11 Best Garage Heaters (Review) In 2021
Ever since he was a child, Jason has loved repairing, building and creating things. Growing up, he spent all his free time carving intricate woodcraft pieces that soon caught the eye of neighbours and friends. Before he knew it, Jason turned his hobby into a job, earning an income from being his hometowns handyman. Many years have passed since then but Jason’s enthusiasm for woodwork remains the same. He can usually be found in his workshop, crafting furniture or restoring old treasures.
1. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared WiFi Heater
Key Features
WiFi-enabled
Wall-mounted
Space-saving design
Safe touch grill
1500 watts of power
ETL Safety Certified
The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX Infrared WiFi Heater offers arguably the very best value you will come across when looking for garage heaters. It is the perfect unit for the smart century, boasting wifi-enabled functions that enhance usability and make it one of the most convenient and intuitive options around.
Besides this, it also boasts a wall-mountable design that will minimize trip hazards while also giving you a set place to fit the space heater, while ensuring that it will cover the entire square feet range of your garage. It’s safe to use thanks to the safe touch grill, which is beneficial for any curious fingers, while the ETL certification ensures further peace of mind.
Pros
Slim and stylish design
Compatible with Smart Home tech
Remote operation
Easy installation
Cons
Short power cable
Feet not included
2. Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling Mount Garage Heater
Key Features
Space-saving design
Durable steel construction
Targeted heating
Convenient controls
Built-in Smart Safety features
Safety certified
The Comfort Zone CZ220 Ceiling Mount Garage Heater boasts a space-saving design and durable steel construction that makes it suitable for more demanding tasks while still delivering excellent heating performance thanks to the air forced fan functionality.
It provides targeted heating to make it suitable for warming your workshop while also boasting convenient controls that allow for simple operation if you find the room is too hot or too cold. There are built-in safety features that will also deliver spectacular peace of mind, while the safety certification will further enhance this confidence. Such features include a built-in sensor that switches the heater off at unsafe temperatures, which means you’ll not need to worry if you forget to switch it off. Although you should definitely make sure you do.
Pros
Simple manual temperature adjustment
Heavy gauge steel
Satisfying heating
Easy to install
Cons
Large power consumption
Not as stylish as other options
3. Fahrenheat FUH Electric Garage Heater
Key Features
Heavy-duty performance
45 – 135 degree Fahrenheit temperature range
Easy to use
Continuous comfort
Automatic shutoff
Compatible with 208 and 240 volt systems
For heavy-duty performance and vast temperature range, the Fahrenheat FUH Electric Garage Heater is a brilliant choice. It stands out due to its straightforward usability, delivering a minor, and almost non-existent, learning curve, while still providing continuous comfort and versatility compatible with both 208 and 240 volt systems.
It is ideal for a two-car garage, and the automatic shutoff functions ensure safety and energy efficiency. There is a thermostat to adjust the heat settings, and although this might take some getting used to if you’re looking for the optimal temperature for your garage, it’s still a highly convenient option that you will adore.
Pros
Quiet operation
Automatic thermostat and fan control
Lightweight design
Ideal for large 2-car garages
Cons
Thermostat takes some trial and error
No remote control
4. Dr. Heater DR966 240 Volt Commercial Garage Heater
Key Features
Hardwired design
Adjustable thermostat
5 adjustable louvers
UL/CUL listed
Bracket included
8-inch fan
The Dr. Heater DR966 240 Volt Commercial Garage Heater boasts a hardwired design for consistent performance and little hassle once everything is up and running. There is also an adjustable thermostat that allows you to change the heat settings with total ease, while the five adjustable louvers help to direct air the way you need it to go, providing excellent comfort wherever you are in the garage.
It is UL and CUL listed, which ensures reliable safety and performance, while the included brackets make it easy to set up and attach to the wall or ceiling, saving you space on the ground and no affecting the overall sq. ft. measurements of the garage or workshop.
