For DIYers and hobbyists, a garage can often be project central. It can be the place to store tools and to work on a variety of projects—even when temperatures are low.
Fortunately, a garage heater can banish the shivers when it’s cold out. Selecting the best heater for a garage depends on several factors, including the size of the garage, the preferred type of fuel, whether it needs to be portable, and important safety features.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the best garage heaters, as well as learn what we experienced during hands-on testing with our favorite products.
- BEST OVERALL: Comfort Zone Electric Ceiling Mounted Heater
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater
- BEST FOR CEILINGS: Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater for Garage
- BEST HEATER/HUMIDIFIER: Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater Humidifier
- BEST INFRARED: Dr Infrared Heater Exaco Industrial Heater
- BEST PANEL: De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater, HMP1500
- BEST FOR BARNS: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Portable Heater
How We Tested the Best Garage Heaters
We tested these garage heaters for installation, output, and safety features (to a degree). First, we removed each unit from the box and set them up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many didn’t require any setup, while others required installing legs, hanging brackets, and installing wiring. We took note of each, relative to the type of heater, as gas and 220-volt heaters are expected to be a little more involved.
Then, each heater was tested for output. We turned each heater on and let it warm up the garage, taking note of how long it took to warm up and reach the temperature. This is also the point at which we checked the additional features, such as humidifiers, thermostats, and timers.
Finally, we checked each heater’s safety features, such as cool-touch surfaces and tip-over shutoffs. Replicating the low-oxygen cutoff would’ve been dangerous, so we took the manufacturer’s word for it.
Our Top Picks
The list of some of the best products below has been selected for excellence in the abovementioned categories, including heat output, safety, heating method, and overall product quality. Organized by category, this list can help you find the best garage heater to stay warm.
And, to be sure we could offer as much insight as possible on these products, we performed hands-on testing with each.
Photo: walmart.com
This electric garage heater is a semipermanent option that mounts on a ceiling or a wall. It either can be hardwired into the home electrical system, or the user can fit it with a plug-in cord for a 30-amp outlet. The durable steel body of the heater is resistant to impact damage, and a dual-knob thermostat at the base of the heater makes it easy to control the temperature in the garage.
This 5,000-watt forced-air electric heater has adjustable louvers and a variable angle mounting bracket to direct airflow wherever necessary. A built-in sensor in this garage heater makes sure that the unit isn’t overheating. If the temperature gets too high, the device switches off immediately to prevent internal or external damage.
While the Comfort Zone is a top-notch garage heater, setting it up was a bit of a mixed bag. It didn’t come with the 220-volt pigtail or box entry (the cable clamp that secures the wire to the box), so they need to be separate purchases. Otherwise, the Comfort Zone was very easy to set up and it also put out plenty of heat. Also, removing the grill is very easy, making future cleanings a breeze.
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric, 220 volts
- Installation style: Mounted
- Heating method: Forced air
Pros
- Simple to install; can be hardwired or fit with a cord for a 30-amp outlet
- Easy to remove grill and take apart for cleaning
- Plenty of heat; easy to control temperature
Cons
- Does not come with the needed wire or cable clamp; separate purchases required
Get the Comfort Zone garage heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
The Lasko electric convection heater is well suited for the garage, or it can be used indoors. Just pick it up by the built-in handle and find a suitable location where there is an accessible power outlet. Once it’s set up, the user can operate the heater with the control panel on the top of the heater or take advantage of the included remote.
Turn the heater on and choose to set an automatic timer that will turn off the heater when it reaches the scheduled time, or set the heater to run nonstop until it is manually switched off. The 1,500-watt heater comes with several additional features, including oscillation, overheating protection, and a cool-touch exterior that allows users to maneuver the heater while it is in use without getting burned.
During testing, the Lasko proved to be a surprisingly powerful (and very quiet) heater. While it wasn’t able to heat the whole garage, it did make a significant difference in the immediate area, meaning it’s a good choice for smaller spaces. We also liked that it came with a remote control for adjusting the temperature and swapping through modes. The oscillation mode is also nice for spreading a bit of heat over a larger area, like a workbench or a shop floor. The only complaint is that this tall heater doesn’t have any tip-over protection. We left it face down on the garage floor for over a minute, and it just continued to heat.
