Best Garage Heaters of 2020 – A Comprehensive Guide

The best garage heaters can help you tackle poor insulation or drafts issues. Garages can get incredibly cold and it can be difficult to maintain a constant, comfortable temperature.

The best garage heaters are designed perfectly for such circumstances, producing a large amount of heat within a short duration. The exact heater you require will depend on factors such as the size of your garage; therefore you need to ensure you are making the right choice.

As a result, we have analyzed a selection of heaters and compiled the best garage heater reviews, designed to provide an analysis of the models available that may suit your needs, 

In this post we also explore garage heater safety and other worthwhile information to ensure you make the best use of your heater once purchased.

If you have any questions regarding the information on this page or any of the garage heaters we discuss, then feel free to share them in the comments section and we’ll try to answer you as best as we can.

Quick Picks: Best Garage Heaters Compared

Our Pick
Dr Infrared Heater DR-988A Garage Shop 208/240-Volt, 4800/5600-Watt Heater with 6-30R Plug
Fuel:
Electric
Heat Output:
5,600 watt
Heat Capacity:
up to 600 square feet
Portable:
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-966 240-Volt Hardwired Shop Garage Commercial Heater, 3000 Watt / 6000 Watt
Fuel:
Electric
Heat Output:
6000 watt
Heat Capacity:
up to 800 square feet
Portable:
KING KB2407-1-B2-ECO KB ECO2S Garage Heater w/Bracket, Thermostat and Remote Control, 7500W / 240V, Gray
Fuel:
Electric
Heat Output:
500 watt
Heat Capacity:
up to 200 square feet
Portable:

What Makes the Best Garage Heaters?

When shopping around for a heater to keep your garage or other type of out-building warm all year round, you may become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of models available on the market.

That’s why it’s so important to choose a garage heater that has a great reputation and the ones that do are typically very efficient, helping to save you money and come equipped with a range of safety features for maximum peace of mind.

There are many different types of heater, all with their own pros and cons and the best garage heater for you will ultimately depend on how a particular model suits your circumstances.

Types of Garage Heaters

First things first, you need to be aware of the types of garage heaters available with differences they have and which may be most suitable for you and your circumstances.

For instance, some types of heaters are best suited for home garages, while others are more industrial; suitable for large, commercial garages.

This type of garage heater includes a built-in fan and are straightforward to set-up and use. As a result, they are perhaps the best selling type of heaters for garages.

They utilize electricity which is transferred into heat, a fan takes in the cool air from the environment and re-circulates it back into the garage once heated via a heating element. This has the effect of quickly heating the space.

Radiant and infrared heaters work by directing heat energy waves directly that are absorbed by other objects and so heating them in the process.

Unlike, fan forced heaters they are more comfortable since no noisy fan is used to direct the warm air, however, the main issue is that they have to be located in close proximity in order to experience the heat and they aren’t very efficient at heating large average to large areas.

These types of heaters utilize natural fossil fuels instead of an electrical power source or battery pack. They are very effective at heating up large areas and are extremely portable since they don’t require a connection to the mains.

This category also includes propane heaters.

However, be cautious since they all have the potential to be more hazardous in small and enclosed spaces.

Top Picks: Garage Heater Reviews

If you are looking to fit an electric garage heater with maximum convenience then this industrial garage heater.

It is accompanied with ceiling brackets for easy ceiling mounting might be a perfect choice.

The brackets allow you to easily fix the heater to the ceiling and can be easily adjusted enabling both upright or parallel heat flow. The heater can be adjusted as necessary, ideal for when you want to work in different areas of your garage but still feel greatest heat pay-off.

To prevent rust and environment wear and tear, this heater is coated with an epoxy finish. This extremely durable and water resistant material guards the components of the heater from the typical moist air found in garages.

This heater also comes equipped with an automatic shut off to prevent overheating. This provides added peace of mind and ensures maximum longevity for the user by preventing heat damage.

A possible disadvantage of this heater is the fact that it doesn’t come equipped with thermostatic control. Therefore you will be unable to choose the output temperature; there is simply an on or off button.

With all things considered, this is certainly one of the best garage heater models you can buy.

This heater is ideal for heating average to large sized garages, workshops, and out-buildings.

The heat output of up to 13,000 BTU ensures a good level of heat, even at the most chilly times of the year.

In addition, this model allows you to select from a good range of watts meaning it can be used on a wide range of circuit boards for maximum safety.

Equipped with several heat settings and a powerful 270 CFM blower, you can be confident that the heat produced will be recirculated throughout your garage space efficiently to prevent any heat spots.

However, bear in mind that this model doesn’t come with any remote control features, so ensure you install it where you think most heat will be required and where it is easily accessible.

For maximum safety, this garage heater is fitted with a thermal cut off. This means that if the heater gets too hot or reaches a temperature deemed unsafe, it will cut off preventing damage to the heater itself.

