that come into play:
Heater Type
Different heaters come with different price tags. For example, propane heaters tend to be more expensive than electric heaters due to their high heat output and fuel requirements.
Duration of Rental
The longer you rent, the better the deal you’ll usually get. Daily rates are higher, but you can often secure weekly or monthly rates for longer-term needs. For example, a heater that costs $75 per day might only cost $300 for an entire week.
Geographical Location
Like most rental services, heater prices can vary depending on where you are. Urban areas or locations with high demand for heaters (especially in cooler climates) may charge more. Whereas, renting a heater in Los Angeles might cost more than in a smaller town.
Season and Demand
Peak rental seasons, especially during the fall and winter, can drive prices higher. Hence, if you’re renting heaters for a holiday event or in colder months, you may see an increase in demand—and cost.
Delivery & Setup Costs
Last, but not least, don’t forget about transportation and setup fees. Such as, if you’re renting multiple heaters or having them delivered to a remote location, you can expect to pay extra for those services.
Some companies also charge for assembly or setup, while others include it in the rental fee.
Average Rental Costs of Outdoor Heaters
Now that we’ve covered the different types of heaters and what influences the price, let’s look at some typical rental costs:
- Patio Heaters: $50 – $150 per day; $200 – $500 per week.
- Propane Heaters: $75 – $200 per day; $300 – $600 per week. Keep in mind that you’ll need to add the cost of propane tanks.
- Electric Heaters: $40 – $100 per day; $150 – $400 per week. These are usually less expensive but might require more units for larger spaces.
- Radiant Heaters: $50 – $120 per day; $200 – $450 per week. Great for focused heating in smaller areas.
Some rental companies offer package deals if you’re renting multiple heaters, which can save you some money.
Cost Breakdown for Specific Events and Scenarios
Renting outdoor heaters can vary significantly depending on the event type and scale. Below is a short breakdown of typical costs for various scenarios to give you a clearer idea of what to expect:
Small Backyard Gathering (10-20 people)
For a smaller gathering, you may only need 1-2 patio or radiant heaters, depending on the space and weather. Here’s how the cost might break down:
- Heater Type: 2 patio heaters (propane)
- Rental Duration: 1 day
- Rental Cost: $75 per heater = $150
- Fuel Costs: 2 propane tanks = $50
- Delivery/Setup: Optional, may add $50-$100
Total Estimated Cost: $200 – $300
This is perfect for a family gathering or casual party, providing enough warmth without breaking the bank.
Medium-Sized Event (20-50 people)
For a medium-sized event like a wedding rehearsal dinner or corporate cocktail hour, you’ll need more coverage and possibly stronger heaters.
Here’s a typical cost estimate:
- Heater Type: 3 tower heaters (propane) + 2 radiant heaters for focused areas
- Rental Duration: 1 day
- Rental Cost: $100 per tower heater, $50 per radiant heater = $350
- Fuel Costs: 3 propane tanks = $75
- Delivery/Setup: $75 – $150 (depending on location)
Total Estimated Cost: $450 – $575
This setup will comfortably heat a larger outdoor space and ensure guests stay warm throughout the event.
Large Outdoor Wedding or Corporate Event (50-100+ people)
For bigger events like weddings or corporate parties where a large outdoor space needs to be heated, you’ll need more heaters and possibly a longer rental duration, especially if there’s setup time involved. Here’s how the cost could look:
- Heater Type: 6-8 tower heaters (propane) + 4 electric heaters for covered/enclosed areas
- Rental Duration: 2 days (setup the day before, event day)
- Rental Cost: $100 per tower heater, $75 per electric heater = $950 – $1,100
- Fuel Costs: 8 propane tanks = $200
- Delivery/Setup: $150 – $300 (depends on number of heaters and distance)
Total Estimated Cost: $1,300 – $1,600
For large events, especially during colder months, this investment ensures comfort and warmth for guests in both open and tented areas.
Multi-Day Outdoor Festival or Pop-Up Event (100+ people)
For festivals, outdoor markets, or multi-day pop-up events, you’ll likely need heaters over an extended period. Weekly rental rates usually offer better value, and multiple heaters will be essential to cover larger areas.
- Heater Type: 10-15 propane tower heaters + 5 radiant heaters
- Rental Duration: 1 week
- Rental Cost: $400 per week per tower heater, $250 per radiant heater = $6,250
- Fuel Costs: 20 propane tanks = $500
- Delivery/Setup: $300 – $500 (large-scale events may require additional staff for setup)
Total Estimated Cost: $7,000 – $8,000
This setup provides substantial heating for a large-scale, multi-day event. It’s a significant investment but necessary for ensuring attendee comfort in larger, open spaces.
Tips for Saving Money on Outdoor Heater Rentals
Renting outdoor heaters doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some handy tips to help you save:
- Book Early: If you know you’ll need heaters for an event, reserve them well in advance, especially during the colder months when demand spikes.
- Compare Vendors: Get quotes from multiple rental companies. Some may offer better rates, especially if you’re renting other equipment like tables, chairs, or tents.
- Rent for a Longer Duration: If your event spans multiple days, consider a weekly rental instead of daily rates, which usually brings down the cost per day.
- DIY Setup: If you’re able to pick up and set up the heaters yourself, you might be able to avoid extra delivery and setup charges.
- Bundle with Other Equipment: Some companies offer discounts if you rent outdoor heaters along with other items, like tents or lighting.
Concluding Words
Outdoor heater rentals are a fantastic way to keep your guests comfortable when the temperature drops. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 per day, depending on the type of heater and other factors like location and rental duration.
However, be sure to plan ahead, choose the right type of heater for your needs, and take advantage of any package deals or discounts.
Time to plan that outdoor gathering with full confidence!