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric, 110 volts
- Style: Portable
- Heating method: Convection
Pros
- Remote control for adjusting temperature and modes
- Heats very quietly yet powerfully
- Has an oscillation mode, overheating protection, and cool-touch exterior
Cons
- No tip-over protection; continues to heat when knocked down
Get the Lasko garage heater on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Midrange electric garage heaters like this are a good choice for those who prefer a ceiling-mounted heater. This powerhouse has a built-in overheating detection system that will shut down if the temperature gets dangerously high. It fits in cramped garages and can heat up large spaces.
Control the heat output with the simple analog dial at the base of the heater and redirect the flow of the heat with the adjustable mounting bracket and louvers. This 5,000-watt heater comes with a built-in thermostat and a thermal safety shutoff. However, the unit does not include a power cord, so it must be direct-wired to a dedicated 240-volt outlet with a 30-amp breaker.
The Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater proved to be a solid choice in a compact design. The bracket to hang the heater from the ceiling was easy to install, and adjusting the angle of the heater was as simple as loosening the two mounting nuts and positioning the unit. Also, this unit’s shroud aims the heat downward, keeping the space below it warmer. But, this unit didn’t come with the 220-volt wire or cable clamp, meaning shoppers will have to make separate purchases.
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric, 220 volts
- Style: Portable
- Heating method: Forced air
Pros
- Simple bracket-style ceiling installation
- Compact yet durable design
- Shroud aims heat downward, effectively warming area below
Cons
- Necessary wire or knockout cable clamp are not included; separate purchases required
- Does not include a power cord; must be direct-wired
Get the Fahrenheat garage heater at Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Photo: amazon.com
The Dr. Infrared electric garage heater comes with a programmable thermostat that has a range of 50 to 85 degrees and three different modes including automatic, high, and low. It also can function as a humidifier, creating a cool mist from the top of the heater that helps prevent the air in the garage from becoming too dry.
This 1,500-watt electric heater uses radiant infrared heat to quickly warm up the garage. It’s made with both overheating protection and an automatic shut-off system that turns the heater off if it gets knocked over to prevent damage to the heater and accidents with nearby flammable materials.
There is a lot to like about the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater Humidifier, and a few things to moan about. First, the humidifier is excellent, creating lots of water vapor. Second, the remote controls the humidifier, the oscillation, and the temperature, giving the user total control. Finally, the oscillating louvers make spreading heat about the garage a breeze. The only complaints are that, while portable, this model doesn’t have a handle (it rolls on wheels, but moving it with a handle would be easier). Also, despite being so large, the dial can be difficult to read if it’s not at eye level.
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric, 110 volts
- Style: Portable
- Heating method: Infrared
Pros
- Built-in humidifier
- Remote control adjustments
- Oscillating louvers for spreading heat
Cons
- No carrying handle
- Display can be hard to read
Get the Dr. Infrared Heater Humidifier garage heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, Overstock, or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
If infrared or fan-forced heating is more appealing than convection heat, then this Dr. Infrared garage heater is a great choice. It has a dual heating system that incorporates a radiant infrared heating element, which can quickly warm up physical objects, like people and tools, and it has a fan-forced heating system to warm up the air in the garage.
The heater needs a 208-volt or 240-volt connection to function properly, allowing it to run at up to 5,600 watts. Once the garage heater is set up in a safe location away from flammable material, the temperature dial can be set between 45 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will automatically maintain this temperature as long as the heater switch is on “auto.” The heater will run continuously with the switch set to “on.”
As far as the amount of heat produced from a compact heater, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A might be top of the heap. Although this is an industrial-grade heater, there isn’t much setup or installation to do: Just remove it from the box. However, this unit does run on 220-volt electricity and uses a NEMA #6-30P plug, which many users may not have on hand (we didn’t), so budget some extra cash for the outlet and an electrician, if needed.