Therefore, this feature may be appropriate for those not looking to mount a heater, but instead use elsewhere, since it also comes with an anti-tip-over sensor for added security.

Many people think that traditional gas heaters or propane heaters are most suitable for heating a garage due to the amount of BTUs they give out.

However, in reality, you will need to open the window and doors for airing causing heat to leave as a result.

A good alternative is an electric garage heater such as the Fahrenheat FUH54. Although it provides less BTUs than traditional propane heaters, it produces no toxic or repulsive fumes meaning there’s no need to ventilate your garage and therefore lose as much heat.

Even better is the fact that this heater involves a straightforward set-up and is equipped with a mounting bracket that enables you to easily attach it to a wall or another convenient location. Like the aforementioned models, you are able to position the heat wherever you would like thanks to the rotating base.

A thermostat is also included with this heater, which will allow you to regulate the heat output and therefore the temperature of your garage, allowing for a comfortable workspace at any time of the year.

It has to be mentioned that this heater is equipped with a fan, which can concern some people due to the association with noisy fans, however, this fan doesn’t emit much sound compared to other models, therefore, you can be confident knowing you can work at your garage in peace.

This reputable and highly regarded garage heater offers flexibility.

Equipped with an alterable thermostat, you can effortlessly control the volume of heat with ease. Select from high or Low heat settings, which allow a potential of 6000 or 3000 watts.

Designed with the intention of being fitted into existing wiring it is ideal for those looking for a tidy installation.

Equally, it can be easily plugged into a terminal for those looking for a quick and easy installation process.

The heater also comes with an accompanying bracket for easy installation and mounting on any appropriate ceiling or wall. On the front of the unit are 5 louvers that provide the ability to command the heat movement in the desired direction.

Although the heater comes with a fan, which is not too noisy when in operation and helps to move the warm air throughout the garage space to provide a steady and comfortable stream of warmth.

If you are struggling to install an electric garage heater due to the power supply, installation or other issues, then you might want to think about the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX instead.

This is one of the best propane heaters for garage spaces and it is approved to be used indoors and provides an adequate volume of heat for the average-sized garage.

This is one of the best garage heaters by far and it provides adequate heating for spaces of up to 225 square feet and will pump out between 4,000 and 9,000 BTU of pleasant warmth. For maximum heat pay-off, it is recommended that you place it so that you are in direct line with the heat.

For added security, there is a built-in auto-shutoff system. This ensures that the heater will turn off immediately should it be tipped or otherwise knocked over. It also turns off should the oxygen levels in the room sink too low or if the pilot light is extinguished.

For maximum portability, the heater is equipped with a fold-down handle. This is ideal for storing it away easily and taking it out of your garage for use around other parts of your home.

In addition, it can be connected to a propane tank easily with the use of a connecting kit that is sold separately to the unit.

How Much Energy Will Your Garage Heater Require?

The best garage heaters will provide information on the amount of power required to keep it running. This information is provided as a BTU value. The greater the values, the higher the amount of watts are used.

Take note, however, that the value provided comes with the caveat that it refers to the optimum circumstances.

Therefore, it is recommended that you select a heater that has a higher heat output than you will probably need, this will help cover any issues that may lead to a loss of heat, such as any back draft issues within your garage.

The size of your garage is an important thing to consider when shopping for a heater, for instance, if your garage is relatively modest in size then a radiant or infrared heater is preferred.

These types of garage heaters operate at their optimum in smaller spaces since they directly heat surrounding materials and not the air, as a result, they don’t typically lead to heat loss from ventilation or large draughts.

However, fan forced heaters can work in small garages too, for example, a 2kw heater would work in a small garage, whereas a large garage or out building would be best suited to using a heater of around 3,000 – 6,000 watts.

Garage Heater Safety Features

When shopping for your garage heater, it is wise to choose a model that comes equipped with safety features such as those listed below to keep you safe whilst you are working.

Overheat Protection

Since you will probably be operating the heater for prolonged periods of time, it is probable that it will occasionally become overheated, which is, a potential hazard.

As a result, the best models are equipped with overheat protection which means the heater turns itself off to prevent any damage occurring as a result of high temperatures that can also potentially lead to a fire hazard or damage the components of the heater.

Tip Over Mechanism

Unfortunately, accidents can happen and sometimes the heater can get tipped over especially if the wire is in a walking zone.

Active environments such as garages and workshops are even more likely to pose a hazard, therefore, securing a heater that’s equipped with a tip over mechanism  is a good option.

If the heater accidentally tipped over, it will immediately switch off.

Cool-Touch

At times when you are operating a heater around people, and in places of work such as table-tops or floors, if possible you want to avoid it becoming too hot to touch.