Pros
Easy control airflow
Suitable for a range of environments
Rugged front cover
1-year labor and parts warranty
Cons
Low heat compared to other options
No remote control
5. Dr. Infrared DR968 Portable 1500-Watt Heater
Key Features
Dual heating system
12-hour automatic shutoff timer
Low and High features
IR remote control
72-inch long power cord
Low noise blower
One of the most convenient and versatile choices around, the Dr. Infrared DR968 Portable 1500-Watt Heater stands out as one of the best heaters you will ever use in your lifetime and perhaps the next. Immediately, your eyes are drawn to the dual heating system that includes high and low heating features to find the perfect level for you.
The heating element is safe and comes with overload protection to guarantee total safety, and part of this comes from the 12-hour automatic shutoff timer that enhances confidence. It’s also low on noise, which is ideal for times where you need to focus heavily on the task at hand without a whirring distraction by your side. If you still find it too loud, the infrared remote control allows you to adjust the heating settings with ease.
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Pros
Quiet operation
Programmable timer
UL Certified
Easy to maintain
Cons
Controls are a little too basic
Expensive to run
6. NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater
Key Features
Rugged exterior
Even warming across 500 square feet
Hardwired
ETL certified
Wall mount included
Easily direct air
Ideal for more industrial scenarios, the NewAir G73 Hardwired Electric Garage Heater is a rugged heater choice that can efficiently provide superb comfort and lasting enjoyment for as long or as little as you need it. The even warming spreads across 500 sq ft, meaning you and anyone else working alongside you can bask in the heater’s glory, while the hardwired design ensures consistency.
The ETL certification guarantees safety, while the included wall mount makes it one of the best heaters for installing on the wall with no hassle. You can also direct the forced air to eliminate complaints about cold zones, and with a massive 17,060 BTU, you can feel confident that there’ll be no shivers even in the most brittle of winters. You can use the thermostat to adjust the heating level on demand, too.
Pros
Built-in thermostat
17060 BTU
Powder-coated finish
Easy to install
Cons
No external on/off switch
Gets longer to reach optimal temperature in winter
7. Dr. Infrared DR-988A Garage Shop Heater
Key Features
Auto overheat protection
45 – 95 degree Fahrenheit range
Thermostat control
UL and CUL listed
45-decibel noise rating
Finger proof intake and discharge grills
With a wide range of safety features, the Dr. Infrared DR-988A Garage Shop Heater is an excellent choice that combines a secure heating element with finger proof intake and discharge grills to provide an all-around superb unit that anyone looking for the best garage heater will love.
It comes with a broad temperature range of 45 to 95 Fahrenheit, and you can change this with the thermostat control when you start to feel the heat. It’s also relatively quiet, with just 45 decibels, although the extra vibration might negate this, especially if you’re trying to warm a garage with a larger sq ft measurement than you expected. It’s also UL and CUL listed to provide peace of mind, and the durable construction ensures longevity.
Pros
Advanced dual heating
Heats the room quickly
Easy to operate
Durable construction
Cons
Vibrates more than we’d like it to
Power cord is too stiff
8. Multifun Portable Ceramic Electric Heater With Adjustable Thermostat
Key Features
Safe ETL Certified
2-second rapid heating
Angled legs for better heat circulation
Adjustable thermostat
Carry handle
Quiet operation
If you’re hunting for the best budget pick propane, electric, or natural gas garage heaters, the Multifun Portable Ceramic Electric Heater With Adjustable Thermostat could easily be the answer you’ve been searching for. The safe design combines with rapid heating to deliver one of the most satisfying results you’ll ever come across, and the overall unit design especially helps, including angled legs to enhance air circulation as well as an adjustable thermostat that provides decent forced air variety.
The carry handle and quiet operation are other features that you don’t find with all garage heaters, and this makes it something to look out for when deciding if this is right for you. There is also overload protection to protect your garage and the parts, while the flame-resistant housing goes above and beyond to ensure you won’t walk in on any fires, too.
Pros
Overheat protection
Flame-resistant housing
2-in-1 modes
Long-lasting design and performance
Cons
No low setting
Metal housing gets too hot to touch
9. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV Portable Propane Heater
Key Features
60,000 BTU
QBT technology
Runs up to 14 hours
Continuous ignition
Heats up to 1,500 sq ft
Reliable and steady heat
For a long-lasting heating experience, the Mr. Heater MH60QFAV Portable Propane Heater uses gas to run perfectly throughout the day and delivers 60,000 BTUs to sufficiently heat three-car garages up to around 1,500 sq ft. Besides this, it also embraces QBT technology which makes it 50% quieter compared to similarly sized propane gas heaters, making it stand out, and not just for the way it looks.