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric, 220 volts
- Style: Portable
- Heating method: Infrared and forced air
Pros
- Solid industrial construction
- Simple setup and controls; includes auto function to maintain constant temperature
- Compact design produces a lot of heat; uses both infrared and forced air
Cons
- Does not come with needed plug adapter
Get the Dr. Infrared Heater Exaco garage heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
The De’Longhi garage heater has a narrow panel design that produces radiant heat from the front of the heater while the sides and back remain cool. The back stays cool enough for the entire heater to be mounted directly to the wall in the garage or even in the house without the risk of fire. Use the control dials on the side of the heater to control the temperature and the intensity of the heat.
If a wall-mounted option isn’t appealing, the flat panel garage heater also can sit on a wheeled base, allowing it to be moved freely around the garage without needing to pick it up. This 1,500-watt electric heater also has an automatic power shut-off system to prevent damage if the heater gets knocked over. It will even sound an alarm to ensure that the user knows the heater is on its side.
The De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater ended up being one of our favorite garage heaters during testing. We really enjoyed how quiet it is while running, despite putting out quite a bit of heat (directly in front, at least). Also, this model comes with legs and wheels for floor mounting, as well as a wall-mount bracket, providing flexible mounting options.
Also, the slim design allows it to tuck away almost anywhere when not in use and won’t take up much space when heating the garage. We also found that this unit’s tip-over switch activated faster than the others. The only complaint we can register is that it does take a while to heat up, and it may not heat a large garage as fast as other options.
Product Specs
- Power source: Electric, 110 volts
- Style: Portable
- Heating method: Mica thermic
Pros
- Almost silent while running
- Slim design
- Immediate safety-switch activation
- Flexible mounting options
Cons
- Takes a little longer to heat than other models
Get the De’Longhi garage heater on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Anyone searching for a portable heat source for their barns, open work space, and other large areas may want to check out Mr. Heater’s F232000 MH9BX Buddy Heater. This garage heater runs on 1-pound bottles of propane, can produce up to 9,000 BTUs, and heats for as long as 5.4 hours on low.
Mr. Heater’s F232000 MH9BX features low and high heat settings, tip-over protection, and a low oxygen cutoff to prevent unsafe combustion. This model also features a sturdy easy-grip handle, a piezo ignition, and heavy-duty construction.
The F232000 MH9BX Buddy Heater proved to be quite the little companion during testing. Not only is this heater very compact and portable, but it also uses small bottles of propane that are easy to take along, especially in an older barn that might not have electricity available. It is also very quiet, without the droning sound many garage heaters produce. Also, the heat was immediate, but it was a little stubborn to start. Once fired up, it produced plenty of heat directly in front of it. Do keep in mind that this unit will not heat an entire garage, but it will keep the user cozy at a workbench.
Product Specs
- Power source: Propane
- Style: Portable
- Heating method: Infrared
Pros
- Highly portable, including the propane tank
- Very quiet; no disruptive droning sound while running
- Immediate heat and direct stream of warmth
Cons
- Stubborn to get started
- Won’t heat an entire garage
Get the Mr. Heater garage heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
A Recap of Our Recommendations
- BEST OVERALL: Comfort Zone Electric Ceiling Mounted Heater
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater
- BEST FOR CEILINGS: Fahrenheat FUH Electric Heater for Garage
- BEST HEATER/HUMIDIFIER: Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater Humidifier
- BEST INFRARED: Dr Infrared Heater Exaco Industrial Heater
- BEST PANEL: De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater, HMP1500
- BEST FOR BARNS: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Portable Heater
Stationary vs. Portable Garage Heaters
Look over your garage and determine which you value more: freed-up space on the counter or the floor, or the ability to work at a few different workstations. Knowing this should help you decide whether to look for a stationary or a portable garage heater.
Stationary
Dedicated DIYers may appreciate the benefit of not having cords lying around and not running the risk of tripping over a heater on the floor. Stationary garage heaters most often attach to the ceiling, but there also are options that fasten to a wall.
