Best Garage Heater Reviews 2024

Infrared heat can be a great option for garages, as it heats the objects and people in the space rather than the air around it. This Dr. Infrared Heater can be used to heat the tools, workbench, and other objects in the area, keeping the user comfortable as they work. 

The DR-238 can be mounted overhead or on a wall with the included installation brackets. It also uses 120-volt electricity, making it easy to install anywhere there is a suitable outlet. It comes with a remote for easy adjustments as well. 

Key Features

• Ceiling or wall-mounted bracket for safe installation
• Heats objects in the space rather than the air around it, which can be ideal in garages
• Uses standard 120v electricity for easy installation

Specifications

• Type: Electric, infrared
• Size: 1,500 watts (roughly 5,200 BTU)
• Safety Features: None mentioned

Price: $105.99

Best Portable Garage Heater

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater MH18B

Mr. Heater’s Big Buddy Pro Series Propane Heater is a great choice for occasional repairs in the garage. This portable propane heater accepts two 1-pound propane tanks and can run up to 11 hours on the low setting. It has a top-mounted handle for easy transport, allowing users to place it on a shelf for storage and easily place it on the ground when it’s time to heat.

This model from Mr. Heater has several safety features. First, burns propane very efficiently, making it safe enough for indoor use. It also features a low-oxygen sensor that shuts it off when there isn’t enough oxygen to support a flame. The tip-over switch and flame retardant construction materials also ensure it’s safe in a garage space. 

Key Features

• Runs extremely efficiently making it safe for indoors
• Heats smaller garages up to 450 square feet
• Multiple built-in safety features to ensure safe operation

Specifications

• Type: Propane, convection
• Size: 18,000 BTU
• Safety Features: High efficiency, low oxygen sensor, tip-over switch, flame retardant material

Price: $119.99

Best Heater for Garage Gym

Briza Infrared Electric Heater

Briza’s Infrared Electric Heater can handle heating duties for a garage-based home gym. This infrared heater will warm the equipment in the space, rather than the air, providing comfortable workout conditions. It features three settings, including 900, 1,200, and 1,500 watts for roughly up to 5,200 BTUs. It can also be mounted to a wall, a ceiling, or the included tripod.

This model comes with a remote for turning it on and off and adjusting the output. It can also program the Briza’s timer, ensuring that the unit shuts off after your workout, even if you forget. Finally, it’s lightweight and easy to position on the tripod, meaning users can position it wherever their workout of the day takes them in the garage space.

Key Features

• Infrared design can heat the equipment in the space for comfortable exercising conditions
• Mounts on wall or ceiling for convenience, but also comes with a tripod for heating a variety of workout spaces
• Remote makes it easy to turn on and off and the timer ensures it will shut off, even if you forget after your workout

Specifications

• Type: Electric, infrared
• Size: 1,500 watts (roughly 5,200 BTU)
• Safety Features: Tip-over switch

Price: $198.50

Best-Selling Garage Heaters

When it comes to tools like garage heaters, finding the best one for your needs depends on a host of variables. That said, your decision will inevitably come down to personal preference and comfort level (both technical and financial). So, in addition to the models that made our list, here are some best-selling alternatives from leading retailers.

Best-Sellers at Acme Tools

Amazon

Lowe’s

Home Depot

Best Garage Heater Buying Guide

There are lots of reasons and ways to heat a garage space, so choosing the right garage heater takes some important consideration. The following are the most important things to know about choosing the best heaters for a garage. 

Heating Capacity and Available Space

Determining BTU Requirements

Some scientific calculations can help shoppers size the perfect garage heater for their space. But they’re complicated and, unless you know your insulation value, not a lot of help. Here’s a quick guide to BTU requirements:

Considering Space Constraints

Garages aren’t always as spacious as we’d like to think they are. Toolboxes, cabinets, and other items often get in the way, so it’s important to consider your garage’s space constraints. Also, models that mount to the ceiling are very handy for keeping the floor clear, but they need to be close enough to an outside wall to vent (gas models), not obstruct any overhead doors, and, ideally, not get in the way when carrying sheets of plywood or other items from workstation to workstation in a garage shop. 

Types of Garage Heaters

Electric Heaters 

Some garage heaters use the home’s electrical power to heat the space. Depending on the type, they may use 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, or even 480V electrical circuits to heat their coils or infrared elements. Some might be portable and sit on the floor, while others need to be installed on the wall or ceiling with brackets. Regardless, these units are typically quiet and don’t require venting to the outside.

Propane and Gas Heaters

Propane and gas heaters use combustible gasses to produce heat. Natural gas can be piped directly to the heater, while a propane heater requires a bottle or tank outside that is attached to the heater inside. Kerosene is also a popular combustible fuel source, though it’s a liquid rather than a true gas. 

Like electric garage heaters, the best gas garage heaters come in portable and permanent models. Natural gas models are permanently affixed to the wall and ceiling due to their plumbing requirements and vents. The best propane heaters for garage spaces can be portable or permanently mounted. Kerosene heaters are usually portable. In any case, it’s important to check these heaters’ ventilation requirements, as some burn so efficiently that they’re safe to use inside, while others need ventilation to be safe and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Heat Types and Efficiency

Regardless of the fuel source, garage heaters also come in a few varieties:

Evaluating Energy Consumption

Garage heaters aren’t known for being energy efficient. The spaces they heat require a lot of output, which requires a lot of fuel consumption. But experts don’t always agree on what fuel source is most efficient. Some claim electric heaters tend to be more efficient while others state natural gas and propane are better.