The continuous ignition gives you one less thing to worry about, and the unit will also provide reliable heat that is also steady, so you’ll never feel you’re too hot or too cold, but just right. It one of those heaters that’s ideal for jobsites, but you can also use it anywhere you’ve got w well-ventilated space (for safety) as well as the need to keep warm.
Pros
Ideal for jobsites
High-temperature limit switch
Rugged and durable steel
Hose and regulator included
Cons
No thermostat
Short power cord
10. Heat Storm HS-1500-OTR Outdoor Garage Infrared Heater
Key Features
IP35 weatherproof rating
6.5-foot cord
Safe and cleaner to use
No CO2 output
Instant infrared heat
Wall mountable
The aptly named Heat Storm HS-1500-OTR Outdoor Garage Infrared Heater boasts waterproof safety features among a host of other useful additions that will make it a suitable addition to your garage even if you’ve spent most of your time debating the benefits of gas vs electric heaters.
It is safer and cleaner to use compared to both of these types, making it an excellent garage heater unit that won’t break the bank while still delivering fantastic performance for those chilly days in the workshop. As there’s zero CO2 output, you don’t need to worry about natural gas leaks, while the instant infrared heat provides exceptional satisfaction and will get your garage warm and toasty in no time.
Pros
Easy installation
Fast heating
Also suitable for outdoor areas
Lightweight
Cons
Needs to be close to provide optimal heat
Not as durable as other products
11. Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
Key Features
80,000 BTU per hour
For use with natural gas
Heats up to 20,000 sq ft
Self-diagnostic control mode
Low-profile design
Limited 3-year warranty
Our premium pick is the Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater, and with an 80,000 BTU per hour, you can see why we consider it perhaps the very best garage heater for larger spaces, while also providing enough versatility for smaller garage heating solutions, too.
As it’s for use with natural gas, you won’t need to worry about wasting energy, and it can heat up to 20,000 square feet, making it the most powerful unit we’ve included and ensuring warm air all around you for as long as you require. It’s intuitive and comes with a self-diagnostic control mode to overcome any issues, saving you the hassle and keeping you safe, while the low-profile design allows it to fit comfortably into any garage.
Pros
Conversion kit included
Dual angle brackets included
Easy installation
Safe and quiet
Cons
Thermostat sold separately
Might be too large for more basic needs
Features To Consider With Garage Heaters
Energy Usage
Any electrical or gas appliance you purchase will consume energy. There are many factors that can affect this, including the Energy Efficiency rating and size of the unit. When selecting a heater for garage use, it's important to consider the amount of energy you want to consume, and not simply because of the extra costs involved.
Too much energy consumption will affect the environment, which is something you may want to consider if you are trying to be more eco-conscious. Despite this, if you only use your garage once a week for a few hours, this may not be a significant difference. It's only for scenarios that involve regular usage, such as every day, that will have a severe effect.
Garage Size
Your garage size is also something you must consider when purchasing the perfect electric heater or natural gas garage heater. The larger the garage, the larger the unit will need to be if you want to ensure comfort throughout. However, not everybody will need this, and you can find suitable heating results with a portable garage heater even if you've got a garage large enough for two cars or more.
If you plan on working in every corner of your garage, which is possible if you have converted it into a fully functional workshop for projects, then heaters with plenty of bite are ideal. This will ensure complete comfort throughout and no risk of cold zones that could affect your overall performance.
Portability
A portable space heater could be your best bet for smaller garage or workshop spaces, so if you know you're short on space, or even won’t spend too much time there, then it's definitely something to consider.
While portability may reduce power and performance, there are plenty of other benefits that come with it.
The portability makes it suitable for traveling, especially if you've got a power source for your RV, which will make chilly nights easier to handle. The compact size also makes them easier to store, and as they won't heat for as many square feet compared to fitted-in models, you can save plenty of money on monthly energy bills. Furthermore, portable options can fit comfortably on your corner desk, giving you direct heat without the risk of wasting it on spaces larger than 225 square feet.