It’s quite easy to forget such risks, rendering heaters that overheat potentially very dangerous. As a result, always opt for cool-touch models for optimum peace of mind.

Garage Heating Efficiency

garage workshop heating

So that you can easily maintain a comfortable temperature in your garage, even throughout the colder periods of the year, you’ll need to ensure that it is heated as well as possible.

While using a garage heater can certainly help, it’s important to consider other factors which contribute to keeping out-buildings such as garages warm and comfortable throughout the year.

1.Insulation– One of the most important things to think about is the insulation of your garage. Outside buildings such as garages are not intended to be well-heated.

Therefore, good insulation is not often considered meaning draughts are common and heat is easily lost to the outside environment.

Therefore, use a high-quality type of insulation on the walls and the ceiling to slow down the loss of heat.

2. Installation– If you are opting to use an infrared heater, it is important to install it at a  minimum of 7 ft. above the floor.  It’s essential that you make sure objects below are not too close for safety purposes.

In addition, if you opt for using a gas heater, you will need to consider ventilation, while an electrical heater will need easy access to the mains.

3. Type of heater– Make sure you carefully consider the type of heater that is most suitable for heating your garage. For instance how big is your garage? You will need to measure the size of your garage and decide on how quickly you’ll want the garage to heat up.

Ensure you check the BTU rating and watts which provide a good idea of the intended area it is designed to heat.

A basic guideline for forced-air heaters is 45,000 Btu from a two – two and a half garage, and 60,000 for a three-car garage.

Garage Heating Advice

Whatever you plan on using your garage or workshop for, whether that be a entertainment hub or storing a car or two, you will likely want to warm it up during the winter months.

So if you want some hints and tips on how to keep your garage well-heated safely, then continue reading.

One of the first considerations is whether to use a portable heater or a fixed heater in your garage. It is strongly advised that you opt for a fixed model as portable garage heaters can be hazardous since they are easy to tip over and utilize flammable gas.

In addition, many materials frequently used in garages are highly flammable, such as gasoline and turpentine. All could pose a critical threat if placed near the heater on a whim.

There is a wide selection of garage heaters including ventless, closed combustion, and radiant panels. It is a wise idea to avoid smaller models since they are typically unable to heat poorly insulated or large garages very well.

It is also important to consider the most appropriate way to use a heater in your garage. For instance, it is recommended that you install your heater well above the floor and away from any table tops that are in frequent use.

A freestanding model is likely to be inappropriate since they can block walkways and are easy to tip over.

Alternatively, you should install your heater on to the wall or the ceiling. The majority of heating models enable you to control the transfer of heat, therefore point it into the middle of the garage, or in the direction that you will be spending the majority of your time. This will ensure the greatest heat pay-off from the heater.

You should also consider the type of door and insulation used in your garage; both in terms of energy efficiency and fire safety.

This is a topic I will get into in a future blog post, but the best rated garage doors and building materials are something for you to consider if you are replacing your old door or building a new garage from scratch.

Are Gas Or Propane Garage Heaters Safe?

A propane heater to warm your garage is fine and many people do this, but it is essential you do it safely and are aware of all the potential hazards. For example, there should be adequate ventilation in the area that will safe oxygen levels to be maintained during use.

Additionally, you should avoid using combustible substances in your garage if your propane heater is operating, as this is a potential fire hazard. If this is an issue you may want to consider using a different heating system and not a propane or gas garage heater.

If you decide to opt for a propane heater to heat your garage, then you may want to consider using those marketed to do so. This doesn’t mean you will have to station the heater outside, but the indoor propane heaters typically hold smaller propane cylinders.

If you think you might need a bigger gas cylinder, then you will likely need to choose a larger model and therefore keep it outside only.

Don’t forget that there is a vast array of other types of heaters available, so before you consider a propane heater, it’s a wise idea to think about all your options. There are many models that have been designed entirely for garage use.  If you have an electric power source, then it’s likely that an electric heater may be more suitable. 

Final Words

The best garage heaters out there today are ideal for poorly insulated workshops and other out-buildings. They provide adequate heat to maintain the warmth and comfort you require throughout every season of the year.

In addition, they can help prevent other types of damage caused by mother nature including frost damage and mold and spore growth.

The reviews of some of the best garage heaters will help you find the best type of heating solution, whatever your situation or circumstance and that includes those of you with a limited budget.

Even if you don’t have wiring in your garage for a proper electric garage heater, there are many other options available.

As well as electric models, there are others, but typically, electric garage heaters are the safest and most efficient. Not everyone has electric power supplies in their out-building, but if you do, this is probably the ideal option.

About the Author

Dave Miller is a HVAC technician with over 10 years in the industry. Dave created HeatTalk with the ambition for it to become a resource for individuals looking for answers, whether they be a layman, student or a professional.