Verdict
Heaters warm standing guests over a wide area; fire pits gather people around a small one. Check the venue and fire rules before either. A tall propane heater radiates down over roughly a fifteen to twenty foot circle and suits a cocktail area. A fire pit warms the ring of people sitting at it and becomes a place guests stay. Neither belongs under a tent without explicit approval. Propane appliances under temporary structures are heavily restricted and this is a fire code question, not a preference.
Best area coverage
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Patio Heater
Under $250
Check Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Patio Heater Price
Best gathering point
Outland Portable Propane Fire Pit
Under $250
Check Outland Portable Propane Fire Pit PricePatio Heaters vs Fire Pits: At a Glance
| Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Patio Heater | Outland Portable Propane Fire Pit | |
|---|---|---|
| Warms | A wide standing area | People seated close to it |
| Typical coverage | Around a fifteen foot circle | A ring of six to eight seats |
| Height | Around seven feet | Table height |
| Wind tolerance | Poor, flame blows out | Better |
| Allowed under a tent | Usually not | Usually not |
| Guests gather around it | No | Yes |
Choose the Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Patio Heater if…
You have a cocktail hour or a standing area and the temperature is the problem. Tall heaters put warmth over a group without anyone crowding a single point, and two or three placed around an open area is more effective than one large unit. They need weighting or a stable base, blow out in wind, and each one goes through a propane tank faster than the specification suggests.
Check Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Patio Heater on Amazon
Choose the Outland Portable Propane Fire Pit if…
You want somewhere for guests to end up. A fire pit does something a heater cannot, which is create a spot people stay at for an hour. Modern propane bowls have no embers and no smoke, which is why venues that ban wood fires sometimes permit them. Sometimes. Ask.
Check Outland Portable Propane Fire Pit on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a heater under a tent?
Assume not until the venue and the local fire authority say otherwise in writing. Propane appliances under temporary structures are restricted almost everywhere, clearances from fabric are specified in code, and tent heating is normally handled by ducted units placed outside the tent by a licensed supplier.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
You are, unless the venue supplied and operates the equipment. That is the strongest argument for renting heating from the venue or a licensed rental company rather than buying and running your own. Check whether your venue requires proof of insurance for guest supplied equipment.
How much propane will I need?
More than one tank per heater for an evening at full output. Have spares, keep them outside and upright and away from guests, and give one sober adult the job of changing them. Running out at nine o'clock is the common outcome of buying exactly enough.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.