There are a wide variety of energy options, sizes, and prices that range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The downside to mounted heaters is that they typically cost more than their portable counterparts because they’re closer to commercial quality.
Portable
No matter the type of heating or fuel used, portable heaters focus warmth where it’s needed the most. Like space heaters on steroids, forced-air options feature large horizontal tubes that house the heating element and a powerful fan that delivers blasts of hot air.
While portable electric units often cost less, they also can be less powerful than their multifuel counterparts. Alternatively, portable units can distribute warmth through radiant heat and convection.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Garage Heater
Before choosing the best heater for the garage, take a few minutes to learn about some of the most important shopping considerations, including heating method, fuel source, and heat output. There are also critical safety features that can help keep you safe while enjoying the heater.
Heating Method
As with any indoor heating system, not all garage heaters control the temperature in the same way. There are three primary heating options offered on the market: forced air, convection, and radiant.
- Forced-air garage heaters vary in size, fuel type, and price, but all operate in the same manner: by cycling blasts of hot air into the space. The gas-powered variety ties into a home’s gas line. It tends to be cost-effective to operate because natural gas and propane are often the most efficient way to heat a garage than the electricity required to produce the same heat. Gas-powered units, however, cost more up front than electric units, and local codes require installation by a licensed professional. Multifuel forced-air heaters work fast to produce heat, but their powerful fans can stir up debris and may feel uncomfortably warm if pointed directly at you. Some models produce fumes and water vapor, so ventilation is necessary.
- Convection garage heaters include water- and oil-filled radiators. They rely on an enclosed flame or a heating element to warm the air within the unit, which then rises naturally without the help of a fan. Many are portable, but some—such as baseboard convection heaters—should be mounted. Convection heaters are better for heating entire rooms because they warm the air that circulates naturally, and they rate among the most affordable garage and shop heaters on the market. However, they can take a while to warm a garage to a tolerable temperature, and they won’t offer the intense heating effect of a forced-air or radiant heater.
- Radiant garage heaters feature highly polished reflectors that direct infrared heat outward for spot heating, or, in the case of large overhead units, heating an entire garage. Radiant heaters warm objects directly in front of them—think of sitting near a campfire—so you can start feeling toasty in a jiffy if one is pointing in your direction. Because radiant heaters offer steady warmth without blowing air, they are well suited to DIYers, particularly those who enjoy finishing wood. Radiant heat will not stir up the unwanted dust particles that can mar a woodworking project’s finish coat. Powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity, these units are available either mounted or portable and in a range of sizes.
Fuel Source
Consumers have a wide range of energy options to choose from when shopping for a garage heater. While they’re most commonly fueled by electricity, propane, or natural gas, there also are heaters that run on diesel and kerosene.
Since electric garage heaters pull a lot of power, these usually require a designated electrical circuit on its own breaker. An electrician can tell if existing garage wiring is adequate to run an electric heater or if a new circuit should be installed.
If there already is natural gas service to a home, there is an option to install a natural gas heater. Propane-powered heaters can be installed on a home’s propane line, or individual tanks of propane to fuel smaller heaters can be purchased.
Heat Output
The best garage heater for a space can produce enough heat to be comfortable, without breaking the budget. Heat output for gas-powered heaters is measured in British thermal units (BTUs). Gas garage heaters typically range from 12,000 to 30,000 BTUs or more.
When trying to determine the heat output of an electric heater, a good estimate to follow is that for every 10 watts of output, approximately 1 square foot of space can be heated. For example, a 100-square-foot room will require a heater with 1,000-watt output to fully heat the space.
Most heaters advertise the maximum square footage the unit can adequately heat with a standard 8-foot ceiling. If a garage has a higher ceiling, take that into consideration and pick a size up. Insulation will also affect the warmth factor in a garage. Even a high-capacity heater cannot prevent icy drafts from entering through poorly insulated doors and windows.
Safety
Safety needs to be a primary consideration when deciding on the best garage heater for the home. To help keep the space safe and comfortable, manufacturers have added several safety features to garage heaters, including cool-touch exteriors, overheating protection, and automatic shut-off systems.