Safety
When dealing with a natural gas garage heater, propane heater, or even electric heater, safety is paramount. There are plenty of things to consider when it comes to safety, including overload protection, the stability of the wall-mounted hardware, and the hot-to-the-touch materials that may conduct heat.
As workshops and garages can be hazardous places with lots going on, you must make sure you don't overwork the unit or even knock it over. Some models will come with a Tip Over mechanism that will eliminate these worries, but there are still plenty of other issues that could affect your safety and the safety of anyone else who spends time in the garage. Freestanding heaters could cause more problems, but they are also easier to store. If you do, though, give it time to cool before putting it away.
Size
If you're working in a smaller space, then there's no need for a heater that's too large. This will only lead to a waste of money and energy and also reduce the space available to move around within the garage, which could also cause safety issues.
You should identify a unit that is easy to install if you need to attach it to the wall while still delivering a satisfying amount of power. If you aren't sure about how large you need your heater to be, 225 square feet is an average garage size, so consider what you will need the garage heater for and where you will place it. This should give you a suitable idea of where it will go and how large you need the unit to be.
Temperature Range
Some of the best garage heaters will come with adjustable temperatures rather than emitting a single heat throughout. These are, arguably, the best unit to purchase, as it gives you versatility much like an AC unit would for the opposite needs.
A unit with temperature ranges allows you to adjust the temperature to suit the current environment, and this makes it ideal for places that have varying temperatures throughout the year. If you live anywhere that experiences legitimate seasons, a temperature range that tops out at anywhere between 90 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit will give you a superb temperature range to work with comfortably to work with throughout the year.
Wall/Ceiling Mounted
While many of the best garage heaters are standalone models, you can also enhance convenience and safety by looking at a wall or ceiling mounted option. These units can be hooked up to the gas line or even plugged into a socket close by.
The benefits of wall/ceiling mounted heaters is that you don’t need to worry about moving them out of the way as they won't cause a trip hazard. They are also more powerful compared to a portable heater, meaning they can cover a broader square feet range. These units also come complete with mounting hardware to allow you to install them immediately.
Types Of Heaters
Before you decide which of the best garage heaters are perfect for your situation, it's worth understanding the distinct types of heaters you will come across to ensure you get the best idea of what type and power source will work for you.
Propane Gas
Propane gas heaters, such as the Mr. Heater F232000, are portable, making it a highly convenient option while still providing the heat to wherever you need in the garage. These heaters use a controlled flame to ensure safety while still forcing the air out to fill the room. Because of this, a propane heater is one of the most common options you'll come across, especially in industrial scenarios. They are long-lasting, which is also a bonus. However, as they run directly from a gas line, there is always the risk of leaks, which is something you must look out for. If you want to guarantee safety, you may be better off using it in a well-ventilated area to prevent any health issues or hazards if it does not ignite correctly or there is a leak.
Natural Gas
Natural gas garage heaters are similar to the propane counterparts. They do not use electricity and will ignite a flame that will burn for a long time. Because of their similarity to propane units, you will find they are easy to use if you have experience with the former, and they are also useful if you require garage heat for a long time or you live somewhere that gets a little too cold to be comfortable. The same hazards will come with a natural gas garage heater as you would find in propane heaters.
Electric
Electric heaters are perhaps more commonly referred to as space heaters. They are compact and portable and run through a power cord plugged into the socket. Typically, they do not come with a thermostat, although this may vary depending on the quality or size of the model. If they do not have a thermostat, you will need to keep a close eye on the temperature, as it could damage the area, especially if someone knocks it over. They are some of the most common options available, but the lack of features, especially safety features, may not make them suitable for all environments and situations.
Infrared
Infrared heaters, such as some of the Mr. Heater models, emit a low-intensity light that is one of the best ways for someone just like you to heat their garage for an extended period. it will heat the objects that the light reaches, rather than air, which means it is useful for confined spaces instead of using a lot of energy to sufficiently heat a garage with a large square feet measurement. It will heat quickly, which makes it perfect for anybody short on time or if you only need to get a few quick bits finished, although eventually the rest of the surrounding area will heat to a decent standard, making it more comfortable. For smart buyers, there are wifi-enabled options to provide remote operation and heat your home before you even get home.