However, it’s generally accepted that the best garage space heaters for homes with natural gas will take advantage of this clean, efficient fuel source. 

Choosing Energy-Saving Models

Some of the best heaters for a garage in winter may have energy-saving features that can help minimize the fuel bill or prevent running out to refill propane tanks every other day. Many have low-temperature settings that allow them to keep a garage above freezing temperatures without heating the space to 55 or 60 degrees. Others might feature programmable timers that users can set to turn the heater on when they’re likely to be in the garage and otherwise keep them off.

Installation and Operation

Installation Requirements

Garage heater installation varies based on the model chosen. For instance, you can take a portable unit out of the box, set it on the floor, turn it on, and you’re in business. Meanwhile, others require more effort, such as ceiling-mounted models, which use brackets attached to the framework or concrete.

Heaters that run on natural gas are even more involved, as they require plumbing and proper ventilation outlets.

User-Friendly Controls and Functions

User-friendly operation should be a factor when choosing a garage heater. It shouldn’t take you more than a few seconds to set the garage heater to your desired temperature or output. Digital gauges, simple push-button activation, and even app-based controls make setting and controlling the different functions easy. 

Advantages of Using a Garage Heater

Garages are often multi-functional spaces, so there are a lot of benefits to adding a heater. The following are some of the most common ways to put these tools to good use. 

Create a Continuous Workspace and/or Added Storage

Depending on where you live, a garage can be downright unbearable during the winter months. Nevertheless, the job must go on. A garage heater will enable you to continue fixing and building when the temperatures plummet. What’s more, it will protect sensitive equipment and supplies from freeze-related damage.

Now, a lot of folks use their garage as an extra living space. Whether it’s an office, a man cave, a craft room, or a play area, a garage heater makes these options feasible throughout the cold seasons. Of course, if you plan on converting the garage into a bedroom, there are better ways to heat the space once it’s insulated and closed in. 

From a practical standpoint, a garage heater can be an effective safeguard against damaging winter conditions. For instance, they can prevent diesel vehicles from gelling, help thaw ice-caked snowblower augers, and protect your cordless equipment’s lithium-ion batteries. Similarly, those who use their garage for canned food storage don’t have to worry about their jars freezing and breaking.

Safety Considerations When Using a Garage Heater

Safety should always be your first concern when it comes to introducing heat to a garage space (or any space in your house for that matter). Here are some need-to-know facts. 

Proper Installation

When installing a garage heater, the surface supporting it must be sturdy and stable. For instance, placing a portable heater on a workbench is a much better idea than perching it on a wood pile. Also, heaters that attach to ceilings or walls should be secured to the studs behind the drywall or driven into the concrete with the appropriate hardware.

If you choose a natural gas unit, hire a licensed plumber to run a gas line and install the ventilation system.

Safe Placement

Wherever you place a garage heater, it needs to be far enough away from flammable or combustible items. Gas tanks, fabrics, solvents, paints, wood, cardboard, paper, and other items should be at least three feet from the heater (preferably five).

Regular Maintenance and Checks

Periodic Inspection for Wear and Tear

Periodically check your garage heater for wear and tear. Check any power cords for fraying, inspect the vent pipe for cracks, and ensure that the brackets holding the garage heater in place are secure. If there are any filters, be sure to check them and clean them as well. Once a month is typically fine during the heating season. 

Timely Repairs and/or Part Replacements

As a rule, don’t repair your garage heater. If there is something wrong, it’s best to have it serviced by a professional or replace it completely. Also, don’t use a garage heater if you know there is something wrong with it. Unplug the device or shut the breaker and gas off to ensure that it’s safe until you can get it fixed.

Safe Operation Practices

Obey Manufacturer Guidelines

Before starting or using a garage heater, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions. But not only should you read them, you should stick to them. The manufacturer will outline the safest way to use the heater and anything else is not worth the risk. 

Use the Safety Features

It’s also important to utilize any available safety features. Don’t attempt to circumvent switches or sensors. In fact, don’t modify the existing safeguards in any way. If your garage heater has WiFi and provides updates to a phone, set up the app to get as much information as possible. Stay in the know about how your device is running. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Heaters

How can I determine the best size of the garage heater for my space? 

There are some fairly involved equations you can use. They involve finding the cubic area of the garage, understanding the insulation value in the walls and ceiling, and comparing it to where you live in the country. However, this is a simpler, less encompassing guide:

Are electric garage heaters safer than propane ones?

Propane garage heaters, as well as natural gas heaters, use combustible gases and create exhaust fumes that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric heaters don’t produce gas. However, both can cause fires if used inappropriately. 

Can I install and set up a garage heater by myself?

It depends on the heater. Many large garage heaters need to be hardwired into 220v circuits, and this is a job that most regions require an electrician to perform. The same applies to natural gas heaters, which require a plumber to install. However, if you already have a heater that you’re replacing, you may be able to handle the job yourself.

What safety features should I look for in a garage heater?

Safety features should include low-oxygen cut-off switches that will shut down the fuel if the unit detects that there isn’t enough oxygen to safely burn the fuel. Also, overheat switches that shut the unit off if it gets too hot are great features. For portable models, look for tip-over switches to keep the garage safe if the heater accidentally falls over. 

How often should I perform maintenance checks on my garage heater?

Give your garage heater a lookover about once a month during the heating season to ensure that it’s safe and not touching anything. In-depth servicing should occur once per year. 

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