- Cool-touch exteriors are common with portable and wall-mounted garage heaters. The heater has a shell made of fiberglass or plastic, which are poor conductors for heat. The exterior of the heater stays cool, despite the heat produced.
- Overheating protection makes sure that the heater doesn’t burn out its own system. When the heater senses dangerous temperatures, it turns off to prevent external damage to the room and to stop internal damage.
- Automatic shut-off systems are similar to overheating protection in that the response is to shut down the heater to prevent damage. However, this system is typically triggered by the heater being knocked over, though there are some products that also shut down if the heater senses a short in the wiring.
Additional Features
There are many different features that garage heater manufacturers add to the design of a product to make the heater more appealing and easier to use, including programmable thermostats, oscillation, and remote controls.
- Programmable thermostats allow the user to set a specific temperature using an electronic keypad or a remote, ensuring that the heater works to reach this temperature and then only activates to maintain the heat.
- Oscillation is more common with portable garage heaters, but even some wall-mounted heaters can have oscillating louvers (vents) that can change the direction of the airflow. This feature helps to properly distribute the heated air throughout the garage, with an almost 180-degree rotation.
- Remote controls offer the convenience of being able to control the heater from anywhere in the room, so there’s no need to get up and walk over to turn the heat off or to change the temperature setting.
Installation
The installation of a garage heater can be very simple. Portable garage heaters only need to be positioned and provided with fuel or electricity to function. However, wall- and ceiling-mounted garage heaters are more difficult. While these heaters often come with the hardware required to install the heater, some products don’t have mounting brackets. If the heater doesn’t come with a mounting system, the manufacturer will typically provide instructions on how to properly install and mount the heater.
Choose the coldest corner of the garage and mount the heater there, ensuring that ceiling-mounted heaters are at least 24 inches from the walls to reduce the risk of fire. Direct the heater toward the center of the garage and follow the manufacturer’s steps to make sure that the heater is installed according to its specifications.
FAQs
After becoming familiar with the best garage heaters, there may be some lingering questions about the type of heater, efficiency, and the appropriate size of heater for the garage. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about garage heaters to help clear up these inquiries.
Q. What type of heater is best for a garage?
The best type of heater for the garage depends on your needs. Large garages benefit from a natural gas or propane heater because of the high heating capacity, allowing the heater to adequately warm the space. However, an electric garage heater is a safer alternative and the heating capacity is suitable for smaller garages.
Q. What size heater do I need for my 2-car garage?
Depending on where you live, the answer to this question can vary. Areas with mild winters will naturally require less heat production to warm a space than locations with harsh, freezing winters.
However, an electric garage heater with 3,000 watts is usually needed to heat a two-car garage. The best gas garage heater for a two-car garage usually has a rating of about 18,000 BTUs to adequately heat the space.
Q. What is the most efficient garage heater?
Efficiency can be difficult to determine because an electric infrared heater technically has 100 percent efficiency, but it may actually cost more to operate than the best natural gas garage heater. This is due to the cost of electricity over natural gas or even propane. If you are looking for a heater that uses almost every watt of energy for heating, then an infrared heater can be the best option.
Q. Can a garage heater be too big?
Yes, a garage heater can be too big. If it is too big, the excess heat produced quickly makes the garage feel uncomfortable, forcing you to open the door to release some heat. If you have a smaller garage, consider using a portable heater to keep the space warm.
Q. Will a 1,500-watt heater heat a garage?
It depends on the size of the garage. Typically a good estimate for electric heaters is that for every 10 watts of output, the heater can warm up approximately 1 square foot of space. This means that as long as the garage is 150 square feet or smaller, a 1,500-watt heater is more than adequate.
Q. Where should a heater be placed in the garage?
Portable garage heaters can be placed anywhere in the garage. Fixed or mounted garage heaters should be installed in the coldest corner of the garage, directing the heat and airflow toward the center of the garage. Make sure that heaters are installed at least 24 inches away from the walls, and always check the manufacturer’s directions for use to make sure that you are installing the unit properly.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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