Garage Heater FAQ
Q: Why are garage heaters useful?
If you spent a lot of time working on your car in your garage, or you've doubled-up your garage to be a workshop, garage heaters are highly useful. They are convenient, powerful, and dependable, which means your experience will be vastly enhanced whether you need to warm the area up before getting into your car, or you're planning on working in there throughout the winter.
If you’ve ever tried working in a garage without a heater, you'll know that it's an unpleasant experience, and that's being generous. Unlike homes and offices, garages do not have sufficient insulation to keep the area warm. Therefore, it is much colder than you expect it to be. When working with heavy tools or on intricate projects, the frosty air can make it miserable and even dangerous to work in, as you cannot grip the tools properly, and even focus right.
Of course, if you don't use your garage for anything other than car storage, and rely on mechanics to fix your car for you, then a heater perhaps isn't that useful. Despite this, some will still invest in a heater just in case. It may also be worth considering specific upgrades for your garage, especially when it comes to insulation. While garage heaters are indeed useful for everyday tasks and projects, a lack of insulation, which garages severely lack, will hinder the overall effectiveness.
However, as you may not use your garage as often as you can justify insulating the area, it’s important to consider where to place your heater so you can get the most out of it when you spend time there.
Q: Where should I put my garage heater?
Your garage or workshop will demand you find the optimal local for the best garage heater to warm the location. Immediately, there are two potential options: the wall or ceiling.
The placement of your car garage heater will depend on several factors, though. Some people will have plenty of space, whereas others will need to get creative with the space they have to work with. Ideally, you should place your garage heater on the floor. This will minimize the risk of is being knocked off a table or collapsing from the wall or ceiling to due shoddy installation.
However, even some of the best garage heaters don't allow this to be possible, so you'll need to attach them to the wall or ceiling to ensure you can get the most out of them. If you attach your electrical or natural gas garage heater to these surfaces, you must also find a place for it that's close enough for you to feel the effects.
If you use your garage as a workshop, then somewhere above your bench or desk is ideal. It will provide the radiant heat you need to get on with your tasks and projects. If it is too far away, then you won’t get the full benefits you require, and this will result in wasted energy, as the heater won't have any effect even though it's running.
However, you should also be careful not to place the heater too close to your work. If you do, there's a risk of the hot air or radiant heat damaging the components you are working on.
For car work, or anything that requires you to move around the garage, then a portable garage heater, such as a space heater, is most convenient, just make sure there aren't any trip hazards.
The location of your heater will also depend on the type of garage heater you are using. Some are powered through an electrical cord plugged into the socket. These are easy enough to set up as you can easily find a convenient socket or even use an extension cord. Other types of heater are not so simple, especially if you're using a gas garage heater. With these, you'll need to find a place with a central gas line, and the most convenient place to install it is typically in the corner to minimize the amount of wiring required.
Q: What size heater do I need for my garage?
When selecting the best garage heater for your home, you'll need to ensure that it is powerful enough to heat the area. Otherwise, you might end up needing to replace the heater, or even invest in other heaters to scatter around the space to maximize the temperature and ensure comfort for the entire time you are there.
There are many factors to consider when selecting your garage heater. You must consider how many square feet your garage is, but it’s also vital to consider the climate you reside and the quality (and prominence) of insulation in your garage. While selecting the most powerful heater might be tempting, it could also use too much energy to run, and if your garage is not large enough, it will get just as uncomfortable as if it was too cold, too.
Generally, however, there are some fundamental rules that people looking for heaters for garage work can consider making the purchase easier to manage and understand. It's important to look for BTU ratings when it comes to garage heaters, especially forced-air models. A heater with 45,000 BTU is usually suitable for a two-car garage, while a 60,000 BTU model will be suitable for a three-car one. However, you should consider the shape of the garage, as well as any items that could affect hot airflow and distribution. For example, a garage with soft materials may be able to insulate more heat compared to one that is bare.
Compared to a natural gas garage heater, an infrared garage heater won’t require as much power. Manufacturers say that 30,000 BTU is sufficient for two-car garages, while 50,000 BTU is suitable for three-car garages. When choosing the best garage heater, it’s important to consider how much extra you can afford to spend every month in running costs, as well as the type of heater that is most suited to your situation.